Will AI Replace Locomotive Engineers?

Interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the operation of locomotives.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Confer with conductors or traffic control center personnel via radiophones to issue or receive information concerning stops, delays, or oncoming trains.

Complex problem-solving, strategic leadership, or high-empathy task requiring human judgment.

Receive starting signals from conductors and use controls such as throttles or air brakes to drive electric, diesel-electric, steam, or gas turbine-electric locomotives.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Monitor gauges or meters that measure speed, amperage, battery charge, or air pressure in brake lines or in main reservoirs.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Observe tracks to detect obstructions.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Call out train signals to assistants to verify meanings.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Operate locomotives to transport freight or passengers between stations or to assemble or disassemble trains within rail yards.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Check to ensure that brake examination tests are conducted at shunting stations.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Respond to emergency conditions or breakdowns, following applicable safety procedures and rules.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Inspect locomotives to verify adequate fuel, sand, water, or other supplies before each run or to check for mechanical problems.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Inspect locomotives after runs to detect damaged or defective equipment.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.

Prepare reports regarding any problems encountered, such as accidents, signaling problems, unscheduled stops, or delays.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Check to ensure that documentation, such as procedure manuals or logbooks, are in the driver's cab and available for staff use.

Semi-structured task combining routine and non-routine responsibilities.

Monitor train loading procedures to ensure that freight or rolling stock are loaded or unloaded without damage.

Semi-structured cognitive task involving analysis, inspection, or monitoring.