Will AI Replace Rail Car Repairers?

Record conditions of cars, and repair and maintenance work performed or to be performed.

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

Inspect components such as bearings, seals, gaskets, wheels, and coupler assemblies to determine if repairs are needed.

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

Repair or replace defective or worn parts such as bearings, pistons, and gears, using hand tools, torque wrenches, power tools, and welding equipment.

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

Inspect the interior and exterior of rail cars coming into rail yards to identify defects and to determine the extent of wear and damage.

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

Remove locomotives, car mechanical units, or other components, using pneumatic hoists and jacks, pinch bars, hand tools, and cutting torches.

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

Test units for operability before and after repairs.

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

Adjust repaired or replaced units as needed to ensure proper operation.

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

Repair, fabricate, and install steel or wood fittings, using blueprints, shop sketches, and instruction manuals.

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

Perform scheduled maintenance, and clean units and components.

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

Examine car roofs for wear and damage, and repair defective sections, using roofing material, cement, nails, and waterproof paint.

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

Paint car exteriors, interiors, and fixtures.

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

Repair and maintain electrical and electronic controls for propulsion and braking systems.

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

Disassemble units such as water pumps, control valves, and compressors so that repairs can be made.

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

Measure diameters of axle wheel seats, using micrometers, and mark dimensions on axles so that wheels can be bored to specified dimensions.

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

Test electrical systems of cars by operating systems and using testing equipment such as ammeters.

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

Replace defective wiring and insulation, and tighten electrical connections, using hand tools.

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

Install and repair interior flooring, fixtures, walls, plumbing, steps, and platforms.

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

Repair window sash frames, attach weather stripping and channels to frames, and replace window glass, using hand tools.

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

Align car sides for installation of car ends and crossties, using width gauges, turnbuckles, and wrenches.

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

Repair car upholstery.

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