Will AI Replace Rail Yard Engineers, Dinkey Operators, and Hostlers?

Observe and respond to wayside and cab signals, including color light signals, position signals, torpedoes, flags, and hot box detectors.

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

Inspect engines before and after use to ensure proper operation.

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

Apply and release hand brakes.

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

Signal crew members for movement of engines or trains, using lanterns, hand signals, radios, or telephones.

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

Confer with conductors and other workers via radiotelephones or computers to exchange switching information.

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

Inspect track for defects such as broken rails and switch malfunctions.

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

Observe water levels and oil, air, and steam pressure gauges to ensure proper operation of equipment.

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

Couple and uncouple air hoses and electrical connections between cars.

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

Drive engines within railroad yards or other establishments to couple, uncouple, or switch railroad cars.

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

Inspect the condition of stationary trains, rolling stock, and equipment.

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

Read switching instructions and daily car schedules to determine work to be performed, or receive orders from yard conductors.

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

Receive, relay, and act upon instructions and inquiries from train operations and customer service center personnel.

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

Spot cars for loading and unloading at customer locations.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Operate track switches, derails, automatic switches, and retarders to change routing of train or cars.

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

Report arrival and departure times, train delays, work order completion, and time on duty.

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

Perform routine repair and maintenance duties.

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

Drive locomotives to and from various stations in roundhouses to have locomotives cleaned, serviced, repaired, or supplied.

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

Pull knuckles to open them for coupling.

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

Provide assistance in aligning drawbars, using available equipment to lift, pull, or push on the drawbars.

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

Ride on moving cars by holding onto grab irons and standing on ladder steps.

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

Record numbers of cars available, numbers of cars sent to repair stations, and types of service needed.

Routine cognitive or manual task with high vulnerability to automation.

Operate flatcars equipped with derricks or railcars to transport personnel or equipment.

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

Provide assistance in the installation or repair of rails and ties.

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