Downer develops the world’s first fully autonomous rollingstock cleaning robots

26/02/2025

Downer, Australia’s leading rail and transit systems provider, has partnered with Deakin University’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) to develop the world’s first fully autonomous cleaning robots for passenger rail.

The team have developed two robots, one focused on the floors and one for surface cleaning, with both robots working in tandem with cleaning staff to make maintenance more efficient and effective as well as develop future-ready skills essential to Industry 4.0.

“The floor cleaning robot is designed to scrub, mop and vacuum all at once, cutting down cleaning time and boosting efficiency,” Jason Zhou, Project Manager, Rail and Transit Systems, Downer explains. 

Image: Floor cleaning robot

“The surface cleaning robot focuses on the seats and passenger windows and with its steam technology, it ensures hygiene and comfort for passengers.

Image: Surface cleaning robot

“The robots are equipped with advanced state-of-the-art sensors allowing them to detect vandalism, hazards, and rubbish, helping to keep the environment clean and safe.”

With the robots handling these tasks, cleaning staff are then able to complete other more complex duties.

“The deployment of these robots can transform cleaning operations by completing time-consuming and physically demanding tasks, greatly enhancing the productivity of cleaning teams,” Jason continued.

“We see these revolutionary robots being adopted by the rail industry as it faces increasing demand for passenger rail cleanliness post-COVID as well as skilled labour shortages.” 

The robots have been intelligently designed, allowing them to adapt to the complexities of train interiors. 

“The floor cleaning robot has a low-profile design enabling it to clean under cantilevered seats.” Jason continued.

“The surface cleaning robot’s robotic manipulator has six degrees of freedom allowing it to manoeuvre around poles and handrails, effortlessly cleaning seats and windows, and both robots have 3D environment perception ensuring obstacles are detected and avoided during cleaning. 

“We have successfully trialled both robots on Downer-maintained passenger fleets.” 

Plans are in place for the commercialisation of these robots making them available globally for rail and transit systems, setting a new standard in automated cleaning solutions for the industry.

Image: Jason (left) and Associate Professor Zoran Najdovski with the new surface cleaning robot

“The Downer and IISRI team have demonstrated a Proof-of-Concept system that has successfully cleaned the floor, seats and windows of the passenger trains that Downer maintains,” added Jason. 

“We are entering the next phase of the project, focusing on optimising cleaning duration, expanding robot functionality, and improving the user interface.

“Our plan is to develop a polished, commercial product that can be adopted worldwide by the rail industry, setting a new standard.”

In 2024, the Australian Government announced the National Robotics Strategy with a vision to develop and use robotics and automation technologies to strengthen competitiveness, boost productivity and support local communities—something this team knows about.

“As Australia’s leading rail and transit systems provider, Downer is already focused on productivity and supporting local communities, so of course our robotic offering is also focused on that,” Jason continued.

“It’s been wonderful to partner with an Australian university to develop these robotic solutions to help showcase the expertise of our nation when it comes to Industry 4.0, innovation and automation.”  

Downer Rail & Transit Systems and Future Work Solutions 

As well as cleaning robots, the Digital and Data Solutions arm delivers Future Work Solutions and next generation asset management offering a new standard. The team provides cutting-edge robotics and automation solutions to the global rail industry, including:

• Under-Frame Inspection Robots: Automating inspections with 0.2mm precision, making them scalable and reliable.
• Rail Facility Drones: Using advanced data outputs to classify assets and infrastructure conditions, identifying defects with ease.

To enhance and optimise these solutions, eXtended Reality (XR) is used to seamlessly integrate people and technology. All of which drives top-line growth for customers, reduces costs, and improves quality and work performance. 

Learn more at Digital and data solutions.

Deakin’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation 

Deakin’s Institute for Intelligent Systems Research and Innovation (IISRI) is home to a collaborative team of almost 100 researchers whose expertise span across a range of intelligent systems disciplines including motion simulation, simulation training and haptics, machine learning, autonomous systems and robotics, human performance and cognition. It is also home to Australia’s largest research team in systems modelling and simulation. Providing solutions for aerospace, rail, automotive, defence, security and health sectors, IISRI has worked with more than 300 national and international organisations and governments, including Downer, as well as Australian Defence Force and Ford Motor Company. 

Learn more at iisri.deakin.edu.au.