The company showed the equipment to reporters as it seeks further labor savings amid staff shortages.
One robot can lift up to 120 kilograms. A second is intended for work including operating a chainsaw to cut trees and replacing electrical equipment along railway lines. NHK describes the machines as equipment for maintenance work.
The report does not identify the robots' manufacturers or model names. It also does not state how many units JR West will deploy, which lines or depots will receive them, when regular operation will begin, or measured effects on staffing, safety, cost, or maintenance time.
Source: NHK, https://news.web.nhk/newsweb/na/nd-20261020de62513