Methodology for Designing Robotic Systems for Parallel Train Break-Up on Automated Humps

Objective: to examine the design issues of robotic complexes intended for parallel train break-up on automated humps (hereinafter referred to as RTC — Robotic Technological Complex) under constraints imposed by the placement of corresponding infrastructure along the push track, as well as the uneven lengths of formed cuts. To demonstrate the necessity of considering, within the design process, the characteristics and performance quality indicators of RTC established based on simulation modeling results under worst-case conditions. Methods: include analysis of scientific and technical literature dedicated to issues of structural selection, design, and modeling of RTC operation; simulation modeling to determine the operational parameters of the robotic complex’s mobile platform. Results: a methodology for designing RTC has been developed, comprising five main stages: collection and processing of primary data about the implementation object and proposed technical means; selection of implementation options considering constraints on infrastructure placement; selection of implementation options based on cost criteria and their simulation modeling to determine the maximum number of correctly consecutively formed cuts under worst-case conditions: maximum push speed, minimum cut length between automatic coupler axes, and minimum operational zone length of the mobile platform. Practical importance: the proposed methodology allows for selecting an RTC configuration that ensures a specified level of error probability in forming consecutively listed cuts of minimum length in the sorting list, taking into account constraints imposed by local conditions.