New Invention Utilizes Empty Railroad Tracks for Shipment of Freight

Railroad tracks are often unused. When these rails remain empty, an asset is wasted. Now, Rail Robot, an invention of Edmund Dechant, utilizes this resource. Rail Robot moves cargo 24/7 when trains do not use the tracks. The invention combines existing technologies to accomplish this task. For more information, visit http://www.railrobot.com


SANTA ROSA, CA (PRWEB) October 19, 2006

Edmund Dechant has invented Rail Robot (Patent Pending): an unmanned, computer controlled, self propelled, mini-locomotive which unitizes the shipment of rail cargo.

Reasons for Rail Robot:

Wasted assets: Thousands upon thousands of miles of railroad tracks lie unused each day. The Robot will utilize this resource 24/7/365.

Energy Efficient: Freight shipped by rail is four times as fuel efficient and less polluting as large truck transport.

No loss of Jobs: As many as 10% of the nation's trucking fleet is idle due to the insufficient numbers of long haul drivers (New York Times, March 1, 2006). To attract new recruits to this occupation higher wages will have to be offered thereby increasing freight costs. As it is, few long haul truck drivers enjoy trips taking 6 or 7 days which keep them away from their home and family. On the other hand, the Robot will deliver the cargo to the local rail yard allowing the trucker to move the freight the last mile to its destination before returning home in the evening.

One Track, Two Tracks: Some rail lines have only one tract. This limitation requires scheduling to avoid two trains traveling in opposite directions on the same track. Adding a second track makes sense. The cost of the second track far outweighs the lost opportunities of the single rail. The Rail Robot replaces trucks on highways cutting down on accidents and road damage. In addition, a second track is less costly than adding and maintaining a highway mile.

Safety: Large trucks on highways take their toll both in human lives and damage to the roadbed. During the period 2001 through 2003, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSA), examining the highway records in 17 states, estimated that 141,000 large trucks were involved in fatal or injury accidents. Rail Robot would take many of these large trucks off the highways reducing the number of injuries and death to motorist.


A lifelong inventor, Edmund Dechant lives in Sonoma County, CA, with his wife and two children.

MEDIA CONTACT: Edmund Dechant, 1-800-823-0600.




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