In Japan, a robot will try cleaning station toilets after the last train, from 27 October

The full system is due to run until mid-January 2027, according to Robotstart.

Passengers will also be able to request a clean by scanning a QR code, and cameras analysed by AI will spot dirt. The companies warn, however, that these reports do not guarantee a cleaner will arrive immediately.

The rail group says it wants to keep stations clean while staff shortages add to the workload of cleaning teams. If the trial is satisfactory, the system could be extended to other stations, according to the partners.