Norfolk Southern partners with startup accelerator Plug and Play

Norfolk Southern Railway yesterday announced it has partnered with startup accelerator Plug and Play to help drive innovations in freight-rail transportation.

NS joined Plug and Play's Supply Chain & Logistics Innovation Platform to work with startup companies that are focused on creating applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, the industrial internet of things (IoT) and advanced analytics in supply chains.
 
"As we continually look for technology solutions to improve safety, better serve our customers and improve railroad operations, this partnership will give us greater access to technology startup companies and the broader Silicon Valley ecosystem," said Fred Ehlers, vice president information technology and chief information officer, in a press release.

The technology will identify and connect the railroad with startups that market technology that aligns with its operational goals, NS officials said in a press release.

The collaboration will help NS as it continues to develop innovative strategies in areas such as automation, drone inspections, IoT-enabled asset tracking, blockchain for supply management and predictive maintenance through data analytics, company officials said.

"Partnering with Norfolk Southern will let us continue to drive digital transformation in the rail industry through our program," said Mike Zayonc, founder of Plug and Play.

Last year, another Class I — Union Pacific Railroad — announced it had partnered with Plug and Play.