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10/26/2023
Norfolk Southern Railway today announced it’s deploying machine-vision technology at train-inspection portals to improve rail safety across its 22-state network.
The digital inspection technology was developed in partnership with the Georgia Tech Research Institute (GTRI), which engineered the hardware, and NS’ data science/artificial intelligence (AI) and mechanical teams, who helped develop the program.
The project aims to "supercharge" the railroad’s safety infrastructure and inspection processes with over a dozen portals to be deployed by the end of 2024, NS officials said in a press release.
The portals are equipped with an array of 24-megapixel trackside cameras and stadium lighting. The machine-vision inspection technology captures ultra-high-resolution, 360-degree images of passing rail cars. The cameras are synced to the microsecond, taking 1,000 images per rail car on average as they pass through the tunnel at speeds up to 70 mph.
The high-speed cameras are strategically placed at angles to capture things that are difficult to detect with the human eye during stationary inspections. In addition, capturing images while the train is in a dynamic state provides an inspection for various defects that cannot be done while the train is stationary.
AI analyzes the images for potential defects. NS’ in-house data science/AI team has developed 38 advanced deep learning algorithms and already deployed them across heavily trafficked lanes. These field-proven algorithms have demonstrated very high accuracy levels, while having very low false-positives, NS officials said.
The AI transmits the information to the NS Network Operations Center where the data is reviewed by subject-matter experts to identify and address issues. Critical defects found are flagged for immediate handling.
The first portal was deployed in Leetonia, Ohio, where trains pass through about every hour.
"These new portals combine advanced technology with human expertise, giving our people and the public further confidence in Norfolk Southern's safe operations. It's all part of our promise to become the gold standard of safety in the rail industry,” said NS President and CEO Alan Shaw.
An NS-produced video of how the portals work can be viewed here.