Norfolk Southern is deploying digital train inspection portals to enhance rail safety across its network.
Featuring machine vision inspection technology, the portals were built by Norfolk Southern’s Data Science/Artificial Intelligence and Mechanical teams in partnership with the Georgia Tech Research Institution.
The portals are equipped with an array of 24-megapixel trackside cameras and stadium lighting, and the machine vision inspection technology captures ultra-high-resolution, 360-degree images of passing railcars.
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 70mph.
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 of a moving train provides an inspection for various defects that cannot be monitored while stationary.
FirstAI analyses these images for potential defects, and the railway company’s specialist teams have developed 38 advanced deep learning algorithms, which are already deployed across heavily trafficked lanes.
These have proven very high accuracy levels, while having a very low rate of false-positives.
The AI transmits the information to Norfolk Southern’s Network Operations Center, where the data is analysed to identify and address issues proactively, with critical defects flagged for immediate handling.
“We are a safe railroad, and we're going above and beyond to become even safer.
“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.”
Norfolk Southern deployed its first portal in Leetonia, Ohio, where trains pass through approximately every hour, and it plans to deploy over a dozen portals before the end of 2024.
