To improve safety and quickly identify safety defects on its moving trains, Norfolk Southern has taken the innovative step of installing automated inspection portals on its tracks in Ohio. Equipped with high-speed cameras, these portals capture hundreds of pictures of each passing locomotive and rail car. The images are then analyzed by artificial intelligence software developed by Norfolk Southern. This new technology aims to supplement and, in some cases, replace human inspections that the railway industry has long relied on. Other major railroads have also invested in similar inspection technology, recognizing its potential to enhance safety measures.
Norfolk Southern’s decision to invest in a significant number of these inspection portals sets it apart from its competitors. While CSX recently announced the opening of its third inspection portal, Norfolk Southern plans to install at least a dozen of them across its 22-state network in the East by the end of 2024. This commitment indicates the company’s dedication to improving safety standards and reducing the risk of accidents.
The benefits of this new technology are clear. David Clarke, the former director of the University of Tennessee’s Center for Transportation Research, explains that these portals can detect defects that develop while a train is in motion more effectively than a worker stationed near the tracks. “The proposed system can ‘see’ the entirety of the passing vehicle and, through image processing, is probably able to find conditions not obvious to the human viewer along the track,” Clarke said.
Norfolk Southern expects this automated inspection system to generate a massive amount of data. “We’re going to get 700 images per rail car—terabytes of data—at 60 miles an hour, processed instantaneously and sent to people who can take action on those alerts in real time,” said John Fleps, the railroad’s vice president of safety. This real-time data analysis will enable swift intervention and response to any potential safety risks, reinforcing the company’s commitment to proactive safety measures.
This move by Norfolk Southern comes in the wake of a train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, earlier this year. The accident resulted in hazardous chemical spills and fires, prompting calls for enhanced safety and reforms in the railroad industry. Norfolk Southern’s investment in automated inspection systems is part of its response to these concerns and showcases its ongoing efforts to prioritize safety.
Overall, Norfolk Southern’s adoption of automated inspection portals represents a significant step forward for the railway industry. By harnessing the power of artificial intelligence and high-speed cameras, the company is embracing technological advancements to improve safety measures and reduce the risk of accidents. As more railroads follow suit, the industry as a whole will benefit from greater efficiency and enhanced safety practices—an important step towards a safer and more reliable transportation network.
Use the share button below if you liked it.