We are expanding our use of artificial intelligence (AI) and video technology to make railways safer, cleaner and greener.
We are piloting AI and Automated Intelligent Video Review (AIVR) to find and remove forgotten scrap left on the side of the tracks.
This is a first for our network and further expands the scope of AIVR’s applications across our infrastructure.
AIVR is a phone-sized device mounted on the head of a train and used to capture high-definition video from across the network.
AI then analyzes this video. In this case, look for abandoned rails, sleepers, and bags of ballast and map their locations using a global positioning system (GPS). Think of it as a perspective from a train.
Our maintenance team can then plan when and how to safely remove the item and reuse or recycle it.
Wayne Cherry, senior innovation engineer at Network Rail, said: “Although AIVR has already been used in other parts of Network Rail, this is the first time the technology has been used in AI in this way and could be a real game changer.”
“Scrap on the sides of railroads is not only unsightly, but also interferes with planned civil works, blocks safe passages, and delays teams accessing parts of the railroad infrastructure for repairs in times of disruption. There is a possibility.”
“This is a very exciting AI application developed in collaboration with the Network Rail experts,” said Emily Kent, co-founder and director of One Big Circle, the technology company that developed AIVR. I’m here.
We are piloting projects on one of our busiest infrastructure routes, the Wessex Route, through all or part of Surrey, Berkshire, Hampshire, Dorset, Devon, Somerset and Wiltshire. And we are already reaping the benefits.
safer trains
Trackside scrap is a significant hazard for employees, especially since most engineering work is done at night. In fact, “slipping, tripping and falling” is the number one cause of injury on our Wessex route.
Martin Shaftoe, Wessex Route’s employee health, safety and environmental advisor and head of the project, further elaborated on the issue.
“Unfortunately, in recent years, railroads have become dumping grounds for discarded railroad ties, rails, surplus ballast bags and many other assets. There is no clear list of where these materials and assets are located.”
With this new technology, it was possible to pinpoint the location of scrap wood without the need for people to walk along the track, keeping staff safe. Martin called it “a huge opportunity to improve safety.”
But the benefits don’t stop there…
efficient solution
Scrap can also be an obstacle during planned engineering work. This can block safe passage or delay teams who need to access the railroad for repairs during disruptions.
Locating and removing waste materials more safely and efficiently reduces delays and cancellations and keeps railroads running smoother for customers and freight.
Greener rail
Some of the waste materials can be reused or recycled. For example, Bomac concrete sleepers are no longer manufactured, but are still in demand as a replacement for sidings and some railroad tracks.
Thanks to this technology, We have identified 40 of these sleepers at locations between Yeovil and Weymouth. These can now be restored and saved for future use across your business. This way we save money and contribute to the planet.
“It is an exciting prospect to contribute to the potential cost savings for the industry by reusing or recycling this treasure trove of scrap materials, and we look forward to rolling it out more broadly across our business, hopefully later this year,” said Martin. I will.”
