AI-Powered Camera Technology Transforms Railroad Safety

Industry Insights from Next Move Strategy Consulting

With over 200,000 grade crossings in the United States where railroad tracks intersect roads, ensuring safety for both rail and pedestrian traffic is a critical challenge. Wi-Tronix, a small business specializing in real-time rail safety data, is driving a significant advancement in railroad safety through its AI-powered camera technology, part of the AI-Enabled Railway initiative, developed with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program. This innovative solution is redefining how railroads monitor infrastructure and prevent dangerous incidents.

 A New Approach to Grade Crossing Safety

Traditional railroad safety inspections, particularly at grade crossings equipped with active warning devices like gates and flashing lights, rely on labor-intensive manual checks conducted monthly. Wi-Tronix’s technology shifts this paradigm by leveraging front-facing cameras already installed on locomotives to capture video data. This data trains AI models to automatically inspect and classify the condition of crossing features, such as gate arms and flashers, enabling daily assessments and early detection of potential failures.

“The value of the SBIR program extends beyond funding,” said Ritu Chawla, Wi-Tronix’s Director of Artificial Intelligence. “There’s more value than just funding. We got feedback through interactions with the experts to better understand the regulations and railroad operations.”

Key Features of the AI-Powered Solution:

• Automated Daily Inspections: Replaces monthly manual checks, identifying issues with crossing equipment in real time.

• AI-Driven Condition Analysis: Uses video data to classify whether gates and flashers are operational, alerting railroads to safety risks.

• Trespasser Detection Capabilities: Builds on SBIR-funded technology to identify pedestrian trespassing events, prioritizing areas for safety interventions.

• Scalable Infrastructure Monitoring: Currently expanding to inspect gate arms at approximately 8,000 crossings, a significant leap from the initial 50-crossing pilot.

• Near-Miss Data Collection: Captures data on near-miss incidents, critical for proactive safety measures given the 600:1 near-miss-to-fatality ratio.

Addressing a Persistent Safety Challenge

The Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) reports over 500 annual fatalities from railroad trespassing, with Brightline, a Florida-based rail operator, recording 29 deaths in 2023 alone. Wi-Tronix’s technology tackles this issue by identifying high-risk areas through AI-driven trespasser detection, enabling railroads to implement targeted solutions like fencing, education, or enforcement. By focusing on near-miss data, the system allows railroads to act proactively, reducing reliance on incident-based data that only highlights fatalities after they occur.

Wi-Tronix has partnered with Brightline on a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) grant from the FRA to further develop this trespasser detection technology, building on the foundation of its SBIR-funded innovations.

Industry Impact and Future Potential

The transition from manual to automated inspections marks a significant step forward for rail safety. By scaling its technology to monitor 8,000 grade crossings, Wi-Tronix is addressing the growing need for robust, data-driven safety solutions in the rail industry. The ability to process large datasets and deliver real-time insights positions this technology as a scalable model for nationwide adoption.

The U.S. DOT’s SBIR program has been instrumental in fostering this innovation, providing not only funding but also access to expertise that has helped Wi-Tronix refine its approach. As railroads face increasing pressure to enhance safety amid rising trespassing incidents, this technology offers a proactive, efficient, and scalable solution.

Redefining Rail Safety for the Future

Wi-Tronix’s AI-powered camera technology is paving the way for a safer, more efficient rail network. By automating inspections, enhancing trespasser detection, and leveraging near-miss data, this innovation empowers railroads to address safety risks before they escalate. As the technology continues to scale, it promises to transform how the rail industry approaches safety, ensuring safer crossings for communities across the nation.

Source: https://www.volpe.dot.gov/work-us/small-business-innovation-research/using-ai-powered-camera-technology-improve-railroad

Prepared by: Next Move Strategy Consulting