FRA RD&T
USING AI TO IMPROVE SAFETY Ingenuity and innovation have made rail one of the safest modes of transportation. Among the cutting-edge technologies now making their mark is artificial intelligence.
he U.S. Office of Science and Technology Policy defines AI (artificial intelligence) as technology that enables computers and other automated systems to perform tasks that have historically required human cognition and what we typically consider to be human decision-making abilities. The history of railroading is replete with advances in mechanical, civil, electrical and chemical engineering. In no small part, advances in AI and computer science are generating 30 Railway Age // October 2020
even more momentum and driving a new technological revolution expected to dramatically transform all fields of engineering and the future of railroading. BUILDING THE AI FOUNDATION Increasing automation of operations, inspections, equipment and safety processes are widely expected as new and emerging AI-based technology is used in railroading. In response to previous developments and anticipating new ones, the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) is building the
capacity to understand and assess the safety implications of new technology. Since the early 2000s, FRA’s Track Research Division, in the Office of Research, Development and Technology (RD&T), has been actively engaged in AI research—including research into neural net applications, machine vision and machine-learning capabilities for complex analyses as well as new and innovative inspection technologies incorporating AI-based processing techniques. RD&T has been a key proponent of AI for nearly two decades and has railwayage.com
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BY JAY P. BAILLARGEON, FRA OFFICE OF RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT AND TECHNOLOGY – TRACK RESEARCH DIVISION
