Rail Safety

Advancing Rail Safety with Automated Track Inspection

America’s rail network is the backbone of our economy, and safety is its foundation. Automated Track Inspection (ATI) represents the next generation of rail safety — using advanced sensors, lasers, and imaging systems to continuously monitor track conditions as trains operate across the country. By combining ATI’s data-driven precision with traditional human inspections, railroads can detect potential risks earlier, maintain better track health, and protect workers and communities.

Sec. Sean Duffy shared his position on inspection technology earlier this year at a House of Representative’s hearing.

“I look at automated track inspection and driving safety and what can be gleaned from this technology versus the human eye,” he said. “I think there’s potentially a real differential. I am concerned about the employment side within the rail industry as well.

“But I think there’s a lot of technology – whether we’re seeing cracks in tracks or we’re seeing overheated bearings or we’re seeing issues on wheels – I think these cameras and technology can advance us light-years in driving the safety and preventing early some of these derailments that, as we know, are catastrophic.”