Russia Develops AI-Based System to Scan Railroad Tracks Without Human Inspectors

A new lidar-based inspection system from Siberia is set to transform global rail safety—automating a process long dependent on manual labor.

Researchers at Novosibirsk Technical University have unveiled a groundbreaking digital platform for monitoring the condition of railway tracks. The system, which compares real-time lidar scans to a pre-established 'digital passport' of the rail lines, is reportedly the first of its kind worldwide.

The innovation enables early detection of track deformations caused by wear, load stress, or temperature fluctuations. Previously, these checks required slow, labor-intensive manual inspections. Now, the system can instantly flag problem areas for maintenance crews to address in real time.

The developers say the tech significantly improves safety while lowering maintenance costs—two persistent challenges for long-haul railway systems. With its automated precision, the system reduces accident risks and enhances scheduling efficiency.

Although the technology has global applications, it is particularly suited to Russia, where the vast rail network stretches across more than 85,000 miles of territory.

This shift to lidar-powered infrastructure monitoring could signal a broader trend in how critical public transport systems are maintained in the age of automation.