Bihrle Applied Research and BNSF Railway successfully demonstrated the processing of tens of thousands of images at a time covering hundreds of miles of track for the automatic detection, classification and reporting of rail conditions. This was possible using RailVision – a computer vision technology solution developed by Bihrle Applied Research Inc. and BNSF in support of BNSF Railway’s UAS research initiatives. RailVision enables BNSF to automatically process images collected by drones during supplemental railway inspection flights and generates actionable reports in a fraction of the time required by traditional methods. The success of RailVision has enabled BNSF to apply its use to expanded operations beginning in 2018.

“Bihrle’s computer vision capabilities have been used in conjunction with our railway safety enhancement research and the FAA’s Pathfinder Program,” said Todd Graetz, Director, Technology Services at BNSF. “The breadth of railway anomaly detection capabilities provided by Bihrle allows us to further research into the use of long range UAS.”

“Commercial UAS offers a unique visual perspective for monitoring and inspection of critical infrastructure like railroads, power lines and pipelines,” said Jack Ralston. President of Bihrle Applied Research. “UAS are typically flown with one or more imaging capabilities that result in terabytes of images and their associated metadata. Bihrle has been working with BNSF for over four years to create an automated computer vision solution that processes the images, allowing human Subject Matter Experts to review the findings rather than being burdened with the task of looking at the raw image files, thereby fully exploiting the value of UAS based inspection.”

Bihrle is a leader in the aeronautical research & development community, providing engineering services and software solutions for a wide range of commercial and military applications across both domestic and international markets. Among its core capabilities is UAS services, through which Bihrle assists its customers in advancing their UAS programs and initiatives.

BNSF Railway is one of North America’s leading freight transportation companies, operating approximately 32,500 route miles of track in 28 states and three Canadian provinces. BNSF and its employees have developed one of the most technologically advanced, and efficient railroads in the industry, working continuously to improve the value of the safety, service, energy, and environmental benefits we provide to our customers and the communities we serve.