Norfolk Southern’s AI-Powered DTI Portals: Rail Inspection Innovation

Norfolk Southern’s digital train inspection portals, lauded for AI-driven defect analysis, win Fast Company Innovation award.

Norfolk Southern’s AI-Powered DTI Portals: Rail Inspection Innovation
September 17, 2025 9:55 pm
A+
A-

“`html

Introduction

Norfolk Southern Railway’s digital train inspection (DTI) portals, developed in partnership with the Georgia Tech Research Institute, received an honorable mention in the 2025 Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards in the artificial intelligence design category.

DTI Portal Development and Functionality

The digital train inspection (DTI) portals were developed in collaboration with the Georgia Tech Research Institute. These portals utilize machine vision technology to inspect rail cars. Each portal is equipped with trackside cameras and stadium lighting to capture approximately 1,000 high-resolution, 360-degree images of each rail car, according to Norfolk Southern officials.

AI-Driven Analysis

Over 75 in-house AI algorithms are used to analyze the images captured by the DTI portals. These algorithms are designed to identify potential defects in the rail cars. The analysis results are then transmitted to the NS Network Operations Center in Atlanta.

Review and Operational Benefits

At the NS Network Operations Center in Atlanta, rail experts review the data generated by the AI algorithms. This process aims to facilitate early detection of issues, thereby mitigating risks during operations. Additionally, the DTI portals enhance efficiency by allowing trains to be scanned at speeds up to 70 miles per hour.

Last June 2025, we covered Renfe’s impressive new maintenance hub in Aranjuez, focusing on how it’s boosting Cercanías efficiency. Click here to read – Future of Rail: Renfe’s Railway Technology Hub, Aranjuez: Essential Guide

Conclusion

The Norfolk Southern Railway’s DTI portals, which use machine vision and AI algorithms developed in partnership with Georgia Tech Research Institute, received recognition in the 2025 Fast Company Innovation by Design Awards. These portals capture images of rail cars for defect analysis and transmit the results to the NS Network Operations Center in Atlanta for review, enabling early issue detection and efficient train scanning.

Company Summary

Norfolk Southern Railway: A railway company that developed digital train inspection (DTI) portals.

Georgia Tech Research Institute: A research institute that partnered with Norfolk Southern Railway to develop the DTI portals.

Technology

Digital train inspection (DTI): The technology used by Norfolk Southern Railway for inspecting rail cars, which uses machine vision.

“`