TrackInspect
AI-powered preventive maintenance for rail anomalies
Listening for track defects with consumer technology and AI
In a novel pilot program, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) partnered with Google Public Sector to explore the potential of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing subway track maintenance. We utilized onboard sensors in low-cost Google Pixel phones to capture data on track conditions while mounted to running subway cars. This matured to an AI and Machine Learning solution with the ability to proactively identify and address potential track nonconformities, often through audio alone. This initiative marks a significant step towards a more efficient, reliable, and safer subway system, showcasing the power of AI-driven predictive maintenance in critical infrastructure. When paired with the right user experience for track inspectors to harness the power of these insights, we can shine a light into tunnels of otherwise invisible risk.
Press
Jalopnik, MTA Is Trying To Use Smartphone AI To Spot Dangerous Subway Tracks
WIRED, The New York City Subway Is Using Google Pixels to Listen for Track Defects
Railway Supply, Google Pixels Help New York City Subway Detect Track Defects
Route Fifty, Public-sector concerns over AI are lessening, survey says
Android Authority, Forget car crash detection: Pixel phones can also help prevent subway accidents
Government Technology, Google Public Sector Wins New Cloud Deal With New York
WCBS-NY (CBS), Track Fire Investigation
WNYC-FM (Radio), MTA Partners with Google for Track Defect Pilot Program
WABC-NY (ABC), MTA Pilot Program Used AI-Powered Google Pixels to Detect Track Defects
WABC-NY (ABC), MTA Pilot Program Used AI-Powered Google Pixels to Detect Track Defects
CBS NY, MTA studying technology to identify dangerous subway track debris. How a smartphone might help.
amNY, Sensing delays: NYC Transit and Google test out a program to find track problems with cellphones
Android Police, Hear that? Google Pixels are listening for trouble on NYC subway tracks
Beta News, MTA uses Google Pixel smartphones and AI to detect subway track defects
Engadget, MTA strapped Google Pixels to subway cars to spot track defects
Trains, New York subways testing system using smartphones to find track defects
Route Fifty, ‘Science experimenting’ in a leading AI state
9-to-5 Google, New York's MTA strapped Google Pixels to moving subway cars, for science
Railway Age, NYMTA, Google Public Sector Announce Preventive Track Maintenance Pilot Program