Introduction of artificial intelligence in the railway industry

Humanity's interest in artificial intelligence (AI) is growing every year. This is not surprising, because systems can independently perform tasks that require analytical and creative inclinations in a short time. AI can become a reliable assistant to a specialist in any field. A few years ago, the Russian Railways holding set a goal to automate a number of functions to increase the efficiency of the railway system. Since 2020, AI has been introduced in several directions at once.

Intelligent video surveillance

This is the first serious innovation of the state holding related to AI. Russian Railways announced its intentions to introduce software based on neural connections, and indeed to bet on automation, in the fall of 2019. 

First of all, we decided to connect intelligent video surveillance. The main goal was called ensuring security on platforms and train stations. 

In fact, AI still helps to solve a number of marketing tasks. He also analyzes the data and makes analytics that can be used to plan specific work, including those related to the repair of colias, drawing up train routes. These are just some of the tasks that artificial intelligence can do. 

Which zones are being monitored by AI

The railway is a potentially dangerous object. Therefore, safety on platforms and platforms is of particular importance. Intelligent video surveillance helps to record the flow of people, and experts can then, if necessary, work with the personnel. AI is able to provide visual control of the selected zones, find unattended items, observe the behavior of passengers and security personnel. The range of functions is quite large, so using machine intelligence can solve many problems.

It makes sense to use intelligent video surveillance, providing control over such objects:

• train stations in big cities and small towns;
• railway crossings;
• the route;
• internal and external control in wagons.

Please note that most cameras will be required at the train station. This is a strategic facility with high traffic. To ensure maximum security, video cameras should be placed at the entrances and exits to the main building, at the entrance to the adjacent territory, in cash zones. They are also placed in waiting rooms so that the situation can be monitored in real time. 

Intelligent video surveillance should ideally capture tracks and platforms. Machine intelligence can record the fall of a person or some dimensional objects on the railway track. 

What security issues can be entrusted to AI

Intelligent video surveillance cameras record everything that happens in a certain area, and practically do not require third-party intervention. This makes it easier to use them. Personnel can be trusted, because influence from the outside is practically excluded. 

Intelligent video surveillance helps to solve the following tasks:

• provide real-time control over protected areas;
• to identify the facts of the penetration of unauthorized persons;
• monitor the work of security personnel and railway workers;
• discover things left by someone;
• control the situation inside the car.

With the correct use of AI, it is possible to achieve better prevention of offenses and emergency situations. This will increase safety and reduce the risk of tragic incidents.

AI and business tasks: analytical forecast

Machine intelligence is good because it practically eliminates the human factor. It analyzes quantitative parameters and makes an extended report. The results help to adjust the strategy with a further increase in demand for services and, accordingly, profit growth.

Artificial intelligence used in the railway industry helps to find out the correct data related to such important characteristics:

• load of wagons;
• the correctness of the work of industry employees;
• efficiency of cargo and passenger transportation;
• number of stowaways
• demand for specific destinations in certain periods, which allows you to influence pricing.

All these data help the Russian Railways holding to improve the quality of service, compete with other carriers of cargo and passengers. Moreover, taking into account demand allows you to introduce dynamic pricing. Due to this, the cost of tickets is reduced during unpopular periods. For passengers who do not care when to hit the road, it helps to save money.

AI not only tracks customer demand, but also characterizes the technical condition of the wagons. This helps to plan the renewal of the park more efficiently. The computer also tells you how to reduce the cost of repairs and where they will be ineffective. This, albeit indirectly, still affects the level of passenger service. After all, it is much more comfortable to ride in a new and cozy carriage, which is especially felt on a long trip.

The impact of AI on marketing

Artificial intelligence is used to create contextual and targeted advertising in various fields. The railway industry is no exception. The machine helps to develop optimal advertising and relies on the target. This has a positive effect on the budget, allowing you to optimize spending. 

Artificial intelligence significantly reduces advertising costs. This is influenced by two important factors. The first is related to its versatility. Artificial intelligence is able to replace several specialists, so this is at least a saving on salaries. 

The second factor is associated with an increase in the effectiveness of the advertising strategy. AI quickly analyzes huge amounts of information. After that, he puts forward several hypotheses that help make the content more personalized. 

How artificial intelligence will affect the railway industry

AI is able to completely change the sphere. The use of artificial intelligence functions will increase security, the level of service and demand while minimizing costs. 

A few years ago, Russian Railways decided to try to replace the driver with a computer. The logic is clear: most accidents are caused by the human factor. The computer does not have one. 

Vitaly Samokhin told more about the results of the research. He works at the company "SATEL" and heads the division responsible for the development of machine vision systems. 

The technology was tested in the Vologda region in 2022. The locomotives, which were controlled by robots, took about 300 hours. At this stage, they were controlled by machinists. Further, the robotic locomotives worked "independently" for more than 5000 hours. 

Vitaly Samokhin confirms that the tests were successful. Moreover, the AI completed the tasks "with an asterisk". That is, the computer copes with its functions perfectly even in adverse weather conditions: snowfall, fog, temperature changes.  

The expert noted that the use of AI will be able to reduce the risk of accidents by 70%. This is possible by reducing the routine load on the locomotive manager. 

First, trains with robotic driver support system technology will be used to transport goods. Samokhin said that in 2022 they planned to produce about 500 such locomotives. But they are not going to stop there. Starting from 2024, AI is planned to be used in passenger transportation.