Algorithms in Action

How the Digital and Technology Team is Redefining Safety

In an era where technology is continuously evolving, our Digital and Technology team is collaborating with Operations, redefining systems and infrastructure, enabling smarter, faster, and more resilient operations throughout the network.

One of the most impactful advancements in recent months has been the deployment of our Digital Train Inspection (DTI) portals where teams developed systems that continuously scan our rail cars to assess potential mechanical defects. Images are captured by these portals and are then autonomously analyzed by advanced Artificial Intelligence (AI) algorithms developed by our Data Science/AI team.

Building Resiliency and Reliability: To date, approximately 75+ AI algorithms have been deployed to detect defects with detailed accuracy and effectively reduce risks. These algorithms alongside the digital inspection team continually improve performance and adaptability in assessing various environments and conditions.

Why it matters: Identified issues are promptly flagged and reviewed by experts at our Network Operations Center, ensuring proactive maintenance and immediate handling of any critical defects. This collaborative integration of AI and human engagement not only minimizes disruptions but also enhances safety, reliability, and long-term asset performance.

“By utilizing state of the art techniques and deploying over 75+ autonomous AI algorithms and counting, we’ve transformed raw visual data into true impact in the field”, said Mabby Amouie, Assistant Vice President, Enterprise Data & Analytics. “These AI algorithms accurately analyze patterns, trends and anomalies at scale, enabling our teams to detect potential issues early and respond promptly. It’s a powerful demonstration of how analytics and AI together are driving a new era of intelligent operations.”

Continuing to evolve: Beyond defect detection, the Digital Technology team continues to push boundaries by integrating GenAI, machine learning models, predictive analytics, and real-time data visualization tools that transform complex data into actionable insights.

“By collaborating with the Digital and Technology team, we've accelerated development while maintaining exceptional accuracy in refining our algorithms. This partnership has led to the most advanced technology in the rail safety to date,” said Brian Barr, Vice President and Chief Mechanical Officer.

As we continue to expand our digital capabilities, the Digital and Technology team will continue to deliver transformative solutions that redefine what’s possible. From AI to machine learning to the latest imaging capabilities, NS's rail safety technologies are leading the way to smarter, safer operations.