L&T Technology Services Limited (BSE: 540115, NSE: LTTS), a global frontrunner in engineering and technology services, has unveiled TrackEi™, a cutting-edge AI-powered railway track inspection system. Part of LTTS’ expanding mobility portfolio, TrackEi™ uses the NVIDIA Jetson™ platform for edge AI and robotics, providing real-time defect detection and enabling predictive maintenance to boost safety across global rail networks.
This new solution follows numerous accolades for LTTS’ excellence in rail innovation, including the Etihad Rail Innovation Award for “Innovative Way to Detect Visible Rail Defects in Real-Time.” TrackEi™ will be presented at the NVIDIA GTC 2025 AI Conference, underscoring LTTS’ commitment to AI-driven advancements in transportation infrastructure.
Traditional rail inspection methods often relied on manual processes or slow-moving trolleys, which were time-consuming and prone to missing critical defects that could lead to derailments. TrackEi™ addresses this problem by automating high-speed inspections at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour. It uses high-resolution cameras and laser profiling to identify defects such as broken rails, cracks, track misalignments, and other structural issues.
Integrated deep learning algorithms, powered by NVIDIA’s advanced computing, provide real-time insights and continually enhance detection accuracy. The NVIDIA Jetson™ platform offers powerful AI processing and sensor capabilities for autonomous machines and robotics, accelerating deep learning inference and empowering TrackEi™ to:
TrackEi™ is designed to efficiently process large volumes of high-speed image data instantly, reducing the need for cloud connectivity. This capability ensures that critical information is analyzed in real time, allowing for immediate insights without the delays typically associated with cloud-based systems. By processing data directly at the point of capture, TrackEi™ provides fast, reliable results that enhance operational efficiency and decision-making.
The system is equipped to carry out complex machine vision tasks with exceptional precision. Utilizing stroboscopic lighting technology, TrackEi™ minimizes the impact of variable lighting and weather conditions. This ensures that even in challenging environments, such as low light or extreme weather, the system can maintain accuracy, reducing the risk of missed defects or errors in analysis.
TrackEi™ is not a static solution. It continuously learns from real-world data, ensuring ongoing performance improvements. This adaptive learning capability means the system can refine its algorithms over time, becoming even more efficient at detecting defects and anomalies as it gathers more data from its environment. This constant evolution helps ensure the system stays effective in an ever-changing operational landscape.
One of the key advantages of TrackEi™ is its ability to provide real-time defect detection. Powered by advanced AI algorithms, the system analyzes video and sensor data within milliseconds. This instantaneous processing enables immediate alerts for any detected anomalies, allowing teams to respond promptly and prevent potential issues from escalating into larger, more costly problems.
TrackEi™ also supports predictive maintenance, a critical feature that helps optimize the maintenance process. By analyzing inspection data over time, the system identifies patterns and trends that allow maintenance teams to predict when and where maintenance will be required. This predictive capability significantly reduces downtime and extends the lifespan of railway assets by addressing potential issues before they lead to failure.
The system’s scalable, edge-based design further enhances its performance. Built on the NVIDIA Jetson™ platform, TrackEi™ operates at the network edge, which reduces latency and bandwidth requirements. This edge-based approach also ensures that the system remains highly reliable, even in remote locations where cloud connectivity might be limited or unreliable, ensuring consistent operation across diverse environments.
TrackEi™ offers easy integration into existing railway operations. The system can be added to rolling stock, locomotives, or inspection vehicles, and seamlessly integrates into standard railway management systems. This ease of adoption accelerates deployment and maximizes the return on investment (ROI) for rail operators. By improving operational efficiency, reducing downtime, and optimizing maintenance schedules, TrackEi™ contributes to both the safety and sustainability of rail journeys, lowering fuel consumption and minimizing emissions.
“At L&T Technology Services, we are transforming railway safety by combining AI, machine vision, and edge computing to create a smart, scalable inspection solution,” said Alind Saxena, Executive Director & President – Mobility & Tech at L&T Technology Services. “TrackEi™ running on the robust NVIDIA Jetson™ platform enables rail operators to detect defects with remarkable accuracy while optimizing maintenance and reducing downtime.”
The introduction of TrackEi™ builds on LTTS’ strong partnership with NVIDIA, which recently included the launch of an advanced AI Experience Zone at LTTS. This ongoing collaboration reflects LTTS’ dedication to driving innovation across various industries by harnessing cutting-edge AI technologies.
With the power of the NVIDIA Jetson™ platform, TrackEi™ has undergone initial trials with Class-I Railroad customers in multiple variants and is currently being tested at MxV Rail in Pueblo, CO, under the supervision of Dr Anish Poudel, Scientist (Research & Innovation) and his research team. MxV Rail is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Association of American Railroads.
L&T Technology Services (LTTS) is a global leader in providing engineering and technology solutions. As a listed subsidiary of Larsen & Toubro (L&T), we specialize in design, development, testing, and support services for a wide range of products and processes.
Driven by Purpose, Agility, and Innovation, we foster growth in the Mobility, Sustainability, and Technology sectors. Our diverse clientele includes 69 Fortune 500 companies and 57 leading ER&D organizations across industries such as industrial products, medical devices, transportation, telecom & hi-tech, and process industries. Headquartered in India, L&T Technology Services employs over 23,460 professionals, with a presence across 22 global design centers, 30 sales offices, and 108 innovation labs as of December 31, 2024.
