Revolutionizing Rail Operations: BNSF's Journey with Automated Workflows and Drone Technology
Nick Dryer, Field Operations Manager of the UAS Program at BNSF Railway, discusses the successful implementation of automated workflows using Drone in a Box technology and other cutting-edge tools, revolutionizing rail industry operations.
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At DroneDeploy Cofnerence 2023, Nick Dryer, the Field Operations Manager of the UAS Program at BNSF Railway, recently delivered an insightful session on the groundbreaking advancements in rail industry operations through the integration of Drone in a Box technology and other innovative tools.
During his talk, Dryer elaborated on how BNSF Railway has seamlessly incorporated automation into their daily workflows, significantly enhancing efficiency and saving valuable time. The automated drone system in place conducts frequent flights, ranging from every 30 to 90 minutes, ensuring constant updates and real-time information across various tasks including inventory management, security protocols, and facility mapping.
A noteworthy highlight of BNSF's technological journey is their development of a tailored OCR model, proficient in identifying container IDs and parking spot numbers, showcasing the railway's commitment to innovation and precision.
Looking ahead, Dryer shared exciting plans for expansion, with the system set to be implemented in six additional facilities in the coming year. Furthermore, the team is actively exploring various use cases to maximize the potential of this technology. With the leadership fully onboard and comfortable with autonomous flight, future endeavors include incorporating RTK for enhanced accuracy and delving into track inspection applications.
In essence, BNSF Railway's adoption of automated drone technology stands as a testament to the transformative power of innovation in the rail industry, paving the way for smarter, more efficient operations.