CSX tests drone technology for enhanced rail-car inspections

CSX has successfully tested a new drone-based inspection process designed to identify residual coal in empty rail cars at its Curtis Bay coal terminal in Baltimore, Maryland. 

When coal remains inside a rail car after unloading, it can create uneven weight distribution, particularly during colder months when material can freeze in place, CSX officials said in a press release.

Drones equipped with semi-automated flight paths recorded aerial footage of the terminal’s entire empty-car yard in about 30 minutes; safety team members reviewed the footage either in real time or after the flight. During testing, the team successfully validated the flight routes, inspection workflow and operating procedures, officials said.

Approved flight routes accommodate both daytime and nighttime inspections, with spotlight capabilities providing additional visibility when needed. Although seasonal conditions did not produce partially loaded cars during the trial, Curtis Bay now has qualified local pilots and an established process ready for deployment when conditions warrant, CSX officials said. 

The initiative was led by Larry Gelo, director of export terminals maintenance; Edward Cox, manager of safety and data analytics; Andy Matthews, manager of safety; and Kim Thomas, senior safety data analyst. Cox and Thomas serve as chief drone pilots, while Gelo also holds FAA Part 107 remote pilot certification.