AAR, Class Is recognize Freight Rail Innovation Week

During  Freight Rail Innovation Week (July 14-20), the Association of American Railroads, Class Is and suppliers are highlighting some of their innovations designed to improve freight-rail transportation and safety.

The AAR has compiled a list of rail innovators to recognize work done in the industry to make freight-rail safer and more efficient. The full list of innovators, featuring suppliers and associations, can be found here. AAR categorized innovation into multiple categories.

In technology:

• Norfolk Southern Railway's digital train inspection portals use cameras, lighting and AI models to scan and photograph trains as they pass through. Developed in partnership with Georgia Tech Research Institute, the portals alert NS operations centers of any unusual conditions; and
• BNSF Railway Co. uses a layered system of smart tools to spot early issues, including wheel treat inspection detectors, break health effectiveness sensors and wheel impact load detectors to spot issues early and keep trains moving.

In sustainability:

• CN is collaborating with Progress Rail and Renewable Energy Group to evaluate renewable diesel and biodiesel fuels;
• Union Pacific Railroad is piloting a hybrid battery-electric locomotive, developed in partnership with ZTR. It is designed to reduce fuel usage by up to 80%; and
• CSX and Canadian Pacific Kansas City have collaborated to develop a hydrogen-powered locomotive, the first of its kind for North American rail.