KORAIL Expands Automatic Train Inspection.. "Enhancing Maintenance with AI"

[Financial News] Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) announced on the 17th that it will expand the installation of automatic inspection systems on trains and apply AI technology to enhance data-driven maintenance systems.
The automatic inspection system installed on passenger trains checks the safety status of 17 items in 5 areas including catenary, tracks, signals, and communications in real-time during operation. The collected data is used for 'Condition-Based Maintenance (CBM)' which adjusts maintenance schedules based on the condition.
Unlike the previous method where personnel directly inspected at night, the automatic inspection train can check facilities across the entire section during operation, improving both efficiency and safety, explained KORAIL.
KORAIL currently has automatic inspection equipment on a total of 7 trains, including 4 ITX-Saemaeul and KTX, and 3 metropolitan electric trains, and plans to expand to Bundang Line electric trains, Gangneung Line, and Jungang Line KTX-Eum by 2030. Additionally, they plan to increase inspection items such as contact force of catenary and pantograph to establish an AI-based integrated management system and develop predictive maintenance.
In fact, by utilizing the magpie nest detection device of the automatic inspection system, more than 180 cases were detected and removed in the first half of the year. Magpie nests can disrupt power supply and cause train operation issues, requiring swift response. To this end, KORAIL is enhancing safety by combining the automatic inspection system with existing patrol inspections and reporting campaigns.
KORAIL is also establishing a 'Smart Maintenance Master Plan for Electrical Fields' for digital transformation. Lee Seong-hyung, head of KORAIL's Electrical Division, stated, "We will do our best to ensure that the public can use railways more safely and conveniently by building a smart maintenance system utilizing big data and AI."

en1302@fnnews.com Jang In-seo Reporter