Drones in visual diagnostics of defects in railway rails

Abstract

The paper discusses the possibilities of the use of drones in the visual diagnostics of the railway track. Examples of extensive defects in the railhead are shown, along with methods of image processing and analysis. Pros and cons of such a research were presented. Suggested directions for their implementation at PKP PLK S.A. were presented. Keywords: Drones; Railway rails; Vision research; Safety