Integrated Railway Safety System Using FPV Drones

To create a robust security management system for railway transport infrastructure, facilitating continuous surveillance over extensive railway stretches. Methods: The use of innovative unmanned technologies, such as automated flight control and data processing systems. The proposed concept involves segmenting the railway network into sections measuring 100–200 kilometers, with the establishment of central control points at various stations. The video feed from FPV drones will be sent to a distant artificial intelligence server, which will assess the threat level of any incidents that are detected. Based upon this assessment, the AI will either make autonomous decisions or generate a list of recommendations to be transmitted to railway personnel. This paper outlines the phases for implementing the proposed technology, outlines an operational algorithm for the security system using FPV drones, and explores various patrol strategies, each specifying the drones’ movement patterns. The regulatory framework, potential risks, economic feasibility and methods for identifying UAVs by both the public and railway personnel have been comprehensively addressed. The scientific novelty: The integration of contemporary unmanned technologies into existing railway transport infrastructure, enabling the establishment of an effective and economically viable security system is of key importance.The proposed system can serve as a foundation for further development of UAV-based technologies for monitoring the condition of railway tracks. Results: Implementation of this system is expected to substantially enhance railway safety, reduce response times to emerging threats, improve the quality of operational oversight, and minimize the impact of the human factors on monitoring processes. Practical significance: The implementation of a security system using FPV drones in railway transport holds significant practical importance. It is particularly relevant in areas with heightened terrorist threats, in inaccessible locations, during emergencies for search and rescue operations and for evaluating the aftermath of accidents or disasters. Furthermore, it is beneficial for the real-time monitoring of track repair activities.