British railways are faced with the problem of animals trespassing on the railways, causing a large number of train delays and safety hazards every year. To tackle the problem, Network Rail worked with partners to develop an AI system called the Automated Deer Detection and Removal System (ADDS), which it ran on a months-long pilot project near Peterborough. The system used cameras, ultrasonic alarms, lights and other equipment to successfully keep nearly 6,000 deer out of the railway, effectively reducing the risk of animals breaking into the railway.
Recently, British railway operators used a novel artificial intelligence technology to successfully keep nearly 6,000 deer off the railway lines. The new technology, called the Automated Deer Detection and Removal System (ADDS), has been developed by Network Rail and London North Eastern Railway's innovation teams and innovation factories. This was the first attempt in railways.
Picture source note: The picture is generated by AI, and the picture is authorized by the service provider Midjourney
Before the trial began, the team found the most suitable pilot areas by analyzing past deer intrusion data. Ultimately, they settled on a mile-long stretch of railroad near Peterborough where a train passes every five minutes and where the risk of deer was extremely high. To deal with this problem, the system consists of 127 cameras, 90 ultrasonic alarms and flashing red and white lights, as well as 10 Wi-Fi routers and portable power supplies.
This smart system uses acoustic and visual sensors to detect deer movements in real time and activates an alarm when a deer approaches the tracks, using sound and flashing lights to drive the deer away. The system will also continue to track the deer's behavior until they leave. All monitoring images are transmitted to a dashboard in real time, and staff can view the success rate and specific time and location of eviction incidents at any time.
Since the system was put into use, it has successfully prevented nearly 6,000 deer from entering the railway area. In the future, this technology is expected to be promoted on a larger scale. According to data from Network Rail, there have been 1,432 incidents of animals trespassing on the railways in the past year, about four times a day, with deer causing the largest number of railway accidents at 350. Followed by sheep, birds, cattle, etc.
Railway authorities stress that trespassing is a serious offense that has caused numerous train delays and can cause serious casualties. Helen Hamlin, head of operations, said that hidden dangers are everywhere on the railway and everyone must be vigilant.
Highlight:
? AI technology successfully stopped nearly 6,000 deer and ensured railway safety!
?This smart system uses acoustic and visual sensors to detect deer movements in real time and activate an alarm when a deer approaches the tracks.
?There were 1,432 incidents of animals breaking into railways in the UK last year, with deer being the main culprit.
This AI deer repelling system provides an effective solution for railway safety and is expected to be promoted globally in the future to further reduce safety hazards and economic losses caused by animals intruding on railways. The advancement of technology provides new ways to solve practical problems, and it is worth looking forward to more similar innovative applications.