The Japanese railway company Central Japan Railway (JR Central) has developed an automated inspection system for overhead lines that can be used on the Tokaido-Shinkansen high-speed rail (HSR) line. The system makes it possible to check the position of wires and the condition of fastenings at speeds of up to 300 km/h. JR Central has developed the automated system in anticipation of future labour shortages as it reduces the need for foot patrols to check for defects on the overhead line. This also means that the overhead lines can be checked more frequently. The system uses a combination of near-infrared lighting, laser range scanners, and line sensor cameras to check the position of overhead lines and the condition of metal components in 3D. Artificial intelligence analyses the data for defects, damage, or deformations.
