Norfolk Southern Is Reimagining Rail Inspection with ATGMS

ATLANTA –– Norfolk Southern today released information about its Automated Track Geometry Measurement System (ATGMS).

According to NS, its team focused on Digital & Technology, along with its Engineering team, “are at the forefront of another innovation by transforming locomotives into moving inspection platforms on wheels.”

Pointing out that the Automated Track Geometry Measurement System (ATGMS) is similar to the railroad’s digital train portals, NS says the ATGMS “uses our locomotives to continuously scan and evaluate track conditions in real time. Unlike traditional inspection methods that rely on dedicated geometry cars or manual checks, ATGMS operates autonomously and under load, meaning inspections happen while trains are in motion. This approach increases the inspection frequency without adding extra equipment or disrupting operations.”

Specifically, the railroad defines ATGMS as a system “powered by advanced sensors and lasers mounted underneath locomotives to measure critical aspects of track geometry such as alignment, gauge, elevation, and curvature. The data captured detects changes that could indicate potential defects like broken rails, deteriorating ties, or shifts on the track.”

The railroad says that “this technology solution is fully developed and deployed by NS, and our teams will continue to add features and optimize performance based on feedback from the field.

Mabby Amouie, NS’s AVP of Enterprise Data & Analytics, says “we are now positioned to accelerate innovation and validate autonomous tech solutions with [Artificial Intelligence] AI that directly support[s] industry-wide safety and performance goals.”

NS says that the benefits of this technology include:

• Enhance predictive maintenance by identifying trends and predicting when and where repairs are needed.
• Improve employee safety by reducing the need for manual inspections on active tracks exhibiting consistently low defect rates.
• Boost operational efficiency by minimizing service disruptions and optimizing track availability.
• Support compliance with Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) safety standards.

All photos courtesy of Norfolk Southern

The railroad is currently operating locomotives equipped with ATGMS on several important corridors, “including the mainline between Norfolk, Virginia, and Portsmouth, Ohio, [which] was chosen for its diverse terrain and operating conditions.”

Dustin Lange, Senior Director of Engineering, said “ATMGS will offer operations the ability to test more dynamically, more frequently, and with greater precision. Combined with territory specific knowledge and experience, ATGMS helps track inspectors decide where their time and skills are needed most.”