Start of Pilot Testing for Railway Underfloor Inspection System
Kintetsu Railway and Sharp will begin a pilot test on May 26, 2026, for a railway underfloor inspection system utilizing image processing technology. Aiming to improve inspection accuracy and reduce workload, the system automatically detects anomalies in underfloor equipment through automatic photography and analysis. The companies intend to accelerate commercialization and leverage the technology for predictive maintenance.
📋 Article Processing Timeline
- 📰 Published: May 25, 2026 at 23:06
- 🔍 Collected: May 25, 2026 at 14:31
- 🤖 AI Analyzed: May 25, 2026 at 14:34 (2 min after Collected)
Kintetsu Railway Co., Ltd. (HQ: Tennoji-ku, Osaka; President: Yasushi Hara; hereafter 'Kintetsu') and Sharp Corporation (HQ: Chuo-ku, Osaka; President: Tetsuji Kawamura; hereafter 'Sharp') will jointly begin a pilot test for a railway underfloor inspection system utilizing image processing technology on May 26, 2026.
The two companies began joint research in the fall of 2020 with the aim of maintaining and improving inspection accuracy while reducing workload, a critical aspect of safe railway operation. They have been developing this system by combining Kintetsu's maintenance know-how with Sharp's image analysis and processing technology, developed through its TV and smartphone business.
This system analyzes images captured by cameras to automatically check for abnormalities in underfloor equipment.
Building on findings from this pilot test, the companies will strive for early commercialization and aim to utilize the system in the future for increased inspection efficiency and predictive maintenance through human-system collaboration.
1. Overview
In this pilot test, wheel sensors, cameras, and lighting equipment will be installed at the entrance to the inspection track at Saidaiji Depot (Nara City, Nara Prefecture). Upon detecting the train's entry, the system automatically photographs the underfloor equipment. By linking images with data from ID tags on the trains, the system analyzes and lists abnormalities in equipment and wear conditions of brake shoes. Verification of these operations and accuracy will confirm the system's effectiveness in streamlining inspection work.
2. Duration
From Tuesday, May 26, 2026, for the time being.
3. Verification Items
(1) Accuracy verification of inspection functions.
(2) Accuracy verification under real-world conditions involving changes in weather, sunlight, and vehicle status.
(3) Verification of system operational methods.
4. Inspection Examples
- Brake shoe remaining thickness measurement: Measures brake shoe thickness to determine if replacement is necessary.
- Equipment detection: Detects whether equipment is in the correct position.
- Equipment deformation detection: Detects deformation of equipment or the orientation of equipment boxes and cock handles.
The two companies began joint research in the fall of 2020 with the aim of maintaining and improving inspection accuracy while reducing workload, a critical aspect of safe railway operation. They have been developing this system by combining Kintetsu's maintenance know-how with Sharp's image analysis and processing technology, developed through its TV and smartphone business.
This system analyzes images captured by cameras to automatically check for abnormalities in underfloor equipment.
Building on findings from this pilot test, the companies will strive for early commercialization and aim to utilize the system in the future for increased inspection efficiency and predictive maintenance through human-system collaboration.
1. Overview
In this pilot test, wheel sensors, cameras, and lighting equipment will be installed at the entrance to the inspection track at Saidaiji Depot (Nara City, Nara Prefecture). Upon detecting the train's entry, the system automatically photographs the underfloor equipment. By linking images with data from ID tags on the trains, the system analyzes and lists abnormalities in equipment and wear conditions of brake shoes. Verification of these operations and accuracy will confirm the system's effectiveness in streamlining inspection work.
2. Duration
From Tuesday, May 26, 2026, for the time being.
3. Verification Items
(1) Accuracy verification of inspection functions.
(2) Accuracy verification under real-world conditions involving changes in weather, sunlight, and vehicle status.
(3) Verification of system operational methods.
4. Inspection Examples
- Brake shoe remaining thickness measurement: Measures brake shoe thickness to determine if replacement is necessary.
- Equipment detection: Detects whether equipment is in the correct position.
- Equipment deformation detection: Detects deformation of equipment or the orientation of equipment boxes and cock handles.
FAQ
車両床下検査システムの実証実験はいつから始まりますか？
2026年5月26日（火）から開始されます。
実証実験はどこで行われますか？
奈良県奈良市にある近畿日本鉄道の西大寺車庫の検査線入り口にて行われます。
車両床下検査システムは何を目的としていますか？
鉄道検査業務の精度維持・向上と、負荷軽減・省力化の両立を目的としています。
どのような検査項目が想定されていますか？
制輪子（ブレーキ部品）の残厚計測、機器の正常な位置検出、機器の変形や箱・コックハンドルの向きの検出などが含まれます。
このシステムの将来的な展望は？
実証実験での知見を活かし早期実用化を目指すとともに、将来的には人とシステムが連携した効率的な検査や予兆保全への活用を見込んでいます。