Safety
May 22, 2026
AI-Powered Machine Vision Is Enhancing How Union Pacific Inspects Track
For Union Pacific track inspectors, AI-powered tools like Machine Vision are changing the game – enhancing rail safety and day-to-day track maintenance operations with laser-focused precision.
Machine Vision is a combination of high-resolution cameras, sensors and artificial intelligence-powered software that scans track infrastructure and analyzes vast amounts of track geometry data. It can detect subtle patterns where track conditions are changing, helping teams address emerging issues before they impact safety or service.
“It’s my go-to for daily inspections,” said Clifton Bufkin, track inspector. “I can use GPS coordinates from the system to pinpoint the exact areas that need attention so I can spend more time determining root causes. It’s a very useful tool to keep our railroad running safe, enabling us to move from reactive maintenance to proactive prevention.”
In 2025, Union Pacific teams inspected more than 644,000 miles of track using geometry systems – technology that measures the precise condition of the rail, including alignment, elevation, curvature and surface. These systems generated more than 100 billion measurements, capturing a detailed picture of real-world track conditions.
Union Pacific platforms convert those measurements into practical insights track inspectors can use in the field, helping them visualize trends, monitor territory conditions and strategically prioritize repairs to support safe, reliable operations. Track inspectors evaluate all variables and determine the safest path forward for the railroad – selecting repair locations, issuing orders to operate at slower speeds or taking track out of service.
“Today, we can interactively analyze systemwide trends to predict where conditions are likely to require attention months in advance,” said Aarron Brown, senior manager-Geometry. “These systems identify small changes that may not yet be detectable to the human eye.”
Visit UP.com/innovation to learn how Union Pacific continually advances technologies that aid employee decision-making, enhance safety and improve efficiency. In 2026, Union Pacific plans to invest $3.3 billion to enhance its infrastructure, technology and network reach.