MUMBAI, India, May 1 -- Intellectual Property India has published a patent application (202641052071 A) filed by Chaitanya Bharathi Institute Of Technology, Proddatur, Andhra Pradesh, on April 23, for 'autonomous railway track inspection robot for crack detection using smart sensing.'
Inventor(s) include Duddela Sivananda Reddy; Malapati Venkata Arun Kumar; Modapu Venkata Vamsi Krishna; Palagiri Sunil Kumar; and Kata Sreenu.
The application for the patent was published on May 1, under issue no. 18/2026.
According to the abstract released by the Intellectual Property India: "The Railway Track Crack Detection System is an advanced automated safety solution developed to prevent railway accidents caused by track defects such as cracks, fractures, and misalignments, which commonly occur due to continuous exposure to heavy loads, environmental variations, and mechanical stress. The system is implemented on a mobile robotic platform designed to move efficiently along railway tracks, ensuring continuous monitoring and early detection of faults. It is controlled by an Arduino Uno microcontroller, which acts as the central processing unit and manages all system operations. The robot is equipped with four wheels and dummy shafts to maintain balance and stability, while two DC motors, driven by a motor driver, enable smooth and controlled movement along the track. Infrared (IR) sensors are used to continuously scan the track surface and detect cracks or irregularities based on the reflection principle, ensuring accurate fault identification. Additionally, IR sensor also detects obstacles and measure distance, enhancing safe navigation during operation. When a crack or abnormal condition is detected, the system immediately stops the robot and activates a buzzer to provide an audible alert. To ensure rapid response, a GPS module is used to determine the exact location of the detected fault, and this information, along with fault details, is transmitted to railway authorities through a GSM module in the form of an alert message, enabling quick maintenance action. A Bluetooth module is also included to facilitate manual control, testing, and real-time monitoring of the robot during inspection. The entire system is powered by a 12V battery, providing portability and continuous operation, while a slide switch allows convenient power control and secure connectors ensure reliable integration of all components. Overall, the proposed system offers a cost-effective, reliable, and efficient solution for early detection of railway track defects, significantly enhancing railway safety and reducing the risk of derailments and associated hazards."
Disclaimer: Curated by HT Syndication.
