Drones in Green space management

A reliable and trouble-free rail network is essential for public transport. To prevent failures, closures, or damage, ÖBB Infrastruktur AG has been relying on state-of-the-art technologies for years. Together with Dronetech, a research project investigated how drones and artificial intelligence (AI) can revolutionise the maintenance of the Austrian rail network.

The focus is on the vegetation along the tracks – one of the most important factors for operational safety. Our drones use high-resolution cameras and sensors to capture the growth precisely and from various perspectives. The images and measurement data not only provide information about the type and health of the plants, but above all about whether the legally defined clearance profiles are being adhered to. These profiles determine how high vegetation is allowed to grow depending on the distance from the track centreline. Using artificial intelligence, all plants are automatically identified, measured, and digitally modelled. This allows critical trees or bushes that could potentially grow into the track area to be detected early on. This significantly reduces the risk of storm damage, blocked tracks or damaged cables and prevents costly line closures.

However, the technology provides far more than mere vegetation analysis. AI-powered evaluation also makes it possible to inspect other safety-relevant infrastructure elements – for example, drainage systems, noise barriers, or avalanche protection structures. This creates a comprehensive digital image of the entire route section, which visualises the condition of all relevant components and significantly simplifies planning and maintenance decisions.

The research project demonstrates how modern drone and data analysis methods can significantly improve infrastructure inspection quality. Instead of arduous manual inspections, airborne data collection enables quick, safe, and objective insights into areas that would be difficult or time-consuming to access on foot. This benefits ÖBB through increased planning certainty, more efficient resource allocation, and significantly reduced operational susceptibility to disruption.

Together with ÖBB, we are taking an important step towards a digitalised, sustainable and future-proof rail network.