Rail systems in Japan and Australia are using a new technology for maintenance that employs extensive sensor arrays and artificial intelligence to anticipate needs. The system, called MOXI, is designed to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of maintaining bridges, tracks and other critical transportation assets.

Atsushi Yokoyama, president and representative director of JR East Facility Management Co. Ltd., says he began working with Palo Alto Research Center Inc., the technology provider, in 2012 and started deploying MOXI in 2015. “We have collaborated with PARC regarding train door degradation and the image analysis of the defects of rail surfaces,” he says. “I am sure that we can improve maintenance costs [with MOXI].”