AI Technology Sensing System Prevents Deer Collisions on Railway, Saving 6,000 Lives

Railway operators in the U.K. have implemented a cutting-edge automatic deer detection and deterrent system, successfully preventing nearly 6,000 deer from wandering onto rail lines. This innovative system, developed in a groundbreaking collaboration between Network Rail, London North Eastern Railway’s innovation team, and Innovation Factory, marks a significant advancement in rail safety practices.

To determine the most effective trial location for the automated deer deterrent system (ADDS) technology, the team analyzed data on deer incursions. A one-mile stretch of track between Stoke High Bridge and Stoke Tunnel near Peterborough was identified as an ideal testing ground due to the frequent passage of trains in the area.

The system comprises 127 camera sensors, 90 audible alarms with ultrasonic capabilities and flashing lights, and 10 Wi-Fi routers and power stations. Equipped with intelligent acoustic and vision sensors, the system can detect and classify deer movements as they approach the tracks. When a deer is spotted, ADDS activates audible and visual alarms to scare them away.

Furthermore, the AI-powered cameras continuously monitor the deer's behavior and movements, capturing valuable data for future enhancements. Live footage is streamed to a dashboard, enabling operators to track and record successful deer deterrence events, complete with timestamps and locations.

Since the trial commenced, the ADDS system has effectively deterred close to 6,000 deer from accessing the railway, indicating significant progress in enhancing railway safety measures. With plans to expand its implementation, this AI-enabled system is poised to make a meaningful impact on mitigating animal trespass incidents on rail lines.

According to recent Network Rail statistics, animals trespassed on railway tracks 1,432 times in the previous 12 months. Deer accounted for the highest number of incidents, followed by sheep, birds, cows, swans, and other animals. Human trespassers topped the list, with over 19,300 incidents recorded, underscoring the critical importance of implementing advanced technologies like the ADDS system to enhance rail safety measures.