The new Shinkansen technology combines passenger travel and inspection for greater safety

Japan's Shinkansen trains are truly world-famous – they are not only extremely reliable bullet trains, but also very safe. The fact that there have been no major accidents on the Shinkansen so far is also due to the extensive inspection system. By using the latest technology, not only safety can be increased but also worker comfort.

Since the first shinkansen line between Tokyo and Osaka began operation in the 1960s, Japan's flagship train – which is now also available for export – has continued to evolve. Where Series 0 still has a maximum of 220 things. The modern H5 Shinkansen train can travel at a speed of 320 kilometers per hour

Lots of commitment to shinkansen safety

But high speeds also mean that the slightest error in the train or tracks can spell disaster. Shinkansen operators in Japan are well aware of this, and have created a tight safety net.

One of the most complicated aspects by far: regular inspection of the rods. After all, there are thousands of kilometers of Shinkansen roads in Japan. Damage is likely to occur at every metre, putting driving operations at risk.

doctor. Yellow in use

That is why there are separate inspection trains equipped with cameras and sensors that depart regularly on inspection trips. The most famous of them: Dr. yellow. This is what the Japanese call the sunny yellow Shinkansen inspection train that regularly travels on the Tokaido and Sanyo routes.

A total of 1,200 kilometers of tracks, power and signaling networks between Tokyo and Hakata Station in Fukuoka will be inspected. Because that's for Dr. Yellow can't do this alone, two Yellow trains and their crews complete the massive task together.

Inspections are currently carried out approximately every ten days – a rhythm that Germany's ICE roads could only dream of. But for JR Central, this is not enough. For this reason a special concept was developed: regular passenger flights also became part of the inspection routine.

To achieve this, JR Central upgraded its N700S series trains – the newest trains in the fleet – in early 2022. The usual inspection equipment from Dr. The yellow color was brought into compact form and installed in passenger trains. Passengers on the N700S Shinkansen trains can now use lasers, cameras and other measuring systems to check the condition of the tracks they travel across several times a day.

Measuring systems were installed to check overhead lines and signaling systems on three other trains. Since then, JR Central has used the data collected to more quickly identify repair needs and repair damage quickly and accurately. The headquarters of the railway operator is very satisfied with the results.

The autonomous shinkansen will be in operation from 2028

The combination of inspection and passenger flights has already helped reduce the usual monthly inspections of all facilities by staff. However, in many places, naked-eye safety checks are still necessary, and in difficult situations, Dr. Yellow color is used.

That's why the upgraded N700S is just the first step. With the rapid development of artificial intelligence systems, JR Central has a new tool at its disposal: image analysis using artificial intelligence. In the future, algorithms will be able to evaluate not only values ​​measured from inspection flights, but even recordings from cameras.

Ideally, the systems can then detect irregularities that the human eye misses. This technology will also be a major support on the path towards the planned autonomous operation of Shinkansen flights. Starting in 2028, according to the plan, Japan's first bullet trains will be self-driving.