Sensors, Software, and Steel: The New Face of U.S. Rail

KONUX and Focused Technology Solutions launch Al-powered rail pilots aimed at boosting reliability and safety across U.S. networks

1 Aug 2025

A new alliance between KONUX and Focused Technology Solutions (FTS) is putting artificial intelligence to work on America's railways. The companies have launched pilot programs that use Al and sensors to detect early signs of wear and stress in rail infrastructure, potentially transforming how maintenance is planned and performed.

KONUX, a European firm known for its Al-based monitoring, is teaming with FTS, a U.S. rail equipment innovator, to test predictive maintenance tools with freight and passenger operators. The system combines wireless sensors and machine learning to analyze vibrations, temperature shifts, and component movement. By spotting patterns that signal emerging problems, it can forecast when repairs are needed, reducing costly breakdowns and delays.

"This partnership brings advanced analytics directly to the field," said Peter Bartek, president of FTS. "Rail operators need solutions that improve reliability while being easy to deploy at scale." KONUX executives note that U.S. rail companies are increasingly open to data-driven tools that enhance efficiency and safety.

In Europe, KONUX says its technology has cut unplanned maintenance by about half and extended equipment life significantly. Those numbers remain unverified, but early results have drawn attention from rail operators looking to modernize aging systems. Most U.S. networks still rely on scheduled inspections or manual checks, which can overlook subtle structural changes. Predictive systems, by contrast, offer real-time insight into track and equipment health. The Federal Railroad Administration has called this approach vital to modernization.

If the pilots succeed, they could accelerate the shift toward Al-powered maintenance across freight, commuter, and urban rail systems. For now, KONUX and FTS are testing whether intelligence in the data can keep America's rails running on time.