Now it’s official: the high-tech start-up DRUM (Dynamic Rail Utilities Monitoring) has been launched. The Tulln-based company is the result of a joint venture between the SmartDigital Group from Lower Austria, an expert in digital transformation services for critical infrastructure operators, and DRS – Digital Rail Solutions, which is part of the Plasser Group, a global technology leader in the field of track construction machinery. DRUM specialises in the digitalisation of the entire railway infrastructure.

Initial Insights In an era where advanced infrastructure management becomes increasingly important, the invaluable potential of aerial data collection comes into focus. But what specific advantages does the use of drones bring to rail operations? How do aerial inspections and data collections enhance safety while also conserving valuable resources? What capabilities does AI-driven data analysis offer? How can the capacity of existing infrastructures be maximized? How can workflows be automated and made more efficient, and how does this contribute to increased occupational safety? This article in the German trade magazine “Der Eisenbahningenieur” provides answers to these and many other pressing questions arising from the latest dynamic developments in the railway sector.