Description:FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a railway track inspection system that is capable of autonomously monitoring and assessing railway tracks to detect obstacles, irregularities, or potential hazards. The system facilitates real-time analysis, ensures safe and efficient track maintenance, and enhances operational reliability and safety of railway transportation.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Railway track inspection is essential to ensure safe and uninterrupted train operations by identifying obstacles, defects, and irregularities that leads to accidents or service delays. Traditional inspection methods are often labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, making difficult to maintain consistent track monitoring. Manual detection of obstacles and track defects exposes personnel to safety risks and limits inspection frequency, reducing overall efficiency. Additionally, irregular or obstructed tracks compromise train stability and performance, increasing maintenance costs. Users face challenges such as accurately detecting the size, position, and type of obstacles, safely removing or handling them, and performing inspections in real time without disrupting train schedules, highlighting the need for automated, reliable, and efficient inspection means.

[0003] Traditionally available railway track inspection means include manual patrols, visual inspections by personnel, and mechanized trolleys equipped with basic sensors or cameras. Manual inspections are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and prone to human error, limiting their effectiveness in detecting small or hidden obstacles. Mechanized trolleys or inspection vehicles offer faster coverage but often lack real-time obstacle analysis, precise removal capabilities, or the ability to handle non-standard objects. Many conventional means are also limited in adaptability to varying track conditions, inclines, or curves, and require significant human supervision for operation. Furthermore, these means not provide integrated feedback or automated control for obstacle management, resulting in reduced efficiency, higher operational costs, and increased safety risks during track monitoring and maintenance.

[0004] WO2024033933A1 discloses about an autonomous track monitoring system. The system of the present invention provides unmanned robotic vehicle, which can run on the railway tracks and inspect the tracks for any irregularities, hindrances, cracks, stone density, deviation, angle of banking of tracks, encroachments and the likes. The system comprises a chassis, a sensor assembly configured on the chassis, at least two linear actuators, at least two-wheel assembly, at least four vertical linear actuators, a microcontroller, a communication means, and a power source for powering the microcontroller, and the sensor assembly. The system can sense upcoming the train on the track and can retract itself to the center of track, so that trains don't need to stop and passes over the system.

[0005] WO2012066719A1 discloses about an obstacle removal device disposed in the front section of a vehicle underframe of a railway rolling stock, comprising an obstacle removal plate that protects the vehicle from obstacles on the track while the rollingstock is traveling. The obstacle removal plate has: a main plate section arranged so as to be struck on the face thereof by obstacles and shaped so as to convexly curve towards the longitudinal travel direction when viewed in plan; and auxiliary plate sections that protrude from the main plate section toward the rear. The auxiliary plate sections are provided continuously from a convexly curved front end section in the main plate section, along the main plate section towards a symmetrical pair side sections at the rear of the travel direction.

[0006] Conventionally, many systems are available in market for railway track inspection and obstacle management. However, they are limited by manual intervention, lack real-time analysis, not handle diverse obstacle types effectively, and often require extensive supervision, resulting in reduced efficiency, increased safety risks, and higher operational and maintenance costs.

[0007] In order to overcome the aforementioned drawbacks, there exists a need in the art to develop a system that requires to be capable of automatically detecting obstacles and irregularities on railway tracks, accurately determining their position and size, and removing or handling them efficiently, while minimizing human intervention and ensuring safe, uninterrupted train operations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0008] The principal object of the present invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the prior art.

[0009] An object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of inspecting railway tracks for detecting obstacles, determine their dimensions and positions, and assess potential hazards to maintain safe track conditions.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of enabling automatic removal or displacement of obstacles on railway tracks, ensuring continuous safe train operations while minimizing manual intervention and reducing the risk of accidents.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of allowing secure gripping, handling, and retrieval of objects on railway tracks that not be removed by conventional means, ensuring safe and efficient clearance of tracks.

[0012] Yet, another object of the present invention is to develop a system that is capable of facilitating real-time monitoring and control of the system remotely, allowing operators to manage track inspection and obstacle handling efficiently and safely from a distance.

[0013] The foregoing and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment as illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention relates to a railway track inspection system that is capable of autonomously detecting, analyzing, and handling obstacles on railway tracks, assessing track conditions, and facilitating safe, efficient, and continuous maintenance operations to ensure reliable and secure railway transportation.

[0015] In an aspect of the present invention, a railway track inspection system, comprises a housing adapted to translate over railway tracks, a plurality of motorised rail wheels installed underneath the housing to enable translation on the tracks, a sensing unit installed with the housing to detect obstacles on the railway tracks along with dimensions and position of the obstacles, a detection module configured with a control unit, receives data from the sensing unit to determine obstacles along with dimensions and position of the obstacles.

[0016] In another aspect of the present invention, the system further comprises of a cutting unit installed over the housing to cut and remove obstacles detected over the tracks, an obstacle removing unit installed with a front portion of the housing to force and remove obstacle from the tracks, and a gripping means installed with the housing to grip and hold objects found from the railway tracks determined to be not removable by the cutting unit and the obstacle removing unit.

[0017] While the invention has been described and shown with particular reference to the preferred embodiment, it will be apparent that variations might be possible that would fall within the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with regard to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings where:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of a railway track inspection system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0019] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the claims.

[0020] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising," "comprises,” and the like (which are synonymous with "including," "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of," consists essentially of," and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of," "consists of, the like.

[0021] As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.

[0022] The present invention relates to a railway track inspection system that is capable of autonomously traveling over tracks to detect and determine dimensions and position of obstacles, followed by removal or collecting them using specialized tools for different types of obstructions.

[0023] Referring to Figure 1, an isometric view of a railway track inspection system is illustrated, comprising a housing 101 adapted to translate over railway tracks, a plurality of motorised rail wheels 102 installed underneath the housing 101, a sensing unit 103 installed with the housing 101, the sensing unit 103 comprises an imaging unit 103a, and a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) unit 103b, a cutting unit 104 installed over the housing 101, the cutting unit 104 comprises a chamber 104a disposed at each side portion of the housing 101, a cutting blade 104b attached within the chamber 104a by means of an articulated telescopic arm 104c.

[0024] Figure 1 further illustrates an obstacle removing unit 105 installed with a front portion of the housing 101, the obstacle removing unit 105 comprises a sliding unit 105a installed horizontally along a front portion of the housing 101, a pair of articulated extendable limbs 105b attached with the sliding unit 105a, each of the limbs 105b having a flap 105c at an end, a gripping means 106 installed with the housing 101, the gripping means 106 comprises an articulated telescopic link 106a attached over the housing 101, a plate 106b attached with an end of the link 106a, a pair of angled structure 106c attached over the plate 106b by means of rack and pinion arrangement 106d, an opening 107 formed on the housing 101, a base 108 attached within the housing 101 by means of hydraulic pushers 109.

[0025] The system disclosed herein includes the housing 101 adapted to travel along railway tracks for inspection. The housing 101 is equipped with multiple motorized rail wheels 102 installed underneath, enabling the housing 101 to move along the tracks to inspect a desired section.

[0026] Multiple motorized rail wheels 102 installed beneath the housing 101 enables smooth and controlled movement along railway tracks in response to user command. Each rail wheel 102 is coupled with an independent electric motor, which is controlled by a control unit of the system. The motors receive signals to regulate speed and direction, allowing precise translation of the housing 101 along the tracks. Power from the motors is transmitted to the wheels 102 via gear assemblies, providing the necessary torque to move the housing 101 even over uneven sections of the track. In an embodiment of the present invention of the system, the wheels 102 are mounted on suspension to maintain stability and ensure continuous contact with the rails, while position encoders integrated with the motors provide real-time feedback for closed-loop control. This setup allows the housing 101 to navigate curves, inclines, and obstacles with accuracy.

[0027] A communication unit is linked to the control unit to establish a wireless connection between the control unit and a computing unit, such as a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, which includes an inbuilt user interface. The user interface allows the user to provide commands for initiating the inspection of the railway tracks.

[0028] The communication unit used herein includes, but not limited to Wi-Fi (Wireless Fidelity) module, Bluetooth module, GSM (Global System for Mobile Communication) module. The communication unit used herein is preferably a Wi-Fi module that is a hardware component that enables the control unit to connect wirelessly with the computing unit. The Wi-Fi module works by utilizing radio waves to transmit and receive data over short distances. The core functionality relies on the IEEE 802.11 standards, which define the protocols for wireless local area networking (WLAN). Once connected, the communication module allows the control unit to send and receive data through data packets.

[0029] The sensing unit 103 is strategically installed on the housing 101 to detect obstacles on the railway tracks, including their dimensions and positions. The sensing unit 103 comprises the imaging unit 103a configured to capture images of the tracks for obstacle detection, and the LIDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) unit 103b configured to measure the distance of the detected obstacles from the housing 101.

[0030] The imaging unit 103a comprises an image-capturing module including a set of lenses configured to capture multiple images of the surroundings of the railway tracks. The captured images are stored within the memory of the imaging unit 103a as optical data. The imaging unit 103a further comprises a processor integrated with artificial intelligence protocols. The processor performs essential image processing operations, including noise reduction to enhance image clarity, feature extraction to identify relevant characteristics of the detected obstacles (e.g., shape, color, size), and segmentation to isolate the obstacles from the background. The extracted and processed data is then converted into digital signals and transmitted to the control unit. Upon receiving the data, the control unit analyzes the information to detect and determine the presence, dimensions, and position of obstacles on the railway tracks.

[0031] Simultaneously, the LIDAR unit 103b emits laser pulses to measure the distance and spatial position of the detected obstacles relative to the housing 101, generating precise three-dimensional data. The LIDAR unit 103b comprises a laser emitter, a scanning unit, and a photodetector. The laser emitter generates rapid pulses of light, which are directed toward the target using the scanning unit. When the laser pulses strike an obstacle, they are reflected back to the photodetector, which records the time taken for the pulses to return. The system’s processor calculates the distance to the obstacle based on the time-of-flight principle, and combines these measurements with the angular position data from the scanning unit to generate a precise three-dimensional representation of the surroundings. The resulting 3D data is transmitted to the control unit, where the 3D data is fused with information from the imaging unit 103a to accurately detect the position, shape, and size of obstacles on the railway tracks.

[0032] A detection module, configured with the control unit, operates to analyze data received from the sensing unit 103 in order to identify obstacles on the railway tracks along with their dimensions and positions. The detection module comprises a data acquisition interface, a signal processor, a memory unit, and an analysis engine integrated with artificial intelligence protocols. The data acquisition interface receives raw image data from the imaging unit 103a and three-dimensional point cloud data from the LIDAR unit 103b. The signal processor filters and synchronizes the inputs to remove noise and align the data streams. The analysis engine then processes the combined data using protocols for object detection, feature extraction, and dimensional analysis, enabling precise determination of the obstacle’s shape, size, and spatial coordinates relative to the housing 101. The processed results are stored in the memory unit and further interpreted by the control logic to classify the obstacle as removable or non-removable.

[0033] The cutting unit 104 is installed on the housing 101 is configured to cut and remove obstacles detected on the railway tracks. The cutting unit 104 comprises the chamber 104a disposed on each side portion of the housing 101, within which the cutting blade 104b is mounted. Each cutting blade 104b is connected to the chamber 104a by means of the articulated telescopic arm 104c, enabling extension and retraction for effective cutting operations. The blades 104b are selectively deployed, individually or in combination, based on the position of the obstacle as determined by the sensing unit 103, thereby allowing the obstacle to be cut into smaller pieces for removal.

[0034] If detected obstacle is suitable for cutting, as determined by the control unit, then the articulated telescopic arm 104c is actuated to extend and retract for enabling precise positioning of the cutting blades 104b for obstacle removal. The extension and retraction of the telescopic arm 104c are powered pneumatically under the control of the control unit by employing a pneumatic unit associated with the arm 104c. The pneumatic unit comprises an air compressor, air cylinders, air valves, and a piston, which operate in coordination to drive the telescopic motion. In operation, the control unit actuates the valves to allow compressed air from the compressor to enter the cylinder. The compressed air generates pressure against the piston, causing the piston to push forward. The piston is mechanically linked to the innermost segment of the telescopic arm 104c, resulting in sequential extension of the telescopic segments outward. Each segment slides over the other in a guided manner, thereby increasing the effective reach of the arm 104c. For retraction, the control unit reverses the valve operation, releasing the compressed air and allowing the piston to retract. This action pulls back the connected telescopic segments into their nested configuration. Through this controlled extension and retraction of multiple telescopic segments, regulated by the pneumatic unit and control unit, the articulated telescopic arm 104c achieves accurate and reliable positioning of the cutting blades 104b with respect to obstacles on the railway tracks.

[0035] A position encoder is installed with the articulated telescopic arm 104c to provide real-time feedback on the displacement and angular orientation of the arm 104c during the arm’s extension and retraction. The encoder is mechanically coupled to the telescopic segments or joints of the arm 104c and functions by converting mechanical motion into electrical signals representing positional data. For this telescopic arm 104c configuration, the encoder is either a linear encoder for tracking the sliding displacement of telescopic segments, or a rotary encoder for monitoring angular articulation at the joints, and is interfaced with the control unit. During operation, as the telescopic segments extend or retract under pneumatic actuation, the encoder continuously monitors the movement and transmits signals to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback to accurately determine the position, speed, and alignment of the arm 104c relative to the detected obstacle. This closed-loop feedback control ensures precise positioning of the cutting blades 104b, prevents over-extension or misalignment, and enables adaptive adjustments for effective obstacle removal.

[0036] In addition, limit switches are installed at the maximum and minimum positions of the telescopic segments to prevent over-extension or over-retraction of the arm 104c. When a segment reaches a limit switch, the switch sends a signal to the control unit to stop further movement in that direction, providing a safety measure against mechanical damage. The control unit processes the combined feedback from the position encoder and limit switches to accurately determine the arm’s position, speed, and alignment relative to the obstacle. This closed-loop control ensures precise positioning of the cutting blades 104b, prevents misalignment or mechanical strain, and allows adaptive adjustments for effective and safe obstacle removal.

[0037] The cutting blade 104b is installed at the distal end of the articulated telescopic arm 104c and is configured to cut obstacles present on the railway tracks into smaller pieces for removal, once the articulated telescopic arm 104c position the cutting blade 104b near the detected obstacle. The cutting blade 104b is driven by a motorized rotary arrangement comprising an electric motor, a drive shaft, and a coupling assembly. In operation, the control unit actuates the motor, which rotates the drive shaft at high speed, transmitting torque to the cutting blade 104b through the coupling. The sharp edges of the blade 104b apply shear and slicing forces to the obstacle, enabling efficient cutting. In an embodiment of the present invention, the blade 104b is fabricated from hardened alloy steel or carbide material to withstand impact and provide durability against hard objects encountered on the tracks. The motor speed is regulated by the control unit, allowing adjustment of the blade’s cutting force depending on the density and type of obstacle. Additionally, safety shields and housings are provided around the chamber 104a to confine debris generated during cutting. Thus, the coordinated action of the telescopic arm 104c for positioning and the motorized cutting blade 104b for operation ensures precise cutting and removal of obstacles detected on the railway tracks.

[0038] The obstacle removing unit 105 is installed at the front portion of the housing 101 to push and remove obstacles from the railway tracks upon the obstacle is determined to be suitable for displacement. The obstacle removing unit 105 comprises the sliding unit 105a mounted horizontally along the front side of the housing 101, to which the pair of articulated extendable limbs 105b are attached. Each limb is provided with the flap 105c at the limb’s distal end, configured to exert a pushing force on the detected obstacles and displace them away from the tracks as identified by the sensing unit 103.

[0039] The sliding unit 105a, provided at the front portion of the housing 101, serves to position and guide the articulated extendable limbs 105b towards the detected obstacle for effective displacement of obstacles from the railway tracks. The sliding unit 105a comprises a linear guide rail, a sliding carriage, an actuator, and position sensors. The linear guide rail is mounted horizontally along the front side of the housing 101, and the sliding carriage is configured to move back and forth along the rail. The articulated limbs 105b are fixed to the sliding carriage, such that their position is adjusted laterally to align with the detected obstacle. The actuator, include an electric motor coupled with a lead screw arrangement, drives the sliding carriage along the rail. In operation, the control unit sends commands to the actuator, causing the carriage to move horizontally and position the limbs 105b in front of the obstacle. The position sensors integrated into the sliding unit 105a provide feedback to ensure accurate alignment and prevent overtravel. Once positioned, the limbs 105b extend and the flaps 105c apply force to push the obstacle aside. This coordinated sliding action allows the obstacle removing unit 105 to adapt to obstacles located at different positions on the tracks.

[0040] In an embodiment of the present invention, the position sensor monitors and provide feedback on the movement and alignment of the sliding unit 105a, articulated limbs 105b, with the flap 105c. The position sensor includes, but is not limited to, an optical encoder, a potentiometer, or a magnetic sensor. In another embodiment of the present invention, the positon sensor comprises a rotary or linear encoder coupled with the moving shaft or carriage of the actuator. As the actuator drives the sliding carriage or limb, the encoder generates electrical pulses corresponding to the displacement or angular rotation. These pulses are processed by the sensor’s signal conditioning circuit and transmitted as digital feedback to the control unit. The control unit interprets this data to determine the precise position, travel distance, and orientation of the component in real time. Based on this feedback, the control unit regulates actuator motion, ensuring accurate positioning, preventing overtravel, and enabling closed-loop control of the obstacle removing unit 105.

[0041] The extension and retraction of the pair of articulated extendable limbs 105b are regulated by the control unit in a manner similar to the articulated telescopic arm 104c, by employing the pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit, comprising an air compressor, air cylinders, valves, and pistons, operates under the control of the control unit to supply and release compressed air, thereby enabling the limbs 105b to extend outward or retract inward as required for pushing obstacles aside.

[0042] The position encoders and limit switches are installed with the limbs 105b to provide real-time feedback and ensure safe operation. The position encoders monitor the displacement and angular orientation of the limbs 105b, continuously transmitting data to the control unit, while the limit switches prevent over-extension or over-retraction by signaling the control unit to halt movement at predefined endpoints. This integrated feedback control ensures accurate, controlled, and safe operation of the articulated limbs 105b during obstacle removal.

[0043] For example, when the sensing unit 103 detects the obstacle on the railway tracks that is determined by the detection module to be suitable for pushing aside, the control unit activates the obstacle removing unit 105. First, the sliding unit 105a is actuated to laterally position the pair of articulated extendable limbs 105b in alignment with the obstacle. Once aligned, the pneumatic unit, comprising an air compressor, air cylinders, valves, and pistons, is engaged to extend the articulated limbs 105b outward. As the pistons extend under compressed air pressure, the telescopic segments of the limbs 105b expand, driving the flaps 105c at their distal ends toward the obstacle. The flaps 105c exert a pushing force on the obstacle, displacing the obstacle from the track. After the obstacle is cleared, the control unit signals the pneumatic unit to release air pressure, causing the pistons to retract. This retraction pulls the telescopic segments back into their nested position, returning the limbs 105b to their initial compact state. Throughout the operation, the position sensors provide real-time feedback to the control unit to ensure accurate alignment, while limit switches prevent over-extension or hazardous positioning of the limbs 105b.

[0044] The gripping means 106 is installed on the housing 101 to grip and hold objects present on the railway tracks that are determined to be non-removable by the cutting unit 104 or the obstacle removing unit 105. The gripping means 106 comprises the articulated telescopic link 106a mounted on the housing 101, with the plate 106b attached at the distal end of the link 106a. The pair of angled structures 106c is mounted on the plate 106b via the rack-and-pinion arrangement 106d, enabling the structures 106c to close around and securely grip the object. Once gripped, the object is lifted and placed into the housing 101 through the opening 107 formed therein for collection and retrieval.

[0045] The extension and retraction of the articulated telescopic link 106a are regulated by the control unit in a manner similar to the articulated telescopic arm 104c, by employing the pneumatic unit. The pneumatic unit, comprising an air compressor, air cylinders, valves, and pistons, operates under the control of the control unit to supply and release compressed air, thereby enabling the articulated telescopic link 106a to extend outward for reaching and gripping objects on the railway tracks and to retract inward for lifting and placing the gripped objects into the housing 101 through the designated opening 107.

[0046] The position encoders are integrated with the telescopic link 106a to provide real-time feedback on the linear displacement and angular orientation of the link 106a, continuously transmitting data to the control unit for precise control. In addition, limit switches are installed at the maximum and minimum positions of the link 106a to prevent over-extension or over-retraction, signaling the control unit to stop movement when predefined endpoints are reached. The combined feedback from the position encoders and limit switches ensures accurate, safe, and controlled operation of the telescopic link 106a during obstacle handling and retrieval.

[0047] The rack and pinion arrangement 106d actuates the pair of angled structures 106c for gripping and placing the object in the housing 101 via the opening 107 formed on the housing 101, as the object is detected by the sensing unit 103. The rack and pinion arrangement 106d comprises a toothed rack, a pinion gear, an actuator, and a support frame. The pinion gear is connected to the shaft of the actuator, includes an electric motor. In operation, when the control unit activates the actuator, the pinion gear rotates, engaging with the linear teeth of the rack. This rotational motion of the pinion is converted into linear motion of the rack, which is mechanically linked to the angled structures 106c. As the rack moves forward, the angled structures 106c pivot inward toward each other, securely gripping the object. Conversely, when the actuator rotates the pinion in the opposite direction, the rack retracts, causing the angled structures 106c to pivot outward and release the object. In an embodiment of the present invention, position sensors are integrated with the actuator or the rack to provide real-time feedback, while a force sensor is integrated in each of the structure 106c ensure the gripping force is sufficient without damaging the object. This rack and pinion arrangement 106d ensures reliable, synchronized, and controlled gripping action during obstacle handling.

[0048] The force sensor integrated with the structure 106c is configured to measure the amount of force applied by the angled structures 106c during the gripping operation to ensure secure holding without damaging the object. The force sensor comprises a sensing element, such as a strain gauge, piezoelectric crystal, or capacitive element, along with a signal conditioning circuit and a processor interface. In operation, when the angled structures 106c apply pressure on an object, the applied mechanical force induces a deformation or stress on the sensing element. For instance, in a strain gauge–based sensor, this deformation changes the electrical resistance of the gauge, whereas in a piezoelectric sensor, generates an electrical charge proportional to the applied force. This raw signal is then processed by the signal conditioning circuit, which amplifies, filters, and converts the raw signal into a standardized electrical output. The processed signal is transmitted to the control unit, where the data is analyzed to determine the magnitude of the gripping force. If the detected force exceeds or falls below predefined thresholds stored in a linked database, the control unit regulates the actuator driving the rack and pinion arrangement 106d to adjust the grip accordingly. This ensures precise, safe, and reliable handling of objects during obstacle removal.

[0049] The base 108 is mounted within the housing 101 and is actuated by the hydraulic pushers 109 to lift collected objects for retrieval. The hydraulic pushers 109 is configured to lift the base 108 within the housing 101, thereby enabling retrieval of collected objects. The hydraulic pushers 109 comprises a hydraulic cylinder, a piston, a pump, hydraulic fluid, control valves, and a reservoir. In operation, the control unit actuates the pump to pressurize the hydraulic fluid, which is directed into the cylinder through the control valves. The pressurized fluid exerts force on the piston, causing the piston to extend and raise the base 108 along with the collected objects. To lower the base 108, the control unit reverses the valve operation, allowing the hydraulic fluid to flow back into the reservoir, thereby retracting the piston and lowering the base 108 in a controlled manner. In an embodiment of the present invention, position sensors or limit switches are integrated with the hydraulic pushers 109 to provide feedback on the vertical position of the base 108, ensuring accurate lifting and safe operation. The hydraulic pushers 109 allows precise, stable, and reliable vertical movement of the base 108 for handling and retrieval of objects within the housing 101.

[0050] Lastly, a battery (not shown in figure) is associated with the system to supply power to electrically powered components which are employed herein. The battery is comprised of a pair of electrodes named as a cathode and an anode. The battery uses a chemical reaction of oxidation/reduction to do work on charge and produce a voltage between their anode and cathode and thus produces electrical energy that is used to do work in the system.

[0051] The present invention works best in the following manner, where the housing 101 as disclosed in the invention is adapted to travel along railway tracks, equipped with multiple motorized rail wheels 102 mounted underneath for smooth and controlled translation, precise navigation over curves, inclines, and obstacles. The communication unit establishes wireless connection with the computing unit having the user interface for initiating track inspection. The sensing unit 103, including the imaging unit 103a and LIDAR unit 103b, detects obstacles along with dimensions and positions; the imaging unit 103a captures optical data, while the LIDAR unit 103b generates three-dimensional spatial data. The detection module analyzes fused data to classify obstacles as removable or non-removable.

[0052] In continuation, the cutting unit 104, comprising the cutting blades 104b mounted on the articulated telescopic arms 104c, extends and retracts to position the blades 104b for cutting obstacles into smaller pieces. The position encoders and limit switches ensure precise and safe movement. The obstacle removing unit 105, comprising the sliding unit 105a and pair of articulated extendable limbs 105b with flaps 105c, displaces obstacles laterally, guided by the position sensors, encoders, and limit switches. The gripping means 106, including the articulated telescopic link 106a, plate 106b, angled structures 106c actuated via the rack-and-pinion arrangement 106d with the force sensor, secures non-removable objects and lifts them into housing 101. The base 108 mounted within housing 101 is actuated by the hydraulic pushers 109 with the position sensor or limit switches for vertical lifting of collected objects, enabling safe and reliable retrieval.

[0053] Although the field of the invention has been described herein with limited reference to specific embodiments, this description is not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various modifications of the disclosed embodiments, as well as alternate embodiments of the invention, will become apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reference to the description of the invention. , Claims:1) A railway track inspection system, comprising:

i) a housing 101 adapted to translate over railway tracks;

ii) a sensing unit 103 installed with the housing 101 to detect obstacles on the railway tracks along with dimensions and position of the obstacles;

iii) a detection module configured with a control unit, receives data from the sensing unit 103 to determine obstacles along with dimensions and position of the obstacles;

iv) a cutting unit 104 installed over the housing 101 to cut and remove obstacles detected over the tracks;

v) an obstacle removing unit 105 installed with a front portion of the housing 101 to force and remove obstacle from the tracks; and

vi) a gripping means 106 installed with the housing 101 to grip and hold objects found from the railway tracks determined to be not removable by the cutting unit 104 and the obstacle removing unit 105.

2) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein a plurality of motorised rail wheels 102 installed underneath the housing 101 to enable translation on the tracks.

3) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sensing unit 103, comprises an imaging unit 103a to capture images of the tracks to detect obstacle, and a LIDAR (light detection and ranging) unit 103b to detect distance of the obstacle from the housing 101.

4) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the cutting unit 104 comprises of a chamber 104a disposed at each side portion of the housing 101, a cutting blade 104b attached within the chamber 104a by means of an articulated telescopic arm 104c to cut the obstacle into pieces, one or more of the blades 104b deployed in accordance with position of obstacle detected by the sensing unit 103.

5) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the obstacle removing unit 105, comprises a sliding unit 105a installed horizontally along a front portion of the housing 101, a pair of articulated extendable limbs 105b attached with the sliding unit 105a, each of the limbs 105b having a flap 105c at an end to force the obstacles out of the tracks as detected by the sensing unit 103.

6) The system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the gripping means 106 comprises an articulated telescopic link 106a attached over the housing 101, a plate 106b attached with an end of the link 106a, a pair of angled structure 106c attached over the plate 106b by means of rack and pinion arrangement 106d to grip object and place in the housing 101 via an opening 107 formed on the housing 101.

7) The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a force sensor is integrated in each of the structure 106c to detect a force applied for gripping of the object to regulate actuation of the rack and pinion arrangements 106d accordingly.

8) The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising position encoders installed with the arms 104c, the limbs 105b and the link 106a to enable a closed-loop control for handling obstacles and limit switches installed with the arms 104c, the limbs 105b and the link 106a to prevent precarious positioning of the arms 104c, the limbs 105b and the link 106a.

9) The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a base 108 attached within the housing 101 by means of hydraulic pushers 109 to lift collected objects for retrieval.

10) The system as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a user interface adapted to be installed with a computing unit for wireless monitoring and operation of the system, by means of a communication unit installed in the member to enable wireless connection with the user interface.