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Spinoff story
Micromachined Sensors Monitor Train Rails, Predict Failures
A real-world story of NASA technology finding a life beyond the mission.
About this technology
Overview
Ridgetop Group of Tucson, Arizona, created its RotoSense rotational vibration sensor under SBIR contracts with Glenn Research Center, intending it to be installed on gears in helicopter transmissions to monitor their condition. To create its new Railsafe system, Ridgetop repackaged the sensors to sit on train axles and retooled its algorithms to identify anomalies in rails. The company tested Railsafe and launched it in 2015. Next, Ridgetop will enable it to predict failures in rails and wheels.