WITHDRAWN: Docking Station for UAV for Autonomous Railway Track Inspection

UAVforRail is a fully automated docking and charging station designed for continuous monitoring of railway infrastructure. The system addresses the drawbacks of traditional inspections, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expose workers to risks near active tracks. Built to meet the operational needs of PKP PLK S.A., it uses a modular, scalable architecture that enables frequent, repeatable, and data-rich inspections with minimal human intervention. The solution integrates three core components: a multi-sensor UAV platform, an autonomous docking station, and a cloud-based data processing center. The UAV is equipped with RGB, LiDAR, and thermal sensors for multimodal defect detection and detailed mapping. A vision-based landing system ensures precise docking, while the station automates landing, alignment, charging, and data transfer. Mechanical designs have been validated through CAD/CAE simulations. Inspection data is uploaded to the cloud, where AI algorithms handle object detection, anomaly classification, and automated reporting. Developed using an iterative, simulation-driven methodology, the system has been validated in laboratory and field tests, demonstrating reliable operation, accurate landings, and robust analytics. UAVforRail establishes a new benchmark for autonomous railway monitoring.