KTZ's "Smart Diagnostics" system presented at AI & Digital Bridge 2026

01-10-2026

The largest international technological forum, AI & Digital Bridge 2026, has kicked off in the capital. As part of the forum, a cutting-edge development in the field of transport safety was presented—an innovative railway infrastructure monitoring system called Smart Diagnostics.

The project was developed in compliance with the directives of the President of Kazakhstan to boost the country's transit potential and ensure the deep digitalization of railway transportation.

To date, KTZ utilizes 10 mobile diagnostic complexes. They perform continuous laser and ultrasonic scanning of the rail tracks in real time, similar to a medical MRI. The collected data arrays are instantly transmitted to the central system via Starlink satellite communication.

The implementation of "Smart Diagnostics" has allowed KTZ to make a major leap in terms of time and technology. Previously, data collection, manual transmission, and processing took up to 14 days. Today, artificial intelligence analyzes the condition of the tracks automatically within a few minutes. The uniqueness of the system lies in its use of predictive analytics algorithms. As a practical example, a real case study from the Karaganda Region was demonstrated to the Head of State on a demo screen.

The system detected side wear of the rail head at 16.9 mm (with a standard tolerance of 15 mm and a critical threshold of 20 mm). The artificial intelligence not only determined the exact coordinates of the defect and the dynamics of its development but also modeled future deterioration: if left unrepaired, a critical situation would have arisen in this section, requiring emergency restrictions on train movement.

Based on the instantaneous AI prediction, the dispatcher immediately made a decision and, with a single click, sent a digital work order to the track maintenance crews to eliminate the defect.

The presented "Smart Diagnostics" system proves that the integration of artificial intelligence and space technologies is capable of completely eliminating the human factor, reducing accident rates, and providing an uninterrupted flow of cargo through the key Eurasian hub that Kazakhstan is becoming.

This type of diagnostics makes it possible to increase traffic safety and optimize the efficiency of funds spent on railway repairs. This is particularly important given the ongoing program to repair 11,000 kilometers of railway tracks.

 

For reference: In 2026, AI & Digital Bridge expects more than 30,000 participants, over 300 speakers, and upwards of 100 technology companies. Since 2019, Digital Bridge has become one of the region's key platforms for interaction between tech startups and venture capital. Over the years, hundreds of investors and business angels have participated in the forum, giving startups the opportunity to pitch their projects to international funds and technology companies.

Over the years of its existence, the forum has become one of the largest international technological platforms in the region. In total, Digital Bridge events have been attended by more than 127,000 participants from 100 countries. Over 1,500 speakers have taken the stage at the forum, and more than 600 startups have been showcased.

Press service of JSC «NC«Kazakhstan Temir Zholy»