Docking station for unmanned aerial vehicle for autonomous railway track inspection

Abstract

UAVforRail is a fully automated docking and charging station designed to support autonomous monitoring of railway infrastructure using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The system addresses the limitations of traditional railway inspections, which are labor-intensive, time-consuming, and expose personnel to risks near active tracks. Developed for the operational needs of PKP PLK S.A., the solution is based on a modular, scalable architecture that enables repeatable inspections with minimal human intervention. The UAVforRail ecosystem integrates a multi-sensor UAV platform, an autonomous docking station, and a cloud-based control and data processing center. The primary focus of this work is the design, modeling, and validation of the docking station as a key element enabling long-term autonomous UAV operation. The station automates landing, positioning, charging, environmental protection, and data transfer. A vision-based landing subsystem using fiducial markers enables precise, repeatable docking operations. Mechanical components were developed and verified using CAD/CAE methodologies, FEM structural analysis, CFD simulations, and energy optimization studies. The UAV platform integrates RGB, LiDAR, and thermal sensors for multimodal inspection and defect detection. The system was validated through laboratory and field experiments, confirming reliable docking, charging, and operation under varying environmental condi - tions. The results demonstrate the feasibility of autonomous and persistent railway infrastructure monitoring using integrated UAV docking technologies.