System and method for vehicle defect detection

A method comprising:

• obtaining image data depicting an underbody of a vehicle on a route, the image data generated by one or more route optical sensors disposed along the route;
• inputting the image data into a first machine learning algorithm that determines an area of interest in the image data, the area of interest containing equipment of interest;
• inputting the image data that is within the area of interest into a second machine learning algorithm that detects a defect on the equipment of interest;
• and
• performing at least one responsive action based on a type of defect that is detected.

A defect detection system comprising:

• one or more route optical sensors disposed along a route and configured to generate image data depicting an underbody of a vehicle that is on the route;
• and
• a controller comprising one or more processors and operably connected to the one or more route optical sensors, the controller configured to input the image data generated by the one or more route optical sensors into a first machine learning algorithm that determines an area of interest in the image data, the area of interest containing a traction motor gear case of the vehicle,
• the controller configured to input the image data that is within the area of interest into a second machine learning algorithm that detects a defect on the traction motor gear case, the defect including at least one of a fluid leak on the traction motor gear case or an absent locking element on a valve of the traction motor gear case, the second machine learning algorithm further configured to determine a severity of the defect,
• the controller configured to perform at least one responsive action based on both a type of defect that is detected and the severity of the defect.