Cutting-Edge AI Technology in Rail Safety: Network Rail and Partners’ New Trial Aims to Prevent Disruptions and Ensure Safe Travel
Tuesday, July 16, 2024
This system incorporates the most advanced AI-driven camera sensor technology.
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Network Rail, LNER, CrossTech, and Hitachi Rail are joining forces to test advanced digital monitoring systems for observing both the natural surroundings and rail infrastructure, such as vegetation and embankments.
Real-time monitoring of these areas significantly increases safety by identifying potential threats such as overhanging or invasive vegetation, leaves on the tracks, or subsidence of embankments that could lead to disruptions or danger. Network Rail has previously reported that incidents related to vegetation cost up to £3 million each year in just the Southern region.
A new forward-facing CCTV camera (FFCCTV) has been installed in the driver’s cabin of an LNER Azuma train for a year-long trial that began in May. This Azuma train now plays a crucial role in the digital transformation of infrastructure monitoring and maintenance along the East Coast Main Line. This system incorporates the most advanced AI-driven camera sensor technology.
This automated system not only detects potential hazards but also identifies precise maintenance needs, fostering a preventive maintenance culture. Additionally, the trial aims to generate valuable insights and recommendations for timing and locating necessary maintenance along the East Coast Main Line.
Hitachi Rail is spearheading the pilot project in collaboration with its digital partner, CrossTech. The UK-based SME is celebrated as one of Network Rail’s AI technology achievements, employing computer vision technology to actively monitor rail tracks and their immediate environments using data directly from the front-facing video camera.
The development of the FFCCTV solution merges CrossTech’s technology with Hitachi Rail’s expertise in digital integration, operations, and customer interface. This collaboration is a prime example of how a leading global rail company can foster and enhance innovation in British SMEs.
The FFCCTV represents the latest addition to Hitachi’s broader range of digital asset monitoring solutions, which can actively monitor the tracks, overhead lines, and the trains themselves. These digital tools, either used alone or in tandem, provide automated, precise monitoring capabilities that contribute to the modernization of the railway system.
Johanna Priestley, Route Engineer at Network Rail, said:
“Vegetation is the only living asset on the railway network and as such understanding the potential risk to trains is ever changing. Using forward facing footage allows us to ‘see’ from the driver’s perspective. We can use this technology to understand where vegetation is encroaching on the operational railway and at risk of making contact with either trains or fixed infrastructure such as overhead electrified wires. We can also identify where vegetation growth has compromised the driver’s view such as on the approach to signals or level crossings. This initiative will allow us to make passengers’ journeys more reliable and help minimise the risk of disruption on the network.”
Linda Wain, Engineering Director at LNER, said:
“At LNER, we are always looking at how we can further enhance our performance and innovate to provide our customers with an even better experience when travelling with us. We are delighted to be working with our industry partners on this digital trial, with technology fitted in the train cab that will provide real-time information and updates on infrastructure, helping to highlight any potential issues.”
Nick Hughes, Senior Director, Sales UK & Ireland at Hitachi Rail, said: “We are proud to play a role in this digital monitoring solution which could reduce disruption and support more convenient journeys for passengers. The trial demonstrates how Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to deliver value and collaboration which supports digital innovation and UK SMEs.
“FFCCTV is the latest in a series of digital asset monitoring solutions that together have the potential to revolutionise real-time data collection and visualisation by trains running across the UK, generating valuable insights that drive better decisions.”
Haydon Bartlett-Tasker at CrossTech, said: “The team at CrossTech is thrilled to be working with our partners to introduce market-leading computer vision infrastructure inspection analytics to the East Coast Mainline. The project is a testament to our long-standing collaboration with Network Rail’s Eastern and Southern Regions. It marks a significant advancement for frontline teams with passengers and freight customers continuing to benefit from Network Rail’s adoption of forward facing CCTV computer vision technology to support a safer and higher performance railway.”
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