Railway technology and innovation news
The latest technology and innovations from rail industry manufacturers, suppliers and service providers worldwide.Train operators launch joint innovation programme
UK: Four train operators are to run a joint programme giving technology companies the opportunity to demonstrate AI, telecoms, quantum and other innovations in a real-world rail environment.
Union Pacific ready to test hybrid locomotive
USA: Union Pacific is to begin testing the first of six diesel-battery-hybrid shunting locomotives during May.
Rail construction, maintenance and renewal machine range launched
TRACK MACHINES: Unipart Rail has launched a range of rail construction, maintenance and renewal machines, developed in partnership with Thomson Engineering Design Ltd.
Wearable sensors to improve ergonomics
UK: Spatial Cortex Technology is improving worker safety through the use of MOVA wearable sensors which accurately track a person’s movements while they undertake their job.
LED signals and barrier lights designed for better visibility
UK: Currently on test in Devon and Cornwall are LED signal heads developed by Unipart Rail which incorporate tinted glass and filters. These can reduce the risk of phantom aspects, where an unlit signal appears to be illuminated due to an external light source such as the sun.
Variable rate sanding equipment deployed on DMU fleet
UK: In response to the collision which resulted from low rail adhesion at Salisbury Tunnel Junction in October 2021, all of South Western Railway’s Class 158 and 159 diesel multiple-units have now been fitted with Variable Rate Sanding equipment supplied by Siemens Mobility.
Europe: IoT tools help to ensure a rapid response
Lithuanian railway adopts western European data exchange system
BNSF trials virtual reality training
Request to Stop button ready for trial at Welsh stations
Maintenance vehicle converted to fuel cell power
Europe: Getlink adopts AI and digital twins
Technology tackles train surfers and bicycle thieves
Next-generation Multi-Purpose Vehicle on test
Freightliner to explore synthetic locomotive fuel
Interview: ‘Digital pioneers must prioritise simplicity’
Hitachi launches flexible software for signaller training
Batteries provide emergency power for Kashmir railway tunnels
Metro-North Railroad to trial automated rolling stock inspection
Software supports Lithuanian operator’s digital transformation
Iarnród Éireann seeks to develop start-up mindset
SBB tests automated shunting without possessions
SMEs selected for Bristol Temple Meads innovation zone
Swedish national ticketing product distribution system goes live