UK: US-headquartered track maintenance and monitoring company Loram has acquired a minority stake in One Big Circle. The strategic partnership aims to combine the Bristol and Derby-based technology firm’s Automated Intelligent Video Review technology with Loram’s global reach and rail infrastructure expertise.
Developed in the UK and now widely adopted by Network Rail, AIVR facilitates the capture, transmission and processing of data from train-mounted and lineside cameras to record images of the cess, formation and trackside environment. This produces an interactive package of inspection and survey data with intelligent analysis and streamlined reporting to help engineers detect potential problems. One Big Circle said the partnership with Loram would enable the proven technology to be deployed around the world.
The One Big Circle team, including founders Emily Kent, Sam Low, Ian Packer and Barnaby Kent, will remain in place and continue delivering the full range of services and support as usual.
‘This is an exciting milestone’, Kent said on April 2. ‘Our collaborative approach to deploying this technology across the UK rail industry has demonstrated how AIVR can transform the way railways are monitored and maintained.
‘Having Loram invest as partners now allows us to work together to take this British-developed technology to international markets while continuing to deliver the high-quality service and innovation that our rail industry relies on. We will continue to build our expertise here in the UK, creating more job opportunities and encouraging more talent into the industry.’
Loram CEO Brad Willems said ‘AIVR has already shown tremendous value within the UK, and we look forward to bringing this proven innovation to customers around the world’.
