Start your digital transformation journey

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Railways are the backbone of sustainable transportation systems. Across the globe, this mode of transport, which relies on steel wheels rolling on steel rails, has a long history. Rail transport is safe and reliable and has always been the main way to transport people and goods.

At present, rail transport is still developing. This means that by 2024, the global rail passenger market is expected to reach $252 billion, and the rail freight market is expected to reach $114 billion. The continued growth of rail transport is also quite friendly to the environment: urban rail transit is 7 times more energy efficient per capita than driving; high-speed rail pollutes 3.4 times less than air transport. Therefore, as the global population surges and urbanization continues to develop, rail will become an increasingly important mode of transportation.

Adapting to future needs

However, rail transport also faces some challenges if it wants to stay ahead and improve its competitiveness. Historically, the global rail industry has been relatively conservative in nature, relying on tried and trusted technologies. In contrast, passengers are increasingly seeking new technologies. Since the advent of smartphones, they expect a better customer experience, enjoying services such as high-speed on-board WiFi, more convenient electronic ticketing systems and real-time journey updates.

Railways also face a long-term battle to manage their aging, dense infrastructure in a leaner way. At the same time, they are under pressure to improve operational efficiency, especially by implementing more predictive maintenance measures to warn of potential problems. These measures are critical to help improve rail operating profits and provide opportunities for reinvestment.

The COVID-19 pandemic has added another challenge to the complex situation of rail transport development. Although passenger numbers are expected to rise as the national lockdown ends, factors such as hygiene protection and social distance still restrict rail transport. Previously, the safety of tracks and carriages has always been an important consideration for the railway system, but now the situation has become more complicated.

Technology stands out

Therefore, if rail transport is to maintain its long-term leading position, it obviously cannot stop here. In response to many emerging challenges, the rail industry is transforming towards digitalization to provide smarter solutions to meet customer needs. Multiple technology trends such as the Internet of Things, 5G multi-access edge computing (5G MEC), artificial intelligence (AI), big data, cloud computing and blockchain are blending together in an increasingly innovative way, driving innovation in all aspects of the rail network.

AI is critical to the digital transformation of rail transport. The use of smart sensors and ubiquitous network connectivity means that rail systems are generating unprecedented amounts of data, and operators need to cope with the resulting data deluge. AI technology will play an increasingly important role in unlocking information, providing actionable insights for operators' decisions, and even automatically generating timely responses.

Therefore, only through AI technology can railway operators unleash the true power of data, analysis and the cloud to enhance passenger experience, improve railway operations, asset maintenance and safety, and ultimately improve customer satisfaction, increase profits and reduce costs.

Digitalization in progress

What does the digitalization of rail transport mean from the perspective of passengers and drivers? When passengers enter the station, the sensor system will automatically detect facial masks and monitor body temperature. If a passenger is detected to be violating the rules by not wearing a mask or is in poor health, the station manager will receive a corresponding reminder.

At the same time, passengers can further enhance their health protection through contactless hand sanitizer. During the ticket check-in process, contactless ticketing, self-service baggage check-in and smartphone payment can help reduce personal contact.

Digital transformation will also bring changes to train operations. Sensors and visual systems can realize functions such as people counting, thereby providing more dynamic signs and reflecting passenger flow in real time. Similarly, passenger information systems will respond faster and update in real time, allowing passengers to understand the space conditions in the carriage before getting on the train. In addition, higher-quality WiFi and 5G networks at train stations and trains will provide passengers with low-latency connections and smoother office and entertainment experiences.

Digital transformation will also greatly improve the efficiency of train drivers. For example, sensors can be used to monitor abnormal conditions of high-risk assets such as train doors, pantographs and wheelsets to avoid equipment failure or failure. In addition, sensors under the floor of the carriage can be used to monitor the railway tracks while the train is running. With the help of these equipment operation data, drivers can better monitor the status of the train and reduce the occurrence of unexpected failures. At the same time, obstacle and intrusion detection systems can be used to identify debris, animals, people or vehicles on both sides of the track or across the track, and warn the driver or immediately initiate an automatic response program.

Automatic train protection is another major surprise brought by digital transformation. At present, railway tracks are divided into different "blocks", and staff can monitor when trains arrive through ground equipment. If the train can safely enter a block, the ground equipment will send a signal to notify the upcoming train, but the monitoring system cannot obtain the exact location of the train, which may affect the train's punctuality.

However, AI technology can help achieve more automated train operations - for example, signal and speed control systems can calculate the optimal speed and trajectory of trains based on factors such as track capacity, weather conditions and operating schedules. In addition, AI-based video analysis can locate the exact position of the train and transmit the results to the train control system and other trains in the network. These advanced positioning systems allow trains to run closer together, thereby increasing capacity and reducing transportation bottlenecks.

Finally, video security systems provide comprehensive monitoring of the rail network. AI-based video analytics at the edge can help transform traditional CCTV systems into intelligent real-time monitoring systems to detect suspicious events within trains or stations, acts of deliberate sabotage of trains, or passengers attempting to evade fares. These added capabilities free up staff from having to monitor security video in real time, freeing up time for other tasks.

The power of partnership

There is no doubt that digitalization and AI applications have great potential in the railway sector. However, when operators bring them to market, they must also consider both cost and effect. This requires technology that enables networks, connections, data processing and AI to work seamlessly together and adapt to harsh outdoor environments with extreme temperatures and vibrations.

For railway system integrators and operators, the solution is to cooperate with reliable technology providers who are familiar with the characteristics of railway systems, because railway equipment sometimes needs to be customized and reinforced, and certified to meet global regulations and safety standards. At the same time, system suppliers must be able to provide solutions and technical support with longer life, and provide added value through software-based product design services to help shorten the time to market.

ADLINK’s partnership with Intel is proof of the power of strategic partnerships to achieve this goal. The collaboration has resulted in a range of rail-ready products that help rail companies digitize their operations and develop edge AI applications that unlock the power of data.

Railway companies can start their digital journey in four steps: assess and define the future direction, develop a plan, start small and move fast, share learnings and iterate. By doing so, railway organizations can leverage the power of partnerships to quickly and efficiently implement digital transformation for the benefit of everyone.