1. Augmented Reality and Holographic Projection for Rail
Augmented reality (AR) was something that’s been in the pipeline for the rail industry for several years. It took some major steps forward a few years ago when Keolis Commuter Services launched smart glasses that allowed staff in the field to transmit images from the site to technicians at the maintenance headquarters.
The idea behind this was to enable office-based workers to offer advice without needing to travel to the site, which can help save both time and money for the company and reduce delays for passengers.
In the next few years, this will go even further. High Speed 1 is partnering with NRHS to introduce AR headsets that can holographically project digital assets into the real world. These Microsoft HoloLens headsets will turn any space into a training environment for maintenance workers so they no longer need to spend large amounts of time on tracks. This can help improve safety, quality of training and reduce service disruptions for passengers.
2. 3D Laser Scanners
3D laser scanners are quickly being adopted in multiple industries and rail is no exception for 2019. The German rail system is using 3D scanners to accurately measure tracks and effectively plan routes.
This technology has the ability to collect millions of measurable data points, from dimensions to spatial relationships of objects, accurately within seconds. This dramatically reduces the time that would have been spent otherwise, eliminates the chances of inaccurate data being collected and in particular, helps with complex projects.
3. Thermal and Visual Imaging Equipment
Network Rail displayed their revamped survey helicopters at Rail Live 2019. Survey helicopters feature high-tech thermal and visual equipment which allows maintenance teams to quickly cover large areas and identify the smallest of faults in assets or the surrounding environment.
Equipment like this can help to significantly cut down on the time and money spent checking rail equipment for faults and allow teams to quickly react to problems before they occur.
4. Interactive Train Windows
In 2016, it was announced that German railway provider Deutsche Bahn and American research company Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) were to create the “Innovation Train”.
Answers & Comments
1. Augmented Reality and Holographic Projection for Rail
Augmented reality (AR) was something that’s been in the pipeline for the rail industry for several years. It took some major steps forward a few years ago when Keolis Commuter Services launched smart glasses that allowed staff in the field to transmit images from the site to technicians at the maintenance headquarters.
The idea behind this was to enable office-based workers to offer advice without needing to travel to the site, which can help save both time and money for the company and reduce delays for passengers.
In the next few years, this will go even further. High Speed 1 is partnering with NRHS to introduce AR headsets that can holographically project digital assets into the real world. These Microsoft HoloLens headsets will turn any space into a training environment for maintenance workers so they no longer need to spend large amounts of time on tracks. This can help improve safety, quality of training and reduce service disruptions for passengers.
2. 3D Laser Scanners
3D laser scanners are quickly being adopted in multiple industries and rail is no exception for 2019. The German rail system is using 3D scanners to accurately measure tracks and effectively plan routes.
This technology has the ability to collect millions of measurable data points, from dimensions to spatial relationships of objects, accurately within seconds. This dramatically reduces the time that would have been spent otherwise, eliminates the chances of inaccurate data being collected and in particular, helps with complex projects.
3. Thermal and Visual Imaging Equipment
Network Rail displayed their revamped survey helicopters at Rail Live 2019. Survey helicopters feature high-tech thermal and visual equipment which allows maintenance teams to quickly cover large areas and identify the smallest of faults in assets or the surrounding environment.
Equipment like this can help to significantly cut down on the time and money spent checking rail equipment for faults and allow teams to quickly react to problems before they occur.
4. Interactive Train Windows
In 2016, it was announced that German railway provider Deutsche Bahn and American research company Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) were to create the “Innovation Train”.