HS1 Ltd, the owners of the UK’s first and only high speed railway, is utilizing Augmented Reality (AR) to monitor assets across the Channel Tunnel Rail Link it operates from St Pancras to Folkestone.
According to The Engineer, the London-based company will create a digital twin that will include signalling equipment across the stretch of track, as well as monitor the real-time performance of St Pancras station’s lifts, escalators and travelators.
As disclosed by HS1, sensors will pick up and relay faults back to maintenance teams via a private 5G network. This will ensure that repairs get carried out more promptly and swiftly.
The project is funded by Innovate UK, in partnership with PAULEY Group Limited, Network Rail (High Speed) Limited, Athonet UK Limited & the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
According to The Engineer, the AR tech should lessen the impact of disruption to UK railways caused by Covid-19 and, if widely adopted, could improve productivity and cut costs at more than 3000 stations across wider networks.
“At HS1 Ltd we are always looking at ways in which we can improve the UK’s only high-speed rail system,” notes CEO Dyan Crowther.
“Our innovative approach to technology means we are able to monitor and maintain our assets in a more efficient and sustainable way, leading to an improved customer experience.
“The system will not only create a more reliable rail network but will allow our expert teams to maintain social distancing guidelines when responding to jobs.”
“Thanks to Innovate UK and our partners, we are able to lead the way in revolutionising London’s railway stations post-Covid.”
Image and content: HS1 Ltd/The Engineer
