HS1 Ltd. the owner and operator of the UK’s only high-speed railway is on way to revolutionize the rail business by creating augmented reality technology that will virtually replicate rail assets on the high-speed One (HS1) line by 2021.
The technology will monitor the real-time efficiency of rail assets and permit for the swift detection and repair of faults on St Pancras Station’s lifts, escalators, and travelators, as well as signaling equipment alongside the high-speed line.
Sensors will pick up and relay faults back to maintenance groups via a private 5G network. Maintenance engineers can then be swiftly dispatched to repair the faults, thus saving time and money, and effectively managing the railway and station.
The project will assist engineers to make more informed choices on repairs point of view, and in the end enhance safety alongside the line, as it is going to reduce the necessity for on-site intervention. As well as, the anticipated reduction in CO2 emissions because of maintenance actions taking much less time to finish contributes to HS1 Ltd’s environmental targets, as outlined in its recently launched Sustainability Strategy.
The purpose of the project is to allow the flow of information and data between on-site and remote maintenance teams. This may assist HS1 Ltd to develop its knowledge and understanding of new maintenance strategies. This may even enhance training and competency and end in effectivity and performance benefits for the network, which can in the end lead to enhanced expertise for passengers and clients.
The project is funded by Innovate UK, in partnership with PAULEY Group Limited, Network Rail (High Speed) Limited, Athonet UK Limited, and the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).
Dyan Crowther, CEO of HS1 Ltd, stated: “At HS1 Ltd, we’re all the time ways by which we can enhance the UK’s only high-speed rail system. Our innovative method of technology signifies that we are able to monitor and maintain our assets in a more efficient and sustainable method, resulting in an improved customer experience. The system won’t only create an extra dependable rail network but will enable our expert teams to maintain social distancing guidelines when responding to jobs. Thanks to Innovate the UK and our partners, we’re in a position to lead the way in revolutionizing London’s railway stations post-COVID.”
Innovate UK’s Executive Chair, Dr. Ian Campbell stated: “In these difficult times, we’ve got seen the best of British business innovation. The pandemic is not just a health emergency, however one which impacts society and the economy. The 5G Augmented Reality Digital Twin Project, together with each initiative that Innovate UK has supported by this fund, is a vital step ahead in driving sustainable economic growth. Everyone is also helping to understand the ambitions of hard-working individuals.”
Philip Pauley, Managing Director of PAULEY Group Limited, stated: “PAULEY are delighted to assist HS1 of their Race to Zero dedication to become the first renewable-powered railway in the country by 2030. Following on from our hugely profitable DfT/Innovate UK First of a Kind “simulated” AR Digital Twin Station project with HS2 last yr, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) has again proven their support to show the worth derived from immersive technology adoption throughout the UK business. Our collaboration with HS1, NRHS, AMRC, and Athonet 5G will display how immersive technology has the power to drive operational effectivity and sustainability consistent with the Industrial Technique, UKRI, and COP26 targets to assist reduce entire life-cycle carbon (WLC) emissions.”
