An efficient and functioning transportation system is essential for economic growth and social development for all cities and countries. New transport infrastructures need to have the capacity to adapt to increased future demand due to growing populations, in addition to being efficient and environmentally sustainable, and this is where smart trains come in.

Smart trains with modern core technology and integrated Internet of Things (IoT) technology will greatly benefit from rich data and insights on controlling diagnostic, communication, and monitoring functions to adapt to increasing demand, legacy infrastructure capacity limitations, and growing passenger experience expectations.

Why Edge Computing?

Edge computing brings computing power closer to where the data is generated and used, while also overcoming bandwidth and latency issues of sending data to the cloud, enabling a system to operate reliably with a continuous network connection. Edge computing allowing operators and organizations to gain real-time decision-making abilities and automation to mitigate risks, orchestrate a smooth flow of passengers, and optimize energy use to reduce emissions.

Technologies for the Connected Railways

The current applications of Edge computing in the transportation industry are mainly focused on administrative processes such as arrival and departure board management, intelligent scheduling, and security monitoring systems. However, by adding on multiple communication options such as Wi-Fi/5G and many types of smart devices (IoT), working together in one end-to-end solution, railway operators can not only increase efficiency, but also enhance safety, and increase passenger satisfaction.

With edge computing, the data can be turned into actionable insights, allowing for near-real-time decision-making and responsiveness. Such as passenger counting to monitor passenger flow, and seat sensors to monitor current vehicle capacity load, to avoid congestion and overcrowding, in addition to deciding on staffing and security to increase efficiency.  

Railways need to operate on time and provide their passengers with easy access to passenger information systems with accurate information and visibility into arrival status or delays. Further increase passenger satisfaction with reliable onboard passenger Wi-Fi, entertainment board cinema, and automated fare collection.

Empower rail operators and engineers with diagnosis data and evaluations to minimize breakdowns, predict maintenance repairs, keep trains in working order and reduce downtime. Security cameras and GPS would enhance safety as operators would be notified of environmental alerts such as fire or accidents.

Safe and Sustainable Mobility Requirements

Due to the harsh temperatures and vibrations, rail vehicle hardware safety requirements are more stringent than average, and would recommend at least EN50155 standard compliance. The hardware must be able to operate in an extended temperature range and provide multiple communication options. Ideally, the hardware system should be modular and scalable to help operators prepare for the future and position themselves for future success.

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