There is a diverse range of innovative technologies that are being created for the rail industry to significantly improve both passenger and worker experience. From innovations that aim to improve safety, to those that make journeys more seamless, such as smart ticketing – a subject that we discussed in a previous article. The new ideas and innovations are flowing and radically changing the industry as we know it.
Delving into the world of geofencing
One such technology can be found in geofencing. Geofencing creates a virtual geographic boundary around an area, enabling software to trigger a response when a mobile device enters or leaves the area.
This technology provides the rail industry with a key benefit, in that it can be utilised to improve situational awareness for track workers. Consequentially, this reduces incidents and the risk for potential accidents on the network.
Harnessing the technology
This subject has been a key focus for Pragmatex in the past year, as part of its project with Connected Places Catapult and Network Rail. Alongside the Pragmatex team, Network Rail supported three SMEs to develop wearable devices that would provide alerts to track workers if they moved beyond a geofence, also known within the industry as a virtual cordon.
The devices use satellite positioning (GNSS RTK) to determine their location and Network Rail wished to better understand the performance of the devices within the railway environment.
A staged testing approach was developed. This began with testing on site in Network Rail’s HQ in Milton Keynes and culminating in lineside testing in Wales and Western and Southern for two of the suppliers.
This enabled the team to test the technology in a controlled environment before exploring the performance impacts of common railway features such as overhanging trees, overhead line equipment and passing trains. Assessments included static tests at multiple sites, as well as walking tests to assess the dynamic performance of the devices in action.
Looking ahead, further areas to be explored include a human factors review of the systems’ dashboards to develop a set of requirements for these technologies going forward. This will ensure that there is commonality in both functionality and information displays from new suppliers entering the market.
As any of us working within the rail sector know, testing can be a lengthy process. However, it is vitally important to ensure solutions meet the railway’s needs and can also help suppliers to improve their products and services.
The Pragmatex difference
At Pragmatex, we work with SMEs and innovators to create solutions and provide answers to challenges. This project was no different. Through vigorous testing, we were able to categorise system performance helping Network Rail to understand its limitations. In tandem, we supported the SME suppliers to improve their offerings.
Delivering results
This project really helped Network Rail to understand the technology and utilise it in a more meaningful, beneficial way. As a result, new Product Acceptance certificates were issued by Network Rail for the two suppliers.
Without this work, Network Rail would have been unsighted on the technology’s capabilities and limitations, with the potential to introduce unintended safety risks for rail workers. We are proud to have been involved in such a game changing, dynamic project, which will leave a positive legacy in the rail sector for several years to come.
If you have an innovation that you are looking to take into the rail sector, get in touch with a member of the Pragmatex team over on our LinkedIn channel.
