Tag: rail operations

  • Hexagon introduces Security & Surveillance portfolio for rail

    Hexagon introduces Security & Surveillance portfolio for rail

    The Security & Surveillance portfolio for rail. (Image: Hexagon)
    The Security & Surveillance portfolio for rail. (Image: Hexagon)

    Hexagon’s Safety, Infrastructure & Geospatial division, in partnership with Hexagon’s Geosystems division, has introduced Hexagon’s Security & Surveillance portfolio for rail.

    Comprised of an integrated set of solutions proven in rail operations around the globe, the portfolio unites 3D surveillance systems with best-in-class security, dispatching and collaboration software. It enables rail operators to better protect their assets, passengers and freight to reduce disruptions and improve safety and customer satisfaction.

    The portfolio addresses the complete lifecycle of incident management, empowering operators to detect, assess and respond to threats and incidents and collaborate with outside organizations when needed. It includes:

    • Detect: Leica BLK247 and accur8vision 3D security and surveillance systems go beyond traditional 2D security cameras by integrating lidar, thermal sensors, video and 3D planning and tracking software for high-value areas, perimeters and zones, such as tunnels and rolling stock.
    • Assess: HxGN OnCall Security | Guardian provides a common operational picture for alarms, sensors, the internet of things, intrusion devices and video data to deliver situational awareness for real-time event monitoring.
    • Respond: HxGN OnCall Dispatch, a computer-aided dispatch solution with embedded assistive artificial intelligence, allows control room operators to dispatch resources to respond to incidents.
    • Collaborate: HxGN Connect facilitates collaboration and information sharing between internal teams and external entities to ensure stakeholders are informed and engaged during events.

    “Globally, passenger and freight traffic are expected to double by 2050, which means rail operators must begin investing in safer rail operations now,” said Juergen Dold, President, GSI, Hexagon. “Rail networks have a broad spectrum of security needs, and Hexagon’s Security & Surveillance portfolio uniquely spans different hazards, capabilities and teams. It offers scalable solutions that seamlessly transition from simple security monitoring to emergency response to collaboration among diverse teams during complex operations.”

    Hexagon’s Security & Surveillance portfolio builds on Hexagon’s capabilities for rail safety and security operations. Every year, Hexagon solutions protect more than 5 billion rail and transit passengers around the world. In North America alone, the company’s technologies help protect more than 56,000 miles of railways.

  • Alstom pioneers use of Galileo to help measure location and speed of trains

    Alstom pioneers use of Galileo to help measure location and speed of trains

    Photo: Alstrom
    Photo: Alstrom

    News from the European GNSS Agency

    In June, Alstom became the first railway manufacturer to integrate certified data-fusion algorithms for fail-safe train localization, using position and speed of trains based on GNSS data coming from multiple constellations, including Galileo.

    The added value of Galileo and EGNOS in the European railway sector is widely known, especially when it comes to non-safety applications, such asset management and passenger information services.

    In recent years, however, with multi-constellation becoming the norm and multifrequency receivers being adopted rapidly, rail stakeholders view GNSS-based solutions as game-changers for the future of European Train Control System (ETCS).

    A recent example of EGNSS adoption in rail operations is the innovative odometry solution deployed by Alstom to measure the location and speed of its trains. The French rolling-stock manufacturer introduced a new sensor type, with a hybridisation of satellite information and inertial sensors. The solution is primarily using GNSS Doppler information, derived from Galileo, GPS and GLONASS constellations (configurable).

    Such use allows to improve the overall confidence in the resulting speed, along with specific algorithms to master the resulting location accuracy. The GNSS receiver is an automotive grade receiver manufactured by u-blox. The inertial measurement unit (IMU) used to supplement information in case of GNSS loss is based on enhanced micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS) technology, with temperature compensation.

    The new odometry system based on data fusion, which Alstom is currently implementing in Norway, is applicable to all types of trains and all environments, including the harshest weather conditions. It is estimated that by 2026, 450 trains will be equipped with this new feature across Norway.

    Increased safety, lower costs for rail companies

    Wheel slipping and sliding especially during demanding weather conditions can affect the odometer accuracy and the proper functioning of the different sensors involved. By incorporating Galileo signals as an extra layer of accuracy, Alstom managed to create a system that is capable of providing a more robust speed and location estimate. This space data fusion approach —certified by Belgorail — minimizes the need for the costly external radar components for localisation and speed measurement currently used.

    “Industry embedding Galileo in their solutions is the proof that we are on the right path to ensure the market uptake of the EU Space Programme technology,” said Rodrigo da Costa, GSA executive director. “This is a recognition of the capability of EGNSS to reduce the need for infrastructure and related cost, while maintaining the operational safety of ETCS.”