Northern’s first ‘intelligent train’ enters trial service
Class 150 is testbed for technology aimed at making the railway safer and more efficient.
IN a pioneering step, equipment aimed at making it easier to build a complete picture of operational conditions, ranging from train loadings to infrastructure problems, has been installed on a two-car Northern Class 150 Sprinter DMU. Unveiled on November 2 to coincide with National Engineering Day, No. 150136 is the ‘proof of concept’ set for Northern’s ‘intelligent train’ project, which is being delivered in partnership with Network Rail, refurbishment and overhaul provider Belvoir Rail, Yellow Rail, and rail data analytics company Modux.
Software
Fitted at Newton Heath depot in Manchester, devices include LiDAR (light detection and ranging) cameras to scan the horizon for potential hazards such as overhanging trees and bridge and tunnel defects, and thermal imaging software to provide live data on how much space is available for passengers joining the service. A G-Shock bogie, radar dome, acoustic monitors and an artificially intelligent camera have also been included. The ‘intelligent train’ system is designed to be able to report track problems, automatically logging locations and alerting maintenance teams, and, with the aim of preventing crime and antisocial behaviour, a live feed from onboard CCTV which can be viewed by the British Transport Police.
Trial
The unit will trial the technology in service for three months on routes in the North West and Yorkshire. What is learned during this period will influence the way the technology is refined ahead of its introduction on all of Northern’s 345-strong fleet of multiple units, as well as supporting the business case. Describing it as an “exciting moment” for Northern, the company’s engineering director, Jack Commandeur, said: “The result will be greater efficiencies in terms of resource allocation, faster responses in terms of maintenance programmes and an overall smarter and safer way of working.”