Northern offers a first glimpse of new LIDAR technology made famous by NASA
Posted: 19 January 2023 | Elliot Robinson (Editorial Assistant - Global Railway Review) | No comments yet
Northern has given an international delegation a preview of LIDAR technology made famous by NASA aboard its Intelligent Trains concept train.
Credit: Northern
A delegation of more than 60 national and international rail industry professionals has been treated to a sneak preview of some of the new technology Northern has been pioneering as part of its Intelligent Trains programme.
The new technology
Representatives from Network Rail, Jacobs, Atkins, Porterbrook, Angel and Eversholt were among those that joined Northern for a special return trip from Manchester Victoria to Bradford Interchange on 16 January. The journey took place on a Class 150 train that has been kitted out with LIDAR horizon scanning cameras – the same used by NASA to map the surface of the moon – a radar dome, 180-degree thermal imaging software, acoustic monitors, a G-Shock Bogie and an AI camera.
The technology is designed to make journeys by rail safer and more efficient, allowing Northern to monitor the performance of its trains in ‘real time’ and to, concurrently, provide information to Network Rail about track and other infrastructure.
Delegates aboard the Intelligent Trains concept train – Credit: Northern
“We were delighted to bring together such an illustrious group of rail industry representatives for the inaugural trial of our Intelligent Trains ‘concept train’,” Rob Warnes, Strategic Development Director at Northern, said. “Among the many benefits of this technology is the ability for ‘early diagnoses’ of engineering issues on both track and train which can be addressed as part of planned maintenance rather than having to react when things go wrong.”
Northern’s ‘Intelligent Trains’ programme is being delivered in partnership with Network Rail, Belvoir Rail, Yellow Rail, DG8 and Modux.
Related content you will enjoy:
Northern set to replenish workforce in 2023
Northern upgrade Hull depot to deliver better reliability for passengers
OUT NOW: The Definitive Guide to Rail’s Digital Future
The rail industry is undergoing a digital revolution, and you need to be ready. We have released our latest market report, “Track Insight: Digitalisation.”
This is not just another report; it’s your comprehensive guide to understanding and leveraging the profound technological shifts reshaping our industry. We move beyond the buzzwords to show you the tangible realities of AI, IoT, and advanced data analytics in rail.
Discover how to:
- Optimise operations and maintenance with real-time insights.
- Enhance passenger services through seamless, high-speed connectivity.
- Leverage technologies like LEO satellites to improve safety and efficiency.
Featuring expert analysis from leaders at Nomad Digital, Lucchini RS, Bentley Systems and more, this is a must-read for any rail professional.
Related topics
Artificial Intelligence (AI), Operational Performance, Safety, Signalling, Control & Communications, Technology & Software, Track/Infrastructure Maintenance & Engineering
Related organisations
Angel, Atkins, Belvoir Rail, DG8, Eversholt Rail, Jacobs, Modux, NASA, Network Rail, Northern, Porterbrook, Yellow Rail
