The Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) has unveiled an AI-powered tool aimed at enhancing the safety and efficiency of rail freight operations. The solution is designed to proactively identify and address potential wheelset issues before they escalate into costly damage to the railway network and disrupt vital train services.
RSSB believes approximately 100 freight trains are annually withdrawn from service due to urgent wagon maintenance which is a measure essential to mitigating the risk of derailments and severe infrastructure damage.
“Our new tool presents a view of future degradation of wheelsets, and will help Freight Operating Companies, in enabling maintenance interventions to be taken before wheelset defects affect safety or operational performance.” Said Dougie Hill, RSSB’s Head of Freight.
The new tool aims to identify poorly maintained wheelsets by using predictive AI analytics as well as drawing upon other data including wheel impact load detectors.
RSSB is currently conducting a pilot program with select rail freight operators to gather feedback and refine the capabilities of the Wheelset Intervention Support Tool. A full release of the tool is anticipated in the coming year.
It is hoped the pilot program will show improvements in efficiency as well as demonstrate cost savings for the industry.
Hill added: “Freight trains are hugely important to the industry and provide key and vital services to the UK logistics sector, whilst positively contributing to both the UK economy and the environment.
“The great distances travelled by freight vehicles can cause deterioration to wheelsets, which can have impact on safety and the infrastructure.”
Comment as guest
Comments
No comments have been made yet.