08.06.17
RSSB unveils ‘self-learning’ underframe inspection system
An innovating system that monitors the underside of trains for faults automatically has been designed using funding from the RSSB Railway Operator Challenge Competition.
The system, called Vehicle Underframe Examination System, or VUES, uses multi-spectral cameras installed at the track side.
With the help of vision algorithms that identify and recall the history of trains passing by, the technology generates data and trends on the rolling stock, like overheating components and changes in appearance.
Information about the faults can then be reported for maintenance teams to investigate and repair before the problems worsen.
VUES is also self-learning, meaning that it can provide focused anomaly identifications as further images and data are gathered.
“Continuous inspection and maintenance of trains can be costly and even with regular checks it is difficult to detect equipment which is faulty, beginning to fail or dislodged,” an RSSB spokesperson said.
“VUES can provide cost savings for train operators in terms of greater life-span of components and benefits include examinations carried out daily, better utilisation of existing stock and increased fleet service life.”
The manufacturer of the product, GOBOTIX, is looking to produce a low-cost demonstrator VUES system ready for market.
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