At the NVIDIA GTC conference, Hitachi Rail presented its vision for using artificial intelligence and edge computing to optimize railway operations, from train operations to predictive maintenance and energy consumption reduction.
During a panel discussion on industrial autonomy, Mariella Guerricchio, Chief Technology & Innovation Officer at Hitachi Rail, stated that AI-based technologies can help optimize the entire railway ecosystem at a time when networks must meet an ever-increasing demand for public transportation.
AI for operations, maintenance, and energy consumption
The company highlighted its digital suite HMAX for Rail, which integrates and harmonizes data from trains, signaling systems, and infrastructure.
According to Hitachi Rail, this data is collected via proprietary sensors, operator systems, and digital twins and can be used for a range of operational applications, including: The company noted that for these processes, it also utilizes computing power provided by platforms such as NVIDIA IGX Thor, alongside other AI solutions.
- automating certain functions on board trains, such as doors or HVAC systems;
- reducing energy consumption;
- predictive maintenance;
- improving the performance of the entire railway system.
Old networks, new requirements
Hitachi Rail emphasized that the large-scale introduction of AI in the railway sector is not without challenges.
According to the company, many rail networks are between 50 and 100 years old, which makes it difficult to integrate modern digital technologies and ensure interoperability.
Furthermore, the use of artificial intelligence in a safety-critical system requires very careful assessments and compliance with the regulatory framework.
Industrial autonomy in the railway sector
The overall message of the presentation was that industrial autonomy in the railway sector does not just mean driverless trains, but also the system’s ability to analyze data, anticipate failures, and optimize the operation of infrastructure and rolling stock in real time.
According to Hitachi Rail, these solutions could help operators increase service capacity and better meet growing demand without compromising safety and compliance.
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