Network Rail has announced that the development of quantum navigation technologies for railways is progressing, as new systems designed to determine the position of trains with extreme precision are being integrated into the UK’s national rail network.
As part of this innovative program, a railway quantum inertial navigation system (RQINS) was tested for the first time in the world on a mainline railway. The system was installed on a Great Northern train, operated by Govia Thameslink Railway (GTR), on the route between central London and Welwyn Garden City. As a result, real-world data was provided to evaluate the performance of quantum positioning technologies under the operational conditions of a national rail network.
This progress builds on previous work by the Ministry of Defence and projects implemented on the Transport for London network, representing the next step in the development of quantum sensor technologies for use on mainline railways.
The development of quantum navigation technologies for railways is “part of our plan to modernize infrastructure and trains within Great British Railways by adopting world-leading technologies. “With these new capabilities, we prevent equipment failures, help increase the reliability of the rail network, and ensure continuity of travel for passengers,” said Rail Minister Lord Peter Hendy.
Quantum navigation technologies needed for the British rail network
The development program is being carried out by a specialized consortium, coordinated by MoniRail, in collaboration with Imperial College London, the University of Sussex, QinetiQ, PA Consulting, and the National Physical Laboratory, with support from Innovate UK and the Department for Science, Innovation, and Technology (DSIT).
The initiative is coordinated by GBRX, the strategic innovation and technology body of the British Railways, with the aim of accelerating the adoption of strategic technologies that improve passenger and freight rail transport.
“Quantum sensing is one of the UK Government’s top technology priorities. As one of the country’s most complex operational systems, the railways provide an ideal platform for developing and scaling these capabilities, both within the rail sector and beyond. “This program marks the beginning of the process of understanding how quantum positioning could fundamentally transform the operation of the railways,” said Toufic Machnouk, CEO of GBRX.
Quantum inertial navigation uses ultra-sensitive sensors capable of detecting minute variations in motion and rotation.
Unlike satellite-based navigation systems such as GPS, it does not rely on external signals, meaning it can provide highly reliable positioning even in environments where satellite signals are unavailable, such as tunnels, areas with dense infrastructure, or those affected by interference.
Quantum navigation technology for railways is being developed as a potential future alternative to fixed positioning infrastructure installed along the tracks, which is costly to install and maintain and vulnerable to environmental factors or technical failures. Once mature, the quantum solution will enable a cheaper, more reliable, and more resilient system.
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