From afar, you may not notice a big difference between the railroad cars today and those that ran down the track a couple of decades ago. However, you can be assured that when you peel back the skin, there are massive differences that have occurred, specifically with respect to the on-board computer systems.
Whereas 20 years ago, there may not have been much in the way of on-board computing, it’s vastly different today. On-board computers in the rail industry can solve an array of problems and offer numerous benefits, while simultaneously reducing operating costs.
These computers are equipped with software and hardware that's specific to this industry and can perform functions that generally only appear in the rail space. That said, the brains behind them, the embedded computer, is a mainstream platform in most instances, albeit a high-performing model.
Some of the areas where the computers play a key role in rail applications include:
・Safety enhancements
・Speed regulation
・Maintenance and diagnostics
・Security
・Passenger comfort and experience
・Route optimization
・Communication and connectivity
・Environmental impact reduction
・Compliance and reporting
・Emergency response
Let's go through the impact of digitization on each of these areas. In terms of safety, on-board computers can use sensors and cameras to detect obstacles or other trains on the track and automatically apply brakes or take corrective actions to prevent collisions. Those same sensors can also detect defects or obstructions, providing early warnings for maintenance or repairs. Finally, the on-board computers can monitor speed limits and apply brakes when necessary to ensure that trains are operating within safe speed limits. Note that this can be monitored remotely as well.
To learn more about the Vecow AI Computing System, please visit the Vecow ECX-3200MX PEG product page for more details, or find more case study.
https://www.vecow.com/dispPageBox/vecow/VecowCP.aspx?ddsPageID=NEWS_EN&dbid=5739100159
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