Rail Vision secures deal with US-based client, starts talks on expanding cooperation to ATO
Israeli Rail technology company Rail Vision will deliver a Rail Vision Switch Yard System to a US-based rail and leasing services company, which will trial the system for a six-month period. The system is designed to enhance the safety of shunting operations.
The Switch Yard System includes vision sensors that can automatically detect objects within a range of up to 200 metres. Thanks to artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies, the system can automatically classify the objects, also in poor weather or light conditions. It will also help in the monitoring of so-called operational dead zones, and help secure wagon coupling. The system offers remote operators and drivers acoustic and visual signals in real time. Lastly, the Switch Yard System also includes what Rail Vision calls Pathfinder technology, which detects the switch state.
“Our Switch Yard System outperformed during initial technical testing conducted by this customer, prompting their team to travel to Israel to witness a live demo of the system in use with Israel Railways,” commented Rail Vision CEO Shahar Hania. Israel Railways in February agreed to take delivery of 10 Rail Vision Main Line Systems, an artificial intelligence-based technology for the detection and identification of objects and obstacles in the railway environment. The contract included related services and carried a value of 1.4 million dollar.
The most recent purchase by the US-based customer is valued at 140.000 dollar and also includes support services. According to Hania, the upcoming trial period of the Switch Yard System might prove a stepping stone to a deeper, more expansive cooperation. “In addition to implementing our Switch Yard System trial, we have also begun discussions with this customer about the potential implementation of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) management software”, he said.
The Rail Vision Switch Yard System is currently in use with SBB Cargo in Switzerland.
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