With ever more passengers embarking on a daily train journey, digital technology is playing a crucial role in improving train service. Investment in the Internet of Things (IoT) is no longer an option. Smart technology, surveillance and remote wireless monitoring are vital for enhancing the efficiency, safety and management of operations across the rail network.

Transportation Computer System to Monitor Railway Tracks
A common cause of service delays and cancellations are problems with the track. Exposed to the elements, the flat bottom steel rails expand and contract in extremes of temperature. Buckled, cracked or damaged tracks need immediate maintenance which seriously impacts train services.

Track monitoring via sensors minimizes this risk. In providing data on rail temperatures and crack detection, monitoring technology provides a clear map of miles of track and supports early identification of potential issues. Such data enables rail operators to prioritize maintenance, minimize disruptions and prevent serious issues including derailments.

Channeling resources where they are most needed is beneficial in terms of efficiency and cost savings. It also supports compliance with regulatory requirements for safeguarding passengers. In short, digital monitoring supports safe and reliable transportation.

Monitoring rail data over time also provides a bigger picture of wear and tear patterns. This allows railway operators to accurately predict where component failure is likely, even before an issue is detected.
ARBOR’s wide-temperature embedded boards feature in track and trackside monitoring devices. Operational in temperatures spanning -40 to 85 degrees, with long term availability and coupled with ARBOR’s in-house conformal coating, our embedded boards are especially suited to the rail industry. Our COM Express, PC104 Modules and ETX Wide-Temperature embedded computing solutions are highly competitive and we can fulfil low or high volume orders.

Passenger Monitoring and Digital Signage Computer Systems
Packed platforms and a high demand for seats, makes it daunting to maneuver through a busy station and travel on a train. By tackling passenger flow, capacity issues and on-board safety, the IoT offers solutions.

Back in 2007, Netherland Railways first introduced public transport chipcards in place of tickets. Over time these were supported by the installation of surveillance and Wi-Fi technologies. Since 2013, passenger movement to and through the country’s busiest stations has been monitored. Anonymity has been maintained and the data has influenced station design and train timetables. The same approach is now being adopted across Europe.

Understanding patterns in the movement of passengers provides the opportunity to design and build features that better manage that flow. Actions include improvements to the allocation of resources and responsive digital signage that moves passengers to different areas of the station.

The data also highlights unusual passenger behavior, which can indicate a problem before it has been reported. This allows immediate action to be taken to minimize the impact.

In-Vehicle Computers
On-board CCTV also enhances the safety and security of passengers and railway employees. These in-vehicle computers support the prevention of incidents in addition to providing evidence. ARBOR’s embedded technology enables the installation of robust and reliable on-board surveillance systems. Our wide-temperature fanless transportation computers incorporate Intel® processors. They enable multiple CCTV devices to be controlled from a single point on the train, or wireless operation.

Embedded Transport System
Investment in digitalizing railway systems will ensure that the rail network can respond to growing demand and deliver safe, efficient and on-time passenger services. No one wants to see that their train has been delayed, not least the operators. With investment in an embedded transport system and a data-driven digital infrastructure, the risk should reduce, even as passenger numbers grow.

ARBOR Technology manufactures embedded solutions for digital signage, surveillance and monitoring. These include box PCs, touch screen PCs and embedded boards. Our railway computers are resistant to shock, vibration and extreme temperature variation. From ticketing and passenger flow, to track maintenance and safety, our fanless transportation computers are purpose-built to meet the specific demands of the transportation industry.