HS1 Ltd has confirmed it is going to revolutionise the railway industry by developing augmented reality to virtually replicate rail assets on HS1 by 2021.

The technology used will be able to monitor the performance of rail assets and will allow for quick repairs to faults, such as the lifts, escalators and travelators at London St Pancras and the signalling equipment on HS1.

Sensors will pick up any faults and will send fault reports to maintenance teams via a private 5G network.

The project will also help reduce CO2 emissions as there will be less time taken to complete repairs and will contribute to HS1 Ltd‘s environmental targets.

The project is funded by Innovate UK, in partnership with PAULEY Group Limited, Network Rail (High Speed) Limited, Athonet UK Limited & the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC).

Dyan Crowther, CEO of HS1 Ltd, said: “At HS1 Ltd we are always looking at ways in which we can improve the UK’s only high-speed rail system. Our innovative approach to technology means we are able to monitor and maintain our assets in a more efficient and sustainable way, leading to an improved customer experience.

“The system will not only create a more reliable rail network but will allow our expert teams to maintain social distancing guidelines when responding to jobs. Thanks to Innovate UK and our partners we are able to lead the way in revolutionising London’s railway stations post-Covid.”

Dr Ian Campbell, Innovate UK Executive Chair, said: “In these difficult times we have seen the best of British business innovation. The pandemic is not just a health emergency but one that impacts society and the economy.

 “The 5G Augmented Reality Digital Twin Project, along with every initiative Innovate UK has supported through this fund, is an important step forward in driving sustainable economic development. Each one is also helping to realise the ambitions of hard-working people.”

Philip Pauley, Managing Director of PAULEY Group Limited, said: “PAULEY are delighted to support HS1 in their Race to Zero commitment to become the first renewable-powered railway in the country by 2030.

“Following on from our hugely successful DfT/Innovate UK First of a Kind “simulated” AR Digital Twin Station project with HS2 last year, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) have again shown their support to demonstrate the value derived from immersive technology adoption across UK industry.

“Our collaboration with HS1, NRHS, AMRC and Athonet 5G will demonstrate how immersive technology has the power to drive operational efficiency and sustainability in line with the Industrial Strategy, UKRI and COP26 targets to help reduce whole life-cycle carbon (WLC) emissions.”

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