Network Rail and Swiss railway company SBB will work together on issues including Artificial Intelligence (AI) under an agreement signed today (Tuesday 24 July).

The agreement is in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), and is part of Network Rail‘s International Research and Development partnership programme (IRDPP). Network Rail set up this programme recently, to develop and deliver technology to provide a safer and better network for passengers and freight. It will consider using AI technology for inspections of steel bridges and track, specifically switches and crosses, and for remotely monitoring the condition of light rail.

Network Rail is already using AI to locate scrap materials and is researching its potential use in locating and addressing low rail adhesion.

Network Rail and SBB will jointly fund projects developed as part of IRDPP, and will share responsibility for resources, testing capabilities, and best practices. This will begin with in-person and online workshops.

Robert Ampomah, Network Rail’s Chief Technology Officer said: “This partnership marks a major step for us as an organisation, partnering with the international rail community, to share experiences in operating a railway. Looking at what works and what doesn’t, will, help us shape and develop innovative technology that will go towards modernising the railway.

“There has always been a history of information sharing with rail colleagues nationally and internationally but signing the MoU today with SBB solidifies our commitment to work more closely together.”

Roland Mosner, SBB’s Head of Technology, said: “It has been fundamental to us as an organisation to continue to look forward in terms of sharing best practices and advances in applied research and development.

“By jointly improving our operational excellence we strive for the best returns for our passengers and customers. The signing of the MoU with Network Rail (NR) is one giant step in keeping the momentum moving in the right direction. We welcome the opportunity to collaboratively work with Network Rail and to share the positive outcomes this will bring.”