Alstom and Flox Test AI-Powered Wildlife Detection System to Prevent Train-Animal Collisions in Sweden

Alstom, a leading rail manufacturer, and Flox, a technology company, are collaborating to trial an innovative AI wildlife detection system on Sweden’s railway network. This initiative aims to reduce collisions between trains and animals, a significant issue in the country. The project has received a Skr3.3 million ($321,000) grant from Sweden’s innovation agency, Vinnova, and will undergo field tests in late 2024 and early 2025 to validate its effectiveness.

Flox CEO Sara Nozkova explained that their technology combines advanced AI with a deep understanding of animal behavior to protect both train traffic and wildlife. She emphasized the importance of partnering with Alstom to test the system in a real-world railway environment, highlighting its potential to enhance safety and preserve nature. The system uses AI to detect animals on or near the tracks and employs tailored sound signals to deter them from approaching trains.

The collaboration addresses a pressing concern in Sweden, where the Swedish Transport Administration (Trafikverket) reports approximately 5,000 animal collisions annually. This project is part of a broader trend in the rail industry, where AI is increasingly being used to detect and mitigate hazards. For instance, Network Rail in the UK has implemented CrossTech’s real-time AI track inspection software, demonstrating the global potential of such technologies.