Hitachi Rail Unveils Comprehensive AI-Driven Solutions Suite

The newly introduced “HMAX” (Hyper Mobility Asset Expert) portfolio encompasses a range of “digital asset management solutions” designed to revolutionize the entire rail sector, from rolling stock and signaling systems to physical infrastructure. These innovative products are underpinned by NVIDIA’s state-of-the-art IGX artificial intelligence platform.

Building upon Hitachi Rail’s existing remote asset assessment and improvement technologies, the HMAX platform represents a significant advancement in the field. According to company representatives, “HMAX marks a quantum leap forward by integrating real-time data acquisition with sophisticated AI technology, dramatically enhancing the speed, accessibility, and depth of analytical capabilities.”

Characterized as an “edge to cloud” ecosystem, the HMAX system offers Hitachi Rail’s clientele remote access to comprehensive insights across their rail networks via a unified online interface.

NVIDIA’s contribution includes their XGX program and Holoscan “sensor processing platform,” enabling on-site operational engineers to leverage insights in real-time. This technological breakthrough facilitates data processing and analysis directly onboard trains or within signaling centers, eliminating the need for data transmission to remote operations hubs. Consequently, this innovation significantly reduces both time and financial expenditures associated with engineering analysis.

The collaborative team emphasized, “This development represents an unprecedented acceleration in delivering actionable insights to transport operators. Previously, data processing at maintenance facilities could require up to ten days to complete.”
Yogesh Agrawal, NVIDIA’s Vice President of Data Center Business, commented on the partnership: “The railway sector is at the vanguard of the latest paradigm shift towards AI-driven digital transformation. Hitachi Rail’s HMAX solution, powered by NVIDIA IGX and Holoscan, will provide the essential real-time computing capabilities required to enhance the manageability, safety, and availability of rail systems, meeting the evolving needs of both operators and modern travelers.”

Giuseppe Marino, CEO of Hitachi Rail, added his perspective: “At Hitachi Rail, we firmly believe in the immediate and high-impact applications of AI to optimize railway operations. Our AI-enabled digital asset management solution is designed to enhance our customers’ rail services and elevate overall railway performance. We are thrilled about our collaboration with NVIDIA, which synergizes the power of AI with Hitachi Rail’s advanced technologies to deliver superior outcomes for railway operators.”