Network Rail ARAMIS Trial: Scotland Track Defect Insights

Network Rail in Railway Scotland is trialing Thales’ ARAMIS system, using a Class 314 unit, to revolutionize track maintenance.

Network Rail ARAMIS Trial: Scotland Track Defect Insights
July 21, 2016 9:53 pm
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Introduction

In November 2021, Network Rail began a trial of a new system for detecting track defects, using a Class 314 electric multiple unit in the Railway Scotland area. The trial, conducted in partnership with Thales, aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of track maintenance.

Testing and Implementation

The trial involves the installation and use of Thales’ Autonomous Rail Maintenance Information System (ARAMIS) technology. ARAMIS is designed to identify potential track defects. The Class 314 unit, equipped with the ARAMIS system, will run on the railway network to collect data. The data collected will then be analyzed to assess the performance of the system. The project’s budget is £1 million.

ARAMIS System

The ARAMIS system utilizes various sensors and data analysis techniques. These include track geometry measurements, such as gauge and alignment, and the detection of rail surface defects. The system also monitors the condition of the track components, like sleepers and ballast. The data collected by ARAMIS is transmitted to a central processing unit for analysis. The analysis results are used to inform maintenance decisions, helping Network Rail to prioritize and schedule track repairs efficiently.

Trial Details and Outcomes

The trial began in November 2021 and is expected to run for six months, concluding in May 2022. During this period, the Class 314 unit will cover a significant portion of the Railway Scotland network, providing comprehensive data coverage. The primary goal of the trial is to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of the ARAMIS system in identifying track defects. It also aims to determine the potential for reducing track maintenance costs and improving overall network safety. The trial results will be used to inform future investment decisions in track maintenance technology.

You might be interested in:

Last March 2018, we published an article about Thales’ ARAMIS transforming rail operations. Click here to read – Thales ARAMIS: Norway’s Rail Tech Revolution

Conclusion

Network Rail’s trial of the ARAMIS system in the Railway Scotland area, which commenced in November 2021 and is projected to conclude in May 2022, aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the system in detecting track defects. The trial, which has a £1 million budget, involves a Class 314 unit equipped with ARAMIS technology. The findings are expected to inform future decisions on track maintenance technologies.

Company Summary

Network Rail: Network Rail is the owner and infrastructure manager of most of the railway network in Great Britain.

Thales: Thales is a global technology company providing solutions for the aerospace, defense, transportation, and security markets.

Technology

ARAMIS: Autonomous Rail Maintenance Information System (ARAMIS) is a technology designed to identify potential track defects using various sensors and data analysis.

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