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10 Jul 2023, by Kristen Gutierrez
As it enters and exits a Sydney station, every Waratah train silently gathers data and records video with more than 300 Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and nearly 90 cameras.
The Australian rail sector has always been at the fulcrum of progress in the nation’s infrastructure, serving as an essential conduit for both passenger transit and freight transportation. Hot on the heels of reshaping the railway industry is the rise of digital technologies, particularly artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation.
Digital transformation in the railway industry entails the adoption and integration of digital technologies into the core operations of rail transport. It encompasses various areas, including operations, maintenance, safety, and customer service. This could involve the use of advanced algorithms and AI to optimise train schedules and routes that leads to improved efficiency and punctuality, or the automation of inspections that streamlines communication for engineers. These tune and refine the processes that pose grim consequences in the face of human error.
Real-Time Assistance
AI was used to develop a predictive maintenance model with Metro Trains Melbourne. This enabled the prediction of equipment failures up to three days in advance, reducing unplanned downtime and improving operational efficiency. Sydney Trains had also began using AI in 2021 to analyse CCTV footage and detect potential safety hazards in real-time. This has aided in developing safety systems that can automatically control train movements to avoid collisions and derailments.
Digital transformation has also significantly enhanced the overall passenger experience through personalised services, real-time information, and seamless ticketing solutions. Significant savings on time and finances can be made in the 30-year functional span of train.
Cyberthreats and Other Challenges
While AI and digital transformation offer vast potential for the rail sector, they also present several challenges. These include technical difficulties, data privacy concerns, and the need for significant investments in infrastructure and training.
The technological overhaul has especially shone a light on the realm of cybersecurity. As rail operations become increasingly digitised, they also become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Cybersecurity issues in the rail transport sector can range from data breaches to the disruption of critical infrastructure. The interconnected nature of digital systems in rail transport means that a single breach can have far-reaching implications, affecting everything from ticketing systems to train control systems.
The potential for AI-specific cyber threats also increases. To mitigate these risks, rail companies need to secure everything from network design and intrusion detection systems to regular security audits and staff training. These must be addressed through partnerships with technology providers and continuous staff training. While government transport agencies already employ strict privacy management frameworks, breaches must be mitigated through stricter adherence to time-relevant data protection regulations.
The Path to Reliability and Authority
Navigating the intersection of AI and digital transformation in the rail sector is not without its challenges. However, these costly yet ground-breaking innovations keep track of the hundreds of carriages that train crews and passengers encounter every day as they travel across stations, train repair facilities, and stalling yards. With the right strategies and solutions, challenges can be overcome, unlocking vast potential for improved efficiency, safety, and customer service.
Having phased implementations of training that help workers grasp operational technicality from the nuts-and-bolts fundamentals to the opportunity-oriented scope of rail transformation dictates primacy. As the Australian rail sector continues to embrace AI and digital transformation, it must also prioritise cybersecurity to ensure a safe and secure digital transition. By doing so, it can gain further reliability and authority as a service for the people, driving the future of rail transport in Australia.
Further recommendation:
Informa Corporate Learning are leaders in training, knowledge, and performance improvement, servicing up to 30+ industry sectors. Our Rail Portfolio boasts one of the most well designed, robust training programs in Australia featuring CENELEC TS 50701 – Rail Cyber Security, Overview of ERTMS/ETCS, andFundamentals of Railway Human Factors & Error Management. See our list of Rail Courses. For more information, please email training@informa.com.au
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