Source: Knorr-Bremse announcement

MUNICH, Germany/RA’ANANA, Israel – Knorr-Bremse, the global market leader for braking and other systems for rail and commercial vehicles, and Israeli startup Rail Vision will equip multiple SBB Cargo shunting locomotives with Rail Vision’s Assisted Remote Shunting system for obstacle detection.

After prototype testing is successfully completed at the end of the first quarter of 2021, the partners will be looking into addressing additional business activities to adopt obstacle detection systems for cargo vehicles.

Based on electro-optic sensors, artificial intelligence and deep learning capabilities, Rail Vision’s systems are expected to make shunting processes of cargo vehicles more efficient. Detecting obstacles and interfacing with the Remote Control from Schweizer Electronic, the prototype system can enable a single person to control shunting from a remote location. Today, by contrast, shunting generally takes two people: a locomotive driver and a signaler, who notifies of any possible obstacles and the remaining distance to other vehicles to the driver via radio from outside.

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The innovation comes at a crucial time, as several operators are expecting staffing crunches in the medium term.

Rail Vision’s Shunting Yard System uses advanced electro-optic sensors combined with artificial intelligence and deep learning technologies to detect and classify obstacles on and along rail tracks, providing both drivers and remote operators with critical real-time alerts.

The system monitors switches and recognizes signals and paths up to 200 meters ahead. Once an obstacle is detected, the system analyzes and classifies it. When warning is needed, it sends both visual and acoustic alerts to the driver, and optionally also to the Command & Control Center.

Knorr-Bremse and Rail Vision have been partners in the realm of obstacle detection technology for rail vehicles since March 2019, when Knorr-Bremse acquired a 21.3 percent share in the Israeli startup. With its $10 million strategic investment, Knorr-Bremse took another step on its way to support innovative systems for automated driving in the railway sector.

The entire announcement can be viewed by clicking HERE.