InnoTrans 2018: Vossloh presents the future of the smart railway

Berlin/Werdohl, September 18, 2018. At the InnoTrans trade fair for rail technology in Berlin, which takes place every two years, Vossloh will present its wide-ranging portfolio as a technologically leading specialist and value partner for rail infrastructure. Under the motto “The Smart Rail Track by Vossloh”, the company is combining its products, services and solutions to present the future of the rail track in five theme worlds: “Digital Turnout Management”, “Smart Maintenance”, “Industrial Excellence & Innovations”, “Silent & Clean Environment” and “Continuous Track Controlling.” These theme worlds adress what are currently the most pressing questions in the optimized operation of rail infrastructure. Its focus will be on routes with maximum availability and connections that are more reliable, quieter and more cost-efficient than ever.

Vossloh will accomplish this with efficient information and communication technology, and also with the targeted application of sensors and IoT technologies. This presents new possibilities for rail operators, all of whom are geared toward maximum availability of the rail track. Innovative materials and designs play an essential role in this context. They provide the products with exceptionally high stability and durability, which are reflected in greater track availability and lower lifecycle costs. An especially notable example of this is the innovative synthetic tie with a new composite material called amalentic, that provides considerable ecological, technical and economic advantages compared to wooden ties. In addition, innovative materials and designs are used to sustainably reduce noise and vibrations. With regard to material efficiency and production process environmentally friendlier products throughout the entire value chain contribute to an optimized carbon footprint. By gradually equipping Vossloh’s rail profiling machines with modern sensor technology, important data for “Smart Maintenance,” the future of track maintenance control, will be gathered and made available, for example via apps to the user. A particular highlight is the self-developped compact Multipurpose Milling Machine (MPM), presented the first time to the public. A further building block on the path to “Smart Maintenance” is the foundation of the joint venture, just sealed today, Rhomberg Sersa Vossloh GmbH, specialized in the maintenance of switches and tracks, offering a wide range of services for the management of rail infrastructure. Drawing on the historically grown rail expertise, many innovative ideas and selected partners Vossloh is well-positioned to bring together the best of the analog and digital worlds for maximum customer added value.

This outstanding expertise will be expanded through a joint development in the field of monitoring of the condition of the rail infrastructure with Frauscher Sensortechnik GmbH. Through this close collaboration, a unique combination will be created, of Vossloh’s core competencies as a rail infrastructure and service expert on the one hand, and Frauscher’s as an innovation driver in intelligent sensors on the other. This innovative system solution has the goal of providing rail operators with highest track availability and smooth operations. The two companies will jointly present since today their first joint product, “Vossloh Continuous Track Controlling powered by Frauscher,” at InnoTrans: This is an application that enables continuous real-time monitoring of the entire line’s wheel-rail contact and, thus, an integrated maintenance management.

Outlook – market for rail infrastructure
Since 2006, the “World Rail Market Study” by UNIFE (an association of Europe’s rail supply companies) has been published every two years in conjunction with InnoTrans. On the one hand, the study looks back at the preceding years. On the other hand, it provides a look at the future development of the industry. According to the study published during InnoTrans 2018, the accessible market for rail infrastructure and infrastructure services grew compared with the two periods of 2013–2015 and 2015–2017 by an average of 2.5 % annually. The market in the segment of infrastructure services grew by 3.9 % while the infrastructure segment increased by 2.0 %.

Looking ahead, the experts predict in total stable growth in the market, which is relevant for Vossloh, rail infrastructure and infrastructure services. According to the current study, there will be an annual growth in these markets of around 2.8 % in average by the 2021–2023 forecast period.

09/18/2018

InnoTrans 2018: Vossloh presents the future of the smart railway