Bringing advanced AI and IoT technologies to drive safer operations

The rail industry is no exception. Fueled by intelligence from AI-driven systems and applications, railway operations are becoming safer, smarter and more reliable, significantly enhancing passenger travel experience and freight logistics services.

These AI-driven applications only function with proper data input that is collected by massive numbers of IoT devices installed in stations, on trains, and along tracks. A successful implementation of such rail applications requires a seamless integration of AI and IoT technologies.

By leveraging more than 20 years of expertise in developing highly reliable and available embedded computing systems, ADLINK brings advanced AIoT solutions to rail transportation, enabling customers in developing a variety of applications that can deliver true value and performance.

Powered by an Intel Core i7 processor and integrated NVIDIA Quadro GPGPU module, ADLINK’s EN50155 certified PIS-5500 AIoT Platform is not only ruggedised for both wayside and onboard deployment with its wide range DC input and isolated I/O design, but also provides a suitable edge solution for real time video/graphic analysis applications that are vital to today's increasingly complex railroad operations.

The target applications include but are not limited to:

• Passenger information systems
• Railroad intrusion detection
• Train station surveillance
• Onboard video security
• Railroad hazard detection

ADLINK’s PIS-5500 is being tested and deployed commercially by leading rail system integrators worldwide. In one application, the intelligent platform is installed on special rail inspection trains to process captured images of key wayside equipment in real time.

With a sophisticated algorithm driven by parallel computing and deep learning, the application can effectively identify potential equipment faults at a train speed of 120km/h, and raise the alarm to notify maintenance crews. In another application, the PIS-5500 is used in a train station control office to analyse the real time video stream received from the platform. The application is able to not only detect suspicious behaviours and trigger alerts, but also conduct post-event analysis.

To meet varying application requirements, the PIS-5500 is also available in variants featuring an additional two USB 2.0 via M12 connectors and two 2.5" SATA 6Gb/s drive bays, as well as a version supporting +12VDC power input only.

“As a premier supplier to the rail market, ADLINK is committed to helping customers gain competitive advantages by allowing them to focus their development efforts on differentiating their end applications. We’re leveraging our industry-leading expertise in AI, IoT and edge computing to significantly expand our already extensive rail product portfolio with new products based on these disruptive technologies,” said Crystal Tseng, ADLINK Senior Product Manager.

“The addition of the PIS-5500 delivers an advanced AIoT solution that further strengthens our ability to serve our customers with products that provide superior reliability and versatility. For rail transportation, AI brings enormous opportunities to suppliers like us. We believe that AI can transform traditional rail operations by driving improvements including fast and convenient ticket-free check-in, accurate arrival-time predictions, personalised infotainment and onboard services, real-time track heath diagnostics, and rapid response in an emergency.”

ADLINK offers not only a field-proven, cost effective and extensive Commercial-Off-The-Shelf (COTS) portfolio enabling both wayside and onboard applications, but also a variety of fast time-to-market custom solutions with best-in-class ODM capabilities. ADLINK's long-held support of COTS technology and open standard systems enables flexible platforms that are modular, scalable and rugged enough for extended deployment in both brown- and green-field projects.

By leveraging its long-standing strategic partnerships with major hardware component and software vendors, ADLINK ensures best practices in product obsolescence and life cycle management to deliver supply longevity required by the industry.

In addition, ADLINK offers design services in every major geographic region, benefiting customers with increased responsiveness, short delivery lead-time and ease of doing business. ADLINK focuses on continued development to build an even more comprehensive and cost effective product portfolio to help customers effectively mitigate budget constraints while smoothly and seamlessly taking on technology migration and product integration.