Reflections on InnoTrans 2024

As I look back on InnoTrans 2024, probably the world’s leading rail exhibition, the excitement that filled the event is still palpable, (as are no doubt the blisters on many peoples feet!). This gathering was not just a showcase of cutting-edge technology; it served as a vibrant melting pot of ideas, challenges, and solutions from across the globe. At Sensonic, we were particularly eager to engage with industry end users of infrastructure monitoring technology and explore the pressing issues that they faced managing national rail infrastructure assets.

Embracing Challenges and Solutions
One of the most rewarding aspects of InnoTrans was the opportunity to dive deep into the challenges that the rail industry encounter.

The three C’s—Cost, Capacity, and Climate were a constant theme in client discussions.

Cost

Cost remained a critical driver as it always has done for railways, with disruption costs remaining high on people’s priority lists. Trespass, theft, vandalism and even sabotage were all voiced as concerns in providing reliable rail services, and there was significant interest in our innovative security application which is designed to protect rail assets from both theft and damage.

Capacity

The capacity challenge, however, proved to be multifaceted with different visitors. For some, it was about adapting to new commuting habits, while for others, it was about optimising freight transport to meet national environmental targets.

A general summary spanning both would be “Get more from less!”.

As our technology is based on adding often no extra wayside equipment but delivering increased infrastructure information. I’d like to think we're “knowing more with less”.

Climate

The third C, climate, resonated strongly with all stakeholders. The increasing frequency of extreme weather events poses significant challenges to infrastructure resilience and network performance and that was proven just days before where significant flooding affected many European railways. If this subject is close to your heart then take a look at my extreme weather/climate change articles here.

Since the last InnoTrans, we have witnessed record-breaking weather events worldwide, often highlighting the vulnerabilities of our rail systems. In response, we showcased our landslide and rockfall alert applications, which offer rapid protection for entire rail routes with minimal or no extra lineside equipment. Many visitors stopped by our stand in Hall 27, to learn more about our solutions for weather-related challenges including a preview into some of our research work for the next generation climate challenge applications.

AI and Beyond

This year, there was a lot of hype and some robust conversations around Artificial Intelligence (AI). As the industry grapples with filtering hype from reality, Sensonic was proud to be at the forefront of AI and machine learning advancements. Our recent focus has been on enhancing detection algorithms to improve the classification of infrastructure events and threats. With each passing day, as we gather more real-life track data, our algorithms are evolved, leading to greater accuracy and performance.

Additionally, we have recently launched sensing hardware that incorporates on-device AI data processing capabilities. This means our customers can expect improved accuracy, fewer false alarms, and the ability to monitor a wider range of infrastructure conditions from a single device.

While our AI may not draft your emails, it certainly is helping to identify trespassers and landslides before they impact train operations.

The Power of Collaboration

InnoTrans also serves as a unique platform that united various disciplines within the rail industry. This cross discipline collaborative environment proved invaluable for us at Sensonic, as our sensing technology provides critical data across multiple specialties from the same equipment. By fostering cross-discipline discussions, we are hopefully unlocking innovations that maximise the potential use and value of our sensing systems, ensuring that railway budgets deliver the best possible outcomes for their stakeholders.

A Pearl of Wisdom for the Industry

As Global Railway Review were celebrating their 30th (pearl) anniversary at the event and were also interviewing one of our team for a video interview, I was asked to share a piece of advice from my experience in both the fiber optic sensing and the rail industry.

Adapt or Die!

The landscape of transport and mobility is rapidly evolving, becoming more electrified and increasingly reliant on and driven by data. If we fail to innovate, adapt and importantly adopt, we risk becoming extinct.

Life after InnoTrans

The 2024 Exhibition proved to be an exciting event filled with opportunities for learning, collaboration, and innovation. I left the exhibition exhausted, but also inspired and energised, looking forward to continuing the conversations we began with new contacts, helping solve real railway challenges and doing our bit to shape success of railway futures too.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us on our journey to Berlin. If you didn’t catch us there, all is not lost!  Contact our team with your challenge and we’ll try to help.

Our InnoTrans team ready on the first morning to talk track and innovate infrastructure information.