Adopting the NVIDIA IGX platform enables Hitachi Rail to reduce maintenance costs and improve the reliability of rail transportation in more than 50 countries.
Hitachi Rail, the global transportation company present in more than 50 countries, is implementing the NVIDIA artificial intelligence technology to improve its railway operations.
By integrating the platform NVIDIA IGX In its HMAX system, the company optimizes real-time analysis of data collected by sensors and cameras, allowing problems in infrastructure and trains to be identified before they become costly failures.
NVIDIA IGX in Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail has taken a step forward in the digitalization of rail transport by incorporating NVIDIA’s advanced technology into its analysis platform.
The company has implemented NVIDIA IGX, an enterprise-grade industrial computing solution designed for edge computing, which allows the company to perform real-time data analysis and improve the efficiency of its operations.
The integration of NVIDIA IGX into Hitachi Rail’s HMAX platform transforms the way the company manages the maintenance and operation of its trains and infrastructure. This system processes data from sensors and cameras in real time, eliminating the lag that previously existed between data collection and analysis.
This capability allows Hitachi Rail to quickly detect track areas in need of repair, monitor power line degradation, and assess the status of trains and signaling equipment more accurately.
NVIDIA IGX technology delivers high-capacity sensor processing and powerful artificial intelligence (AI) infrastructure that improves safety, reduces operating costs, and reduces maintenance times.
According to Koji Agatsuma, CEO and chief technology officer of rail vehicles at Hitachi Rail, the previous system required several days to process data and detect problems. However, by using real-time predictions powered by NVIDIA, the company can now avoid service disruptions, significantly improving the safety and reliability of rail operations.
Impact of Implementation on Costs and Maintenance
The implementation of the HMAX platform with NVIDIA IGX technology translates into significant economic benefits for railway operators. According to Hitachi Rail estimates, AI-based proactive maintenance costs up to seven times less than emergency repairs performed following an unforeseen infrastructure failure.
Additionally, existing monitoring systems have already reduced service delays by up to 20% and maintenance costs by up to 15%. The company expects the adoption of NVIDIA IGX and use of the NVIDIA Holoscan platform for sensor processing to further increase these savings.
Cost reduction is not just limited to repairs. Thanks to real-time analysis of train and infrastructure conditions, Hitachi Rail has managed to reduce fuel consumption in train depots by up to 40%, a significant improvement that also translates into a lower carbon footprint and a reduced environmental impact.
Use Cases and International Expansion
Currently, the HMAX platform is operational in more than 8,000 train cars distributed across 2,000 trains, collecting and processing data in real time. The company is developing new AI-accelerated applications in collaboration with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise platform, which offers tools, pre-trained models and application frameworks to streamline the development and deployment of enterprise-grade AI solutions.
These applications will be available globally, allowing Hitachi Rail’s international customers to use large volumes of data transmitted by sensors on board trains or existing systems, as well as integrate third-party software they are already using.
In the United Kingdom, for example, each Hitachi Rail train is equipped with sensors that report almost 50,000 data points every fifth of a second. The AI ​​infrastructure that can handle this flow of data provides real-time alerts to operators, allowing them to perform timely maintenance and avoid unforeseen failures that could cause major service disruptions.
Beyond Trains: Infrastructure Monitoring
NVIDIA technology is not only used to monitor the status of trains, but also to monitor railway infrastructure. By installing cameras on top of trains, Hitachi Rail can inspect power lines and detect deteriorating cables.
Traditionally, processing one day of video captured by these cameras required up to 10 days of manual analysis. However, with NVIDIA accelerated sensor processing, this analysis is performed in real time at the edge, sending only the relevant information to operational control centers for immediate evaluation and action.
This type of innovation not only prevents service interruptions, but also improves the overall safety of railway operation, providing a safer working environment for operators and a more reliable system for passengers.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Hitachi Rail and NVIDIA marks an important moment in the use of advanced technology to optimize rail operations globally. With the implementation of the NVIDIA IGX platform, Hitachi Rail not only improves maintenance efficiency and safety, but also reduces environmental impact and improves the travel experience for millions of passengers around the world. As the use of these technologies expands, the railway sector is likely to undergo a significant transformation in terms of reliability, costs and sustainability.
Source: geeksroom.com
