Live & Online, 11 - 13 November 2025, Frankfurt, Germany.
- Enhanced Predictive Maintenance: AI models, combined with robust data management systems, can proactively address maintenance needs, reducing unscheduled downtime and costs.
- Human-AI Collaboration: Maintenance strategies benefit from blending AI-driven diagnostics with human expertise to ensure safety and accuracy.
- Supply Chain Efficiencies: AI optimizes stock levels and purchasing decisions, ensuring the correct parts are available when needed without overstocking.
- Future Outlook: Philippe proposed a holistic approach considering AI readiness regarding data availability, quality, and evolving regulatory frameworks. He also highlighted the importance of continuous reassessment as technology and operational contexts evolve.
- Customization and Scalability: Tools like the Fleet Manager Rule Engine allow operators to define bespoke alerts and workflows tailored to their specific needs, demonstrating scalability across various fleets and geographies.
- Proactive Maintenance: By converting raw data into actionable insights, Railigent X reduces reactive maintenance, prevents failures, and ensures higher asset availability.
- Collaboration Across Ecosystems: The open-API approach fosters collaboration between operators, OEMs, and service providers, enhancing data sharing and integration.
- Efficiency Gains: The system’s ability to send immediate alerts to relevant stakeholders (e.g., maintenance teamsensures timely interventions, reducing both costs and service disruptions.
- Collaboration emerged as the linchpin for successful third-party maintenance. Mark emphasized fostering stability, trust, and creativity in these partnerships.
- Practical solutions included revising rigid contracts to focus on performance improvements rather than penalties, introducing alternative KPIs to encourage collaboration, and exposing third-party staff to frontline operations to build empathy.
- Mark also highlighted cases where partnerships worked exceptionally well, such as TOCs working as third-party maintainers, leveraging their operational insights for a more passenger-focused approach.
- Ultimately, the presentation underscored that effective third-party maintenance requires technical competence and a commitment to shared goals and relationship building.
- The presentation underscored the critical role of skills development and cybersecurity in successfully operationalising predictive maintenance.
- Ian stressed the need to develop a workforce capable of navigating a data-driven future, highlighting TfL’s emphasis on training for technical and analytical capabilities.
- He also provided a sobering perspective on cybersecurity, emphasizing the vulnerabilities of operational technology (OT) and the necessity of secure-by-design principles for critical systems.
- Practical solutions included structured data management frameworks and the adoption of predictive tools for specific use cases, such as braking and adhesion control.
- Ian’s presentation offered a compelling vision of predictive maintenance as a transformative approach, requiring a blend of technical innovation, human expertise, and strategic foresight.
- The key takeaway from Iain’s presentation was the emphasis on fostering a collaborative and data-driven approach to maintenance.
- By engaging frontline staff in updating maintenance procedures through MSG3 workshops and prioritizing their feedback, Northern Railway ensures practical and sustainable changes.
- Investments in training, including courses for team leaders and engineering production management, underline the company's commitment to empowering its workforce.
- Additionally, initiatives to improve workplace communication and create inclusive environments have strengthened team performance.
- This presentation demonstrated that engineering transformation is about technology and building a resilient and adaptable organizational culture.
- The key takeaways were centered on the transformative potential of AI-assisted inspection in railways. DTEC’s solutions offer modular, scalable systems that can be tailored to specific operational needs, enabling operators to prioritize safety without compromising efficiency.
- Practical solutions included the adoption of wayside dynamic inspection systems to streamline train maintenance and the integration of AI for automated failure detection.
- These technologies not only enhance safety and reduce costs but also free up human resources for higher-value tasks.
- Fiona’s presentation was particularly compelling for its blend of technical depth and practical relevance, leaving the audience with a clear understanding of how AI and machine vision can drive meaningful change
- The session left attendees with many practical insights and actionable strategies.
- Among the key takeaways was team cultural shiftaligning technical changes with cultural shifts within teams.
- Mathew’s emphasis on training, clear communication, and iterative feedback loops was particularly thought-provoking.
- The introduction of a two-bin inventory system to eliminate stock shortages and the digitization of inspection processes were not just operational improvements but steps toward empowering technicians and reducing human error.
- What was especially engaging was Mathew’s focus on collaboration—working closely with suppliers to refine diagnostic thresholds and incorporating feedback from trials into live operations.
- This presentation was a vivid reminder that modern maintenance isn’t just about machines; it’s about people, data, and processes working in harmony to achieve excellence.
- Mani and Edd outlined several key takeaways, including the value of in-service monitoring for proactive maintenance and more accurate degradation modeling.
- Practical solutions emphasized included the integration of IMUs into standard train operations to enable frequent and relevant track measurements without additional costs.
- By providing real-time data on rough rides, wheel wear, and track irregularities, these technologies empower operators to address maintenance needs promptly, remove speed restrictions, and enhance passenger experience.
- The presentation illustrated how combining advanced monitoring tools with collaborative research and industry engagement can lead to transformative changes in railway performance and safety.
- The presentation provided actionable insights into managing complex, data-intensive systems. Jos and Mariska highlighted the need for a dedicated OT organisation with roles defined for data management, integration, and analytics.
- Standardised data acquisition protocols, business-driven analytics teams, and close collaboration between technical and business units emerged as practical solutions.
- Security and ownership were also focal points, with the need to address data quality and cybersecurity explicitly outlined.
- The session concluded by reinforcing the value of involving all stakeholders—technical teams, operators, and decision-makers—to ensure data-driven insights translate into meaningful operational improvements.
- This holistic approach illustrated how performance management can drive the evolution of urban transit systems to meet future challenges.
- The presentation highlighted actionable solutions for addressing the rail industry’s workforce challenges.
- By offering a mix of formal training, mentoring, and short-term placements in areas like customer operations and finance, REGS prepares graduates for the multi-faceted demands of rail engineering.
- Practical innovations, such as the inclusion of depot tours and activity-based learning during the induction phase, help participants develop a tangible understanding of operational realities.
- Additionally, the program’s emphasis on continuous professional development (CPD) ensures graduates remain at the forefront of industry advancements.
- What stood out most was David’s ability to connect these initiatives to larger themes of sustainability, technological evolution, and the importance of diversity in shaping a resilient and forward-thinking workforce.
- This presentation served as a call to action for the rail industry to invest in its people as the cornerstone of future success.
- The presentation highlighted the transformative potential of robotics in rail maintenance. Key takeaways included:
- Efficiency Gains: Automated cleaning and waste collection reduce manual labor and associated costs while maintaining consistency in performance.
- Advanced Technology Integration: Deep learning algorithms and force-position control enable robots to adapt to complex environments and perform tasks with precision.
- Overcoming Challenges: Solutions were specifically designed to address space constraints and the variability of waste types in passenger carriages, showcasing practical engineering tailored to real-world conditions.
- Dr. Erden emphasized that these innovations could serve as scalable solutions for the rail industry, potentially extending to other maintenance areas such as graffiti removal and internal cleaning. By leveraging robotics, operators can ensure higher standards of cleanliness and safety while optimizing workforce deployment for more complex tasks.
- How Indian Rail successfully implemented CBM on semi-high speed rail and how they found solutions to implementation challenges relating to the workforce
- Success stories on transforming maintenance planning at TransPennine Express
- The view from a rolling stock leasing company on future life cycle cost optimisation models
- Extended Q&A discussion on how to scale up educational partnerships and rebrand rail to attract more engineers and be more inclusive
- Evaluating all of the key considerations for the future rail depot incorporating feedback from global rail operators
- Practical insights on navigating union related challenges when implementing new technologies, including automation and ,robotics in the depot
- Practical strategies for transforming maintenance culture especially engineers trained before the advent of digital technologies
- Roundtable discussion session on successfully implementing digital twins and integrating the data efficiently
- And much much more!