In the world of rail transport, safety and efficiency of transportation play a key role, this is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
The German company Heidelberg Materials, known for its innovative approaches, has taken an important step forward in this field by installing the world’s first real-time freight wagon monitoring system called iWagon.
Ukrzaliznytsia will shelter and transport patients from the ‘Okhmatdyt’ children’s hospital
This advanced technology was developed through the joint efforts of VTG Rail AG and Knorr-Bremse and will now be integrated into 32 wagons owned by Heidelberg Materials.
The iWagon system is a comprehensive solution aimed at ensuring the safety and reliability of wagon movements on railway tracks.
It includes several key components: four generators installed on the outer axles of the wagons, a wheel stabilization system (WFP), vibration and pressure sensors, a data transmission module, and a unit for processing data on the condition of major components.
The main advantage of iWagon lies in its ability to collect and transmit data on the condition of wagons to a cloud server in real-time.
This allows transport operators and train drivers to remotely monitor the condition of the rolling stock, quickly respond to any deviations, and prevent possible accidents.
A particularly valuable feature is the ability to synchronize data transmission via Bluetooth, which is especially useful when using more than four wagons in a train.
Additionally, VTG has developed a special application that instantly notifies the driver of current wheel and brake system malfunctions, significantly increasing the efficiency and safety of transportation.
The need for the development and implementation of such systems has become especially relevant against the backdrop of an increase in the number of freight train derailments in Europe over the past ten years.
In October 2023, VTG also announced plans to implement an automatic brake check system (PJM) for freight rolling stock, confirming the company’s commitment to enhancing the safety and reliability of rail transport.
Innovative transport technologies such as iWagon open up new opportunities for the industry’s development and make cargo transportation more reliable and efficient. Smart logistics and the Internet of Things (IoT) in transport play a key role in improving rolling stock monitoring and management.
Effective transport management and sustainable transport development are becoming a reality thanks to such innovations.
Future transport solutions and the safety of autonomous vehicles are also significantly improved by the implementation of systems like iWagon.
By introducing the iWagon system, Heidelberg Materials demonstrates its commitment to innovation and safety.
This initiative will not only improve the monitoring of wagon conditions but also become an important step towards safer and more efficient rail transport in Europe and beyond.
The implementation of iWagon technology by Heidelberg Materials is a significant breakthrough in the field of rail transport monitoring and safety.
The system, developed by VTG Rail AG and Knorr-Bremse, is a unique solution that will not only improve wagon condition monitoring but also enhance overall rail transport safety.
Rail business, industry, and railway technology news from Railway Supply that you might have missed:
Berlin Metro Modernizes: Siemens Mobility Implements CBTC System
Find the latest news of the railway industry in Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and the rest of the world on our page on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, read Railway Supply magazine online.
Place your ads on webportal and in Railway Supply magazine. Detailed information is in Railway Supply media kit