The Internet of Trains

With global passenger traffic expected to double by 2020, the railway industry worldwide faces pressure to improve the passenger experience. To passengers, that might mean improved on-time performance, more onboard amenities, and more timely information. For railway operators, however, the most important part of the experience is getting passengers safely to their destinations.

Legacy infrastructure, aging communication systems, and slow adoption of automation and protective technology pose enormous safety risks. The Internet of Things (IoT), or in this case, the “Internet of Trains,” holds the promise that rail systems can leapfrog these issues and modernize rapidly. The Internet of Trains refers to the use of networks of intelligent onboard devices connected to cloud-based applications to improve communication and control systems. The same network that strengthens safety can also deliver data that serves a variety of applications across the rail system to reduce costs and improve operations.

IoT has already begun taking shape. This document outlines the opportunities for rail operators to improve safety, manage system capacity, and reduce operating and maintenance costs through the more efficient use of infrastructure. And it outlines some initiatives by Wind River®, in collaboration with developers and their railway customers, to help make this vision a reality.