Alstom and Flox receive SEK 3.3 million from Vinnova to test AI technology to combat railway wildlife accidents
Alstom and Flox receive SEK 3.3 million from Vinnova to test AI technology to combat railway wildlife accidents
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Johanna Svedin
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The cutting-edge AI system onboard trains reduces accidents and protects wildlife through deterrent audio signals
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Field tests will be carried out on selected railway lines in Sweden during autumn 2024 and winter 2025
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The project is considered as part of the work towards achieving Sweden's and the EU's goals for sustainable and safe transport
1 October 2024 – Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, has together with Flox received SEK 3.3 million in funding from Vinnova to conduct field tests of a groundbreaking AI system that prevents collisions between trains and wildlife. Every year, Trafikverket reports around 5,000 animal collisions in Sweden, and by reducing both accidents and damage to train vehicles while protecting wildlife, the project has the potential to revolutionise railway safety.
"By combining our expertise in sustainable mobility with cutting-edge AI technology, we are taking an important step towards creating safer railways while protecting wildlife," says Maria Signal Martebo, CEO of Alstom Sweden.
"By combining our expertise in sustainable mobility with cutting-edge AI technology, we are taking an important step towards creating safer railways while protecting wildlife."
Flox, an innovator with expertise in AI and image analysis, has developed a system to identify and deter wild animals from reaching railway tracks. By using tailored sound signals for different animal species, a deterrent is created that prevents accidents before they happen. This technology has already been successfully tested and now the system will be validated in a railway environment in Sweden. The system knowledges wildlife and reacts in different scenarios in other areas such as airports, traffic intersections, mines, cities, and agriculture in both Europe and the United States
“Our train-based Flox technology is based on advanced AI and in-depth understanding of animal behaviour, making it possible to protect both train traffic and wildlife. Together with Alstom, we can now validate the solution in a railway environment and make a real difference to both safety and nature," says Sara Nozkova, CEO of Flox.
The combination of Alstom’s products and expertise in railway signaling solutions, and Flox’s unique software technology creates a powerful foundation for groundbreaking advances in railway safety. Building on this foundation, a field tests will be carried out on selected railway lines in Sweden during the autumn of 2024 and winter of 2025. The project is supported by Vinnova and has been selected because of its high potential for national and international dissemination.
Innovation station
Alstom's "Innovation Station" in Stockholm opened in 2023 and was established to develop technological advances and innovative solutions in the transport sector.
Innovation Station is a hub for partnerships with startups at the forefront of technology –the collaboration with Flox is a good example of collaboration that both contributes to the growth of local startups and contributes to the development of Alstom's offering.
"The grant from Vinnova confirms our work to drive innovation and development in rail and infrastructure. Thanks to this funding, we can deepen our involvement in the bright startup landscape in the Nordics." says Gael Chosson, Head of Alstom's Innovation Station in Stockholm.
Alstom is the largest supplier in the Swedish train market, with over a thousand trains delivered to the Swedish railways and several large maintenance contracts. Alstom is also leading the implementation of the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in Sweden, both on board the vehicles and along the tracks, and is also supplying the new national traffic management system for the Swedish Transport Administration.
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