Hitachi, HID: Automated Freight, Smart Ticketing Advancements in Europe

Automated Freight Futures: Hitachi Rail and HID Make Moves in European Rail Transport

In a landscape shifting towards automation and efficiency, two significant developments are reshaping the European rail industry. Hitachi Rail is advancing automated freight transport technology, while HID, a leader in trusted identity solutions, expands its smart ticketing portfolio. This article will delve into these advancements, examining their potential to revolutionize freight movement and passenger services within the European Union and beyond. This is an essential examination of how the railway industry is evolving and why it matters.

Hitachi Rail’s Automated Freight Initiative

Hitachi Rail is spearheading the development of an automated and connected freight-rail system. The company has equipped a DB Cargo locomotive with onboard Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Operation (RTO) technology. This initiative, announced in a press release, aims to test automated driving functions in real-world conditions, with trials scheduled to commence in October 2024. The location for these trials is the Dutch Betuweroute, a crucial freight corridor in Europe. The “why” behind this venture is rooted in European transportation policy, which emphasizes the need to shift more freight from road to rail, improving sustainability and reducing congestion.

Technological Advancements: ATO and RTO

ATO, or Automatic Train Operation, allows the train to regulate its speed and stop at stations automatically. RTO, or Remote Train Operation, is a step further, allowing the train to be controlled remotely by an operator, potentially increasing efficiency and safety. The implementation of these technologies requires sophisticated onboard systems and robust communication networks to ensure reliable performance under varying operational conditions. The goal is to develop a production-ready and marketable solution for automated freight transport. The use of these advancements in a real-world situation is designed to solve several challenges for freight transit.

The Betuweroute: A Testing Ground for Innovation

The Betuweroute is a critical artery for freight transport within Europe, making it an ideal location for Hitachi Rail’s trials. This route offers a representative environment with various operational challenges, including varying terrain, signal systems, and traffic density. This allows for comprehensive testing of ATO and RTO systems. The success of these trials has the potential to lead to a major shift in how goods are transported across Europe. Further investment and expansion of the Betuweroute will continue to facilitate the railway initiatives taking place in the area.

HID’s Strategic Acquisition in Smart Ticketing

HID, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand and a worldwide leader in identity solutions, has agreed to acquire Calmell Group. Calmell Group, based in Spain, is a manufacturer of smart cards, smart paper tickets, and magnetic tickets, primarily used in public transportation. The acquisition, announced in an HID press release, is designed to expand HID’s smart ticketing portfolio. This provides a stronger geographic foothold in the public transportation sector, particularly in Spain, the European Union, Northern Africa, and Latin America. The financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Enhancing Passenger Experience: Smart Ticketing’s Role

The acquisition of Calmell Group directly enhances HID’s capacity to offer comprehensive smart ticketing solutions. Modern smart ticketing, which relies on technologies such as RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) and NFC (Near Field Communication), provides commuters with convenient, secure, and efficient access to public transport services. By expanding its portfolio, HID can better serve transit agencies, ultimately improving the passenger experience and streamlining operations.

Company Summaries

Hitachi Rail: Hitachi Rail is a global provider of rail solutions, including rolling stock, signaling systems, and services. It is dedicated to improving railway efficiency and sustainability through innovative technologies.

HID: HID is a global leader in trusted identity solutions. It offers a range of physical and digital identity solutions, including smart cards, readers, and access control systems.

Conclusion

These simultaneous advancements signify a pivotal moment for the European rail industry. Hitachi Rail’s initiative to automate freight transport has the potential to increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, and align with EU goals to reduce carbon emissions by shifting freight to rail. Concurrently, HID’s strategic acquisition of Calmell Group strengthens its position in the smart ticketing market. This supports the modernization of public transport infrastructure and enhances passenger convenience and security.

The industry implications of these developments are significant. The success of Hitachi Rail’s trials will pave the way for wider adoption of automated freight systems, potentially reshaping logistics networks across Europe. HID’s expanded ticketing capabilities will provide an opportunity to support the increasingly sophisticated demands of public transportation systems. The future outlook suggests an increasingly connected and automated railway network in Europe, with advanced technologies playing a crucial role in freight logistics and passenger experience. This demonstrates the evolution of the European railway as a key focus for economic and environmental benefit.