Showcase List

ÖBB – Connected Transport

Rail is the safest form of land transport. The already high level of safety is achieved by modern train protection and control systems which allow permanent surveillance and automatization of operational actions.

High accuracy positioning of rolling-stock and algorithm for capacity optimization on the network are the keys for automatic train operation. Together with smart assets which ensure condition based monitoring and maintenance high productivity, availability and reliability is guaranteed.

Train Checkpoints: ÖBB-Infrastruktur scans trains

Train checkpoints are fixed technical installations on the track. Different sensors are measuring the conditions (loading, driving stability, etc.) of all trains running on the certain track. All checkpoints connect to a central monitoring system for the smart data analysis. The roll out of about fourty train checkpoints has started in 2017 and is one of the largest of all rail network operators in Europe.

Research Project ‘Greenlight’: high accuracy GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) positioning of trains

Based on corrections of the ÖBB-Infrastruktur-owned GNSS reference station network, the position of trains can be tracked with an accuracy of approximately 0.5 m. The implemented solution offers a broad field of use-cases, e.g. better planning of maintenance work of the rolling stock based on the exact number of the distance driven, enhancement of the information systems on train stations for our customers, positive effects on the energy demand with regard to train operation and disposition.

ÖBB – Green Mobility

The rail sector can play a key role in reducing CO2  emissions from transport and be part of the climate solution.  In order to reach this target, a whole bundle of decarbonization measures are needed.  ÖBB, with its Environmental Portfolio, has been contributing with an array of measures to reduce their carbon footprint and helping to pave the way to a carbon-neutral economy.

The advancement of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies has been the focus of ÖBB for many years now. Almost 92% of traction energy in the ÖBB network originated from renewable energy sources, mainly hydropower, produced by ÖBB owned hydroelectric power plants. Other measures include operational efficiency gains through ECO Driving as well as H2-zero mobility R&D projects such as Hybrid locomotives.

eHybrid

Two eHybrid locomotives were retrofitted by upgrading conventional locomotives and are intended for shunting applications on not electrified lines. One has been equipped with a high-capacity power unit and the other one has been turned into a hybrid on which a range of batteries can be extended by fuel cells.

Bulk transport of hydrogen

Rail Cargo Group has carried out a feasibility study on bulk transport of hydrogen to find new market opportunities in the age of decarbonisation, finding out that H2 cannot only be transported by pipelines and trucks, but also on rail, even as non hazardeous goods.

ÖBB – Smart Travelling

„Wegfinder”, currently focussed within the Austrian market is iMobility’s first mobile platform. It not only provides users with the best multi-/intermodal routes but also enables them to purchase tickets via a chatbot within the app. This allows them to effortlessly combine public transport, car/bike-sharing, taxi, uber, car, bike, travel busses, etc.

iMobility GmbH is a corporate startup and part of the ÖBB Holding group and offers intermodal applications for B2B customers as white labelled solutions. It is part of an up-and-coming range of solutions that are helping to create a sustainable environment, where efficient and affordable transport unlocks effortless mobility for everyone. To achieve this we are developing and marketing a new generation of mobility solutions, including Wegfinder, which combines available modes of transport and employs a chatbot to provide an innovative, easy and entertaining way to purchase tickets.

ÖBB – ÖBB Open Innovation

Through the Innovation Platform, Lab and Factory, we involve internal and external viewpoints in the development of new products and services to gather opinions and ideas and create them together.

The Open Innovation Challenge “Find your seat” started with an ideation process where everybody could submit ideas and solutions. One service that emerged from further prototyping workshops with users was a wagon-based capacity tool. This service shows travelers easily where to enter the train best and find a free seat.

ÖBB – Digital Innovation at ÖBB

Augmented Reality

Augmented reality devices like Google Glass and Microsoft HoloLens mix digital information with reality. Exclusive devices and selected first visions on apps are tested within ÖBB and may become reality in the areas of blended-learning, maintenance-support, technical acceptance & simulation, as well as remote-assistance and facility management.

Detection of emotions and psychological stress

The human face human gives an unconscious indication about the emotional condition and the psychological stress a person is exposed to. Based on the activity of different muscles in the facial area the relative share of the six base emotions can be detected and used for an evaluation.

A sensor is used to capture the facial expression in a non-intrusive way.

The stress detected with this method is emotional stress (as for example happiness is also causing stress) and needs to be associated with health parameters (e.g. EKG, BVP) that are usually captured with Healthbands. Knowledge about the condition and development can help to get insights about immediate and delayed impacts of the emotional state of the drivers and derive Insights for following initiatives and activities.