By Thorsten Ulbricht (ERNI Switzerland)
In the ever-evolving tech landscape, the fundamental shifts brought by connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT) are reshaping our interactions with the world. Addressing the challenge of seamlessly integrating devices, systems and processes for an interconnected ecosystem is at the forefront.
Enabling connectivity: The synergy of sensors, cloud computing and AI As we navigate the 21st century, the relevance of connectivity and the Internet of Things in contemporary IT solutions cannot be overstated. The transformative power lies in the seamless convergence of sensor networks, cloud/edge computing and artificial intelligence. Devices now demand impeccable communication, real-time data exchange and intelligent decision making, all orchestrated by the harmonious interplay of these specific technologies.
Sensors embedded into everyday objects, ranging from household appliances to industrial machinery, act as sensory nerves, perpetually gathering and transmitting data to the central nervous system, the cloud. Here, cloud computing functions as the brain, processing extensive information and enabling sophisticated analyses once considered inconceivable. Complementing this synergy, artificial intelligence interprets these data streams, fostering autonomous decision making and continuous learning.
In contemplating the seamless integration of sensors, cloud computing and artificial intelligence as a comprehensive solution, a fundamental question emerges. What safeguards and assurances can be implemented to guarantee the safety and security of humanity in a landscape where these interconnected technologies play a pivotal role?
Use case: Train-based localisation
At first glance, train-based localisation may appear deceptively simple, conjuring images of trains gliding along predefined paths, reminiscent of advanced navigation systems. However, a closer look reveals the complexity behind this seemingly simple notion.
In today’s rail systems, trains rely on infrastructure-based methods for localisation. Precision sensors strategically placed along the tracks and vital infrastructure components transmit train passage data to a central control hub (without directly communicating with the trains). In traffic planning, trains are allocated to specific corridors. Once the train enters its designated corridor, the entire track section up to its endpoint is blocked for all other vehicles as a safety measure. However, this fixed safety protocol leads to bottlenecks, ultimately constraining the overall capacity of the infrastructure.
The idea behind train-based localisation is to boost the existing infrastructure’s capacity through a dynamic safety system, known as the ‘moving block’.
This involves tracking the train’s live position, direction and length in real time. To navigate the intricate challenges of railway innovation, the quest begins with precisely determining a train’s live position. While the standard practice often entails the use of a fully satellite-based navigation system, elements such as tunnels and reflective surfaces on steel bridges can lead to inaccuracies in location tracking using such navigation systems.
In addressing these specific challenges, the integration of additional sensors becomes a critical factor. Recent experiments have demonstrated the effectiveness of sensors in distance measurement, spatial orientation and surface image analysis of the rails, revealing promising data sources. However, the practical integration of a new device for measuring metrics onto a train presents considerable complexity.
While strides are made in advancing local communication within integrated systems, a significant challenge persists – the absence of a robust standard for a communication bus or modern protocols capable of leveraging this infrastructure effectively.
As part of the OCORA initiative, the railway sector strategically incorporates modern architecture and technology. OCORA, which stands for Open CCS (Command, Control and Signalling) On-board Reference Architecture, is a collaborative effort by the DB, SNCF, NS, ÖBB and SBB national railway companies. Launched in the summer of 2019, OCORA aims to define the architecture and interfaces for the next generation of on-board ETCS systems. These outlined specifications within OCORA serve as detailed requirements, acting as an intermediate approach for future solutions like onboard localisation.
In alignment with the OCORA initiative, the European Railway Agency (ERA) plays a pivotal role in shaping the regulatory landscape through continuous releases of Technical Specifications for Interoperability (TSI). These specifications set the standards for various subsystems, ensuring interoperability and connectivity across different railway networks within the European Union.
As technical and regulatory challenges are addressed, innovative solutions like train-based localisation are expected to play a pivotal role in expanding the capacity of existing infrastructure. Advancements in technology, including real-time updates on transportation and punctuality forecasts, are paving the way for a flexible selection of travel options such as trains, buses, e-scooters, rental bikes and more.
The future of connectivity is reserved for visionaries
Looking further into the future, the interplay of connectivity and the Internet of Things reveals a universe of unprecedented possibilities and transformative innovations that extend far beyond mere train-based localisation. The IoT is set to be intricately woven into the fabric of our daily lives, fostering efficiency, and sustainability, and bolstered by technological robustness, safety, and reliability.
The vision of smart cities seamlessly adapting to the needs of their inhabitants, optimising energy consumption, and enhancing public services through an interconnected network of devices appears more attainable than ever. Challenges to achieving such holistic solutions are shifting from mere availability to enhanced connectivity. As connectivity expands, safety-related solutions are also becoming more readily attainable.
The future of the IoT and connectivity belongs to the bold and the brave, those who push boundaries and embrace the possibilities. The future also will come through performant communication infrastructure and protocols. ERNI is committed to being at the forefront of this transformation, working with our partners to shape the connected future.
To explore how edge computing complements IoT by enabling faster, more efficient data processing at the source, read our article on the future of connected technologies. It offers further insights into how these innovations are driving smarter, more responsive systems across industries.