The Malmbanan runs between Luleå and Narvik and is one of Sweden’s most important railway lines. Large parts go through hard-to-reach and exposed terrain and are therefore difficult to investigate and to remedy if something happens. Now researchers at the Railway Technical Center at Luleå University of Technology want to use AI to bring the railway to the lab.
– There are three steps. The first step is to use smart cameras to measure the facility, Malmbanan. In step two, this is analyzed using advanced software, and in step three, 3D models are built and the Malmbanan is visualized, says Ramin Karim, professor of operation and maintenance technology.
Will save time and money
With the help of 3D models and the entire Malmbanan being continuously scanned by the camera-equipped trains, the idea is that the system should be able to detect any deviations. Something that will save time and money.
– We want to make it more automatic. Instead of going there physically and looking at the site, going back and getting materials and then going there again, you can shorten the time by going into the 3D model and checking how it looks. Then take the right equipment with you and go out and do everything at once, says Veronica Jägare, deputy operations manager of the Railway Technical Center
The University: Use us
Now the researchers and the Swedish Transport Administration meet – and from the university’s side the message is clear: Use us and the new technology.
– I hope we can agree to start a project where we look at how the research can contribute to the Swedish Transport Administration’s ongoing initiative, to solve the challenges that exist on the Malmbanan, says Veronica Jägare, deputy operational manager of the Railway Technical Centre.