Exploring Robotics Opportunities in the Rail Industry with LNER
LNER’s Innovation Team recently visited the Institute for Safe Autonomy (ISA) at the University of York in order to explore opportunities for robotics and autonomous systems within the rail industry.
The visit included a tour of ISA's cutting-edge robotics labs and testing facilities, including the 325 square metre Test Space and the 18,000-litre underwater test tank. The tour highlighted ISA's extensive capabilities in robotics research and development, showcasing how their state-of-the-art facilities can support the safe and effective implementation of new technologies in various applications.
Professor Miles Elsden, Director of ISA, said:
"We were delighted to host the LNER Innovation Team and explore the exciting possibilities of applying our research in the rail sector. This aligns perfectly with our mission to advance safe and effective autonomy across various industries."
The visit was a first step of a potentially strong partnership between LNER and ISA, aimed at driving forward technological advancements in rail. LNER's leadership of the Future Labs initiative, a program dedicated to fostering innovation across the rail industry, aims to leverage horizontal innovation, learning from best practices and technological advancements in other sectors.
Ross Welham, Lead Digital Research & Innovation Manager at LNER, commented on the visit:
"Our collaboration with ISA is a significant step towards integrating cutting-edge robotics and autonomous systems into the rail industry. The insights gained from this visit will help us drive innovation and enhance the passenger experience on our network."
For more information about the Institute for Safe Autonomy and its initiatives, please visit the ISA website.
For more details on the Future Labs initiative, visit Future Labs.
Contact Information:
- Institute for Safe Autonomy: John Frankland, Senior Business Development Manager
- LNER: Ross Welham, Lead Digital and Innovation Research Manager