Sensors and Connectivity Series

LiDAR is a sensing technology which uses laser pulses to map surfaces, locate objects and determine relative velocities. It has a range of applications for rail, including surveying, railhead inspection and potentially the development of autonomous trains.

Self-sensing infrastructure monitors and detect changes within itself using embedded sensors that relay the data to a computer. This information is collected in real-time and can be used for Structural Health Monitoring to streamline inspection and make maintenance more targeted.

Biometrics is the science and technology of analysing biological data. Biometric identifiers are distinctive, measurable characteristics that are unique to each individual, which fall under physiological traits or behavioural characteristics. Physiological traits would include facial recognition, whereas behavioural identifiers would be behaviours individual to a person such as hand writing or gait.

5G is the next generation of mobile networks, following on from the current 4G technology. It will use a combination of frequency spectrum bands: low-band 600-Megahertz (MHz) spectrum for reliable national coverage, mid-band 3.5 Gigahertz (GHz) spectrum for reliable capacity and consistency, and 28 GHz millimetre wave (mmWave) spectrum for high-performance cases, including hotspots. 5G New Radio (NR) is a new air interface for 5G.

Light Detecting and Ranging (LIDAR) is a remote sensing technology that records the time taken for laser pulses to strike an object and reflect back to the sensor. This is used to calculate distance between the sensor and object. LIDAR sensors obtain integral information from the environment and can measure the speed of moving objects by measuring timed changes in distances between different objects. The technology uses ultraviolet, visible or near infrared light to image objects targeting a wide range of materials in 3D vector space.

The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to physical devices that are connected to the internet, collecting and sharing data. Devices can range from simple sensors to wearables, home appliances and autonomous vehicles. The IoT enables communication between devices without human interaction and meaningful analytic results can be derived from the sharing of data.

Smart Containers is a technology which enables to monitor the status of perishable food and to improve cargo security.

Li-Fi (Light Fidelity) uses visible light to deliver high-speed wireless data communication. An LED light with signal-processing technology streams binary data embedded in its beam at high speeds to a photo detector or a solar panel. A receiver dongle converts minute changes in amplitude into an electrical signal, which is then converted back into a data stream and transmitted to a computer or mobile device. Li-Fi can provide low-cost wireless internet more securely in localised areas and has recorded speeds of up to 224 Gigabits per second.

Sensors are devices used for measuring characteristics of their environments. They detect and measure events or changes and can provide a corresponding output, generally as electrical or optical signals. Wireless Sensor Networks consist of sensors that are networked together to fulfil the required functions such as monitoring the environmental conditions of an asset or an area. Sensors are widely used in industrial contexts ranging from rail, aerospace, medicine, road transport etc.

Vehicle-to-Infrastructure (V2I) technology is based on wireless communication, encompassing exchange of safety and operational data between vehicles and infrastructure. Systems consist of a vehicle On-Board Unit (OBU) which provides communications for vehicles, a Roadside Unit (RSU) which interfaces with vehicles within their range and a communications channel. Information is then transmitted to the automobile.