Project description
On track for a new railway system
Railways represent one of the most important parts of the transportation system due to their reliable and cost-efficient performance and low environmental impact. However, existing railway infrastructure relies on 1950s technology and on systems that have high maintenance and operation costs and do not allow the detection of foreign objects on rails or damage due to extreme weather conditions. An innovative solution has been developed by Spanish company NGRT using vibration detection to identify anomalies on tracks. The EU-funded SAFETRACK project proposes the development of new applications based on this solution, capable of identifying derailments and foreign obstacles on rails and informing train drivers sufficiently in advance. The new technology will be prepared for the market, offering reduced costs and increased safety in railway transport.
Objective
Railway will remain in the foreseeable future one of the most vital parts of our transportation systems. It is reliable, cost efficient, have little environment impact and is relatively safe. Railway operators worldwide introduce new generations of trains improving travelling conditions and comfort for their passengers. Far lower attention is given, however, to forgotten and even more important component of the entire system - the railway infrastructure and its track conditions resulting in incidents such as derailments causing human and materials losses. Unfortunately, current railway infrastructure is generally based on technology and solutions dating from the early 1950’s, extremely costly and requiring runs of expensive electrical cabling along tracks for several kilometres that are vulnerable to theft and vandalism. Railway infrastructure managers lack effective and multifunctional solutions that can detect broken rails, foreign objects on rails, floods, potentially leading to derailments. Furthermore, as of 2020, still more than 1 million unprotected rail crossings exist today globally posing a risk of collision for other vehicles and pedestrians. At NGRT, we have developed a solution which uses innovative method utilizing vibration detection to detect and identify anomalies on tracks. Our solution underwent field trials in Germany, Slovakia and UK demonstrating the use of vibrations analysis to detect incoming trains from the distance reaching 5 km. Based on the core technology, we are now developing an array of new applications capable of detecting derailments, obstacles on rails such as rocks, boulders, and slides, able to notify train drivers with sufficient advance time at a fraction of installation and maintenance costs of existing solutions. We will be using the EIC Accelerator to improve and mature our solution enriching it with several features highly awaited by our potential clients worldwide addressing the market worth over EUR 117 billion p.a.
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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H2020-EU.3. - PRIORITY 'Societal challenges
MAIN PROGRAMME
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H2020-EU.2.3. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Innovation In SMEs
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H2020-EU.2.1. - INDUSTRIAL LEADERSHIP - Leadership in enabling and industrial technologies
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Topic(s)
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
SME-2 - SME instrument phase 2
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) H2020-EIC-SMEInst-2018-2020
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
29601 Marbella Malaga
Spain
The organization defined itself as SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) at the time the Grant Agreement was signed.
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.