The Pulsar – Efficient monitoring of infrastructure activities using the latest sensor technologies and AI analyses
The Pulsar is an innovative, AI-supported wayside monitoring system and the smarter alternative to a conventional OCR gate. Based on a wide range of sensor technologies, the Pulsar is equipped with high-resolution cameras, powerful microphones and an RFID reader. Thanks to its compact housing, it can be easily installed next to the infrastructure.
By using 200 images per second, the Pulsar captures passing freight wagons, whose data is then analyzed using computer vision and AI processes. In addition to important process data such as UIC wagon numbers, wagon rows and external views, condition data such as brake blocks, wheelset damage, hazardous goods and graffiti are also recorded.
The Pulsar’s monitoring of incoming and outgoing trains optimizes operational processes, supports the tracking of damage incidents, monitors activities on the infrastructure and improves maintenance through continuous monitoring.
Customer groups and use cases
Harbors, terminals and industries
- Faster and more efficient management of incoming trains: Optimization of operational processes to save valuable time and resources.
- Avoid loading damaged wagons: Reduce duplication of operations through precise condition monitoring.
- Tracking of damage claims: Protection against liability claims against tenants and RUs.
- Reduction of downtimes: Increase in track availability.
Infrastructure
- Monitoring infrastructure activities: Tracking who is on the infrastructure.
- Ensure compliance with operating standards: Checking whether train lengths and speeds are being adhered to.
- Ensure protection of the infrastructure: Detect defective wagons on the infrastructure.
- Reduce downtime and support maintenance: Support maintenance through continuous monitoring and analysis.
The recorded data at a glance
Various process and condition data provide a comprehensive overview of individual wagons or the entire train. The process data includes the UIC wagon number, the wagon sequence and the external view. The condition data includes information such as brake blocks, wheelset damage, graffiti and dangerous goods.
The web-based portal: digital and processed provision of measurement data
- The Vossloh RailWatch portal visualizes the recorded data in various interfaces (fleet check, wagon check and train check) – depending on the desired view at train or wagon level
- The train check offers a clear presentation of the trains with direct display of the wagon sequence and high-resolution detailed views, as well as a downloadable tabular wagon list.
- The fleet check provides a tabular overview of all wagons in the fleet. In the wagon check, individual wagons can be viewed in detail, including historical measurements on condition development and damage history.
- The clear presentation of the data and the very simple operation make it easy to process the data in the internal processes.
Customized data can also be seamlessly integrated into existing systems thanks to the API interface. There is a choice between active query and passive data transmission.
Pulsar – The measurement technology explained
The Pulsar is an advanced, AI-driven wayside monitoring system based on a variety of sensor technologies. Equipped with high-resolution cameras, powerful microphones and an RFID reader, the Pulsar can be easily installed next to the infrastructure thanks to its compact housing.
The Pulsar can be set up and calibrated within one to two days, without the need for permits or work in or above the track. The Pulsar is installed at a maximum distance of 8 meters from the track and can detect trains at full speed at up to 200 km/h.
All that is required for operation is a standard 230 V / 6 A mains connection and an Internet connection. If a LAN connection is not possible, data can also be transmitted via LTE or 5G.
The Advantages:
- Quick set-up: Set up within 1-2 days.
- Simple installation: Only a standard power connection is required for operation.
- No approval required: No intervention in and above the track necessary.
- Data transmission: Data can be transmitted via internet connection, LTE or 5G.
Expansion options:
The Pulsar can be easily expanded with additional sensors - for example, with a thermal camera to detect thermal anomalies on the wheel or a camera tower for monitoring from above.
