10144935SMOOTH - Smart Monitoring of Onboard condition and Optimisation for Traveller HarmonyClosedSmall Business Research InitiativeInnovate UK**Selected Theme and Rationale:** IVY-TECH is applying for the "International Rail Innovation Challenges" competition, focusing on Strategic Theme 21: "Rail Passenger Comfort Measurement and Analysis in Passenger Trains." With extensive expertise in process optimisation and high-value asset monitoring, using advanced analytics and cutting-edge digital technologies, IVY-TECH is well-positioned to address this challenge. Our ability to measure and analyse key parameters i.e. vibration, sounds, directly impacts passenger comfort, making our capabilities highly transferable to the rail sector. Moreover, our commitment to supporting net-zero emissions aligns with this initiative. We actively encourage customers to reduce their carbon footprint and provide tools that measure and analyse emissions. **Meeting the Challenge:** IVY-TECH's solution, **Project SMOOTH** (Smart Monitoring of Onboard condition and Optimisation for Traveller Harmony), proposes a retrofittable, wireless system designed to measure and analyse vibrations, dynamic behaviour and noise in trains. This system will leverage IVY-TECH's cloud architecture for seamless data collection, advanced analytics and real-time insights. It will monitor key passenger comfort metrics, proactively identifying and addressing potential discomfort sources. By drawing on our expertise in high-value asset monitoring, Project SMOOTH will enhance passenger comfort, providing a smoother, more enjoyable travel experience through innovative technology. **Proposed Technology and Innovation:** Project SMOOTH's core technology is IVY-TECH's **ORiV(r)** platform, a retrofittable, wireless system that collects key passenger comfort data, such as noise, vibration, temperature and air quality. Each train carriage will be equipped with ORiV(r) monitoring units, transmitting data to a central hub, which relays it to IVY-TECH's cloud infrastructure for real-time analysis. This system allows for historical comparisons, predictive insights and proactive management of passenger comfort. IVY-TECH's **ORiV(r) Lean** tool will provide root cause analysis, ensuring optimal comfort with minimal disruption. **Technology Readiness and Expertise:** IVY-TECH's **ORiV(r)** system is an AI-enabled, off-the-shelf solution at **Technology Readiness Level 9**, tested across various sectors for reliability and adaptability. The system integrates flexible hardware and software, customisable for asset monitoring needs, with sensors tracking noise, vibrations and environmental factors. Its robust data transmission capabilities make it ideal for rail deployment. **Lead Organisation and Fit:** IVY-TECH, a Midlands-based micro-SME, delivers solutions for process optimisation, cost reduction and CO2 minimisation. Our experience with advanced sensors, digital technologies and analytics positions us to tackle the rail industry's passenger comfort challenges. **Project SMOOTH** builds on IVY-TECH's existing ORiV(r) product, enhancing its functionality and expanding its reach, making it a natural fit for our strategic goals.