CrownComm: Advanced Real-Time Rail Monitoring through Beyond-5G/6G Open-RAN and Optical Fiber Exploitation
Lead Participant:
INTEGRATED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LTD
Abstract
The **CrownComm Project** focuses on developing and validating an advanced **Beyond-5G/6G communication system** designed to revolutionize how rail infrastructure is monitored and maintained. By integrating cutting-edge **Open-RAN telecom technology** with **AI-driven predictive analytics** and **optical fiber exploitation**, CrownComm enables real-time monitoring of rail infrastructure and rolling stock, offering significant improvements in operational efficiency, safety, and maintenance.
During this project, we will collaborate with **BCIMO**, a leading rail innovation center, to trial the CrownComm system within their **underground rail testbed**. This environment will provide stringent conditions ideal for testing the system's ability to deliver **real-time data processing**, low-latency communication, and **AI-powered predictive maintenance**. The system will leverage optical fibers installed along the rail network to capture critical data, allowing rail operators to predict and prevent potential failures, minimizing downtime, and ensuring the reliability of rail services.
CrownComm's unique approach allows for seamless integration of both **fixed infrastructure** and **mobile assets**, enabling the system to communicate with rolling stock, sensors, and maintenance drones in real time. This provides operators with valuable insights into the condition of their infrastructure, enabling proactive maintenance and significantly reducing repair costs and service disruptions.
The project is expected to lay the foundation for future commercialization of the CrownComm system, targeting key UK rail operators such as **HS2**, **Network Rail**, and **TFL**. With increasing demands for more reliable and cost-efficient rail networks, CrownComm's solution offers a scalable and innovative approach that can be deployed across both public and private sector rail networks.
The project aims to contribute to the **UK's rail innovation ecosystem**, helping to advance the use of **AI, telecommunications, and data analytics** in rail operations, while also supporting the country's efforts towards digital transformation and enhanced transport infrastructure resilience.
The **Phase 1 feasibility study** will run from **January to March 2025** and will focus on validating the system's technical and commercial potential, paving the way for further development and deployment in future phases
During this project, we will collaborate with **BCIMO**, a leading rail innovation center, to trial the CrownComm system within their **underground rail testbed**. This environment will provide stringent conditions ideal for testing the system's ability to deliver **real-time data processing**, low-latency communication, and **AI-powered predictive maintenance**. The system will leverage optical fibers installed along the rail network to capture critical data, allowing rail operators to predict and prevent potential failures, minimizing downtime, and ensuring the reliability of rail services.
CrownComm's unique approach allows for seamless integration of both **fixed infrastructure** and **mobile assets**, enabling the system to communicate with rolling stock, sensors, and maintenance drones in real time. This provides operators with valuable insights into the condition of their infrastructure, enabling proactive maintenance and significantly reducing repair costs and service disruptions.
The project is expected to lay the foundation for future commercialization of the CrownComm system, targeting key UK rail operators such as **HS2**, **Network Rail**, and **TFL**. With increasing demands for more reliable and cost-efficient rail networks, CrownComm's solution offers a scalable and innovative approach that can be deployed across both public and private sector rail networks.
The project aims to contribute to the **UK's rail innovation ecosystem**, helping to advance the use of **AI, telecommunications, and data analytics** in rail operations, while also supporting the country's efforts towards digital transformation and enhanced transport infrastructure resilience.
The **Phase 1 feasibility study** will run from **January to March 2025** and will focus on validating the system's technical and commercial potential, paving the way for further development and deployment in future phases
Lead Participant | Project Cost | Grant Offer |
|---|---|---|
| INTEGRATED SYSTEMS ENGINEERING LTD | £49,628 | £ 49,628 |
People |
ORCID iD |
| Khurram Waris (Project Manager) |