UK: Network Rail has approved the use of automation technology from Maestrano subsidiary Cordel for use in clearance gauging across the network. This is expected to help speed-up the work involved in introducing new trains or undertaking infrastructure works.
The Cordel Workbench is an AI-powered automated survey data processor which analyses LiDAR, track position and other data gathered from third-party sources, automatically translating this data into high-quality, survey-grade gauge profiles for the National Gauging Database.
‘The Cordel Workbench provides Network Rail with a significant step forward in automating data processing into insight, building on experience on other international railways’, said James Sweeney, Senior Engineer at Network Rail. ‘Cordel’s “bring-your-own-data” approach means we can use it to ingest a variety of data from other suppliers and provide outputs in our standard formats that can be useful across the business.’
Cordel has an existing contract to measure the location and encroachment of vegetation and to check track clearances for trains to pass lineside structures. In August it was awarded a five-month proof-of-concept contract to determine the suitability of its technology for monitoring overhead line, vegetation, ballast profiles, track and passing clearances on High Speed 1.
‘With Network Rail known as the global leader in clearances management, the approval has proved that our technology is a world leader in clearance data automation’, said Maestrano CEO Nick Smith. ‘It will support our expansion into other markets as we utilise this proven technology with other customers.’
Cordel is active in Australia and Japan, and in June announced its first paid project in the USA, with Union Pacific.
