Humatics

Transit Tech Lab Releases Results for Human Capital, Operational Efficiency Challenges

The New York MTA/Partnership for New York City Transit Tech Lab on Jan. 22 released the results of its 2023 human capital and operational efficiency challenges. The 13 winners, including Humatics, TekTracking and Wi-Tronix, each completed proof-of-concept collaborations with area transit agencies, which aim to use their LiDAR (light detection and ranging), AI (artificial intelligence), and IoT (Internet of Things) technologies “to mitigate service disruptions, automate operations, and combat workforce shortages,” Transit Tech Lab reported.

As part of its AutoHaul program, “Rio Tinto is seeking to add a forward-looking capability to its autonomous trains to detect obstacles on and along the tracks,” according to Rail Vision, whose Main Line system will be used to detect different types of obstacles at various ranges as part of a three-month pilot. (Photograph Courtesy of Rio Tinto)
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Supply Side: Hitachi, Humatics, Rail Vision

Hitachi Rail has completed a yearlong pilot evaluating Waltham, Mass.-based Humatics Corporation’s rail navigation system for possible integration with its CBTC (communications-based train control) technology. Also, Ra’anana, Israel-based Rail Vision Ltd.’s track-obstacle detection system will be tested as part of Rio Tinto Iron Ore’s AutoHaul® project in western Australia; Hitachi is the project’s lead technology integrator.

Mi-Jack Products has acquired Yardeye GmbH, a German automation, collision avoidance, and work-zone protection supplier for the port and rail container industries.
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Supply Side: Alliance Shippers/Carrier Transicold, Humatics/Hitachi, L.B. Foster, Mi-Jack/Yardeye

Alliance Shippers Inc. is outfitting its 53-foot trailers and intermodal containers with Carrier Transicold telematics. Also, Humatics, in partnership with Hitachi Rail STS, is a RailTech Technology & Design Innovation Award finalist for 2022; L.B. Foster has been awarded ISNetworld’s RAVS Plus® designation for safety practices; and Mi-Jack Products and Yardeye GmbH are merging their container handling businesses.

Humatics, Siemens Partner on NYCT UWB

The New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) has awarded $14 million, 15-month contract to a joint venture of Humatics and Siemens Mobility to develop an interoperable Ultra-Wideband (UWB) specification “enabling competition, expanding the UWB ecosystem, and building the foundation for UWB to be used in revenue service” on the MTA New York City Transit (NYCT) rapid transit system as it transitions to communications based train control (CBTC).

Lauthier to Lead Humatics’ NYC Team

Microlocation products and software provider Humatics Corp. announced that its Director of Sales, Rail and Transit Joffrey Lauthier has been appointed to lead its New York City team, which aims to improve the city’s transit system. The announcement comes on the heels of a 15-month signaling pilot leveraging ultra-wideband (UWB) technology with the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and Siemens on the L train.

Positioning, The Next Generation

Among the final duties that former MTA New York City Transit Vice President Network and Resignaling Pete Tomlin discharged before he left the agency following Andy Byford’s resignation as President was demonstrating an innovative piece of new technology—UWB (Ultra-Wide Band), wireless technology that offers faster and less-expensive installation of modern CBTC (communications-based train control) by eliminating much of the onboard and wayside equipment traditionally required for advanced-technology signaling. Tomlin—arguably one of the finest signaling and train control people on the planet—collaborated with suppliers Thales and Piper Networks in an impressive public demonstration of UWB.