Hampshire: FliteTrak lifts off with new rail technology
Pioneering Hampshire firm FliteTrak has launched the next generation of its smart technology to transform safety and efficiency on the railways.
The company’s ViatorRail system for intelligent remote monitoring is the first of its kind proven to work in the sector. It is already being used by a major rail franchise to gauge engine temperatures and performance as well as live train movements in real time.
Now the cutting-edge technology has been upgraded with capabilities to monitor vibration, shock, voltage, current and pressure. Some of its applications include saloon monitoring, engine performance, door operation and sanitation unit functions.
Based on award-winning iblox technology invented by joint managing director Andrew Barnett, FliteTrak uses wireless sensors with Near Live Data Transmission (NLDT) capabilities to send encrypted information in real time to laptops, desktops, mobile phones and watches. The system also sends alerts when pre-set parameters are reached and can store ‘big data’ for later analysis.
Joint managing director Andrew Barnett, who is based at FliteTrak’s Innovations Hub at Daedalus Park at Lee on the Solent, said: “FliteTrak’s intelligent remote monitoring technology is already transforming the rail sector. Our newly upgraded systems will give rail operating and leasing companies even more power to realise efficiencies in performance and maintenance while also improving safety and the customer experience. It is the first working technology of its kind which has been pioneered in the rail and aerospace sectors but also holds potential for similar applications in agriculture, horticulture, marine, sanitation, power and storage.”
FliteTrak’s innovative system forms a key component in the Internet Of Things allowing instant intervention but also ensures issues are flagged up before they result in major failures.
Its systems have touch screen technology and user apps are available on both Apple iOS and Android platforms for easy operation.
FliteTrak’s head office is Amersham, Buckinghamshire and its Innovations Hub is at Daedalus Park, Lee on the Solent, Hampshire, UK.
FliteTrak was a finalist at the EEF Future Manufacturing Awards and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) Innovation Awards in 2017. It was also highly commended for innovation in the Thames Valley Tech Awards 2018.
