Rail supplier news from Hitachi Rail, Siemens Mobility and ProVision

Hitachi Rail has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with PESA Bydgoszcz, Poland's largest manufacturer of rail vehicles, to jointly bid on a contract to manufacture and deliver 20 high-speed electric multiple units (EMUs) for Polish passenger-rail service PKP Intercity. The contract has options for the purchase of another 35 trains and a 30-year maintenance period. If the consortium is selected, the first 20 units would be manufactured at Hitachi's facilities in Italy, and PESA would gradually take on more of the production process in a second phase. PESA would also be responsible for maintenance of the trains in Poland, Hitachi officials said in a press release. The collaboration between Hitachi and PESA aims to boost Poland's rail industry by strengthening local expertise, they added. The MoU also calls for modern production halls to be built in Bydgoszcz to enable future production of double-decker rail vehicles by PESA.

Siemens Mobility on June 10 unveiled its newest highly digitized locomotive — the Vectron X — for passenger and freight operations. The unveiling occurred at the company's newly opened Munich-Allach rail service center in Germany. Based on Siemen's Vectron and Xcelerator platforms, the new model combines proven technology with app-based functionalities, open interfaces for third-party providers and a central smart screen in the cab, Siemens officials said in a press release. Applications that drivers use on smartphones or tablets, such as mission planning or operation coordination tools can be displayed directly on the smart screen or mirrored via TrainPlay. With this approach, Siemens Mobility is bringing a CarPlay-like solution to rail for the first time, transforming the cab into a digital workspace with easier access to information, company officials said.

Pro-Vision last week launched a new camera solution, the Birdseye 360 AI system. The system utilizes computer-vision to detect hazards in real time and alert operators instantly, ProVision officials said in a press release. The system improves safety for fleets, including hi-rail vehicles and maintenance-of-way equipment. Birdseye combines up to six ultra-wide-angle cameras to create a stitched, top-down view of the vehicle's surroundings, and utilizes AI systems to constantly analyze video feeds and detect potential risks. The system integrates with telematics and video management platforms, including Pro-Vision's CloudConnect platform.