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Recap: PWI Lunch & Learn – AIVR Technology

We hope you find this summary of our Lunch & Learn session from 17 September, kindly prepared by Lydia Parsons, Business Development Manager at One Big Circle, to be helpful.

In our recent Lunch & Learn session, we were delighted to host Lydia Parsons from One Big Circle Ltd. She presented on AIVR (Automated Intelligent Video Review) Technology, demonstrating how this cutting-edge solution enables safer, remote digital inspections of railway lineside environments.

If you missed the session, here’s a breakdown of the key points discussed:

  1. What is AIVR Technology?

AIVR is an AI-driven solution that enables remote inspection capabilities, offering railway operators and infrastructure owners the ability to monitor lineside infrastructure from the safety of their desktops. With devices installed on in-service vehicles, the system captures video footage, which is transmitted via 4G/5G and processed in the cloud and made available online in rapid time. This provides users with an easily accessible view of assets, reducing the need for physical site visits.

  1. Benefits of AIVR for Railway Operations

Lydia highlighted the primary advantages of AIVR technology for railway operations:

  • Increased safety: By enabling remote inspections, AIVR reduces the need for workers to be present in dangerous or inaccessible locations.
  • Improved accuracy: AI-powered video analytics provide precise, actionable insights into potential track defects, infrastructure damage, or vegetation growth.
  • Efficiency: Continuous monitoring minimises the time and cost associated with manual inspections.
  1. A Step-by-Step Breakdown of AIVR’s Capabilities

Lydia detailed how the AIVR system is developed to support users at each stage of their digital journey. She explained how the technology helps end-users:

  • Harness your data: AIVR aggregates video data from forward-facing cameras, thermal sensors, and other devices, allowing users to log into the platform and review detailed imagery without needing to visit the site.
  • Power up with AI: The system automatically detects faults, such as damaged track furniture, missing infrastructure, or thermal hotspots. It also provides advanced tools for measuring and annotating data.
  • Energises your workflows: With predictive capabilities, AIVR helps users assess and prevent issues before they become critical, improving long-term asset management activities.
  1. Real-World Applications of AIVR Technology

The presentation showcased real-world examples of how AIVR technology has been deployed to improve safety and operational efficiency. From remote inspection of tracks to identifying thermal anomalies in overhead lines, AIVR has become a vital tool in minimising site visits and enhancing railway safety.

  1. Future of AIVR and Rail Digitalisation

Lydia also touched on the future of digital inspection in rail, emphasising the increasing role of data-driven decision-making in the industry. She discussed One Big Circle’s plans to expand AIVR’s capabilities, including further collaboration with industry partners and the integration of additional AI-based tools.

The full recording is available on our Knowledge Hub and to find out more about One Big Circle’s plans, please visit https://onebigcircle.co.uk/.