The company has selected six technology-focused UK companies to develop new ideas to meet the Accelerator's three challenges - automating asset management, maximizing site productivity and future-proofing operations - in partnership with the Connected Places Catapult and the Department for Transport.
HS2 senior innovation manager Jon Kelly explains: "This new Accelerator programme, with its focus on the operation and maintenance of railway systems, is looking for innovations in the way the railway is operated and maintained."
The SMEs joining the seventh iteration of HS2’s Innovation Accelerator include:
- Archangel Imaging’s AI-equipped security camera technology is already used in the defence sector. The company will refine its product to monitor security across HS2’s vast estate stretching 140miles between London and the West Midlands.
- Complete Cyber will develop its product to bolster the security technology of the digital signalling that will operate HS2 and is also being introduced across the conventional rail network.
- Machines for Construction’s robotic technology will be further developed to perform repetitive tasks such as installation of the overhead electric cables that will power the trains.
- Mind Foundry will seek to harness its AI-enabled technology to monitor the condition of the line’s structures and equipment for performance changes.
- PRAM’s radar technology will help monitor and manage the condition of railway assets such as viaducts and embankment cuttings, especially in light of more extreme rainfall and drought.
- StirlingX’s uncrewed aerial systems have the potential to inspect and monitor infrastructure and assets to identify risks and hazards – particularly in the conventional railway that was largely built in the 19th century.
During their 20 weeks on the Innovation Accelerator programme the six firms – all classed as small and medium-sized enterprises – will work with HS2 and its partners to refine each of their ideas. Afterwards they will showcase their innovations to the industry players.
