Tended is excited to announce the continuation of our collaboration with the European Space Agency (ESA) on a new project to further advance our technology and its capabilities within the rail industry.
Building on the success of our 2023 Digital Worksite project, this new phase will focus specifically on further development of Tended’s Virtual Worksite Marker Board (VWSMB) technology, strengthening accuracy, reliability and performance in live operational environments.
.jpg)
Proven results in the rail industry
Tended’s VWSMBs system has already delivered measurable outcomes in the rail industry. The very first industry trial with Siemens Mobility resulted in an estimated £130k+ cost saving by reducing possession overrun length. A subsequent trial with Network Rail East Coast delivered a 45-minute time saving from not needing to place and recover boards, extending the available work window by 17%.
These industry successes have led to the roll out of the technology across Scotland with SPL Powerlines and Network Rail Scotland as the first to use the technology in the region.
Measurable benefits were achieved during the very first shift, including a 30-minute time saving, two Engineering Supervisor Assistants (ESAs) could be redeployed to other critical duties and a 32-mile reduction in the number of miles driven to place and recover physical boards, contributing to lower carbon emissions on this important decarbonisation project.
How VWSMBs work
VWSMBs replace physical worksite marker boards (WSMBs) with virtual boundaries. A small device attached inside the cab of on-track plant uses geospatial data to position itself against these limits. If the operator crosses a boundary, the device alerts them to let them know they’ve exceeded the bounds of the worksite.
By removing the need to place and recover physical boards, the system reduces track worker exposure to risk as well as removing common sources of delay and disruption.
Continuing development of VWSMB capability is focused on outcomes that matter operationally:
• Removed risk of incorrect placement or non-removal of WSMBs, which can expose teams to risk and cause network disruption and delays.
• Improved safety of teams by not requiring them to access the infrastructure unnecessarily.
• Increased locational and situational awareness for staff involved in the worksite.
• Reduction in time to set up and take down a worksite, providing a longer work window within a possession and reducing the risk of overruns.
• Freeing up staff time for other critical activities.
What the project will entail
To build on our existing capabilities, Tended will work closely with ESA to improve device navigation through the use of space-based assets. These advancements are crucial for developing a solution that will transform efficiency across engineering works.
We will also explore new ways to improve asset traceability, helping to enhance our overall solution and modernise the way works are planned and managed.
The integration of advanced space-based positioning is set to ensure even greater precision and reliability of our technology, particularly in challenging operational environments.
By continuing to develop this technology with ESA, Tended is focused on delivering solutions that integrate into existing operations, support teams on site, and enable safer and more efficient engineering works across the rail network.
