Alstom and SMRT Trains collaborate to explore the use of 3D-printed spare parts and innovations for enhanced rail operations and maintenance
Alstom, global leader in smart and sustainable mobility, and SMRT Trains, Singapore’s pioneer and dominant rail operator, are working together to explore the use of technology such as 3D-printed spare parts, autonomous robots and vision computing for predictive maintenance automation, and recoverable braking energy.
The two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today to establish a framework of cooperation and coordination between the two parties in the fields of railway operations and maintenance. By signing the MoU, the parties have taken a step towards accelerating railway innovation and revolutionising Singapore’s rail industry.
The collaboration will tap on SMRT Trains’ extensive local rail network operations and Alstom’s global research and development (R&D) resources. The teams from Alstom’s Innovation Station in Singapore and SMRT Trains will leverage the latest technologies such as additive manufacturing, data analytics, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, as well as the existing infrastructure such as the communications-based train control (CBTC) simulation facilities, to optimise efficiencies and security in railway operations and maintenance.
The MoU was inked by Alstom’s director for Signalling and Infrastructure in East Asia, Singapore and Malaysia, Remi Rovira, and president of SMRT Trains, Lam Sheau Kai, during the LTA-UITP Singapore International Transport Congress and Exhibition 2022, in the presence of Alstom’s Asia Pacific president, Ling Fang, and Group Chief Executive Officer of SMRT Corporation, Ngien Hoon Ping.
Alstom has been present in Singapore for over 20 years and is a major supplier of integrated metro systems, digital train control systems, rolling stock, infrastructure and services. To continuously bring the leading technological advances in rail to customers, Alstom has established an Innovation Station in Singapore in late 2021. The Station – a first in Asia Pacific for the Group – focuses on collaborating with strong local players such as customers, research agencies, universities and start-ups, while taking internal innovation projects to the market, and hopefully beyond the region.
“Alstom offers the most comprehensive range of green and smart solutions to support its customers. We will now expand our innovation capacity and explore products specifically tailored to the geographic, climatic and regulatory realities of the Singapore market. We are therefore excited to be partnering with SMRT Trains on this collaboration journey. Singapore’s assets and business environment, combined with our railway R&D expertise and SMRT Trains’ railway operation experience, provide us with a unique environment to innovate and grow the local industry,” said Ling Fang, president, Alstom Asia Pacific.
SMRT Trains is the first and largest train services provider in Singapore, managing and operating the North-South Line, East-West Line, the Circle Line, the Bukit Panjang Light Rail Transit system, and the new Thomson-East Coast Line.
“We are glad to partner with Alstom in exploring innovation and digitalisation for safe, reliable and sustainable rail operations and maintenance. With SMRT’s experience in operating and maintaining train networks and Alstom’s R&D expertise, we are confident that this collaboration will enhance productivity, cybersecurity and sustainability,” said Lam Sheau Kai, president, SMRT Trains.
For more information visit www.alstom.com
4th November 2022
