How we digitise the rail infrastructure

One thing is clear: Germany must become more digital! And, of course, the railway must not be left out. This is the only way to get more goods onto the railway – and passengers to their destinations on time. This relieves road traffic and connects urban and rural areas. This is exactly what the engineers at the Digital Node in Stuttgart are working on: Modern digital interlockings, processing of real-time data, more reliable rail transport.

But how can all systems be securely networked with each other? To control and monitor a modern railway system, you need digital interlockings and so-called trackside concentrators. These combine components and enable coordinated communication in real time. A mammoth technical task.

The right solution for every problem

iesy provides the digital basis for this – with a solution barely larger than a packet of coffee beans. Our highly specialised embedded system securely transmits sensitive data between signal boxes, control centres and other infrastructure areas. It has a fail-safe design, a compact construction and is ideal for the tough everyday conditions in the railway environment.

In this way, we ensure that points, signals and sensors understand each other and communicate in real time. This reduces sources of error, speeds up processes and forms the basis for a fully digital interlocking system. From the outside, our contribution may only be a small component – but at the end of the day, without it, no train will arrive on time and no points can be set safely.

Stuttgart is just the beginning

Railway digitalisation is not just an issue in Germany: the EU is driving forward the networking and digital expansion of around 220,000 kilometres of railway with the EULYNX programme. It is clear that many eyes are focused on the Digital Node Stuttgart model project. iesy is helping to shape this change – reliably and with a view to the future.