FP3–IRAIL project advances Rolling Stock Asset Management with innovative on-Board and wayside monitoring technologies

Press Release #2 – FP3–IAM4RAIL project advances Rolling Stock Asset Management with innovative on-Board and wayside monitoring technologies

As part of the European FP3–IAM4RAIL initiative, Cluster C, called “Rolling Stock Asset Management: On-Board and Wayside Technologies” is playing an essential l role in transforming the way rolling stock maintenance is managed across Europe. Cluster C focuses on developing intelligent, integrated technologies that enable real-time condition monitoring of trains, both on-board and via strategically placed trackside systems.

The FP3 initiative aims to deliver European solutions that achieve Technology Readiness Level 6 (TRL 6), demonstrating the technologies in real-world operational environments. Cluster C contributes to this ambition by developing and validating cutting-edge, deployment-ready systems to support predictive maintenance and informed decision-making.

These advancements are showcased under Demonstration Objective 2 (DO2), which highlights how monitoring technologies enhance maintenance planning, including directing trains to workshops for scheduled or rescheduled interventions, using both manual processes and advanced automated inspection systems. The goal is to achieve TRL 6 by 2025, ensuring the solutions are proven and ready for European railway operations.

A comprehensive, Intelligent Asset Management approach

Cluster C is structured around three interconnected work packages, each addressing critical aspects of rolling stock monitoring and maintenance:

• WP5: Rolling Stock (On-Board): Data Acquisition and Monitoring Technologies
  WP5 focuses on developing advanced on-board technologies for data acquisition and monitoring. These condition-based maintenance (CBM) solutions use machine learning algorithms and digital tools to support maintainers, owners and operators in their decision-making processes, targeting TRL 6 readiness.
• WP6: Rolling Stock (On-Board): Data Acquisition, Monitoring Technologies, Asset Prognosis and Feedback into Operational Processes
  WP6 develops monitoring technologies from the wayside, building on previous railway sector achievements and creating new applied solutions for cross-border and mixed-traffic lines. The aim is to establish a comprehensive European railway control point, with a target TRL of 6/7.
• WP7: European Railway Checkpoint for Mixed Traffic
  WP7 focuses on preparatory actions for demonstrating the feasibility of proposed technical solutions under operational conditions. This includes digital environment simulations and intermediate-level demonstrators at component, subsystem or system levels, with the goal of reaching TRL 6.

Validating through real-world use cases

The technologies developed in Cluster C are being tested through pilot use cases across several European countries. These real-world trials are crucial to validate the solutions under operational conditions and to collect critical data to inform future large-scale deployment.

By bringing innovative, intelligent monitoring systems closer to implementation, Cluster C is making a significant contribution to more efficient, predictive and cost-effective maintenance practices for Europe’s railways, supporting reliability, safety and sustainability across the network.