black box technology. Chris Woodhams, Managing Director, Argenta (BCIMO) Image BCIMO
West Midlands software developer Argenta and Oxfordshire-based partner Cyth Systems are testing an enhanced rail freight safety system. They used the facilities of the Black Country Innovative Manufacturing Authority in Dudley, near Birmingham. The BCIMO test track now allows partners to deploy hardware in controlled live conditions.
Argenta and Cyth's technology provides a self-generating wireless power unit that can be installed on cargo vehicles. When used in conjunction with software that monitors your system, this unit can help uncover problems. If necessary, these issues can be addressed in the field or alert the operator to bring the vehicle in for maintenance before further problems occur.
Prioritize personal safety
Argenta and Saiss study injury statistics and say passenger cars pose a higher risk overall. However, mechanical and technical defects related to the non-passenger environment, especially the crew, can result in personal injury or even death. BCIMO gave them the opportunity to advance their design concepts. The BCIMO test track was put together to provide exactly this type of opportunity.
BCIMO technology company is now able to test prototypes in real railway conditions
At Argenta and Cyth design partners, personal safety is our top priority. But they say the broader economic impact also needs to be taken into account. Infrastructure damage, disruption and repair time and costs, as well as legal implications, all need to be considered. Additionally, it can damage your credibility and reputation.
Reducing cargo accidents
Argenta and Cyth Systems are making their first foray into the rail sector. Although they say their technology has the potential for wide-ranging applications across industries, it is initially being developed to reduce the number of accidents experienced by freight vehicles. “For our project, we needed to obtain data from trains while traveling at high speeds,” said Chris Woodhams, his managing director at Argenta. “For these requirements, BCIMO's facilities were perfect. The people we worked with were knowledgeable and really helped us complete the project activities.”
BCIMO Railway Technology Building
The initial £15,000 (€17,550) grant funding was secured through the government's Innovate UK Business Growth scheme. This allowed Mr. Argenta and Mr. Saiss to access his BCIMO facilities and obtain data to support product development. Although this is still in the grassroots development stage, Argenta and Saiss are currently analyzing the data and moving toward designing various concepts for the prototype.
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