Jordan, MacGregor Share Their Perspective on Developing Technology in the Rail Space

Moderated by Kevin Cook, President of MRC Rail, the session detailed different technology updates and advances in the rail space. Jordan and MacGregor shared their perspective on developing technologies and how they are helping railroads to be safer and more efficient.

“As we move through the 4^th Industrial Revolution, it is critical that we have BRAVE (Bold, Resilient, Versatile, Encouraging) leadership,” said Jordan, whose company, Wi-Tronix, was founded on Aug. 23, 2004—a child of the 3^rd Industrial Revolution.

Jordan then went on to discuss the use of AI (artificial intelligence) and autonomous technology in the rail industry.

“The 4^th Industrial Revolution will be a job creator; it will be a job disruptor, but it will be a job creator,” added Jordan, who emphasized that suppliers need to ask themselves, “How do we utilize this technology ASAP?”

According to Jordan, Wi-Tronix has an immersive AI-enabled platform that “drives safety and efficiency.”

Safety: Behavioral monitoring to assure administrative safety controls are properly executed. This includes:

• Mobile device use detection.
• Radio communications monitoring and analysis.
• Camera obstruction monitoring.
• Passenger aggression and safety monitoring.

Efficiency: Continuous infrastructure monitoring, including:

• Rail crossing inspection.
• Trespasser and right-of-way intrusion detection.
• Maintenance of Way inventory management.
• Passenger counting and flow monitoring.

All of these technologies, Jordan says, are made possible by the 4^th Industrial Revolution. According to Wi-Tronix, current and future outcomes include:

• Immersive, real-time visibility for freight and passenger rail customers.
• Improved rail network utilization using real-time monitoring, control, and optimization.
• Improved rail service frequency using autonomous or remote operation,
• Improved passenger experience with real-time security incident intervention and detection.

“We’re at an incredible junction point in the industry,” said MacGregor, who referenced Railway Interchange 2025’s slogan, “Innovation Ahead.” “It’s a huge challenge to innovate the industry,” he added.

According to MacGregor, Nexxiot is currently “very busy” digitalizing the rail and maritime industry. This includes the company’s Globehopper—a zero-maintenance hardware unit for enabling real-time monitoring of non-powered rail cars.

“Everybody needs a part of that data to do a better job,” said MacGregor. “And Nexxiot is focusing on creating a ‘smarter railcar of tomorrow.’”