When screens on the platforms are becoming even smarter… and more economical!

Innovation
// 21 June 2023

Screens that turn on at the right time and intelligently help to keep track of train journeys. With the introduction of the “TrainTracker” module by the CFL, you’ll never see the screens on the platforms in the same way again.

How can we make the most of technology to improve mobility? How can we innovate in a pragmatic way using existing infrastructure? It is around these questions that the CFL teams are considering changes to the systems that support their customer services.

Since 2021, all the country’s railway stations and stops have been equipped with the AURIS system (short for “automated passenger information system” in German), an essential element of passenger information. Thanks to automatic loudspeaker announcements and timetable information displayed on blue screens, the CFL’s customers are kept informed in real time about their travel conditions. 

While the 140 screens spread across the rail network also serve as a connection point for surveillance cameras to contribute to the safety of the CFL’s sites and customers, AURIS is the subject of ongoing work to make it even more efficient and user-friendly.

Sensors at the heart of TrainTracker

The CFL Infrastructure Management team has selected the TrainTracker module to be grafted onto the AURIS system from German manufacturer Funkwerk. This project is currently being carried out by an interdisciplinary team (Infrastructure Manager; Quality Assurance, Training and Infrastructure Maintenance Department; Telecom District). 

“With TrainTracker, we’re installing sensors on each screen, sensors that detect the presence of people on the platform thanks to an innovative system based on artificial intelligence”, says Andy, project manager. 

This new function has two major advantages: it saves energy and extends the lifespan of the AURIS screens, since the backlighting is only activated when people are in the vicinity (up to 50 metres). And if no movement is detected for 20 seconds, the screens go dark until the next person or train approaches.

A pilot project has already been successfully launched: since the beginning of the year, 6 stations and stops – Luxembourg (platform on tracks 4&5), Bettembourg (platform on track 1), Dudelange-Burange, Dudelange-Ville, Dudelange-Centre and Belval-Université – have already been fully or partially equipped with a test version of the system.

Even more precise monitoring of train movements

The CFL will also be connecting TrainTracker to the ARAMIS system used since 2015 by the CFL to manage all traffic on the Luxembourg rail network. While ARAMIS already informs the CFL teams of train movements and positions in real time, TrainTracker will provide an additional layer of information on the arrival, stop and departure of a train at a station or railway stop.

The TrainTracker system is currently installed on all AURIS screens in Luxembourg since April 2023 and will be activated in groups after the summer as well as fully operational by the end of the year. 

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Innovation