Swiss Asset Intelligence specialist Nexxiot and Knorr-Bremse, a provider of braking systems and other systems for rail and commercial vehicles, are collaborating to develop an innovative range of intelligent products tailored for connected passenger and freight trains.
Through these solutions, Knorr-Bremse is laying the groundwork for robust digital business models in the areas of connectivity, cloud solutions, and software as a service, ushering in a new era of growth in the digital rail sector.
The two companies combined Knorr-Bremse’s systems expertise with Nexxiot’s competence in Internet of Things (IoT) to develop the following three-pronged digital solution:
- Knorr-Bremse Node: The adapter is connected to the control units of systems such as
braking, entrance, climate control and coupling systems, where it gathers data on
parameters such as noise, geolocation, temperature, energy consumption, and shocks
or vibrations. Each Knorr-Bremse Node then sends the data by Bluetooth to the second
new piece of hardware, the Knorr-Bremse Hub. - Knorr-Bremse Hub: The Hub aggregates the data streams from the Nodes attached to
the various system controllers and sends them to the Nexxiot Cloud via the cellular
network (in the future, via the rail vehicle’s own bus). Thus the Knorr-Bremse Hub acts
as the gateway between data nodes and the cloud. - Cloud Services: Artificial intelligence and algorithms are used to analyse the data
streams and turn them into specific insights. Customers can call up information on the
location, condition, performance, maintenance requirements and potentially imminent
malfunctions of vehicle systems and components via user-friendly dashboards – so they
can more efficiently plan the operation and management of their train fleets.
“The rail industry is asking for solutions that will enhance cost efficiency, operational efficiency, and reliability. Digitalisation and data management technologies offer enormous opportunities in this respect. With the smart solutions we’re presenting with Nexxiot, we’re creating a new level of connectivity for our braking and other systems that will help our customers to improve the productivity, availability and punctuality of their rail services,” commented Nicolas Lange, member of the executive board of Knorr-Bremse AG with global responsibility for the Rail division.
In May 2022, Knorr-Bremse made a significant investment of approximately US$68 million to acquire a strategic minority stake in Nexxiot. Additionally, the two companies have entered into a comprehensive cooperation agreement with the shared objective of swiftly advancing digitalisation and connectivity within the rail sector. Their collaborative efforts aim to develop cutting-edge solutions that ultimately contribute to fostering sustainable, reliable, and efficient rail mobility.
