Unlocking AI Potential in Rail: Insights from the Latest Member Interest Group Event

Following the successful AI drop-in sessions in February, we have continued our commitment to driving innovation by partnering with our member IBM, to host a Member Interest Group focused specifically on Artificial Intelligence.

This event provided a comprehensive overview of AI's evolution, from machine learning to generative AI, and offered a glimpse into its future applications. Our speakers discussed various use cases of AI technologies within the railway sector, such as predicting weather impacts and solving timetabling challenges.

The event was hosted by IBM at their Innovation Studio in central London, where attendees had the opportunity to explore the latest technologies, including AI, automation, edge computing, and cloud technologies.

Key Highlights and Speakers:

• Trias Gkikopolous, Innovation Lead, Innovate UK

Trias discussed the BridgeAI programme, aiming to stimulate AI adoption in priority sectors, creating new business opportunities, jobs, and economic growth. The transport, warehousing, and logistics sectors were identified as one of key areas with high growth potential but low AI adoption rates. The programme supports companies with innovation vouchers, an AI accelerator, an AI skills framework, and resources to enhance productivity and efficiency.

• Richard Adams, Head of Digital Architecture, LNER

Richard shared LNER’s journey of digital transformation, moving from outdated and inflexible technology to a more automated, AI-driven approach. He explained the concept of Narrow AI, which is designed to perform specific tasks within a limited context, such as virtual assistants, image recognition software, and self-driving cars. Richard stressed the importance of AI as a tool to solve business problems, citing practical examples like optimising tuna sandwich purchases on trains, which saved LNER nearly £1 million a year.

• Brendan Buckingham, Business Development Leader, Data Fabric and AI, IBM Technology UKI

Brendan echoed the sentiment that AI should be driven by business outcomes, often leading to process improvements rather than standalone products. He highlighted the importance of education and gradual implementation within IBM, where over 300,000 users now experience HR processes through an AI assistant. This transformation has resulted in a 40% saving in the overall HR operating budget.

• James Heslop, Head of Strategy Technical Authority, Network Rail

James detailed Network Rail’s CP7 objectives, which include enhancing safety, improving passenger satisfaction, reducing carbon emissions, and increasing efficiency. He shared AI projects that Network Rail is delivering, such as tracking vegetation growth, identifying structural cracks, and enabling remote condition monitoring. James also discussed long-term aspirations for developing Network Rail's AI capabilities in real-time operations, project planning, and flexible train scheduling over the next 20 years.

Standards and Funding Opportunities:

Standards around AI development and adoption were key discussion topics during the networking breaks. Trias highlighted an open grant funding opportunity for railway suppliers – the Supply Chain Demonstrator – offering a share of up to £2 million for delivering AI demonstrator projects. This presents a significant opportunity for UK-registered organisations to showcase their innovative solutions.

The AI for Rail event underscored the transformative potential of AI technologies within the railway sector. As emphasised by our speakers, AI should be viewed as a tool to address specific business challenges rather than an end goal. With continued collaboration and investment in AI, the rail industry can enhance efficiency, safety, and sustainability, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation.

For more information on the BridgeAI programme and the funding opportunity, please visit BridgeAI Programme and Supply Chain Demonstrator.

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