The world-first quantum rail test in Britain could replace GPS and deliver accurate train positioning in tunnetunnelsls and dense networks.
Great Britain has just taken a giant step toward the future of train navigation after becoming the first country in the world to test a prototype quantum navigation system on a mainline train.The Railway Quantum Inertial Navigation System was trialed on a Great Northern train commuting between London and Welwyn Garden City on March 3.
The trial was led by Great British Railways , a state-owned body overseeing the UK rail network.The new approach relies on ultra-sensitive quantum sensors to determine a train’s exact position. It aims to provide precise positioning and reduce reliance on satellite GPS in areas like tunnels or dense urban environments.“For more than two centuries Britain’s railway has forged technologies that have shaped the modern world,” Lord Peter Hendy, UK’s Minister of State for Transport, said. “The development of quantum inertial navigation continues that legacy.”Quantum sensors take overIn contrast to satellite-based navigation systems like GPS, the technology doesn’t use external signals. This means it could provide highly resilient positioning even in environments where satellite signals are unavailable.Network Rail, which owns and runs most of the UK’s railway infrastructure, stated that the system detects tiny changes in motion and rotation to continuously track movement.The technology is being developed as an alternative to fixed trackside positioning infrastructure. Such systems can be expensive to install and maintain. It is also vulnerable to environmental disruption or equipment failure. The project’s testing equipment.Credit: Network RailThe system was carried on a Great Northern train operated by Govia Thameslink Railway . During the trial, the team collected real-world data to evaluate how quantum positioning performs in a live national rail network. Henry said that once developed, quantum systems could offer a lower-cost, more reliable and more resilient solution. Hendy added that the project is part of plans to modernize track and trains under Great British Railways.“With these new capabilities, we’re preventing equipment failures, helping to boost our railway’s reliability and keeping passengers moving,” he pointed out.The future of rail networksThe trial builds on previous work carried out by the UK’s Ministry of Defense, and tests conducted on Transport for London networks. A specialist consortium led by MoniRail is driving the development. Other partners include the Imperial College London, the University of Sussex, the National Physical Laboratory, PA Consulting and QinetiQ. The program is backed by Innovate UK and the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.Meanwhile, Great British Railways’ innovation unit GBRX is coordinating the effort to speed up deployment of new rail technologies. Toufic Machnouk, GBRX managing director noted testing new technologies within the complexity of a live rail network is key to turning frontier innovations into real operational capability.Quantum sensing is one of the UK Government’s frontier technological priorities. “Railways, as one of the country’s most complex operational systems, provide a powerful platform for developing and scaling these capabilities for rail and beyond,” Machnouk added. Though still in progress, the technology could enable a more resilient rail system. “This test represents an early, but important step in that development journey and demonstrates how collaboration between government, academia and industry can accelerate the development of frontier technologies,” Machnouk concluded in a press release.
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