Strainlabs has qualified for Vossloh connect, a global platform for solutions contributing to the digital transformation of the railway industry, with its smart bolts enabling the remote digital monitoring of critical infrastructure.
Vossloh connect is an initiative gathering the world’s solutions for the essential digitalisation of the railway sector, with an objective to facilitate train operators and infrastructure managers in finding digital solutions in one place to increase the reliability of train systems; enhance the utilisation of existing tracks; reduce the risk of accidents; and streamline maintenance work.
Strainlabs’ solution for the digital monitoring of critical bolts can be used, for example, in functions such as switches, which are still manually controlled with the same practices used in the 1800s. A large portion of the traffic disruptions impacting railway traffic today are caused by switch failures – issues that could be prevented with Strainlabs’ technology.
Strainlabs offers smart bolts that regularly send out signals with information about their condition. The signals are gathered in a Cloud solution, Strainlabs Analytics, where the information is analysed. The set-up allows simultaneous monitoring of thousands of critical bolts and bolted switches.
Each individual bolt is equipped with a sensor that continuously sends data including preload, temperature, RSSI (information about signal strength), and battery status. If something does not align with the standard values, the system alerts which specific bolt or group of bolts that needs to be addressed. For example, if bolts are becoming loose, overheating, or if there is another problem. This way, operational stops and breakdowns can be avoided. Furthermore, maintenance work is optimised as bolts and switches no longer require manual inspections.
Having spent a decade in the fastener industry experiencing every facet – from steel mills, fastener manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, as well as machinery builders and plating + coating companies, Claire has developed an in-depth knowledge of all things fasteners.
Alongside visiting numerous companies, exhibitions and conferences around the world, Claire has also interviewed high profile figures – focusing on key topics impacting the sector and making sure readers stay up to date with the latest developments within the industry.
