Railway Quantum Inertial Navigation System for Condition Based Monitoring

The aim of this project is to develop a Quantum-based navigation system for railways to address the issues arising from the loss of GNSS signal in tunnels. Our system will enhance positioning accuracy without relying on expensive infrastructure-based solutions and focus on demonstrating the condition based maintenance use-case.

The project will create a highly accurate Quantum Inertial Navigation System (QINS) based on quantum sensors developed in world-leading research laboratories from Imperial College (MEMs) and University of Sussex (magnetometers). Guided by rail systems engineering expertise from University of Birmingham and PA Consulting, quantum sensors will be integrated into MoniRail's existing train monitoring system creating an innovative GNSS-free navigation solution.

This system will be tested on London Underground's live rail network to demonstrate the value of accurate navigation. Trial results will guide the development of the commercialisation roadmap to address applications in Condition Based Monitoring (CBM) and Train Control and Signalling Systems. These use cases have an accessible market of many billions of pounds in the UK and favourable prospects for export to Europe and further abroad.

MoniRail, a UK SME, specialising in in-service track monitoring will lead the project in partnership with TfL, Imperial College, University of Sussex, University of Birmingham and PA Consulting (PAC). The project has the potential to unlock significant potential maintenance savings for rail infrastructure managers and has significant commercial potential in the UK and abroad as a key-enabler for rail CBM.

In addition adoption and development of the RQINS technology for train-control systems has even greater potential with a global of ~£30bn.