Rail Infrastructure

Scalable guided-wave ultrasonic sensor networks for continuous, wide-area rail condition monitoring using low-cost hardware and intelligent analytics.

We are developing a distributed ultrasonic monitoring system capable of detecting geotechnical deformation, trackbed instability, and debris across long stretches of track. Using low-frequency guided waves and affordable sensor nodes, the system can cover hundreds of metres between nodes at a cost under £1,000 per kilometre.

This approach was demonstrated in a feasibility study funded by Innovate UK, with involvement from Network Rail and HS2. Future deployments aim to offer a Monitoring-as-a-Service model to rail operators.