SMRT-NTU Smart Urban Rail Corporate Laboratory Launch

From a commuter’s perspective, words like condition monitoring and prediction-analytical techniques may not matter much to their commuting experience.

What weighs heavily in their minds are questions like how crowded will the next train be, how long do I have to wait for my next train, and will I be able to reach my destination safely and on time?

At SMRT, we continue to have an unwavering commitment towards our commuters and have undivided focus towards solving present issues. We are fully aware that our rail system is an integral part of our lives, intricately weaved into our everyday lives.

Our current maintenance approach is targeted to solve present track or train related issues during engineering hours nightly. However, as our rail systems run 365 days without rest, we can no longer rely on traditional maintenance methodologies.

Today, the SMRT-NTU Smart Urban Rail Corporate Laboratory (Corp-Lab) was officially launched by Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Minister for Transport, Mr. Khaw Boon Wan.

Corp-Lab is a collaborative platform where SMRT partner academia and fellow industry partners for knowledge exchange. NTU’s scientific and renowned research capabilities; together with SMRT’s operational expertise will help deliver real-life customized solutions that will serve the needs and problems faced by our rail systems.

Till date, we have had success with the introduction of condition monitoring systems through preemptive failure warnings of critical components and systems. For example, the Third Rail Sag Alert system managed to capture 14 warning triggers in 2015.

Going forward, Corp-Lab will focus on two research tracks. The first aims to develop advanced condition monitoring system that will further enhance the resiliency and safety of our network. The second is targeted to enhance overall integrity and reliability of our rail assets.

Through Corp-Lab and NRF’s Corporate Lab @ University scheme, we aim to deliver customized solutions, strengthen our rail network by detecting potential faults earlier and increasing the pool of industry-ready experts.

When we are able to do so, this will translate into smoother and uninterrupted journeys for our commuters in our rail network.