HUBBLE

Hubble is a next generation AI technology, which is widely used by Network Rail to help front-line teams with the mammoth task of lineside management. Hubble uses the footage recorded from a train’s Forward Facing CCTV camera to help front line teams quickly pinpoint exactly where lineside vegetation is likely to be an issue, so it can be cut back before it causes delays to passenger and freight services.

This video data is processed into point clouds and machine learning algorithms are applied to inspect the lineside to Network Rail’s standards. Geospatial analysis is then used to provide locational information on the whereabouts of any potential issues on the network.

“Hubble is a key support tool to help us manage the lineside more efficiently. Since using Hubble we have reduced the number of the higher risk potential issues by 80% and 96% on certain key corridors. Hubble has demonstrably helped improve performance for our Train and Freight Operators and supported our front-line teams with timely and accurate insights”

Liam Allen BSc (Hons) CEng MPWI Route Engineer

Hubble started in 2018 in its seedling form. It has now scaled and developed into an enterprise grade AI digital lineside inspection system used widely by Network Rail Routes – including Anglia, East Midlands, Kent and Sussex. Front-line teams are now using the same forward-facing footage to automatically classify biodiversity habitats and hazardous species detection. Importantly, Hubble is not innovation for innovation sakes – it has delivered real-world benefits including:

Inspection Efficiency – use of Hubble is at least twice as fast when compared to cab-rides and manual video review.

Safety –Network Rail have reduced boots on ballast to inspect and plan interventions. With the Hubble team, Network Rail also developed the world’s first method to automatically alert users to obstructed cess paths before they go onto the infrastructure.

Reliability & Performance – humans get tired watching video; computers do not. Hubble inspects over 5,000 kilometres of track each month to provide critical insights to front-line teams.

Industry Collaboration – Hubble utilises a collaborative model; working with over 23 major rail organisations in cross industry partnerships to get the most and make best use out of the different organisations strengths in the rail ecosystem.

Environment – Hubble reduces the amount of travel to conduct site visits and provides ecologists with up-todate information on three key biodiversity and habitat types.

Hubble delivers a net financial benefit of £2,000,000 per year per Route. This figure only includes benefits associated with time saved. It does not include other financial benefits associated with safety and performance improvements.

Hubble was initially supported by Network Rail, Innovate UK and the Department of Transport back in 2018. Since then, with Network Rail and Train Operating Companies continued support and feedback, Hubble has transformed into one of Network Rail’s modern AI and data success stories. A shining example of how a small idea about using data which is already collected by the industry can bring transformative industry benefits and support the shift to preventative maintenance of the lineside.

CONTACT: haydon@crosstech.co.uk

+44(0)7796600458