Hitachi has unveiled the future station concept using the latest digital technology and robots which can show passengers how to find their train and other station amenities.
Hitachi first trialled their robot technology with the public at Tokyo’s Haneda airport in 2017. The robot, called EMIEW3, had the ability to communicate in multiple languages. The robot’s “brain” used artificial intelligence whilst communicating to a central computer system to gain information about what is taking place at the airport.
Hitachi has introduced an interactive tool to show how smart train station concept works.
This new concept follows Hitachi’s announcement that it has begun trials of smart sensor technology which could see ticket barriers made obsolete at stations. The prototype technology use sensors on trains to detect an app on passengers’ smartphones as they board.
“Britain’s train stations could be revolutionised in the years to come as we harness the latest breakthroughs in robotic and artificial intelligence technology. Our concept of a smart station is already becoming a reality, with much of this technology already being trialled in Japan and Europe,” Nick Hughes, Hitachi Rail sales director said.
The new station concept is designed to support higher passenger numbers, especially those who do not use trains regularly. Real time information will personalise each customer experience, helping them navigate ever busy stations, including data being sent direct from the train to a passenger’s phone. This could include mobile apps to guide people to certain shops, restaurants of information points, instead of using physical signs.
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