A new technology has been developed that can automatically detect obstacles located up to 2 kilometers ahead of a moving train. It is expected to contribute to the prevention of train accidents.
Korea Railroad Corporation (KORAIL) announced on October 17 that it has recently developed a "Forward Safety Detection Device" in collaboration with Shalom Engineering Co., Ltd., which integrates digital imaging and advanced sensor technology.
This device automatically detects obstacles within a 2-kilometer range in front of the train and within a 500-meter radius of the tracks, recognizes potential hazards, and delivers real-time collision risk alerts to the train operator.
The system operates by simultaneously applying a long-range vision camera for remote detection and a LiDAR sensor for close-range detection, enabling it to identify hazards located farther than the train's braking distance.
In particular, the imaging device operates with three types of cameras, including a thermal imaging camera, allowing it to detect and respond in advance to various types of collision risks such as obstacles at railroad crossings, workers near the tracks, falling rocks, and blind spots in curved sections, even under severe weather conditions.
The LiDAR sensor detects obstacles using lasers and measures distance by calculating the reflection time. Its high accuracy and immunity to light conditions enable it to provide images of the same quality at night as during the day.
KORAIL plans to begin trial application of the Forward Safety Detection Device on regular trains starting next month. After conducting operational tests, the company will gradually expand the system to different types of trains.
Jung Jeongrae, Acting President of KORAIL, stated, "We expect that the development of this new technology will fundamentally secure the safety of workers on the tracks," adding, "KORAIL will continue its research and development efforts to create a safer train operation environment."
Meanwhile, the Forward Safety Detection Device is the result of the Korea-Israel international joint research and development project, "Development of a Trackside Hazard Detection System Using Fusion Sensors," which began in July last year. This achievement was made through collaboration with private companies from both countries.
© The Asia Business Daily(www.asiae.co.kr). All rights reserved.
