Keeping trains on track: How AXO Track prevents railway delays with IoT sensors

In this episode, we explore the critical intersection of IoT technology and railway infrastructure with Oliver von Sperber, Managing Director at AXO Track, a German startup transforming railway switch maintenance.

Twenty per cent of train delays stem from switch malfunctions, costing operators millions and frustrating passengers worldwide. Oliver and his team address this challenge through IoT sensors that monitor railway switches in real time, detecting problems before they cause expensive breakdowns.

Oliver brings unique expertise to this problem. He founded AXO Track after running both an investment bank and a sensor technology company. He even completed training as a railway switch mechanic to understand the technical challenges firsthand.

We discuss the journey from manual maintenance to predictive maintenance, the technical challenges of deploying sensors in critical infrastructure, and how smartphone technology has made railway IoT economically viable.

#railway #IoT #predictivemaintenance #infrastructure #sensors #transportation #digitalisation #switches #wetalkiot #smartinfrastructure

Summary of this week's episode:

Meet AXO Track and the railway delay problem

Understanding railway switches and failure modes

Why this technology didn't exist before - smartphone revolution

IoT sensor technology: vibrations, temperature, and humidity

Technical challenges: deployment, power, and data processing

Digitalisation drivers: Green Deal and skilled worker shortage

European market challenges and infrastructure investment

Predictive maintenance benefits and efficiency gains

Research project with Fraunhofer IVI and Eisenbahn-Bundesamt

Future plans and European expansion strategy