This UK-based SME is a leader in the design, manufacture and supply of Industrial IoT devices, sensors and applications for remote condition monitoring in rail, mining and energy.
The client transforms safety and performance critical operations through actionable insights with smart monitoring solutions designed for predictive and preventative maintenance. The company’s solutions extend asset life, reduce maintenance costs and delays, and avert catastrophic failures.

The client’s solutions are based on two platform technologies:
- a novel monitoring device for assessing track substructure and critical switch components
- a patented and priority embedded clamp force sensing technology that can remotely monitor the mechanical integrity of any bolted connection.

This client, based in Cambridge, where mechanical, electronics, firmware, software, production and commercial teams work effectively together to ensure a multidisciplinary approach to designing and supplying highly innovative end-to-end solutions. The company has a proven track record for solving diverse asset and critical infrastructure related problems with smart sensing solutions that enhance the efficiency of maintenance operations and ensure safety.

This client is looking for a partner that can help with prototype testing. For example, a rail company that would allow the testing to take place in a real setting on live lines and provide feedback on data received and installation processes. Alternatively, this could take place in a testing house that could mimic the forces of trains in an artificial setting.

By improving monitoring, these technologies will improve the reliability of network infrastructure, reduce the risk of accidents and reduce costs .

This technology is currently available on the market in the UK – and already being used successfully by UK rail operators.
Advantages and innovation
• Ease and speed of product installation – single installation visit required

• Tailor made user interface designed with extensive input from customers

• Valuable data insights without inflicting AI on customers although machine learning is available in the product, allowing the user to make the decisions which is important for these safety critical applications

• Strong customer orientation, with a collaborative approach to partnering and see the customers as an extension to the internal research team

• Address a wider range of requirements using a broader range of sensors, data management and advanced analytical tools

• Strong R and D Team and not a one product only company, constantly developing products and services

• All product design and assembly done in-house with a proactive rather than reactive approach

• Multi-disciplinary approach covering all aspects of product development

• Products available designed for smaller sized bolts with the capability to develop product for larger sizes

• Unique patented approach to measurement providing accurate and reliable readings

• Product is a washer not a bolt with an integral sensor. This allows the user to select an off-the-shelf bolt to meet the user’s own specific material grade and length.

• Compliments other product lines in the rail market as it can be used to identify faults although it is also a stand-alone product application for other applications and markets

• Off the shelf gateway can be used

• The distance between the gateway and the sensors can be much greater than Wi-Fi or Bluetooth based solutions.

• Makes use of the latest IOT technology
Technical Specification or Expertise Sought
• Testing capabilities, including live environment or a simulation

• Satellite technology company that would enable the extension of offerings to more remote areas where there is no cellular coverage

• Ideally experience in the relevant industries as outlined above

• Calibration abilities and tools to automate this process

• Electronics Engineering capabilities to support potential printed circuit board (PCB) redesign

• Capabilities to access live testing of prototypes