Network Rail and Swiss state railway SBB signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on 24th July 2023 to work together on technologies including Artificial Intelligence (AI). The agreement is part of Network Rail's newly formed International Research & Development Partnership Programme (IRDPP), which aims to deliver and develop technology to improve safety and create a network for passengers and freight customers. Initially, the AI technology will be used for inspections of steel bridges and tracks, particularly points and crossings, and for remote monitoring of Light Rail Vehicles (LRV). Projects developed under the IRDPP will be jointly funded, and responsibility for resources, testing capacity and best practice will be shared between both parties. Collaboration begins in the form of workshops, both face-to-face and online.
