The University of Huddersfield and DB Cargo UK have announced a new, framework research and innovation collaboration, deepening the relationship between the two organisations.
This collaboration will allow the University of Huddersfield and DB Cargo UK to advance the industrial application of fundamental research and innovation, through the utilisation of the University’s research and development (R&D) capabilities in rail.
The first stage of this collaboration will see the Institute of Railway Research (IRR) join with DB Cargo UK to deliver a pipeline of innovation for the rail freight industry, supported by the IRR’s latest project, the ERDF LCR Smart Rolling Stock Maintenance Research Facility (SRSMRF). The collaboration will focus on research to improve the efficiency of freight wagon and locomotive maintenance by working with the SRSMRF’s Research Fellows and a range of industry partners across the rail supply chain.
The collaboration was established by Professor Paul Allen, University of Huddersfield, and DB Cargo UK’s Chief Transformation and Digitalisation Officer, Marie Hill.
Professor Allen said: “DB Cargo UK has made an enormous investment in the future of the UK’s freight railways and we are delighted to be collaborating with it in bringing the world-class expertise of IRR to support this mission.”
Professor Gareth Tucker, SRSMRF Principal Investigator, added: “We are looking forward to working with DB Cargo to identify methods to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of wagon and locomotive maintenance using our facilities and expertise in robotics and automation, remote condition monitoring and operations management.”
Marie Hill commented: “We are proud to be deepening our relationship with the University of Huddersfield, which since the launch of UK Rail Research Innovation Network (UKRRIN) has gone from strength to strength.”
Professor Allen concluded: “This collaboration is the beginning of a long-term alliance with DB Cargo UK, strengthening the connections between academia and industry and producing products and services that will be of real benefit to the industry as a whole.”