Innovative working environment: We live innovation.
SBB makes use of the latest technologies to shape the future and create added value for everyone. In doing so, we expand our horizons and take unconventional approaches.
Exciting tasks based on state-of-the-art technology.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and computer-aided perception of reality – or extended reality (XR) – are creating new opportunities for SBB in our current and future core business areas. To overcome our biggest challenges, we go well beyond traditional process and system improvements. These two technologies also create significant value across the organisation. From simplified work processes to cost-saving measures and increased work safety, the benefits of AI and XR are incontestable.
Intelligent track inspection.
Thanks to AI track inspection (AITI), in future it will be possible to detect a larger number of defects in the railway infrastructure with greater reliability and have them repaired at optimal cost. A diagnostics vehicle will carry out this task reliably and quickly using digitalisation and new technologies. This will greatly reduce dangers along the tracks and systematically produce forecasts on the condition of the lines, enabling preventive action to be taken.
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IlirFetai
Development engineer, lecturer in computer science, curious fan of technology, and football coach.
The latest technologies are used instead of pesticides to control weeds in the track area. For remote detection of weeds, drones with AI and machine learning ability or a hot water sprayer with infrared technology are used. All with a single goal: to improve the ecological assessment.
Innovations are not only for our customers,but also to increase the sustainability of the railways as a whole.
LukasTanner
Project manager in sustainability, this engineer and mountain fan is a father of three boys.
Benefits of networking.
In order to drive innovation, SBB promotes cooperation at various interfaces. Internal centres of excellence and network groups are dedicated to the latest technologies and get leading experts involved where necessary. This creates exciting cooperation with universities, universities of applied sciences and start-ups, bringing about the implementation of promising projects. And mobility in Switzerland directly benefits from this too. Our employees also have the opportunity to immerse themselves in exciting projects.
Technologies are developing very rapidly. Some have the potential to profoundly change society. SBB also sees the opportunities offered by new technologies and wants to use these to create added value for its customers and employees:
Extended reality (XR).
With virtual reality, the senses are expanded in such a way as to make available the information needed at the required time. Smartphones, tablets and even state-of-the-art smart glasses are used to create XR. This technology simplifies commissioning, fault correction and maintenance for railway infrastructure and rolling stock. XR is also particularly suitable for internal training purposes, enabling the virtual inspection of a Giruno train, for example. An equally valuable area of application is helping customers find their way around at the station using the SBB AR preview app.
Planned but not yet realised buildings, tunnels and rolling stock are visualised in virtual reality and this significantly helps all those involved in construction projects gain a shared understanding of the projects. Thanks to XR, virtual inspections of railway tunnels are also possible. This makes inspections in poorly accessible rail sections such as railway tunnels or high-speed lines possible at any time. A case in point is the Bern railway station project.
Drones may be the subject of controversial public debate, but for SBB, they offer essential advantages. Whether for exploring the terrain, collecting and evaluating data for natural hazards, use by SBB Police, maintenance of structures or construction site monitoring. Drones increase the safety of operational staff and infrastructure, accelerate work processes without loss of quality and help to gain valuable time for other tasks. At SBB, drones are used with a variety of technologies and sensors: from normal RGB cameras or thermal cameras to multi-spectral cameras, laser scanners and radar units. They often replace conventional aircraft such as helicopters, enabling potential savings to be realised.
In 3D printing, three-dimensional workpieces are formed layer by layer under control of a computer. Although 3D printing technology always makes it onto the annual trend lists, it is still rarely used in everyday working life. At SBB, the technology has been in use for some time already. Thanks to this printing method, the exact number of pieces is produced as needed. This saves storage space in the warehouses. In addition, this method also enables the internal development of prototypes, which can be produced and tested in-house.
Robotics.
SBB strives to put the human factor at the forefront, while at the same time making use of technological advances in robotics. The use of (partially) autonomous machines or robots makes it possible to relieve employees from physically intensive, monotonous, unhealthy or dangerous activities. Robots can carry out these tasks fully or in collaboration with humans. Robot technology is currently used in situations where, for instance, terrain becomes inaccessible in the event of natural disasters, or to optimise maintenance work in tunnels. The technology is also used for weed control, to assist in cleaning work in railway stations, or with tiring and non-ergonomic grinding work on carriage bodies. The use of robotics allows SBB to guarantee the safety and health of its staff and customers. It also improves the availability and quality of products and enhances profitability and efficiency.
Predictive maintenance.
Only with long-term maintenance work planning can we function as a reliable mobility service provider. In this way we help prevent and minimise service disruptions, and especially recurring interruptions to services, as these are particularly costly. For this reason we make use of maintenance equipment such as vehicle thermal scanners or carry out automated assessments of axle box bearings which help us to meet our stringent safety criteria.
Machine perception.
When a computer system interprets data with human-like capabilities, this is called machine perception. The five main capabilities can be compared with the five human senses of sight, hearing, touch, smell and taste. On these various levels, large amounts of data are analysed, converted and later reused for other purposes. At SBB, this technology is mainly used for safety-related tasks. These include checking for faults in the rail network (Rail Check) and the safety of cargo trains.
More information about Rail Check Link opens in new window.
Standard services.
By evaluating geodata, important positioning technologies can be developed and improvements made as per the requirements of each location. Enhanced geographical and spatial data also plays a role in various aspects of mobility in Switzerland, for example to remedy disruptions, ensure safe rail travel and workplaces, automation of ticketing (SBB Preview) or analysing the full range of mobility behaviour. The SBB Police also benefit from using location technologies.
SBB currently sees the greatest benefit of blockchain and similar decentralised technologies in the secure issuing, verification and proof of digital certificates. This goes far beyond SBB’s sphere of influence. Until these technologies are put into more widespread use in the company, we are involved in constantly evaluating, prioritising and reviewing other possible applications. To this end, we monitor market developments and are engaged in networking with potential partners in Switzerland and internationally. Our customers are currently the main beneficiaries of this, as Bitcoins can be purchased at all ticket machines.
SBB’s development projects are always aimed at optimising mobility in Switzerland and are of great benefit to the country. As far as possible, all needs are taken into account, ranging from greater rail infrastructure capacity and better information exchange with SBB partners or customers to the implementation of innovations and services.
Smart Rail 4.0.
The Smart Rail 4.0 development project aims to ensure long-term competitiveness in the mobility market. This sector programme is carried out in cooperation with other railway companies. The aims are to increase the line capacity and safety of employees in the track area, stabilise system costs and improve future services. We are achieving this by renewing old systems and making better use of customer information thanks to the high rate of data transfer. Therefore, everyone stands to benefit from this development project.
BIM helps to keep up with the times by digitalising planning, construction and management. As a holistic working method, BIM focuses on cooperation, collaboration and communication through the use of digital technologies. Both railway infrastructure and real estate are digitally recorded and connected to each other in stages. In this way, all the required information is processed and checked at a central location. A visualised computer model is used to call up data about all facilities and manage them more efficiently. Duplication of work and loss of information is thus minimised. This not only speeds everything up, but also facilitates communication with our partners.
SBB wants to be smart in dealing with its staff, customers and Switzerland as a whole. This has given rise to the series of development projects called “Smart”, and includes the Smart Way app designed to make life easier for travellers and Smart City, which aims to make everyone’s living space more pleasant. Smart City in turn is involved at various levels, tackling burning issues such as energy, living or meeting spaces and even technical issues. Train stations are also being equipped with smart customer information displays. These displays show customers travel information such as replacement service plans, disruptions, local maps or the next departures in real time.
The Innovation, Research and Incubation business unit exists to develop a leading system of innovation, thus enabling research and implementation of new solutions in line with customer needs. The results of your work benefit both existing SBB business models with regard to productivity, security and sustainability and related fields of business.
Innovations offer amazing opportunities – for companies, employees, customers and partners. This is why we are constantly looking for new innovation areas and options.
Innovation process.
SBB pursues a clear innovation process. This was awarded a prize by the Swiss CRM Forum, and is something we are particularly proud of. So whether you’re an SBB employee or an external, your ideas count and will be reviewed. Teams of experts check whether your input meets SBB’s compatibility criteria and offers customer benefits. Customer feedback is then collected and a test phase is carried out. If your idea gets through further gates and passes the test, it will be launched on the market. You remain the driving force, from A to Z.
More information about the innovation process More information about our success stories
Kickbox.
The Kickbox concept encourages employees to put their SBB-related ideas into practice. If the proposed idea is in line with SBB’s corporate goals and other criteria, the first red Kickbox is handed over at an orientation meeting. The box contains allocated time, vouchers, a starting credit and access to innovation experts. A manual is also provided to support the employees in the validation process of their ideas. From this point on, employees have two months to research, validate and fine-tune their ideas. If sponsors can subsequently be found to support the implementation of the idea, the blue box is then presented and the idea is piloted. Earning the third, gold box means that employees can devote their full working time to their idea. In this way, innovation and new jobs can be developed and promoted at SBB.
Chatbots.
These text-based dialogue systems make it possible to answer queries automatically. This makes it easier for employees to provide standard information, customer information or surveys and feedback. The use of the systems simplifies and shortens process structures. As a result, support costs are reduced without our customers having to forego any services. Quite the contrary: the 24/7 service simplifies everyday life for all those involved. Dialogue systems are used for recruitment for SBB training programmes (Sophie) and to answer questions about the Half Fare Travelcard or GA Travelcard (digital assistant).
Hackathons are organised at SBB to investigate specific topics based on concrete issues. This allows the development of creative software products in the form of prototypes and within a short period of time. Hackathons are also popular with participants, as these events offer both excitement and an interesting experience. One hack success worth mentioning is the SBB Inclusive app for visually impaired and blind people.
This series of events focuses on topics such as technology, digitalisation, innovation and change. Participants benefit from exchanging experiences and information.
Open Innovation.
Open Innovation teams appraise worldwide innovative technologies. The team is involved in worldwide networking and aims to discover ideas that offer great potential. This helps establish contacts with new development partners who can help drive mobility in Switzerland.
