Synectics introduces AI-powered risk detection for rail
Rail service and infrastructure operators using Synectics’ security and surveillance software, Synergy, can now access a suite of AI-powered video analysis tools.
Synectics, a leader in advanced security and surveillance systems, has launched ‘Synergy DETECT’, part of Synergy’s AI suite, that allows users to select and activate up to 12 AI-driven tools depending on their safety, security, or service-related needs.
Protecting track maintenance and engineering teams
PPE Detection is one of many safety-orientated tools included. It automatically generates alarms when workers appear in the frame without protective helmets or high-visibility vests.
The solution is ideal for ensuring compliance with safety protocols when carrying out potentially hazardous tasks, when working on track, or when using/working around heavy machinery in depots.
Fall Detection can also safeguard lone workers operating across the rail infrastructure.
Preventative passenger and worker safety solutions
Extending the safety theme further, Synergy DETECT enables users to activate the Hazardous Area tool. This generates alerts whenever people or vehicles enter zones designated as dangerous – ideal for detecting track trespassing or spotting when passengers stand too close to platform edges.
Another helpful tool is Loitering Detection. In addition to potential security applications, this can be used to identify ‘lingering behaviours’ indicative of individuals wishing to do themselves harm. This is useful for monitoring areas where high footfall is common but where the prolonged presence of an individual is not – for instance, on over-track walkways and bridges.
Last year alone, there were 342 suicide attempts on UK mainline tracks, making this kind of incident identification a priority for the sector.
The Stopped Object tool can be activated to help prevent train-vehicle collisions caused by the accidental or planned parking of a car over crossings. This tool automatically flags when a decelerating or stopped vehicle poses a safety risk.
Rapid detection of service issues and security risks
Synergy DETECT also features tools for identifying security risks.
Intrusion Detection is a great example. It uses detectors with long-range accuracy to identify and classify people or ground vehicles attempting to access a restricted area. This could be invaluable for preventing depot break-ins and thefts, including copper theft, which causes millions of pounds in damage to rail infrastructure annually.
Avoid service issues – from parking problems to overcrowding
Parking facilities for stations and interchanges can also benefit from these tools.
Traffic Counting, for example, can monitor incoming and outgoing traffic for a specific zone. This is useful for alerting operators to parking capacity levels or checking that all vehicles have left the premises as part of security checks and emergency drills. Alternatively, Zone Crossing can be used when only incoming vehicles need to be monitored.
Synergy DETECT can help with more than crowded car parks. With Crowd Detection, operators are alerted whenever the number of people in a set zone exceeds a predefined threshold. This could indicate that an incident is occurring or that additional passenger services are required – at ticketing desks, information points, or platform assistance.
Easy set-up, filters, and flexible camera compatibility
Activating Synergy DETECT is simple. Once the hardware is installed, users can connect any of the cameras in their network, including fixed, PTZ and thermal models. The tools can be tailored to suit specific operational needs and re-configured depending on evolving requirements. Settings include zone size, time period, motion tolerances, sensitivity, and alarm frequency thresholds.
Dan Noble, Head of Product Strategy – Synergy, said, “AI truly does have the power to supercharge surveillance-based risk detection, but only if the AI tools themselves are easy and intuitive to use. Synergy DETECT meets this important requirement, putting powerful capabilities at the fingertips of busy rail surveillance teams in a way that is completely tailored to an organisation’s exact needs.”
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