RET - Rail Edge Telemetry

RET - Rail Edge Telemetry

No More Blind Spots

Rail Edge Telemetry (RET) gives you unprecedented visibility into the critical wheel–surface interface across trams, trains, buses and other public‑transport vehicles. More than just sensors, RET is an integrated platform that pairs robust onboard devices with a powerful cloud system to transform raw data into actionable insights for tram, urban transit, mainline rail and bus operators.

RET Illustration

Build vs. Buy: Focus on Operations, Not IT

Many operators explore in‑house sensor projects, only to find they consume resources without delivering results.

With RET you get a proven, off‑the‑shelf solution that lets your experts concentrate on operations—be it on trams, trains or buses.

  • Deploy in days rather than launch multi‑year pilot projects.
  • Gain direct visibility into the vehicle–infrastructure relationship without waiting for external reports.
  • Minimise risk with predictable costs and a scalable footprint.

RET empowers you to solve your real challenges across tram networks, mainline rail and bus operations—without the delays, costs and uncertainty of building your own system.

Two railway workers in safety vests and helmets inspect a track; one works with a laptop, the other with a clipboard – symbolising clear ROI and predictable costs.

Client: Bernmobil, Switzerland

Bernmobil logo

Challenge:

Tram wheels often squeal in curves when the rails are not adequately lubricated. Lubrication must balance noise reduction with environmental and resource considerations. The core challenge is to predict exactly where and when lubrication is required in order to minimise lubricant consumption and prevent squealing.

Solution:

Parametric’s solution combines deep learning with real-time data processing. Using the RET4000 sensor to continuously capture noise and vibration data and the RAR4000 edge computer for on-board analysis, the system predicts the optimal timing and location for lubrication. A machine-learning model continuously refines its predictions and controls mobile lubrication pumps with high precision.

Benefits:

  • Efficient Lubrication: Lubricant is applied only when and where it is needed, reducing consumption and protecting the environment.
  • Noise Reduction: Optimally lubricated wheels prevent disruptive squealing.
  • Extended Lifespan: Precise lubrication minimises rail wear, extends track life, and reduces maintenance costs.

The project was realized in cooperation with PROSE, Substring and the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT).

Client: ABB Adelaide, Australia

Challenge:

ABB integrates traction converters into trains that must be monitored for performance and safety. Railway operators, who are often not system integrators, have only limited access to diagnostic data. Additional hurdles include strict access controls, high latency, intermittent connectivity, and managing remote devices across multi-vendor fleets.

Solution:

Parametric delivered a tailored remote maintenance system based on its unified connectivity platform. The RAR4000 Mobile Edge Computer provides secure hardware, redundant mobile connections, and certified remote-access software. It enables centralised, auditable control over remote access with port-based VLAN segmentation to isolate subsystem data flows. Operators decide who can access what, when and how—without insecure third-party tools or cloud intermediaries.

Benefits:

  • Security: Integrated firewall and VLANs ensure strict separation of subsystems.
  • Efficiency: Real-time data and remote diagnostics reduce downtime and support quick decision-making.
  • Traceability: Central audit logs provide full transparency and make regulatory compliance easier.
  • Reliability: Redundant communication channels provide stable access in demanding mobile environments.

Client: Bernmobil, Switzerland

Bernmobil logo

Challenge:

Tram wheels often squeal in curves when the rails are not adequately lubricated. Lubrication must balance noise reduction with environmental and resource considerations. The core challenge is to predict exactly where and when lubrication is required in order to minimise lubricant consumption and prevent squealing.

Solution:

Parametric’s solution combines deep learning with real-time data processing. Using the RET4000 sensor to continuously capture noise and vibration data and the RAR4000 edge computer for on-board analysis, the system predicts the optimal timing and location for lubrication. A machine-learning model continuously refines its predictions and controls mobile lubrication pumps with high precision.

Benefits:

  • Efficient Lubrication: Lubricant is applied only when and where it is needed, reducing consumption and protecting the environment.
  • Noise Reduction: Optimally lubricated wheels prevent disruptive squealing.
  • Extended Lifespan: Precise lubrication minimises rail wear, extends track life, and reduces maintenance costs.

The project was realized in cooperation with PROSE, Substring and the Swiss Federal Office of Transport (FOT).

Client: ABB Adelaide, Australia

Challenge:

ABB integrates traction converters into trains that must be monitored for performance and safety. Railway operators, who are often not system integrators, have only limited access to diagnostic data. Additional hurdles include strict access controls, high latency, intermittent connectivity, and managing remote devices across multi-vendor fleets.

Solution:

Parametric delivered a tailored remote maintenance system based on its unified connectivity platform. The RAR4000 Mobile Edge Computer provides secure hardware, redundant mobile connections, and certified remote-access software. It enables centralised, auditable control over remote access with port-based VLAN segmentation to isolate subsystem data flows. Operators decide who can access what, when and how—without insecure third-party tools or cloud intermediaries.

Benefits:

  • Security: Integrated firewall and VLANs ensure strict separation of subsystems.
  • Efficiency: Real-time data and remote diagnostics reduce downtime and support quick decision-making.
  • Traceability: Central audit logs provide full transparency and make regulatory compliance easier.
  • Reliability: Redundant communication channels provide stable access in demanding mobile environments.

Why operators choose RET

  • Catch problems early: identify switch faults, road‑surface issues, flat spots, excessive wear or joint defects across tracks, tram lines and bus corridors before they become safety or service issues.
  • Validate measures quickly: know within days—not weeks—if lubrication, reprofiling or other maintenance actions have the desired effect for your vehicles.
  • Stay in control: RET is vendor‑neutral. You own your data and keep your independence. Consultants can assist, but knowledge remains with you.
  • Deploy without disruption: devices mount externally on trams, trains and buses and start working within hours. Rent or buy according to your budget.
  • Transparent costs: one annual fee covers hardware operation, data transmission, AI analytics, alerts, API access and support. No hidden IT expenses.
  • Scale as you grow: start on a single route or line and expand to entire fleets across different modes at your own pace.

Clear ROI and Predictable Costs

RET is built to eliminate uncertainty, shorten pilot phases and deliver value from day one.

  • Low upfront investments: start with a few rental units or a small purchase on one tram line or bus route.
  • Immediate insights: devices are operational within hours and deliver results through RETWiz within days.
  • All‑inclusive pricing: the annual subscription includes hardware operation, data transmission, analysis, alarms and support.
  • Evidence‑based decisions: even during trials, RET identifies hidden issues and confirms whether interventions work—driving a rapid return on investment.

Start small, scale fast -deploy RET in days

Launch Your Trial Deployment

RET eliminates trial-and-error. Our clients see measurable results within days.

RET eliminates trial-and-error. Our clients see measurable results within days.

Parametric Transportation
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