Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) opened a new innovation unit today at EPFL’s Innovation Park, further deepening its ties with the School.
What do AI-driven object location, smart baggage trolleys and quieter rail systems have in common? They are just some of the technologies to come out of the dynamic research relationship between Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and EPFL’s Transportation Center (TRACE).
Today, the Swiss rail company unveiled a new innovation unit at EPFL, dubbed SBB Innocell, in a move designed to further cement this relationship, harness the high-level expertise available on campus, and build more innovation into its everyday operations. “EPFL has a thriving innovation ecosystem supported by big business and researchers specializing in rail transportation,” says Hans-Jörg Stark, who heads the new unit. “Tapping into this network will help us improve rail operations and use innovation to better serve our customers.”
The School’s specialist knowledge – in fields ranging from bridge design and energy efficiency to passenger flow and timetable optimization – makes it a particularly attractive partner for a company like SBB. The Innocell builds on a formal relationship that dates back to 2014, when EPFL and SBB signed a cooperation agreement. That arrangement, known as SBB Hub, has given rise to a series of major research projects, including some funded by Innosuisse.
Source: “EPFL hosts a new SBB innovation unit”, Anne-Muriel Brouet, EPFL
