Bound for The Metaverse: Transforming Railway Operations
The birth of the metaverseThe metaverse can be defined “as a virtual world where humans, as avatars, interact with each other in a three dimensional space”[1] In the industrial context, this concept can be extended to transform the operations of manufacturing pnuclants, energy networks, railway systems, construction, mining and other sectors. Whereas regular metaverses have traditionally been associated with virtual entertainment and social activities, the industrial metaverse refers to the virtual representation of information in real-world logistics, design, operations, maintenance and other industrial activities. Value of the industrial metaverseThe industrial metaverse is a technology that is gaining attention for its wide range of benefits, such as increased efficiency, innovation and safety. We believe the real value of the industrial metaverse lies in its ability to "break down organisational, functional & hierarchical boundaries and promote non-linear use case growth". In other words, the Industrial Metaverse is a platform that encourages lively discussion and effective collaboration across organisational and functional boundaries; bringing together heterogenous systems and data; and enabling people at all levels, not just experts from different fields, to interpret data more intuitively according to their individual interests. System of digital twinsOn the other hand, there is also the concept of the digital twin. A digital twin links real-life physical objects with their associated digital information and processes. For example, the operating status of machines on a production line using sensor data; and the inventory status of spare parts can be reproduced in a virtual space as a digital twin, which can be monitored and controlled in near real-time from a remote location. Within the industrial metaverse, the digital twin is one component of the whole. The industrial metaverse can be defined as the comprehensive integration of multiple distributed digital twins, which are viewed as a system and generate new insights. In this sense, the industrial metaverse can be described as a 'system of digital twins'. Interdependencies within the rail operating ecosystemToday’s railways are highly heterogeneous and complex ecosystems; comprising multiple organisations and entities with devolved responsibilities. Rail infrastructure operators manage, maintain and develop the assets that make up the rail network. These include track, signalling, electrification, bridges, tunnels, level crossings, stations and trackside vegetation. In addition, many coaches, locomotives and freight wagons that run on the rails are owned by rolling stock leasing companies and leased to train operating companies and freight operating companies. The assets and players in the ecosystem are interdependent and function as a complex system. Approach to the rail metaverseHitachi is involved in a wide range of social innovation projects, and Europe is a particularly important market for our rail business. Our concept of the industrial metaverse as applied to railways has three key layers as shown in Figure 1:
We believe that the Industrial Metaverse will enable multi-agency stakeholders - not only railway operators, but also governments, local authorities, environmental and meteorological agencies and local residents - to work together to create sustainable, resilient and safe rail transport for all. 
Figure 1: System of digital twins at the heart of industrial metaverse for rail Use cases in the railwayThe following practical use cases emerge in the field of rail operations:
ConclusionThe journey towards the metaverse has begun. The transformation of railway operations through the industrial metaverse heralds a new era of interconnectedness, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving. As the wheels of progress continue to turn, the industrial metaverse stands as a testament to human ingenuity, propelling us towards a future where cyber-physical boundaries are blurred, and new opportunities for innovation, exploration and transformation lead us to unexplored horizons. [1] Cambridge English Dictionary techUK – Unleashing UK Tech and InnovationThe UK is home to emerging technologies that have the power to revolutionise entire industries. From quantum to semiconductors; from gaming to the New Space Economy, they all have the unique opportunity to help prepare for what comes next. techUK members lead the development of these technologies. Together we are working with Government and other stakeholders to address tech innovation priorities and build an innovation ecosystem that will benefit people, society, economy and the planet - and unleash the UK as a global leader in tech and innovation. For more information, or to get in touch, please visit our Innovation Hub and click ‘contact us’. Upcoming events
Latest news and insightsOther forms of contentSprint CampaignstechUK's sprint campaigns explore how emerging and transformative technologies are developed, applied and commercialised across the UK's innovation ecosystem. Activity includes workshops, roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and flagship reports (setting out recommendations for Government and industry). Each campaign runs for 4-6 months and features regular collaborations with programmes across techUK. techUK's latest sprint campaign is on Robotics & Automation technologies. Find out how to get involved by clicking here.
New Space
Running from September to December 2023, this campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of space technologies, bring more non-space companies into the sector, and ultimately realise the benefits of the New Space Economy. These technologies include AI, quantum, lasers, robotics & automation, advanced propulsion and materials, and semiconductors. Activity has taken the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report. The report, containing member case studies and policy recommendations, was launched in March 2024 at Satellite Applications Catapult's Harwell campus. Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's ongoing work in this area. Event round-upsReportInsightsGet in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory DanielsRory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme. During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022. Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics. Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse. This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
Gaming & Esports
Running from January to May 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of the technologies set to underpin the Gaming & Esports sector of the future. These include AI, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, haptics, cloud & edge computing, semiconductors, and advanced connectivity (5/6G). Activity took the form of roundtables, panel discussions, networking sessions, Summits, and thought leadership pieces. A report featuring member case studies and policy recommendations was launched at The National Videogame Museum in November 2024. Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space. ReportEvent round-upsInsightsGet in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory DanielsRory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme. During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022. Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics. Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse. This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
Web3 & Immersive
Running from July to December 2024, this sprint campaign explored how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of web3 and immersive technologies. These include blockchain, smart contracts, digital assets, augmented / virtual / mixed / extended reality, spatial computing, haptics and holograms. Activity took the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in 2025). Get in touch below to find out more about techUK's future plans in this space. Event round-upsInsightsGet in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory DanielsRory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme. During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022. Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics. Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse. This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
Robotics & Automation
Running from February to June 2025, this sprint campaign is exploring how the UK can lead on the development, application and commercialisation of robotic & automation technologies. These include autonomous vehicles, drones, humanoids, and applications across industry & manufacturing, defence, transport & mobility, logistics, and more. Activity is taking the form of roundtables, workshops, panel discussions, networking sessions, tech demos, Summits, thought leadership pieces, policy recommendations, and a report (to be launched in Q4 2025). Get in touch below to get involved or find out more about techUK's future plans in this space. Upcoming events
InsightsEvent round-upsGet in touch
Rory Daniels
Rory DanielsRory joined techUK in June 2023 after three years in the Civil Service on its Fast Stream leadership development programme. During this time, Rory worked on the Government's response to Covid-19 (NHS Test & Trace), school funding strategy (Department for Education) and international climate and nature policy (Cabinet Office). He also tackled the social care crisis whilst on secondment to techUK's Health and Social Care programme in 2022. Before this, Rory worked in the House of Commons and House of Lords alongside completing degrees in Political Economy and Global Politics. Today, Rory leads techUK's emerging technologies activity across everything from immersive, web3, AI and robotics to space, gaming & metaverse. This involves co-running techUK's flagship Innovation campaign, managing four series (including the 'Meet the Innovators' interview series), and launching 4-6-month 'sprint campaigns' on transformative technologies and sectors.
Campaign WeeksOur annual Campaign Weeks enable techUK members to explore how the UK can lead on the development and application of emerging and transformative technologies. Members do this by contributing blogs or vlogs, speaking at events, and highlighting examples of best practice within the UK's tech sector. SummitsTech and Innovation Summit 2023
Tech and Innovation Summit 2024Receive our Tech and Innovation insightsSign-up to get the latest updates and opportunities across Technology and Innovation & AI. 
|
Authors
