Research & Development
Driving innovation through collaboration. Digital Transit has a proven track record of winning competitive funding and delivering high-impact R&D across critical infrastructure and emerging technologies. We're the ideal partner for your next innovation bid.
Funding Success Stories
Our track record demonstrates our capability to secure competitive funding and deliver innovative solutions across the rail and infrastructure sectors.
MINT – Manufacturing Intelligence for Net-Zero Technology
AI-driven platform helping UK manufacturers cut energy use and emissions by optimising factory performance through smart, low-cost monitoring and control.
Funding Body
Innovate UK
Key Outcomes
- Validated AI and IoT-based energy optimisation system
- Retrofit solution for manufacturing equipment
- Commercially scalable platform
Partners
CLAIM – CENELEC Lifecycle AI Manager
AI-driven tool automating compliance checks in rail projects, improving efficiency, consistency, and assurance against CENELEC lifecycle standards.
Funding Body
Innovate UK
Key Outcomes
- Validated AI prototype demonstrating automated compliance assessment
- Improved efficiency and accuracy of handovers in large projects
- Industry engagement and adoption pathway established
Partners
System Architecture Diagram Analysis Feasibility Study
Feasibility study on extracting and analysing rail system architecture diagrams for security compliance using LLMs and related AI methods.
Funding Body
STFC - UKRI
Key Outcomes
- Feasibility report and prototype code demonstrating AI-based diagram analysis
- Best-fit AI methods identified for compliance automation
- Clear data requirements defined for future integration
Partners
SmartMill
Self-powered wireless sensor system for CNC machines, providing real-time vibration data to enable predictive maintenance and improve manufacturing efficiency.
Funding Body
Innovate UK
Key Outcomes
- Validated prototype for real-time on-rotor condition monitoring
- Improved maintenance efficiency through early fault detection
- Industry-ready technology supporting sustainable manufacturing
Partners
RAPORS - Rail AI-Powered Optimization and Review System
AI-powered system automating safety-critical software assessments, improving compliance accuracy and efficiency for railway standards like EN50716:2023.
Funding Body
Innovate UK
Key Outcomes
- AI tool prototype for automated safety compliance reviews
- Reduced assessment effort through intelligent document analysis
- Enhanced reliability in rail software assurance processes
Partners
REDGE: Resilient Energy Digital Grid Engine
Digital twin platform uniting condition monitoring and cybersecurity for renewable energy systems, delivering real-time insight and improved infrastructure resilience.
Funding Body
Innovate UK
Key Outcomes
- Integrated digital twin prototype combining physical and cyber monitoring
- Enhanced threat detection through real-time visual analytics
- Improved energy resilience via faster, data-driven incident response
Partners
Axlesense
Self-powered wireless axle sensor detecting hot boxes, wheel slips, and bearing faults in real time to prevent derailments.
Funding Body
ESRC IAA
Key Outcomes
- Instant fault detection enabling proactive rail safety
- Scalable system supporting predictive maintenance and digital twins
- Validation-ready axle sensor for pilot trials on tram and freight trials
Partners
I4M AxleSense – Self-Powered Sensing for CNC Machines
Self-powered wireless sensor mounted on rotating tools, providing real-time machine health data to improve manufacturing efficiency and reduce downtime.
Funding Body
AMPI
Key Outcomes
- TRL7 on-rotor sensing prototype validated on CNC machines and robots
- Enhanced fault detection improving maintenance efficiency and reducing scrap
- Scalable monitoring technology supporting smart, data-driven manufacturing
Partners
CyRail - Operational Technology Cyber Security Compliance in Rail
AI-powered system automating OT cybersecurity compliance, assessment, and document generation for rail standards like IEC 62443 and TS 50701.
Funding Body
Innovate UK
Key Outcomes
- AI compliance assistant providing contextual regulatory guidance
- Automated assessment tool detecting gaps and non-conformances
- Artefact generator producing standard-aligned cybersecurity documentation
Partners
I4M OLESense - Intelligent Multi-Sensor Pantograph Monitoring
Advanced pantograph monitoring system using multi-sensor AI technology to detect faults early, prevent de-wirement, and cut maintenance costs.
Funding Body
AMPI
Key Outcomes
- Market-ready pantograph monitor optimised for accuracy, reliability, and compliance
- AI-driven diagnostics enabling real-time and offline fault detection
- Compact integrated design meeting EN50155 and CE certification standards
Partners
OLES3 – OLESight Pantograph, OLESight Embedded & OLESense
IoT and AI-based system for predictive rail maintenance, using smart sensors and machine vision to monitor overhead lines and pantographs.
Funding Body
Innovate UK, Eureka Eurostars
Key Outcomes
- Validated OLESight and OLESense prototypes achieving TRL 7 performance
- Successful field trials demonstrating real-time OLE monitoring on Blackpool Trams
- Commercialisation roadmap established for scalable predictive maintenance deployment
Partners
WM5G – AI for Enhancing Safety & Efficiency of Light Rail Operations
5G-enabled AI system enhancing tram safety by analysing CCTV in real time and sending alerts for rapid incident response.
Funding Body
Innovate UK
Key Outcomes
- Real-time video analytics improving passenger safety on trams
- 5G data streaming enabling instant alerts and remote monitoring
- Validated pilot system demonstrating AI-assisted transport security
Partners
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