Alstom, a global frontrunner in innovative and sustainable transportation solutions, has partnered with Flox to secure SEK 3.3 million in funding from Vinnova. This financial support will facilitate field trials of an advanced AI system designed to avert collisions between trains and wildlife. In Sweden, Trafikverket reports approximately 5,000 animal-related incidents annually. By minimizing accidents and mitigating damage to trains while safeguarding wildlife, this initiative could significantly transform railway safety.

“By combining our expertise in sustainable mobility with cutting-edge AI technology, we are taking an important step towards creating safer railways while protecting wildlife,” says Maria Signal Martebo, CEO of Alstom Sweden.

Flox, a pioneering company specializing in artificial intelligence and image analysis, has created a groundbreaking system designed to detect and deter wildlife from approaching railway tracks. By employing customized sound signals specific to various animal species, the system effectively prevents potential accidents before they occur. Having undergone successful preliminary tests, the technology is now set for validation in a railway setting in Sweden. This innovative system not only understands wildlife behavior but also adapts to different situations in diverse environments such as airports, traffic intersections, mines, urban areas, and agricultural settings across both Europe and the United States.

“Our train-based Flox technology is based on advanced AI and in-depth understanding of animal behaviour, making it possible to protect both train traffic and wildlife. Together with Alstom, we can now validate the solution in a railway environment and make a real difference to both safety and nature,” says Sara Nozkova, CEO of Flox.  

The collaboration between Alstom’s extensive railway signaling solutions and Flox’s innovative software technology establishes a robust platform for transformative developments in railway safety. Leveraging this synergy, field tests are scheduled to take place on specific railway lines in Sweden during the fall of 2024 and the winter of 2025. Backed by Vinnova, this project has been chosen due to its significant potential for widespread implementation both nationally and internationally.

Innovation Hub
Launched in 2023, Alstom’s “Innovation Hub” in Stockholm serves as a center for advancing technology and pioneering solutions within the transportation industry.

This hub fosters collaborations with cutting-edge startups, exemplified by the partnership with Flox. Such collaborations not only support the growth of local startups but also enhance Alstom’s portfolio of offerings.

“The grant from Vinnova confirms our work to drive innovation and development in rail and infrastructure. Thanks to this funding, we can deepen our involvement in the bright startup landscape in the Nordics.” says Gael Chosson, Head of Alstom’s Innovation Station in Stockholm.

Alstom stands as the predominant supplier in Sweden’s train market, having delivered more than a thousand trains to the national railway system and secured multiple significant maintenance agreements. The company is at the forefront of deploying the European Railway Traffic Management System (ERTMS) in Sweden, working on both the onboard equipment and the track infrastructure. Additionally, Alstom is responsible for providing the new national traffic management system for the Swedish Transport Administration.

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