The United Kingdom innovated by ushering in a new era for the rail transport segment. The world's first train using quantum technology has been tested on a commercial line, operated between London and Welwyn Garden City. The system was named RQINS (Railway Quantum Inertial Navigation System), in an initiative that brings together railway operators, public bodies and research institutions.
The tested technology has quantum sensors that do not require GPS and allow measuring variations in movement with extreme precision.. Therefore, It is possible to determine the position of transport even within tunnels and high-density urban areas. Counting on the collaboration of Network Rail and Great British Railways, the train testing was considered successful, validating the technology in real conditions.
Self-sufficient and safe trains
Dependence on the GPS system is a problem that has long been identified by the segment. But, Quantum sensors allow you to track the train's position in real time without relying on external satellite signals, that can fail in tunnels, dense urban areas or suffer interference, ensuring greater navigation accuracy.
With this autonomy, technology eliminates critical points of the traditional system, reducing operational risks associated with signal loss, blockages or external interference. This represents a direct advance in safety and reliability, especially on complex routes.
England presents global scale model
Quantum technology is proposing to disrupt the traditional railway location model and, inclusive, can serve as an example for ships, planes and automobiles. The British test was not carried out under laboratory supervision and control. I.e, the first train with quantum sensors operated on a real commercial line, with passengers, scheduled stops, speed variations, passage through tunnels and urban sections.
All along the route, quantum navigation proved to be stable and accurate. This test places the UK as a pioneer in rail transport safety and efficiency, surpassing even countries like China, which has the largest railway program in the world.
The study included the participation of Imperial College London, one of the most renowned science and engineering institutions in the world. Collaboration between academia, government and railway operators made the test possible in record time and also represents a large reduction in operational costs for this market, as it does not directly depend on physical structures to function.
