Hitachi Rail’s HMAX to Optimise Copenhagen Metro
This implementation of HMAX aims to enhance service efficiency and reduce maintenance costs through real-time data monitoring and AI-powered analysis.
This implementation of HMAX aims to enhance service efficiency and reduce maintenance costs through real-time data monitoring and AI-powered analysis.
The multi-year programme will be rolled out on the M3 and M4 metro lines in Copenhagen, Denmark.
Under the contract, Hitachi Rail will install advanced sensors and monitoring tools on metro trains. These sensors will feed live data into the HMAX platform, providing insights into the health of trains and tracks.
This data will allow for the early identification of potential maintenance issues and will help optimise overall service performance.
Specifically, the sensors will monitor the condition of key components such as bogies, wheelsets, and the track infrastructure, detecting patterns that indicate when maintenance is required.
Edoardo La Ficara, Hitachi Rail, said:
“Delivering our cutting-edge digital asset management programme marks an important evolution in our long running partnership with The Copenhagen metro. The programme will see us install sensors on the metro trains to provide live-time data into a bespoke and integrated version of our HMAX infrastructure monitoring platform. Our pioneering HMAX solution will use machine learning to deliver an even more reliable service, while shifting the fleet from a time-based to a condition-based maintenance approach.”
By shifting from a time-based to a condition-based maintenance system, Copenhagen Metro hopes to reduce unnecessary maintenance, extend the lifecycle of train components, and enhance reliability.
HMAX uses Nvidia’s AI technology to analyse real-time data and support predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. Its AI capabilities will help identify data-driven optimisations, such as determining the most efficient running speeds for trains.
The Copenhagen Metro’s bespoke version of HMAX is expected to be fully operational by the end of 2025 under the existing operations and maintenance agreement for the M3 and M4 lines.
Søren Boysen, Executive Director at The Copenhagen Metro, said:
“Our co-creation process with Hitachi Rail on HMAX will provide us with new insights for evolving condition-based maintenance on our transport systems. With service availability higher than 99% in 2023, we aim to maintain that level by continuing to explore new maintenance methods with our current and future suppliers.”