Rail Damage Identification via Ultrasonic Mobile Technology
In a significant development for the rail industry, German technology group Vossloh has introduced the SoniQ Rail Explorer, a compact, mobile ultrasonic testing system that is set to redefine rail maintenance.
Vossloh, a globally active company with over 140 years of operation, has demonstrated its systemic understanding of the track's central requirement - availability - with this innovative product. The SoniQ Rail Explorer, developed in collaboration with the Fraunhofer Institute, reliably detects and locates defects, corrosion, and irregularities in welds in a single pass.
Weighing just around 20 kilograms, the SoniQ Rail Explorer fits comfortably in any car and is particularly suitable for follow-up inspections and regular inspections on shorter track sections, in switches and crossings, on level crossings, and in stations.
Marcel Taubert, CEO of Vossloh Rail Services, hailed the SoniQ Rail Explorer as a game-changer, stating that it raises rail maintenance to a new level. The device combines state-of-the-art testing technology with simple and ergonomic handling, making it an invaluable asset for rail maintenance teams.
Test results are visualized in real-time through various display options and can be combined with camera images. The central control element is a robust tablet that displays all test data clearly. Data transmission to the office is flexible, allowing seamless integration into digitalized process chains.
The German railway company Deutsche Bahn has awarded Vossloh AG the contract to deploy the mobile ultrasonic testing device SoniQ Rail Explorer in their railway network. Following the approval from DB InfraGO, the SoniQ Rail Explorer is now in use in the Deutsche Bahn rail network.
Vossloh offers an unprecedented broad range of services under one roof, including rail fastening systems, concrete sleepers, switch systems and crossings, and innovative digital-based services for the entire lifecycle of rails and switches. With products and services in use in over 100 countries, Vossloh is one of the world market leaders in products and services around the rail track.
In the 2024 financial year, Vossloh achieved a turnover of 1,209.6 million euros with around 4,200 employees. Comprehensive maintenance service in Germany ensures short maintenance and testing times, providing planning security in daily operations.
Vossloh Rail Services considers the SoniQ Rail Explorer another successful example of their commitment to bringing practical digital solutions to the track. The company continues to push the boundaries of innovation, aiming to improve the efficiency, safety, and reliability of rail infrastructure worldwide.
