RMD Deepens Collaboration with Indonesia’s KAI

Railway Metrics and Dynamics (RMD) has taken another step in its collaboration with PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI). At a recent meeting in Bandung, Team Sweden and KAI discussed how RMD’s technology and products could enhance railway operations in the country and improve safety.

Improved Operations with Smart Technology

During the meeting, RMD’s advanced solutions for real-time monitoring, data analysis, and preventive maintenance were presented. We explained how our “system of systems,” supported by AI and Machine Learning technologies, works in practice and how it can help KAI achieve more efficient railway operations across the country.

Focus on Safety and Efficiency

The ability to proactively address potential issues is crucial for Indonesia’s railway. In a country where seismic activity is common, it is essential to have an accurate and comprehensive view of the railway’s maintenance needs.

Indonesia is currently making significant investments in its railway network. Jakarta has a new subway line, and the high-speed rail between Jakarta and Bandung is set to extend through Yogyakarta all the way to Surabaya on Java’s eastern side.

However, it’s not just about expansion and new construction—much of the focus is on maintaining and preserving the existing infrastructure. The share of freight transported by rail must increase significantly, especially to relieve the heavily burdened road system.

RMD’s Technology Made an Impression

Efficient railway operations rely on investing in new technologies. During the meeting, we demonstrated how our Performance Monitoring Units (PMU) provide comprehensive real-time monitoring of both infrastructure and railway vehicles, and how our sensors and Train Management System can help KAI prevent accidents, create a safer railway environment, and significantly optimize maintenance.

Preventive, proactive railway maintenance saves significant amounts of money —something that became evident during the successful meeting with KAI.

Moving Forward Together

RMD and KAI now plan to conduct tests, known as Proof of Concepts (PoCs), to show how our technology can improve specific areas of KAI’s operations. In the first test, our sensors will be used to detect wheel wear, including flat spots and other factors affecting running dynamics. There is also a desire to monitor locomotive engine temperatures in real-time, which will be done using thermal cameras from the Swedish company Axis.

The next step in improving safety and efficiency is to define and initiate a series of evaluation projects. If these prove successful, it could open the door for implementing RMD’s technology across KAI’s entire railway network.

About Team Sweden: Team Sweden is a collaboration between Swedish authorities, companies, and organizations working together to promote Swedish business interests globally. The partnership with Indonesia focuses on sustainable development, particularly in transport, energy, and infrastructure.

About KAI: PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is the state-owned company responsible for rail transport in Indonesia, overseeing operations on the country’s extensive railway network.