SMRT to adapt McLaren’s motorsports technology to better track trains’ performance
SINGAPORE — In the first such collaboration here, SMRT will be working with McLaren Applied Technologies to adapt technology used in real-time monitoring of Formula 1 race cars to better track and predict the performance of its trains.
SINGAPORE — In the first such collaboration here, SMRT will be working with McLaren Applied Technologies to adapt technology used in real-time monitoring of Formula 1 race cars to better track and predict the performance of its trains.
Both companies had signed a memorandum of understanding on February 23, the rail operator said in a press release on Thursday (March 15).
SMRT President and group chief executive officer Desmond Kuek said technology from the UK-based company, one of the most respected names in motorsports, “will be adapted and installed on board our first proof-of-concept SMRT train later this year”.
Race car condition-monitoring technology is commonly used in F1 races to provide vital, real-time information to the pit crews and mission control working to help optimise the drivers’ performance.
During a Grand Prix season, for example, the McLaren race team is able to capture an average of more than 12 billion real-time data points from over 300 sensors embedded on two of its race cars.
In explaining the thinking behind the unusual collaboration, SMRT noted that the sensors and high-speed data loggers installed on F1 cars are small, lightweight but robust enough to withstand the high-speed racing conditions.
“(This means) they can be readily adapted for use on trains,” the rail operator added.
A joint engineering team will work on customising McLaren’s technology for the monitoring of motors, brakes, pneumatic systems and gearboxes fitted on one SMRT train, and putting this “test-bed train” through various trials.
“When implemented fleet-wide, we expect to bring about enhanced safety, reliability and comfort for commuters on our rail network,” said Mr Kuek.
Added McLaren Applied Technologies’ acting CEO Dick Glover: “We are excited to take this first step in Singapore with SMRT, working together to adapt our proven motorsport technologies to optimise fleet performance and provide continuous improvements to the passenger experience.”
McLaren Applied Technologies is part of the McLaren Group, which includes the F1 team, McLaren Racing, and the high-performance car maker, McLaren Automotive.