System Change in Railway Operations

「Remote inspection of ground facilities (IoT and sensor deployment) to begin sequentially」

「• Launch of joint verification with NTT West in November toward applying optical-fiber sensing technology to the railway sector, using communications optical fiber as a vibration sensor to detect train locations, facility abnormalities and other conditions」

「Introduction of automated Shinkansen operation (Kanazawa–Tsuruga)」

「• Initiatives toward introducing autonomous operation on the Shinkansen (aiming to begin on the Hokuriku Shinkansen in fiscal 2029 [December] and on the Sanyo Shinkansen in the 2030s [September])」

「Completion of demonstration testing on a dedicated test track for the autonomous and platooning BRT development project (July), followed by public-road demonstration testing (November to February)」

「• Rebuilding the customer experience and realizing the station of the future with the opening of Osaka Station's Umekita area as a catalyst (full-screen platform doors, digital guidance linked to smartphones, facial-recognition ticket gates, interactive spaces and other features) • Establishing technology for autonomous operation and platooning BRT, and considering practical implementation in cooperation with local governments and other parties」

「We are advancing technology development that contributes to system changes in railway operations leading to further improvements in safety, reduced maintenance labor and lower fixed costs through simpler facilities, as well as energy conservation through reduced power consumption. • Technology development for converting trackside inspections to onboard inspections and maintaining facilities based on their condition」

「To improve convenience on the Sanyo Shinkansen, we will optimize train operating arrangements in line with demand and establish a rolling-stock deployment structure through the introduction of the latest N700S trains, creating an environment in which Shinkansen trains can be used stably over the long term.」

「We are advancing technology development that contributes to system changes in railway operations leading to further improvements in safety, reduced maintenance labor and lower fixed costs through simpler facilities, as well as energy conservation through reduced power consumption. • Development of wireless ATC • Qualitative improvement in maintenance through the conversion of trackside inspections to onboard inspections」

「In addition, as medium- to long-term challenges, and taking into account structural changes in the future use of railways and our creative businesses, we will work to improve our ability to respond to customer needs, raise productivity and reform work styles while also using digital technologies, thereby seeking to enhance corporate value over the longer term.」

「We formulated a Technology Vision to pursue innovation every day with various partners and take on the challenge of creating new value, and decided to advance R&D activities in line with that direction.」

「• Completion of the deployment of new 323 series trains on the Osaka Loop Line (June)」

「We formulated a Technology Vision to pursue innovation every day with various partners and take on the challenge of creating new value, and decided to advance R&D activities in line with that direction.」

「• Launch of the new onboard-based safety system (D-TAS) between Nishi-Hiroshima and Iwakuni stations on the Sanyo Main Line (May) • Development of wireless ATC, which ensures safe spacing between trains through continuous wireless communication (scheduled for introduction between Hashimoto and Wakayama stations on the Wakayama Line around spring 2023)」

「We formulated a Technology Vision to pursue innovation every day with various partners and take on the challenge of creating new value, and decided to advance R&D activities in line with that direction.」

「• Development of a “track infrastructure diagnostic system” that uses onboard equipment to perform inspections previously conducted visually by staff, and trial introduction on the Sanyo Shinkansen (September of the same year) • Development and introduction of a “utility pole handling vehicle” to improve the efficiency of utility pole replacement work (October of the same year) • Development and introduction of a “rolling stock condition monitoring system” for conventional lines that automatically measures and records rolling stock condition when trains enter a rolling stock depot or other facility (scheduled for introduction in spring of the current year)」

「Development of a “utility pole handling vehicle” to improve the efficiency of utility pole replacement work (introduction from October onward)」

「Development of a “track infrastructure diagnostic system” that uses onboard equipment to perform inspections previously conducted visually by staff (trial introduction in September)」

「On the Sanyo Shinkansen, to strengthen competitiveness while maintaining safety as a prerequisite, the Company began using the new ATC with the timetable revision in March of the current year, shortening average travel times between Shin-Osaka and Hakata by approximately 1 minute for “Nozomi” and “Mizuho” trains and approximately 15 minutes for “Kodama” trains.」

「To improve transportation quality in the Kinki area, the Company began commercial operation in December of the previous year of the new 323 series trains developed under the Osaka Loop Line Improvement Project to provide trains that are “safe and bright, spacious, quiet and comfortable.” It also proceeded with station improvements, restroom improvements and development beneath elevated tracks, including the renovation of Momodani Station, to improve customer satisfaction and renew the line’s image.」

「To enter into a capital alliance with Nippon Signal Company,Limited, with which it has had a technical partnership since 2009, to promote the development, design and manufacture of new signal-system equipment, the Company acquired a portion of the shares of that company.」

「The Company announced the new 323 series trains scheduled for introduction on the Osaka Loop Line during the current fiscal year.」

「The Company promoted technology development aimed at transforming railway operations through continuous innovation supporting “safety” and “CS,” while seeking to resolve challenges through technology, including training engineers and developing free-gauge train technology.」