NTT West and JR West have begun a joint trial to apply optical fiber sensing technology, which utilizes communications optical fiber as a vibration sensor, to the railway industry.
This technology detects the location and nature of changes by emitting light into an optical fiber and analyzing the changes in the reflected light.
A single sensing device can continuously detect vibrations along tracks over tens of kilometers, enabling wide-area and highly accurate condition assessment. Furthermore, since the sensing method does not require physical contact, maintenance personnel can detect vibrations and abnormalities without directly touching the equipment, improving safety.
In this joint trial, communications optical fiber installed along the tracks will be used as a vibration sensor. This will enable wide-area, high-precision, continuous monitoring of railway equipment and the surrounding environment while minimizing new capital investment.
The trial will first deepen train location detection, and then proceed with technical verification for detecting falling rocks and trees, as well as equipment abnormalities.
Currently, a large number of maintenance personnel are required to monitor and inspect railway infrastructure, but maintaining the maintenance system has become a major issue due to the declining labor force. The joint verification project aims to solve this issue.

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