Wabtec to Pilot Smart Windows on Shenzhen Metro Line
Wabtec is partnering with Shenzhen Metro Company and CRRC Nanjing Puzhen Co., Ltd. on a pilot to test Smart Windows on transit rail cars. Featuring multi-touch technology, the highly Transparent Organic LED Smart Window will provide a view outside while serving as an interactive information source for passengers. This pilot project supports Shenzhen’s “smart city smart transport” initiative.
“The Smart Window is an exciting technology as metro transit authorities look to enhance the passenger experience,” said Christophe Fevre, Wabtec’s Information and Safety Business Unit Director. “This demonstration project will provide valuable, real-world information on this product and how riders interact with it. The Smart Window technology has great potential and represents the future of passenger amenities on transit rail systems.”
Wabtec installed six Smart Windows on one of Shenzhen’s subway trains operating on Metro Line 6. The pilot will test the technology’s functionality and user experience. It represents the first application of Wabtec’s Smart Windows technology on an operational subway train.
“Passengers now expect to be informed in real-time of delays, traffic interruptions, and timetable changes as they happen,” said Wei Wei, Managing Director of Wabtec’s ANNAX (Suzhou) Rail Systems Co., Ltd. “The Smart Window technology offers a potential solution to provide riders valuable information during their commutes such as the city guide, weather forecast, and stock market data. This pilot will validate the viability of the technology and provide a roadmap for future applications on transit cars.”
The Smart Window uses a matrix of organic light-emitting diodes and polysilicon thin-film transistors to create a high-contrast, high-resolution transparent display. The transparency automatically adjusts based on the brightness outside. The technology features touch-screen functionality and integrated speakers to play sound. The Smart Window has PIS system linkage and 4G Internet access and reserves 5G interface. This feature enables passengers to browse the Internet. The technology is flexible enough to apply to windows, entry doors, or other glass elements in a transit railway environment. The product also features a detachable design, which allows for easy maintainability and lower repair cost for the customers.