Alstom will use the system during the design phase of the Pop regional EMUs ordered by Italian operator Trenitalia in August 2016. The system will ensure that the trains correspond with specifications validated by the customer virtually, rather than relying on paperwork and physical prototypes.
Alstom is delivering up to 150 of the 160km/h single-deck trains, which are based on the manufacturer’s Coradia Stream platform. The initial order is for 27 three-car and 20 four-car trains for the region of Emilia-Romagna.
Dassault Systèmes says Alstom was looking for a train configurator that could offer a near-photorealistic visualisation of the various configurations on offer.
“Due to its flexibility, the intention was to extend the tool to the design activities as well,” says Mr Mirko Barone, client executive for transportation and mobility at Dassault Systèmes. “There is in fact the possibility to visualise the complete train at different stages of development phase, and to share it internally with engineering and marketing and sales divisions much earlier than the physical prototype.”
The system consists of a large screen where the configurator is shown and an iPad is used as a remote control. The system also includes a portable version - the ‘marketing wall’ - for roadshows and events. This variant uses four large screens with a simpler and more intuitive user interface with limited features. An extended view which includes the driver’s cab is available in virtual reality (VR) via VR goggles.
Eurostar
Eurostar will integrate the Delmia Quintiq solution, which is powered by the 3DExperience platform, with its existing systems to assist with optimising the planning of train drivers, managers and control room staff in three countries. The system will also streamline the scheduling of detailed train maintenance plans that comply with highly complex rules and legal regulations across all time zones.
Dassault Systèmes says this will reduce the time Eurostar planners spend on data entry or administrative work, guarantee the quality of Eurostar’s long-term planning capabilities, and improve productivity. The solution will be hosted on the cloud, and accessed by Eurostar staff via a mobile app.
