Tuesday, October 14, 2025

HS2 Pioneers Augmented Reality for Future Rail Super Hubs

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Introduction to Augmented Reality Training for HS2 Staff

The High Speed 2 (HS2) project has partnered with several organizations, including PAULEY, the National College for High Speed Rail, and Inventya, to develop an modern augmented reality (AR) training program for the staff of Old Oak Common station. This station, which is able to serve each HS2 and the Elizabeth line, is predicted to be one in every of the busiest and best-connected stations within the UK, handling around 275,000 passengers each day.

The Need for Innovative Training

HS2 Ltd’s Stations Director, Mike Luddy, emphasized the importance of providing staff with detailed knowledge of the station’s workings to make sure a pleasing, secure, and efficient environment for passengers. However, because the station has not been built yet, traditional training methods usually are not feasible. To address this challenge, the project goals to harness the ability of digital technology to construct Old Oak Common in augmented reality.

How Augmented Reality Training Works

Through this modern approach, future staff will enter an augmented reality world where they will likely be trained in delivering a terrific customer experience, station maintenance, and safety. This will enable them to develop the talents needed to efficiently manage the station before it’s even built. The AR training will even allow trainees to supply feedback to the station’s designers, helping to refine the plans and avoid costly changes afterward.

Benefits of Augmented Reality Training

The use of augmented reality in training has quite a few advantages. According to PAULEY’s founder and managing director, Philip Pauley, AR unlocks huge opportunities to explore, test, and refine a digital replica of the station years before passengers arrive. This technology will enable the wearer to see Old Oak Common station in minute detail, allowing for a more immersive and effective training experience.

Future Applications of Augmented Reality

The potential applications of augmented reality within the rail industry extend beyond training. WSP Technical Director John Harding noted that this technology might be used to future-proof station design, allowing for more efficient and effective maintenance and upgrades. The National College for High Speed Rail’s CEO, Clair Mowbray, expressed enthusiasm for the project, highlighting its potential to support the event of coaching programs for train station staff using interactive technologies.

Conclusion

The partnership between HS2 Ltd, PAULEY, the National College for High Speed Rail, and Inventya marks an exciting development in using augmented reality in training and station design. By harnessing the ability of digital technology, the project goals to create a more efficient, secure, and nice experience for passengers and staff alike. As the rail industry continues to evolve, the applying of augmented reality is more likely to play an increasingly vital role in shaping the long run of transportation.

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