Chicago Metra has awarded Duos Technologies, Inc. a contract to provide an Automated Pantograph Inspection System (apis) that will be installed to span four tracks and capture high-resolution video of critical pantographs located on the top of passenger railcars.
The pantographs, which relay current from overhead electrical wires to power the train, are inspected for visual damage in the form of cracks, chips, and bends that could result in track downtime if not properly identified and repaired. These video images are relayed for remote monitoring to the included centraco® Command and Control software platform that provides an intuitive user interface and operational workflow for inspection, alerts and maintenance orders.
Chicago Metra oversees all commuter rail operations in the 3,700-square-mile northeastern Illinois region, with responsibility for day-to-day operations, fare and service levels, capital improvements and planning. System installation is expected to take place in the third quarter of 2019.
"Chicago Metra has long been a trusted partner of ours, and we’re looking forward to expanding our relationship together,” said Gianni Arcaini, Duos chairman and CEO. “More broadly, being awarded another contract further validates the growing offering of solutions we’ve been developing for the passenger rail market. Going forward, we’ll be working closely with Chicago Metra to increase their track safety as well as reduce downtime over the coming years.”
