An SME perspective on collaborative innovation: DIFCAM

Introduction• Project • The participants• The project approach• Lessons learned • Results and next steps

What is DIFCAM?

• A technology platform approach with multiple applications

• Initial demonstrator: interior of rail tunnels

• Reduce / eliminate the need for (& cost / risk of) track access & subjective human visual inspections

• A new system developed to deliver world-class capability in the use of optical techniques to rapidly monitor & assess asset condition

Who are the partners?• SME, York-based integrator of imaging platforms, inertial /

distance measurement, profiling & positioning systems• Supplies UK mainline rail with:

• High accuracy positioning systems• Camera and laser based survey systems• Automated visual track inspection systems

• Teddington-based national laboratory run by Serco, employs 500+ scientists, state of the art facilities covering all aspects of measurement science & research

• Global leaders in measurement standards for 100 years

• UK's largest (14th global) engineering design consultancy providing multidisciplinary technical expertise, 75 yrs old

• Experts in asset management systems and providers of inspection services to rail, road, water, energy, defence infrastructure owners

Project approach

Extensibility

Formation of consortium &

development of platform strategy,

primary applications identified

Likely first UK road / rail applications

(illustrative)

Other hazardous / constrained-access

operations

Intended further UK applications

Transformation

Cohesion

Base technology developed

Investment of development

resources

Insight

Cell Platform

Standard

Niche

Traction

Launch-readiness

Potential global road / rail

applications

Potential global sector applications

Investment risk during development phase

Lessons learned• LEADERSHIP is key• How to work in a TSB collaborative R&D project• How to operate in a R&D consortium• Regular good communication between consortium members is

essential• Interactions with Network Rail can be challenging• Access to the Nene Valley Railway was critical to success of the

project• Maintenance of a good relationship with consortium partners is

very important• A consortium with a FTSE 250 partner can be challenging but

rewarding if you get it right

Results• A demonstrator system that is available

for additional pilots/trials• A “success story” for innovation /

collaboration internally and externally• Closer relationships between the

consortium members• Identified future business opportunities

within the consortium

Results

Next steps• Exploitation plan• Technology demonstrator available for

use