The Ferrovia 4.0 initiative concluded its 36-month development phase, marked by an investment totaling approximately 8.4 million euros. The Closing Session of the Mobilizing Project Ferrovia 4.0 unfolded on July 20, 2023, hosted at ISEP – Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto.
Developed by SOLVIT – Innovation on Telecommunications in collaboration with 22 entities and steered by the leadership of Efacec – Engenharia e Sistemas, S.A., within the framework of the “Sistema de Incentivos à Investigação e Desenvolvimento Tecnológico”.
Centered on the revitalization of the railway sector, the project dedicated its efforts to conceiving inventive technological solutions. It involved the development of diverse components, tools, and systems tailored towards the economic, social, and ecological sustainability of the railway system. The objectives included the reduction of operating and maintenance costs, the establishment of more robust information systems for decision-making in asset management, and the creation of inherent safety systems capable of monitoring infrastructure while triggering alerts and protective measures.
Beyond the thematic sessions featuring insights into the latest trends and technological advancements in the rail sector by experts, the event showcased several prototypes stemming from the project. These prototypes provided a distinctive perspective on the intelligent and sustainable solutions devised, delivering an immersive and captivating experience for attendees.
The project’s outcomes proved highly favorable, with the consortium driving innovative industrial research activities, experimental development, and the demonstration of novel solutions. This demonstrated the feasibility and necessity of accelerating national railway industrial development while fostering international recognition and cooperation opportunities. The collaborative efforts within the Portuguese railway ecosystem, coupled with a strong commitment to R&D+i, catalyzed value creation. This, in turn, set the initiative apart from the competition, propelling sustained growth within the sector and generating new employment opportunities and wealth for the country.
