Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Market

Historical & Future Projections for Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Market

Between 2016 and 2020, global radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market has registered the CAGR of 9.6%. Rise in adoption of smart railways systems across the world is expected to propel the growth of radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market. Role of data and IoT in transportation sectors including railways has not confined to accounting, logistic and shipping management, managing resources, but has integrated in day-to-day railway operations. Such functions include scheduling, run trains safety, measuring economic benefit etc., to mention a few.

Keeping pace with technology adoption by rail operators, technology solution providers have also enhanced their offerings for engaged stakeholders. Integration of virtualization, bespoke asset management software, analytical and predictive modelling has surfaced as regular business function that necessitates effective solution.

Need for these smart railway solutions will receive increased traction, as railways transition to semi-autonomous transportation over the next ten years. Meanwhile, railway operators are experimenting with smart railways solutions like radar and LiDAR systems to offer a seamless and safe transportation experience.

Collectively, these developments are well-synced and aligned to fast track the adoption of smart railways across the industry, resulting in northward trend in market revenue anticipated over the forecast period 2021 – 2031 for global Radar and LiDAR for railways application market.

How will Rising Adoption of Mobile LiDAR Systems Impact Market?

LiDAR data can be collected through three equipment platform types - ground-based stationary, mobile, or aerial. The ground-based LiDAR systems are ideally used for collecting information for the closed-range applications. Mobile LiDAR scanners offer extremely high measurement rates and provide dense, accurate and feature-rich data at driving speeds, which is extremely useful for tracking train movements while running on tracks.

A mobile LiDAR equipment is mounted on a vehicle or train locomotive to run on and map the track and surrounding area. Mobile LiDAR is therefore perfect for mapping rail corridors, with a capability to provide measurements at a rate of up to 1.1 million per second. Thus, it has become an important tool for railways infrastructure project planning, project development, construction, operations, maintenance, safety, research and asset management.

Rising Trend of Autonomous Train Driving Systems

LiDAR, as one of the selected sensors, makes trains safer and reduces exploitation cost through assisted or even autonomous driving functions. LiDAR systems are increasingly being used in autonomous trains to improve the performance and for fast detection of obstacles. These systems are used to measure the speed of a fast moving train and captures irregularities of the track and evaluates the rail track quality. It uses two pairs of lenses to capture speed signals from both rails individually. The track speed, curvature, and lateral and vertical geometry variations on each side are determined.

Companies such as XenomatiX provide advanced LiDAR systems that give high resolution and accuracy required for critical and high cost rail transport modalities. Also, companies like Thales is using LiDAR systems in autonomous trains to better understand the track environment and detect obstacles.

• For instance, from January 2021, the autonomous train tests started in Europe from SYSTRA and SNCF, in order to test obstacle detection. The test trains were equipped with two colour cameras, two infrared thermal cameras for night tests and two LiDAR sensors, which allow the outdoor environment to be recreated in 3D as a point cloud.

What are the Factors Are Affecting Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Adoption?

Many countries have constructed efficient and impressive railways with the help of LiDAR. The LiDAR system can readily detect objects located in the range of 30 meters to 200 meters. Instrument used in LiDAR systems emits rapid laser signals, sometimes up to 150,000 pulses per second. High-end LiDAR sensors can identify the details from a few centimeters at more than 100 meters. However, the cost of LiDAR systems including high-end hardware, sensors, scanners, etc., goes around USD 75,000 per unit.

The high cost of LiDAR sensors, which acts as eyes for railways, has been one of the primary technical hurdles to widespread commercialization smart railway systems. However, the cost of the LiDAR project depends on project scope, location, boundary shape, point density, deliverables, time frame, weather patterns, and so on. Although the price of LiDAR systems is likely to reduce in the coming years with a significant number of players entering and introducing new products in the market, the current cost of surveying using LiDAR is high, specifically for large-scale projects.

Increase Adoption of Train Collision Avoidance System (TCAS) Enabling Growth

Cyber security and passenger safety concerns to avoid catastrophic collisions or mishaps can be achieved by TCAS. TCAS, also popular as a traffic alert and collision avoidance system, is an independent railway traffic monitoring and control system designed to eliminate collisions with other trains. It operates independently on ground equipment that advice the pilot about the hindrances, and prevent head-on, rear-end, and side-on collisions.

TCAS is designed to identify the location of trains through distance traversed from Radar and LiDAR sensors installed on track and transmission of signaling-related information from various units such as station interlocking.

A train collision avoidance system software is implemented with sensor data to detect other trains and track obstacles such as vehicles and pedestrians. Train collision avoidance system provides a multi-level driver assistance, warning system, and interface to the emergency braking system. The rise in adoption of TCAS across several countries has increased the demand for Radar and LiDAR systems.

Market Share Analysis of Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Vendors

The Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market is highly concentrated. The companies that hold market share near to 15% are tier-1 companies and this group includes players like Hupac Intermodal, Trimble Inc., SICK AG, Leica Geosystems, and RIEGL Laser and Measurement Systems GMBH.

The companies with market share of above 10% and below 15% are the promising players. These companies are likely to showcase a quick growth trend and harness the opportunities that the global market has to offer to accommodate business expansion and revenue generation. This group includes IDS GeoRadar, XenomatiX, YellowScan, Velodyne Lidar, DEUTA-WERKE GmbH, ELVA-1, and among others

Companies that have a relatively lower size with a market share worth less than 10% are strategizing to attract new clientele in foreign markets. The companies in this group are Phoenix LiDAR Systems, NV5 Global Inc., BlackBerry Limited, Navtech Radar, Bosch, Earth Radar Pty Ltd., Radarxense BV, and among others

Country-wise Analysis

The U.S. Emerges as Key Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Market

Until 2020, radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market in the U.S. experienced a Y-o-Y growth of over 9.3%. The market is set to further aggrandize at a CAGR of nearly 10.4% through 2031. FMI has projected the U.S. to remain one of the most lucrative markets in North America throughout the course of the forecast period, owing to presence of prominent radar & LiDAR technology for railways application vendors in the region.

The adoption of Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application in the U.S. is expected to decline marginally between 2020 and 2022, due to the coronavirus pandemic. Nonetheless, the U.S government making significant investments in passenger rail systems for greater productivity, higher property values, and reduced costs to other transportation modes. This will push sales in the market in the coming years.

How Big is the Opportunity in the U.K.?

Technology has been increasingly adopted by leading industries across Europe. The U.K. has well-established railway infrastructure and many railway operators in this country are using advanced digital railway solutions. The country have been investing in the modernization of the railway infrastructure.

For instance, a 2019 study for the UK’s railway companies estimated that a US$ $70 billion rail investment into the 2020s could yield around US$ $118 billion of additional economic benefits to the country. 

Government initiatives undertaken to expand high-speed rail network and fulfill the transportation gap across the country is expected to drive the growth of radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market.

China Emerges as Leading Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Market

Among the Asian countries, China has the longest high-speed rail and the country has invested heavily in rail infrastructure, over the past decade. In 2019, the country has invested around US$ 125 Bn for the development of railway infrastructure, which is 6% more than what was spent in 2018, and a 10% increase from initial projections. China is a leading player, responsible for 22% of heavy rail, 61% of high speed, 66% of metro and 21% of all light rail being built.

The government in China continues to invest heavily in identified technologies. The government has planned to increase the country’s R&D expenditures from the 1.7% of GDP in 2019, to 2.5% of GDP by 2020. It is focusing on an early adoption of new technologies in railways infrastructure and investing in high-speed rail networks, which has been creating opportunities for Radar and LiDAR systems vendors.

Download a Comprehensive Report Snapshot

Category-wise Insights

How will Adoption in Cloud-Based Railway Management Systems Impact Radar and LiDAR Technology?

Adoption of railways management systems, traffic planning solutions and track management systems such as Radar and LiDAR is forecast to increase in the coming years. In 2019, revenue generated from adoption of these radar and LiDAR technologies were estimated to account for over 40 percent of the overall value of global railways management system market. A majority of railways management systems are being deployed with on-premise models.

However, the rate of cloud deployment is expected to rise in the coming years. Through cloud deployment, around US$ 2 billion worth of railways management systems are anticipated to be adopted globally by the end of 2022. With cloud deployment, adoption of fully-integrated railways management systems will become less challenging. Cloud deployments models are also expected to facilitate integration of third-party subsystems.

What are Potential Benefits of Radar Systems in Railway Applications?

Radar sensors are used in railway applications to enhance rail automation and heighten safety. These sensors helps in detection of potential threats on and around the rail tracks. They will allow operators, conductors, and drivers plenty of time to react accordingly. Also these systems are designed to prevent trains from colliding with obstacles on the track at level crossings. A Radar-based safety protection method is used to detect approaching train 2 km away from the workplace and alerts the people in advance so that they have enough time to withdraw from the possible collision place.

The Ka-band Radar systems are being widely used in railway applications, including the checking and remote control of the track occupancy/vacancy and to detect hump yards and obstacle on rail crossing to reduce the risk of accident on railroads. The widespread adoption of Radar systems for railway application across developing countries is expected to increase the demand for radar systems in railway application.

How adoption of Radar and LiDAR Systems for Protection from Rail Collision would impact market growth?

Even though strict rules and regulations regarding the safety management and safety protection are established by the administration department of railways, railway staff is still at risk of collisions with the running trains approaching the working area because of the carelessness of safety guards and inclement weather.

To overcome these challenges, railway departments across the globe have adopted several safety and protection systems, to determine the position of all trains accurately and reliably. One of them is the radar-based safety protection method which is used to detect approaching train 2 km away from the workplace and alerts the people in advance so that they have enough time to withdraw from the possible collision place.

Moreover, the 2D and 3D LiDAR sensors are also being used for detecting obstacles in hazardous areas or possible landslides on rails. The LiDAR technology generates a 3D digital model to identify safety risks and develops solutions to improve safety. Across the U.S., transport agencies frequently use LiDAR systems to gather information. One example of a large U.S. LiDAR survey project is Amtrak’s survey of New York Penn Station. Also, many countries across the globe have constructed efficient and impressive railways with the help of LiDAR and Radar systems.

Competition Landscape

Companies operating in the market rely on various expansion strategies to increase their penetration across lucrative markets. These strategies include product launches, collaborations with key players, partnerships, acquisitions and strengthening of regional and global distribution networks. For instance:

In July, 2020, Bosch introduced New LiDAR Sensor. The new sensor can measures the distance between target objects by illuminating them with laser light and measuring the reflected pulses. The LiDAR can detect range of 250 meters and recognize up to 24 objects at the same time. This new sensor used in railways application for the safety purpose.

In October 2020, ELVA-1 tested their new technology PPC-10G (70/80 GHz) wireless radios for train-to-ground connectivity. This system designed to solve the problem of providing high-speed trains with a broadband Internet connection on straight sections of the railway.

In January 2020, Hupac Intermodal launched Train Radar. The new tool provides real-time train running information. It enables real-time tracking and ETA information. It offers fast and reliable information regarding the intermodal transport management.

FMI has profiled the following prominent Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application providers in its report:

• Radarxense BV
• Radar Vision
• Earth Radar Pty Ltd
• Bosch Mobility Solutions
• Navtech Radar
• ELVA-1
• DEUTA-WERKE GmbH
• Hupac Intermodal
• BlackBerry Limited
• Leica Geosystems AG
• Trimble Inc.
• RIEGL Laser Measurement Systems GMBH
• SICK AG
• Quantum Spatial
• Velodyne Lidar
• YellowScan
• Phoenix LiDAR Systems
• XenomatiX
• IDS GeoRadar (Hexagon)

Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Market Report Scope

Key questions answered in the report

• How will Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Market Expand until 2031?

  FMI projects the global Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market to register a CAGR of 9.6% between 2021 and 2031. Rise in demand for radar & LiDAR sensors in train protection systems will drive the market growth.

• Which is the most lucrative market for Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application?

  North America is the most lucrative market for Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application. Within North America, the U.S. is expected to account for leading share.

• Who are the leading players in Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market?

  Some of the leading players operating in the global Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application landscape include Hupac Intermodal, Trimble Inc., SICK AG, Leica Geosystems, RIEGL Laser and Measurement Systems GMBH, among others.

• What are the major factors driving Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application market?

  Increase in the demand for train protection systems, rise in adoption of mobile LiDAR systems, and rise in adoption of smart railway systems across the globe will present lucrative growth opportunities.

Enquiry before Buying

• Is the Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application market research conducted by FMI?

  Yes, the Radar & LiDAR technology for railways application report has been compiled by expert analysts of FMI through a combination of primary and secondary research. To know more about how the research was conducted, you can speak to the research analyst

• What research methodology is followed by FMI?

  FMI follows a methodology that encompasses the demand side assessment of the market, and triangulates the same through a supply side analysis. This methodology is based on use of standard market structure, methods and definitions.

• Who are the respondents for primary research?

  FMI speaks to stakeholders across the spectrum, including C-level executives, distributors, product manufacturers, industry experts. For a full list of primary respondents, please reach out to us.

• What are the sources of secondary research?

  FMI conducts extensive secondary research through proprietary databases, paid databases, and information available in the public domain. We refer to industry associations, company press releases, annual reports, investor presentations, and research papers. More information about desk research is available upon request.

• Is a sample of this report available for evaluation?

  Yes, you can request a sample and it will be sent to you through an email.

• How can I buy this report?

  FMI provides a secure online payment system to buy report seamlessly. You can buy the report securely and safely.

Key Segments Covered in the Radar & LiDAR Technology for Railways Application Market

Radar Technology

• Radar Sensor Modules
  • Speed Measurement Radar Sensors
  • Distance Measurement Radar Sensors
• Service
  • Integration & Installation Services
  • Support Services

LiDAR Technology

• Devices
  • Mobile LiDAR Scanners
  • Aerial LiDAR Drones
  • On-board LiDAR Sensors
• LiDAR Processing & Mapping Software
• Services
  • LiDAR Survey & Mapping Services
  • Consulting Services
  • Support Services

Application

• Railway Track Faults Detection
• Rail Collision
• Pedestrian Detection
• Train Tracking & Control
• Others

Region

• North America
• Latin America
• Europe
• East Asia
• South Asia & Pacific
• Middle East & Africa (MEA)