Motion Rail
Improving Railway Safety through Virtual Reality
Motion Rail, a nationwide provider of specialist railway communication services for Network Rail and London Overground Infrastructure, is dedicated to enhancing railway safety. Addressing a critical challenge in the industry—railway trespassing, especially among young people—Motion Rail sought an innovative approach to reduce the risks of severe injuries and fatalities caused by incidents like electrocution from overhead cables. In collaboration with CEMET, Motion Rail developed an engaging virtual reality (VR) experience to raise awareness and promote safe behaviour around railway tracks, aiming to prevent accidents and save lives.
What Did We Do?
CEMET worked with Motion Rail to create a VR experience that immerses users in a realistic scenario, designed to educate them on the risks associated with trespassing on railway property. The VR experience places users in a setting where they are playing football with a friend, adding an element of relatability and engagement. During the simulation, users are tasked with retrieving a ball that has landed on a train, and navigating realistic hazards, including the danger of overhead cables. By creating an engaging and relatable scenario, CEMET and Motion Rail aimed to deliver an impactful learning experience that resonates with young audiences.
How Did We Do It?
CEMET designed the VR scenario with high levels of interactivity to mimic real-world dangers effectively. The experience allows users to interact with their environment, including actions like climbing a ladder onto a train. This hands-on approach was intended to make the risks feel more immediate and real, heightening the impact of the safety message. The VR experience concludes with a safety quiz, reinforcing the critical lessons learned throughout the simulation. The goal was to ensure users leave with a strong understanding of the hazards associated with railway trespassing and a memorable experience that discourages unsafe behaviour.
The VR solution developed by CEMET and Motion Rail is expected to make a substantial impact on railway safety awareness. By immersing users in a realistic, interactive simulation, the experience aims to heighten awareness of railway dangers and reduce incidents of trespassing near railway tracks. The engaging format provides an effective means of conveying critical safety information, promoting behavioural change, and helping prevent future accidents.
CEMET is proud to continue to support Motion Rail through the development of this project. To find out more about their latest work visit their website or follow them via LinkedIn.
This project is funded by the UK government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and supported by Powys County Council.
