HIMA Presents Smart Solutions for the Digital Railway

At InnoTrans 2024, HIMA will showcase how its digital solutions are transforming the railway sector, making it safer, more efficient, and better equipped for the future. The company will highlight its Independent Open HIMA Safety Platform and diverse safety offerings, tailored for light, urban, and high-speed rail networks. These solutions aim to help operators and system integrators achieve the highest safety standards while benefiting from enhanced flexibility, long-term sustainability, and reduced lifecycle costs.

“We are presenting innovative products that provide added value to our customers by enabling flexibility, seamless integration, and cost efficiency,” says Jörg de la Motte, CEO of HIMA Group.

Key Solutions on Display

RaSTA Implementation for SIL 4 Safety
One of the key innovations HIMA will launch is the integration of RaSTA (Rail Safe Transport Application) into its Open Safety Platform. This COTS (Commercial Off-the-Shelf) solution offers an efficient approach to achieving SIL 4 compliance in railway automation, enhancing flexibility and cost-effectiveness for railway operators.

Comprehensive Safety and Beyond
In addition to safety solutions, HIMA will present technologies addressing other critical areas such as rail electrification, mobile applications, and secure ecosystems. These solutions ensure that digital transformation in the railway industry occurs without compromising safety.

Open Safety Platform
HIMA’s Independent Open Safety Platform enables railway operators to avoid vendor lock-in and reduce costs associated with proprietary systems. By integrating the RaSTA protocol, HIMA ensures a future-proof solution that can support various communication standards, including EULYNX, offering greater flexibility in railway operations.

Rail Electrification
HIMA has strengthened its capabilities in rail electrification through the acquisition of Sella Controls, offering innovative solutions for traction power control. These solutions ensure safe, efficient energy management and prevent operational failures in energy infrastructure. Visitors will see examples of traction power control and safety-critical shutdown systems, all optimized for demanding railway environments.

Rail Control Systems
HIMA’s rail control solutions provide intelligent automation for critical infrastructure, such as interlockings, level crossings, and depots. By using cutting-edge automation technology, these systems enhance safety, reduce human error, and optimize operations. At the event, HIMA will demonstrate a SIL 4 interlocking system in a depot simulator.

Mobile Solutions
HIMA’s mobile solutions ensure the safety and reliability of onboard applications, allowing trains to operate safely in varied environments. The TrackLink 3 solution suite will be demonstrated, showing its effectiveness in improving rail transport safety for both operators and passengers. Additionally, HIMA will unveil its TrackLink Overspeed Prevention System, the world’s first SIL 2-certified overspeed prevention system for tramways.

Addressing Cybersecurity in Rail

With digitalization comes the challenge of cybersecurity. In partnership with IT security leader genua, HIMA is developing a secure ecosystem to protect railway operations from cyber threats. This collaboration ensures that safety and security are independently managed but work in tandem, providing robust protection for operators while maintaining operational integrity.

Introducing Safe HMI Technology

Another highlight from HIMA is its new Safe HMI (SIL 3), which overcomes the limitations of traditional hard-wired panels. This solution offers a safe, flexible, and easy-to-maintain alternative for displaying critical information. It provides touch functionality (SIL 2) for tasks such as overhead line shutdown/earthing and system activation/deactivation, with integrated alarm functions.

Looking Ahead to the Future

“We are excited to present how our digital solutions can support the railway industry in its journey towards digitalization while maintaining the highest safety and security standards,” concludes Jörg de la Motte.

At InnoTrans, HIMA’s solutions will demonstrate how digital transformation can be safely integrated into the railway sector, creating more efficient and secure rail systems for the future.