Ontario invests in ApoSys Technologies to ensure the future of Canadian railways

On December 18, 2024, ApoSys Technologies Inc., a leader in railway infrastructure inspection, announced a successful demonstration of its Apollo Framework, an automated track inspection system aimed at enhancing rail safety and resilience against weather-related challenges. This initiative, developed with Tshiuetin Rail Transportation and supported by the Ontario government through the Ontario Vehicle Innovation Network (OVIN), received investments exceeding $2.2 million, including $747,000 from the provincial government and nearly $1.5 million from its partners.

Vic Fedeli, Ontario’s Minister of Economic Development, highlighted the importance of effective transportation networks for the province's economy, emphasizing the positive impact of Ontario-made technology on the smart mobility industry. The project aims to provide advanced solutions to address the rising costs of railway maintenance, which have surged to $2.8 billion due to increased freeze-thaw cycles and other climate-related factors.

The Apollo Framework employs a combination of technologies including LiDAR, temperature sensors, Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR), and satellite imagery to collect data on railway networks. Its components include Apollo Sense for hardware data collection and Apollo Analyze for analytics, significantly improving defect detection and the capability to manage dynamic loading on railways. This innovation is designed to prevent derailments and costly track outages while facilitating proactive maintenance strategies.

James Bérubé, COO of Tshiuetin Rail Transportation, expressed appreciation for ApoSys' technology, which enables affordable and efficient inspection processes, ultimately enhancing safety and reducing costs. ApoSys has engaged in strategic partnerships with various railway entities, such as Hudson Bay Railway and Cando Rail & Terminals, and has been recognized by Transport Canada for its potential to alleviate climate change impacts on rail infrastructure. Within its partnership with Hudson Bay Railway, ApoSys is conducting a pilot project in northern Manitoba, assessing over 1,200 km of railway to gain insights regarding the challenges posed by melting permafrost.

Raed Kadri, head of OVIN, praised ApoSys for addressing significant transportation challenges, affirming the technology’s potential to transform the rail industry and solidify Ontario’s standing as a leader in transportation technology development. CEO Oliver Wang reflected on the company's progress in establishing partnerships and acknowledged the continued need for innovation in railway inspection technology.

Industry specialists, including Tony Marquis from Metrolinx, emphasized the critical need for the Apollo Framework's data-centric solutions for efficient resource allocation and proactive maintenance, given the increasing visibility on climate-related issues. Brett Young from Hudson Bay Railway echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the importance of data-driven insights for effective operations.

Claudia Krywiak, president and CEO of the Ontario Centre of Innovation, remarked on the initiative's role in advancing sustainable transportation solutions, crediting OVIN for its support in enhancing safety and resilience in the railway sector.

ApoSys Technologies is positioned as a pioneer in revolutionizing railway infrastructure inspection, utilizing innovative technologies to provide real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, while ensuring safety and efficiency in Canada's rail systems. The collaborative efforts of various stakeholders within this project highlight Ontario's commitment to smart mobility and environmental sustainability, enhancing its global leadership in advanced transportation solutions.