How it works
Acorn leverages advances in proven RFID technology as well as ARM CPUs (ARM) and Bluetooth/Wifi to deliver a system that is smarter, more efficient, and more cost-effective than the industry standard.
The Acorn Tag is a RFID tag installed at regular intervals along the route, replacing much of the infrastructure associated with conventional systems. When a vehicle passes over the tag, it reads and writes a range of performance data to support quick adjustments in operations. Unlike much of the infrastructure required to support industry-standard control and asset management systems, the Acorn Tag is inexpensive and easy to install.
The Tag is entirely passive and requires no external power supply. All electronics are safely enclosed within a weather-proof and impact resistant case, ensuring tags remain operational even when submerged in water or covered in snow and ice.
Acorn uses existing closed communications systems such as Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for onboard communications. Its virtual distribution model improves system performance by making vehicles more responsive to real time route conditions.
Installation and maintenance made easy
Acorn’s system architecture overlays existing signaling systems to ensure continuity of service throughout implementation and software updates in the background to ensure no discernible disruptions in service. Route and trackside components are confined to the installation of Acorn tags at 25ft intervals along the route, and maintenance is limited to the replacement of Acorn Tags every 2-4 years. Moreover, system components and software are available through multiple vendors, opening up the supply chain.
Enhanced security and resilience
Acorn’s advanced system architecture allows operators to achieve a level of cyber security not easily reached by standard controls systems. The system’s components and software are sourced from multiple vendors, thereby limiting the risk of a vendor hack revealing system-wide vulnerabilities. If one component of the system is compromised, Acorn immediately isolates the affected software or hardware and alerts the driver without disrupting service.
See it in action
We’ve developed a proof of concept of the Acorn system to demonstrate Acorn’s functionality on rail systems; and the full-scale system has been tested in partnership with MvX Rail and the Transportation Technology Center.
See it in action by watching the video and reach out to us today at partnerships@acorntechsystems.com to schedule a live demo.