Meet Gregory Addes, our Video Security and OnBoard solution expert

Can you tell us about the work you are doing?

I am Product Line Manager for Video Security and OnBoard solution for trains. Our focus is on making journeys easier, and more comfortable. One of the main ways we achieve this is by deploying artificial intelligence onboard.

What are the big technology trends shaping the rail sector?

The first is artificial intelligence. Tesla is already using AI to transform the car industry. Now we are also bringing this AI technology on trains. The second trend is 5G. This is revolutionising communications and it opens the door to easier train autonomy. We are also seeing the rise of intelligence onboard as more and more functions move from the wayside to the train itself.

How will passengers benefit from AI?

Personalisation is one of the biggest benefits. This is made possible by AI-powered video analytics. Our solution is called DIVA – Distributed Intelligent Video Analytics. DIVA enriches the passenger experience in several ways. For example, it can detect if you are a wheelchair user: we can guide you to the most easily accessible part of the train, then adapt the door closing sequence to give you time to board without feeling pressurised. 

There are many other examples. For instance, we can adapt passenger announcements and advertisements depending on the occupancy and daytime. We are also developing algorithms to detect violent behaviour.

What about operator benefits?

DIVA is transformational from an operational perspective. People on track detection is an example: with DIVA, we could detect unauthorised access to the track and give the train driver an early warning with the associated video streams coming from the platform. So it’s being able to respond to what is happening not only on the train, but on the platform as well.
 
We can also adapt train scheduling. Traditionally, timetables were set in stone. Today, we are working on dynamic scheduling – the ability to match the flow of trains to real-time demand, based on passenger density data from trains and platforms. All of this is derived by processing existing video data with AI.

Have any of these AI functions been deployed yet?

Yes. This passenger density solution has been deployed recently on 100 trains in Middle East and has proved its efficiency during operation while important public event took place. 

What are the challenges of deploying AI onboard?

AI requires a lot of power and processing capacity – and deploying this onboard is a challenge. We manage this in three ways. First, we utilise GPUs – ultra-fast graphics processors. Second, we use frugal algorithms to minimise power demand. Third, we focus on the type of information required: what level of processing capacity is needed to satisfy a specific objective? We focus on doing more with less.   

How far have we come?

When I started doing video analytics 20 years ago, we didn’t have AI. You needed to configure every single camera – it used to take hours. What is amazing about DIVA is that it works straight out of the box: I connect the camera, and it will detect people automatically. This is a game changer.

What is your background?

My academic background is electronic engineering. Initially, I was in charge of developing site security for oil & gas Company in Middle East. I was also involved in video security for the Louvre in Paris and the Caracas Metro in Venezuela. Understanding technology is a critical part of my work. But understanding the market is equally important, which is why I did an MBA. Co-innovation is now a huge part of what we do. It’s about design thinking – we work with our customers to capture their pain points and we work rapidly to develop solutions. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job?

What’s amazing for me is being able to participate in innovation. I also love the fact that we rely on teamwork and talent. Some of my colleagues have 20 years of experience with trains – this domain expertise is vital. Doing a job that is useful is important to me. Not just moving people from A to B, but benefiting people’s everyday lives and providing greener journeys.

What background do people need to work in your department?

We need people with engineering talent, particularly in electronics and IT. But equally important, we need people with a talent for collaboration. That means the ability to communicate, to listen, to share, and to win together. People also need to be ready to learn.. So it’s about being able to adapt rapidly to new technology like AI. 

Outside of work, what motivates you?

Being in contact with nature is important. My office in Vélizy is near the forest, so it’s easy to take a walk and it is a gift to be able to do this. I am also interested in discovering new people and cultures. I have lived in Middle East, Latin America and South Asia. This helps me in my work. How do people react to crowds? How do they interpret different types of information? Reactions vary. We need to adapt our solutions to people’s needs. 

What’s your favourite train trip?

My favourite train journey is one where you have the time to enjoy the journey itself. In Brazil, you have the Serra Verde train. It’s not high-tech, but the journey through the rainforest of Brazil is amazing. So for me, it’s about taking the time to travel, and to be with people and nature.