IAI and DCX Systems Launch NIART to Enhance Railway Safety

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), through its subsidiary ELTA Systems Ltd. and DCX Systems Limited, has launched NIART SYSTEMS, a smart mobility startup focused on railway safety. NIART is developing a long-range obstacle detection system that provides an onboard locomotive solution operating reliably in all weather conditions. The partnership between IAI’s ELTA Systems and India’s publicly listed DCX Systems Limited aims to improve railway safety, reliability, and efficiency.

Train accidents worldwide cause casualties, infrastructure damage, and major rail disruptions, leading to financial losses. Severe weather conditions contribute to delays, impacting revenue and supply chains. Existing detection systems primarily rely on optical sensors, which are affected by weather conditions and fail in low visibility. NIART’s system integrates advanced digital radar with multi-spectral electro-optical sensors, detecting obstacles such as vehicles, boulders, animals, and people up to 1,200 meters away in any weather. The system provides real-time alerts, enabling operators to brake safely and automatically detect railway signals and signs.

NIART has demonstrated its capabilities in real-world environments, with successful deployments on locomotives and global trials. A collaboration with ALSTOM in the Netherlands has shown fully autonomous locomotive operation using NIART’s system.

One of NIART’s initial projects is the TRI-NETRA Project, which enhances all-weather safety for Indian Railways. India’s extensive rail network faces challenges due to harsh weather and security threats, including sabotage. The TRI-NETRA (Terrain Imaging for Drivers – Infrared, Enhanced Optical & Radar Assisted) project was launched to improve train safety, especially in low visibility caused by fog, rain, and dust storms. SEEFAR, a key component, provides real-time obstacle detection, helping prevent accidents and delays while improving operational efficiency.

DCX Systems Limited manufactures RF and electronic systems for defense and aerospace, operating a facility in Bangalore.

Boaz Levy, President and CEO of IAI, stated, “As a global leader in robotic ground systems, IAI is pleased to bring that technology to the railway sector through our partnership with DCX Systems with the launch of NIART SYSTEMS. This is only the beginning as we look to integrate this system with more locomotive digital systems, playing a critical role in the transition to autonomous train operations and driverless trains.”

Dr. H.S. Raghavendra Rao, Chairman and Managing Director of DCX Systems Limited, said, “We are excited to collaborate with IAI and ELTA to bring NIART's groundbreaking smart mobility technology to the railway sector. This partnership marks a significant step toward transforming global rail safety by integrating cutting-edge obstacle detection systems that ensure reliability and operational efficiency, regardless of the weather conditions.”

Dror Bar, CEO of ELTA Systems and Vice President of IAI, added, “Our cooperation with DCX Systems Limited brings a new paradigm to the industry. Operating in the automotive frequency, NIART's proprietary radar incorporates classical signal and computer vision processing algorithms alongside advanced AI and deep learning methods, delivering unrivaled detection reliability and minimizing false alarms – making railways smarter, safer, and more efficient than ever before. In an era of increasing urbanization, population growth, and road congestion, the need for advanced mobility solutions in the railway industry has never been greater. By combining AI, Big Data, and a wide range of sensor technologies, we are paving the way for a safer, faster, and more connected future.”