By Jana Riethausen, VPS Editorial Team
Since spring 2024, the ÖBB rolling stock maintenance has been using VPS Smart Glasses as an integral part of its training and continuing education programs. Inspired by the successful project “Augen:Blicke – Eyetrackertraining”, which introduced the glasses in ÖBB’s shunting operations, the rolling stock maintenance decided to incorporate the technology into their own training. With support of the Smart Glasses, railcar inspectors refine their structured inspection techniques when examining vehicles, cargo, and cargo security.
“Perception is the core responsibility of our railcar inspectors,” emphasizes Alexander Glanzer, technical operations manager for rolling stock maintanence. They are responsible for ensuring that every train operates safely and without incident. Missing a defect or getting distracted could have serious consequences.
This is precisely where training with VPS Smart Glasses comes into play. During annual practical training sessions, railcar inspectors wear smart glasses while conducting inspections. Eye tracking technology records their every eye movement, providing objective, data-based feedback on whether all relevant areas have been thoroughly examined.
Even experienced railcar inspectors benefit from sharpening their techniques. “Over time, it’s natural for a certain level of routine blindness to creep in. With the glasses, we can catch it, raise awareness, and further enhance safety,” says Glanzer. The technology not only supports seasoned professionals but also allows recordings of experienced inspectors’ structured eye movements to be used for training new staff.
Voluntary, Flexible, and Effective
Using the VPS Smart Glasses is entirely optional for ÖBB railcar inspectors. Those who opt in can analyze their recorded eye tracking videos independently or review them with an instructor. “Even when employees review the videos on their own, the impact is significant. So far, the feedback has been very positive,” reports Glanzer.
The handling of collected data is meticulous and transparent: recordings are not saved and are deleted after analysis unless employees request to keep them for personal use. Instructors also obtain prior consent before using recordings as training videos.
Positive Feedback: The Technology Delivers
Since the introduction of VPS Smart Glasses, around 100 railcar inspectors have actively used them, with a further 70 expressing interest. Employee feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. Comments from over 100 reviews include:
- “It is interesting to see where you’re actually looking in detail.”
- “Very comfortable to wear.”
- “Feels great, thumbs up.”
- “Excellent for training purposes.”
- “A practical tool.”
The positive response has also prompted plans to purchase prescription lenses for the Smart Glasses, making them further accessible to employees who wear glasses.
Improved Safety and Efficiency in Rail Transport
Training with Smart Glasses helps identify damage early and prevent operational disruptions, ensuring the high quality of railcar inspections. The ÖBB expects the glasses to contribute to even better outcomes in internal and external quality management checks and technical inspections in the future.
Looking Ahead: Expansion and Live Support
Beyond enhancing training quality, the technology holds potential for day-to-day operations. Plans are underway to use VPS Smart Glasses for live support: railcar inspectors could involve inspectors via video during rare or complex loading processes and receive real-time guidance.
A broader implementation is also on the horizon. The glasses are already in use at 60 locations across Austria, and additional devices will ensure that all railcar inspectors can access this technology.
With VPS Smart Glasses, ÖBB railcar inspectors are setting new standards in technical inspections and training, enhancing safety, efficiency, and quality in rail transport.
