News
MOB launches pioneering project for intelligent flange lubrication in mainline rail operations
Montreux, Switzerland – 2 June 2025 – Montreux Oberland Bahn (MOB) has initiated a forward-looking pilot project for demand-driven, intelligent flange lubrication in full-gauge railway operations—powered by Parametric’s modular sensor platform and supported by partners PROSE and Substring.
Acoustic Monitoring at the Wheel-Rail Interface
Building on successful implementations in urban rail systems—most notably with BERNMOBIL in Bern—Parametric now brings its expertise to the mainline sector. In this initial phase, an acoustic monitoring system is being deployed that combines a microphone array, high-precision GPS, and integrated 3-axis acceleration sensors.
This setup captures audible signatures at the wheel-rail interface. These are processed through Parametric’s backend and analytics tools to identify lubrication needs based on real-time acoustic data, enabling a new level of insight into the physical dynamics of rail operation.
“Our collaboration with MOB demonstrates how infrastructure operators can leverage acoustic data to gain deep insights and make precise, condition-based decisions,” said Andreas Koschak, CEO of Parametric GmbH. “This project not only bridges the gap between urban and full-gauge rail applications, but also showcases the transformative potential of intelligent monitoring on a broader scale.”
RET System as an Innovation Toolbox
At the core of the initiative is the RET measurement system from Parametric. Far more than a traditional sensor platform, it serves as a customizable diagnostic toolkit that enables MOB to deeply analyze its infrastructure mechanics.
The data provides actionable insights to reduce wear, lower energy consumption, and enhance ride quality—all critical for long-term operational efficiency and sustainability.
Driving Innovation in the Rail Sector
Through this pilot, MOB once again demonstrates its role as a technology pioneer in the railway industry. By actively testing and implementing cutting-edge tools, MOB is contributing to the advancement of safe and sustainable rail transport.
Next Steps: Toward Full Automation
Following the monitoring phase, the project will explore automated flange lubrication based on real-time demand signals. The ultimate goal is a fully autonomous, condition-based system—a milestone with significant implications for railway operations across the industry.
About Montreux Oberland Bahn (MOB)
The Montreux Oberland Bahn (MOB) operates scenic and regional rail services across western Switzerland. Known for technical excellence and forward-thinking solutions, MOB plays a key role in promoting innovation and efficiency in the Swiss rail sector.
About PROSE
PROSE is a Switzerland-based engineering and consulting company specializing in railway vehicle technology and mobility innovation. With decades of experience and a global client base, PROSE supports operators and manufacturers with tailored solutions in vehicle design, safety, approval, and digitalization, contributing to the sustainable evolution of rail systems worldwide.
About Substring
Substring is a Swiss technology firm focused on advanced data acquisition, embedded systems, and real-time analytics. With expertise in industrial signal processing and IoT integration, Substring develops high-performance solutions for complex monitoring and control applications—helping industries like rail, energy, and automation turn data into actionable insight.
