CatVue / PanVue — onboard and wayside monitoring systems for overhead contact lines and pantographs
CatVue and PanVue are rail systems for continuous monitoring of the overhead contact line and pantographs during normal train and tram operation. CatVue records the pantograph and contact wire interaction with an onboard camera, and PanVue checks pantographs automatically with stereo cameras.
- CatVue
- compact camera on the train; continuous recording of the pantograph and contact wire interaction in passenger service
- PanVue
- fully automatic stereo-vision pantograph inspection system in service
- Analytics
- machine-learned thresholds, wear, tension, electrical defects, virtual track patrol
- Software
- Theia platform (dashboard)
Price, availability and lead time on request. We help with analogue selection, customs clearance and delivery.
Description
The company's rail division produces two systems for monitoring the pantograph and contact wire pair. CatVue monitors the infrastructure from on board the train, and PanVue monitors the pantographs of the rolling stock. Both replace rare manual inspections, usually made at night, with continuous monitoring in normal service. According to the manufacturer's estimate, the average cost of a delay caused by a broken contact wire reaches 1.5 million pounds.
CatVue is based on a compact camera on the train which, while running in passenger service, continuously records the interaction of the pantograph with the contact wire. The readings are compared with thresholds obtained by machine learning, and wear, changes in tension and electrical defects are detected in this way. Staff get a virtual patrol, that is, a remote view of the condition of the overhead line without going on the track, and a map of wear zones, deviations and abnormal contact. Alarms about developing defects give a basis for condition-based maintenance.
The manufacturer calls PanVue the first fully automatic stereo-vision pantograph inspection system in the industry. It works in service, tracks wear of carbon strips, misalignment and faults, and does not require trains to be taken out for inspection, so the depot has less work. Carbon wear is uneven and depends on speed, contact force and weather, so a rare manual inspection can miss a sharp jump in wear in winter. A damaged pantograph can also damage the overhead line, and that already means a stop in traffic.
On the Greater Manchester Metrolink tram network, operated by KeolisAmey Metrolink, pantographs used to be inspected manually, as a rule once every 10 weeks. After PanVue was installed they are checked up to 10 times a day, and cars with faults are withdrawn from service before the overhead line is damaged. The systems also operate in Italy (RFI), Portugal and the USA (Caltrain). Metrolink, the largest tram system in the UK, has more than 100 km of lines and carries about 120 thousand passengers a day.
Data from both systems is shown on the dashboard of the Theia platform. PanVue received a Highly Commended award at the Global Light Rail Awards 2025. For monitoring cars and roofs of rolling stock the company also produces the CarVue and RoofVue systems.
Technical specifications
| CatVue | compact camera on the train; continuous recording of the pantograph and contact wire interaction in passenger service |
|---|---|
| PanVue | fully automatic stereo-vision pantograph inspection system in service |
| Analytics | machine-learned thresholds, wear, tension, electrical defects, virtual track patrol |
| Software | Theia platform (dashboard) |
| Example | KeolisAmey Metrolink, from inspection once every 10 weeks to 10 times a day |
Request a price and lead time
CatVue / PanVue — onboard and wayside monitoring systems for overhead contact lines and pantographs. We reply within one business day.
Or email sales@usk.ua or call 044 339-50-20.
Customs codes
| UKTZED (Ukraine) | 9031 49 90 00 |
|---|---|
| HS, 6 digits | 9031 49 |
| CN (EU) | 9031 49 90 |
| HTSUS (USA) | 9031 49 80 00 |
| China customs tariff | 9031 49 90 90 |
Codes are for reference: the final code is determined at declaration for the specific model.
Questions and answers
Does a train need to be taken out of service for PanVue inspection?
No, PanVue checks pantographs automatically during normal operation. On Metrolink the inspection is performed up to 10 times a day instead of manually once every 10 weeks.
Where is the CatVue camera installed?
The compact CatVue camera is mounted on the train and records the interaction of the pantograph with the contact wire in passenger service.
Which sites are these systems suitable for?
For electrified railways and tram networks. The systems operate, among others, on Metrolink in the UK, on the RFI network in Italy and on Caltrain in the USA.
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