Project problem/motivation
Rail transport is currently considered the most economical and sustainable way to travel. However, it is necessary to respond to the new challenges that railway line operators will face, namely, megacities, travel to work at ever greater distances, and the increased environmental impact as a result of the high urban growth expected over the next 25 years.
The solution to achieve
IRIS aims to design and develop a set of prototypes for 4 complementary subsystems of railway interiors: side panels, roof panels, HVAC systems ducts, and luggage racks.
These solutions will be designed and built using a research strategy entirely focused on their experimental and exploratory development, with a modular architecture in mind that facilitates assembly on OEM lines. The main objectives are:
- Reduce the cost of operation;
- Improve passenger comfort;
- Increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of the system.
Main mission
The new interior system will have to present an innovative and flexible design that guarantees its attractiveness for train manufacturers and complementarity with the latest developments in the sector in Portugal, which have focused on the seat and floor systems.
Consortium know-how
IRIS adds a new dimension to the latest developments in the sector in Portugal with an ambitious R&D project focused on user needs. The initiative brings together in consortium five OEM companies leaders in the areas in which they operate, as well as a renowned research center, in order to implement disruptive solutions and thus place Portugal at the forefront of technologies applied to the railway industry.
Consortium composition
Empresas principais:
- MCG – Development, production, and assembly of prototypes.
- Famopol – Vacuum-assisted resin injection processes (RTM).
- Cablotec – Lighting products and various wiring.
- Wiseware – IoT, electronics, and software systems and solutions.
- AlmaDesign – Processes for design and ergonomics solutions.
- Itecons – Research and testing center.
Closing session and results
From July 2019 to November 2022, there were more than 43 months of work, 46 meetings between all the consortium members, and many innovative ideas that are now a reality. This is the end of the work plan of IRIS – Innovative Railway Interior Systems, a development, and research project in which the main objectives were fully achieved: to design, develop and facilitate the future manufacture of several subsystems and products for train interiors.
The project’s closing event took place recently at MCG, with representatives from all the companies that integrate the project consortium – Almadesign, Famopol, Itecons, Wiseware, and Cablotec – and almost 50 guests.
António Coelho, Director General of MCG Industry+Transportation at MCG, opened the event, then passed the word to Rui Marcelino, CEO of Almadesign, who briefly summarized the work carried out during the duration of the project.
The practical results of IRIS – Innovative Railway Interior Systems were then possible to see up close through a demonstrator that presents in a context of real integration the technologies and products developed under the project in the segment of subsystems and products for train interiors:
- HVAC system ducts
- Luggage racks
- Side panels
- Roof panels
- Floors with an integrated heating system
- Partition walls
- Interactive windows
The project results are based on these seven innovative solutions in the segment of interior subsystems for trains, which we can see in the following video in a more dynamic context:
Some features of the technologies and subsystems for trains interiors developed in IRIS:
More info on the IRIS Project:
IRIS Project official website
IRIS Project advances at MCG
Full sheet
Project title:
IRIS: Innovative Railway Interior Systems
Project code:
POCI-01-0247-FEDER-039835
Main goal:
Strengthen research, technological development, and innovation.
The IRIS project aims to conceive and develop 4 complementary subsystems of railway interiors, designed to improve their manufacture and integration and passenger comfort and to reduce operating costs, in order to increase the attractiveness and competitiveness of railway equipment.
Intervention region:
Center, Lisbon, North
Beneficiary:
Manuel da Conceição Graça, Lda
Start date:
2019-05-23
Date of the conclusion:
2022-05-22
Total eligible cost:
1,936,462.42 EUR
European Union financial support through the FEDER:
1,159,183.37 EUR