Cordel inks deal with DG8 for Network Rail project

(Sharecast News) - Cordel Group announced the signing of a new contract on Monday with DG8 Design and Engineering, part of Equans, to supply its Wave 32 lidar and AI technology for use on two class 153 visual inspection units being developed for Network Rail. The AIM-traded firm said the systems would enable autonomous data capture and upload from hard-to-access or high-risk areas, with infrastructure engineers able to review lidar and video outputs via the Cordel Connect platform in an offline office environment.

It said the partnership aimed to reduce trackside manual inspections and improve safety while enhancing the efficiency of rail infrastructure analysis.

In addition to supplying core inspection capabilities, Cordel said it would offer further AI-enhanced outputs through its data-as-a-service platform, including structure gauging, electrified line compliance, vegetation encroachment assessments, and ballast profiling.

"We are delighted to engage with DG8 in the provision of railway infrastructure monitoring services," said chief executive officer John Davis.

"Cordel will build on the Class 153 data captures to deliver AI-enriched insights for Network Rail.

"The DG8 contract enables us to show the value of integrating Cordel technology onto the class 153s, so we can deliver joined-up datasets via the Cordel Connect platform."

At 0927 BST, shares in Cordel Group were up 3.92% at 6.5p.

Reporting by Josh White for Sharecast.com.