Photonics for Railway Infrastructure: Smart Maintenance and Assessment

PRISMA Project

PRISMA Project

 

Enabling predictive maintenance through fiber optic sensing and advanced data-driven technologies.

What is PRISMA

PRISMA is an innovative research project focused
on transforming railway infrastructure monitoring
through advanced photonic sensing technologies.

How we do it

By combining fiber optic sensors, smart materials, and data analysis, the project enables continuous, real-time monitoring of critical railway components, supporting the transition from traditional maintenance to predictive strategies.

What we do

Smart Sensing Modules

PRISMA develops innovative sensing elements based on composite materials, where fiber optic sensors are integrated, protected, and optimized for reliable operation in harsh railway environments.

Numerical Modeling & Data Processing

Advanced numerical simulations and data processing algorithms are used to interpret sensor data and extract meaningful information about the structural health of the infrastructure.

Predictive Maintenance

By combining sensing and data analysis, PRISMA enables predictive diagnostics, allowing maintenance actions to be planned before failures occur.

Why it matters

Railway infrastructure today is still largely maintained through scheduled inspections and manual measurements, often requiring service interruptions and providing limited information.

PRISMA introduces a new paradigm based on continuous monitoring and data-driven decision-making.

Improved safety

through early detection of failures

Reduced costs

by avoiding unnecessary maintenance

Higher availability

of the network

Real-time monitoring

without disrupting train operations

Team & Funding

We deliver results

PRISMA is led by Prof. Paolo Bettini at Politecnico di Milano and developed in collaboration with GCF – Generale Costruzioni Ferroviarie, ensuring a strong link between research and industrial application.

The project is funded by the FISA – Fondo Italiano per le Scienze Applicate, supported by the Italian Ministry of University and Research (MUR).