The mind behind the machine: Anthony Ashbrook, Co-founder and CEO

In advance of next week’s ‘Rise of IoT and Big Data in Rail’ event in Cologne and for our very first ‘Mind behind the machine’ article, we recently sat down with Anthony Ashbrook, Co-founder and CEO, to discuss all things innovation, robotics and Machines With Vision’s foray into the world of rail:  

What are you most looking forward to at next week’s ‘Rise of IoT and Big Data’ event?  

We’re really looking forward to meeting with key people and innovators from across Europe, who are driving transformational change. We’re also excited to forge new relationships with people who are interested in what we have to say and make meaningful connections with the wider industry.

We believe the event is the right forum for our technology, with its diverse mix of delegates from across the world who have a genuine interest in innovation and how modern technologies and concepts can be applied to rail.

It’s important for Machines With Vision to engage with the wider, global rail industry, as that enables us to find the right partners to collaborate with and better understand how our technology can play a key role in tackling the complexities and challenges that the industry faces.

What do you think makes Machines With Vision stand out from the crowd?

 As a technology company, we like to think that we provide a fresh perspective to the rail industry. We’re proud to employ a different approach, akin to how start-ups operate in Silicon Valley, and solve problems in a unique way.

We don’t just focus on the technology or the products, we go beyond that and look at the strategy and thinking behind it, taking a step back and assess what can be done differently from the very beginning, as opposed to building something in to resolve a particular issue.

What are your top three goals for the year ahead?

Firstly, our focus is on our people and growing our team to deliver our vision. To do what we do and do it well, we need to employ the best talent and maintain the culture we have built from the ground up, one which enables its people to thrive, develop and be happy at work.

Secondly, we would like to expand our work with our existing clients and grow further commercial opportunities and establish new areas where our products can add value.

Thirdly, we would like to plant the seeds and start engaging with the rail industry on a global scale, sparking discussions with those we’ve not yet met and gain a better understanding of how our products can provide value and what we can create to solve real-world issues the rail community experiences.

What interests you about the world of rail?

Quite simply, we find the world of rail fascinating. It plays such an inherent role within our day-to-day lives, from being part of most nation’s infrastructure, to a key element in the safe and sustainable movement of people and goods.

There is so much scope and opportunity for innovative technologies and companies to grow and deliver a wide range of benefits, including societal and economic advantages. For us as innovators, this challenge is extremely exciting and something that ignites a spark in our team.

What does your expertise in robotics bring to the rail industry?

There are remarkably similar navigation and positioning fundamentals within both robotics and rail. The rail industry has taken a very different approach in terms of how it harnesses this, whilst robotics is all about automation from day one.

As the railway modernises, the principles and logic that we see within robotics will be required, in turn providing new ways of thinking and knowledge transfer opportunities, enabling the industry to innovate and evolve.

What do you see the future of rail looking like with technology and innovation at its core?

Running a rail network can be a complicated and expensive endeavor. However, technology has the power to improve this, playing a key role in speeding up the creation of smart cities, supporting increased urbanisation, electrification, implementation of hydrogen fuel, sustainability, the development of innovative software and sensors, and much more. The opportunities technology unlocks are endless and if the industry embraces these ideas, then the future of rail looks extremely exciting indeed.

Thanks to Anthony for this fascinating insight into Machines With Vision. If you are attending ‘The Rise of IoT and Big Data in Rail’, you can find Machines With Vision over on stand 21 and check out Anthony’s presentation in the Auditorium at 17:35 on day one of the event. If you would like to arrange a discussion with the team at the event, get in touch here.