Hitachi Rail has announced the acquisition of Clever Devices, a US-based provider of Intelligent Transportation Systems for transit agencies across the globe.
Clever Devices has previously been recognised for its technology solutions that enhance fleet management, passenger experience and operational efficiency for mass transit agencies, and runs its operations from a number of offices across the United States, Europe and South America.
Hitachi Rail has stated that it anticipates the acquisition to enable it to reflect the increasing demand for more integrated transportation systems, with the transaction’s completion set to extend the company’s footprint beyond rail and into multimodal mobility.
With more than 600 employees and a customer base including 8 of the 10 largest transit agencies in North America; Clever Devices’ Intelligent Transport System (ITS) solutions aim to act as a critical enabler of increased public transport usage, improving the accuracy of information and boosting service punctuality. Its solutions are deployed across numerous public mobility systems, including buses as well as railways.
The Clever Devices portfolio of onboard and centralised data solutions is hoped to augment Hitachi’s HMAX Mobility suite of physical AI-bases solutions, allowing for enhanced functionality and benefits for customers across public transport systems globally.
HMAX for Rail forms part of HMAX Mobility, and acts as Hitachi Rail’s digital asset management platform that optimises railway performance by connecting data from fleets of trains, signalling assets and infrastructure to create an operational twin of rail systems by combining advanced sensor technology, rail expertise, AI and edge computing in and effort to maximise performance, extend asset life and optimise costs.
Giuseppe Marino, Group CEO, Hitachi Rail, said:This is a key step in advancing our strategy to drive the digital transformation of public transport. We are combining Clever Devices’ strong capabilities in intelligent transportation systems with our global reach and HMAX Mobility suite of solutions.
With this acquisition, we are broadening our scope beyond rail, strengthening our footprint in North America, and laying the platform to help cities develop more integrated, sustainable and efficient transportation networks.
As part of the new integration; Frank Antonysamy has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Clever Devices, having most recently served as Chief Growth Officer at Hitachi Digital, where he led the launch of Hitachi’s Industrial AI portfolio.
Frank Antonysamy, CEO, Clever Devices, a Hitachi Group Company, said:Joining Clever Devices at this important moment is a great opportunity.
As part of Hitachi Rail, we are well positioned to leverage Hitachi’s investments in HMAX and more than 115 years of OT expertise, to accelerate innovation, expand our global reach and deliver enhanced value to transit agencies and passengers through our advanced digital mobility solutions.
