British rail technology company One Big Circle has announced a strategic partnership with rail maintenance leader Loram Maintenance of Way that will accelerate the global expansion of its award-winning Automated Intelligent Video Review (AIVR) system.
The collaboration includes US-headquartered Loram taking a minority investment in the Bristol and Derby based technology firm, marking a significant vote of confidence in the UK company’s innovation and growth potential. The partnership will combine One Big Circle’s intelligent video technology with Loram’s extensive international reach and expertise in delivering advanced railway maintenance and monitoring solutions worldwide.
Developed in the UK and widely adopted across the network managed by Network Rail, the AIVR system has transformed how railway infrastructure is monitored. The technology uses automated video capture, intelligent analysis and streamlined reporting to help engineers detect issues faster, improve safety and maintain the reliability of rail networks.
The new partnership will enable the proven UK technology to be deployed internationally, bringing the benefits of AIVR to rail operators around the world.
Alongside the new global opportunity, One Big Circle confirmed that all their team, including the founders Emily Kent, Sam Low, Ian Packer and Barnaby Kent, would be remaining in place and that they would continue delivering the full range of services, innovation and support to clients exactly as usual.
“This is an exciting milestone for One Big Circle,” said Emily Kent, Co-Founder of One Big Circle. “Our collaborative approach to deploying this technology across the UK rail industry has demonstrated how AIVR can transform the way railways are monitored and maintained.
“Having Loram invest as partners now allows us to work together to take this British-developed technology to international markets while continuing to deliver the high-quality service and innovation that our rail industry relies on. We will continue to build our expertise here in the UK, creating more job opportunities and encouraging more talent into the industry.”
Loram Maintenance of Way, a global leader in railway maintenance machinery and services, will play a key role in driving the adoption and integration of AIVR across international rail markets.
“We are thrilled to partner with One Big Circle,” said Brad Willems, CEO of Loram. “AIVR has already shown tremendous value within the UK, and we look forward to bringing this proven innovation to customers around the world. Together we aim to deliver world-class technology that enhances the safety, efficiency and performance of global rail operations.”
The partnership reflects a shared commitment to advancing digital transformation across the rail sector and highlights the growing global demand for British rail innovation, as UK-developed technologies continue to support safer and more efficient railways worldwide.
Image credit: OBC / Loram
