Success of Tensator Virtual Assistant leaves Network Rail wanting more

MILTON KEYNES, UK – 25 June 2014 – Tensator, the world leader in passenger journey management, has completed an order from Network Rail for 11 more Virtual Assistants, via their rail partner TEW Plus Ltd. The order follows the successful introduction of ‘Louise’ into King’s Cross station in 2013.

The Virtual Assistant uses cutting-edge technology to project an image and create the illusion of a real person. Louise has been advising travellers with heavy, awkward to handle baggage to use the lift rather than the escalator.

During a six-week trial, the introduction of Louise saw an increase of over 260 per cent in passengers using the lift. Six further Virtual Assistants have now been placed at various locations throughout King’s Cross to deliver directional and safety messages whenever they detect movement in the immediate area.

Two further units will be introduced at St Pancras within the next two weeks, with a further three units installed at Leeds station helping to improve health and safety. Fully customisable, the Tensator Virtual Assistant brings messages to life and helps engage passengers with consistent and clear directional and safety announcements.

Ajay Joshi, head of media and technology at Tensator said: “There is great potential for Virtual Assistants in the rail sector and it’s great to see a growing number of them being used across the network. Because they are completely customisable, they can be used to relay any number of messages including health and safety, directional and general information such as station facilities.”

Tensator worked alongside telecommunications and security systems integrator TEW Plus Ltd to supply, configure and install the units.

Neil Sheffield, director at TEW Plus said: “We are very excited about this product and foresee a multitude of applications in the industry. We expect our relationship with Tensator to be a strong and fruitful one over the coming years as more Virtual Assistant systems are developed and implemented in various rail environments.”

London Bridge and Birmingham New Street stations will be trialling Virtual Assistants very soon.