Rajant, a leading provider of mobile wireless mesh networks, has entered into a strategic partnership with Wabtec Corporation that is expected to accelerate the growth of Rajant’s connectivity solutions in the global rail industry, ushering in the next wave of innovation for passenger and freight systems and bringing new capabilities to the industry.
Rajant and Wabtec, a leading supplier of value-added, technology-based products and services for freight rail, passenger transit and select industrial markets, will jointly develop and market Rajant’s Kinetic Mesh® wireless networking products to rail operators worldwide. As part of the partnership, Wabtec has made a minority equity investment in Rajant.
Wabtec selected Rajant’s industry-leading mobile wireless network Kinetic Mesh® technology for its ability to deliver highly reliable and adaptable connectivity in challenging mobile environments, making this partnership an ideal complement to Wabtec’s comprehensive portfolio of rail and freight systems products and services.
“Rajant understands the underlying communications challenges rail systems are confronted with, and we continue to customize our radio technology and Kinetic Mesh® to exceed expectations and network performance in many industrial markets, including rail,” said Robert J. Schena, CEO and Co-Founder of Rajant. “The partnership between Rajant and Wabtec brings together two world-class industrial leaders that are at the forefront of advancing transportation systems through continuous mobile connectivity.”
Passenger and freight systems are integrating applications such as autonomous vehicles and advanced sensors that place great demands on a network’s infrastructure. With the continued digitalization of modern rail and freight systems, the industry requires not only the highest level of reliability and security, but also the ability to extend connectivity to improve overall operations and customer experience.
“Our investment in Rajant is aimed at growing Rajant’s communications technology in the rail market, leveraging both companies’ resources, technologies and industry expertise to develop best-in-class, secure connectivity solutions for current and new customers,” said Raymond T. Betler, Wabtec’s president and chief executive. “Wabtec is focused on the development and commercialization of innovative and emerging technologies that can rely on Rajant’s leading connectivity solutions for real-time data.”