Sigma Technology’s Long-Term Cooperation with Knorr-Bremse

Antal Mester leads the development of the next-generation brake control unit electronics, overseeing a large team of engineers specializing in software development, embedded systems, and testing. Antal emphasizes the importance of strategic partnerships in research and development to meet current project needs and build new expertise: 

“Our cooperation with Sigma Technology Hungary began in 2017 with technical documentation development. Brake electronics are complex, and understanding the system from both software and hardware perspectives takes time. Sigma Technology has gained substantial domain knowledge, which has been a significant advantage for our continued partnership.” 

“We have now had eight years of cooperation, starting with technical documentation writing and expanding to testing and software development services in 2023. Our initial aim was to find a partner who could meet our high standards, and Sigma Technology delivered just that. The team’s business management alignment, domain competence, high expertise, and flexible and open approach have been key factors in our successful partnership. 

In the railway industry, flexibility is crucial due to the lower volume and diverse customer requirements. This means that we may need to change priorities between projects and adjust. Sigma Technology has managed these challenges well, allocating resources effectively. Maintaining good relationships with colleagues and suppliers is important to us, and Sigma Technology has handled team transitions smoothly, which we greatly value.”

In June 2023, Sigma Technology Hungary joined a new Knorr-Bremse project focused on addressing cybersecurity demands on trains. This project is exciting as it involves developing the next-generation brake control system with advanced cybersecurity compliance. The new solution promptly addresses the required cybersecurity features, which is in a major focus for the railway industry, including both manufacturers and operators. 

“From an engineering perspective, the project is fascinating because the solution needs to be state-of-the-art and durable for decades. Adapting to various train network communication scenarios is essential.” 

Digital transformation is a key trend across sectors, and the railway industry is no exception. While being traditionally conservative, the railway industry is now embracing digitalization to enhance efficiency and reliability. This shift places new demands on brake systems, including enhanced diagnostics for better predictability and improved reliability. The diversity within the railway industry, with varying standards across regions, adds to the complexity of developing universally applicable solutions. 

“While other industries, like aviation, are strictly standardized, the railways can be completely different within the EU, Middle East, North America, and Asia. We need to develop a product that fulfils the expectations (both from customer and regulatory perspective) and capable to operate everywhere.”