AIVR FFV (Forward Facing Video)
What is it
AIVR Forward Facing Video (FFV) is a digital inspection system that captures high‑definition video from the front of trains and makes it accessible online for engineers and planners to review the railway remotely. It forms part of the wider AIVR Platform, which combines video, location data and digital tools to support safer and more efficient infrastructure management.
It automatically records the route ahead, tags it with precise location references and uploads it for on‑demand access as a navigable “train’s‑eye view” of the network.
The system automatically aligns FFV footage with the linear referencing location system in use – for example, on Network Rail infrastructure, to the Integrated Network Model using Miles, Chains, Yards and Meterage.
Why it matters
FFV reduces the need for traditional on‑foot or lineside visual inspections, cutting exposure to trackside risk and supporting “boots off ballast” safety objectives.
Infrastructure owners such as Network Rail (NR) automatically receive and maintain a record of the FFV data. This allows them to perform further independent analysis or review of that data.
AIVR FFV enables faster planning, investigation and assurance by giving teams current, high‑quality imagery they can share across disciplines, shortening survey lead times and improving decision‑making.
Where it is used
The system is deployed extensively across the 20,000-mile of tracks in the UK rail network, with data captured over many routes and regions by both infrastructure managers and operating companies.
Through partners, AIVR FFV is also used on other networks, allowing coverage from mixed fleets and different vehicle types while using a common online platform.
Who uses it
Typical users include permanent way, signalling, OLE, structures and vegetation teams, as well as route planners, project engineers and safety specialists.
Contractors and supply‑chain organisations use FFV for scheme development, access planning, briefings and evidencing work, sharing clips and reports with client teams.
How it works
Cameras are mounted on the vehicle front of both in‑service and measurement trains. Cameras may be fixed or portable, such as phone-sized AIVR Go (mounted internally in the cab windscreen), or positioned externally in approved robust AIVR TLC housing. As the train moves, FFV records HD video plus telemetry such as GPS and rail‑specific location references and sends it via 4G/5G to the platform.
On the platform, users can scroll by mileage, take measurements, annotate frames, export stills and reports, and apply AI/ML tools for asset detection, condition insights and other analytics.