Smart tram monitoring in The Hague with Althen’s 3D Wheel+ System

Railway digitalisation in motion with 3D Wheel+

Railway and public transport networks around the wolrd are rapidly adopting digital technologies and intelligent maintenance solutions. Predictive maintenance, real-time diagnostics, and data-driven fleet management have become essential pillars for achieving efficient, safe, and sustainable operations. In line with this evolution, HTM partnered with us to deploy an advanced measurement system: 3D Wheel+.

Needs and expectations

HTM required a solution that could:

• Automatically detect wheel wear, load distribution and defects without stopping the tram.
• Integrate with existing systems like the HTM Data Hub and Nem Solutions' AURA Wheel system.
• Withstand coastal weather conditions and fit seamlessly into urban infrastructure.
• Offer high measurement accuracy for wheel diameter, tread wear, flange height and axle loads.
• Provide real-time alerts when safety thresholds are exceeded.

Installation in an urban environment

The project, technically led by Sylvio Puzzo, our Senior Project Engineer, was executed with precision, overcoming the complexities of an urbanviaduct installation and strict operational timelines. Key actions included:

• Custom concrete mounting blocks and night-time installations to avoid tram schedule impact.
• Load cells embedded in the rails for the dynamic weighing system.
• Integration of laser scanners and RFID readers for wheel and vehicle profiling.
• Real-time data streaming to HTM’s backend via REST APIs.

Althen Sensors handled the mechanical installation, calibration, IT integration, and commissioning, ensuring seamless functionality within HTM’s infrastructure.

Real-time data, predictive maintenance, and early detection

3D Wheel+ continuously captures and transmits data to HTM's backend. Beyond individual tram maintenance, 3D Wheel+ also contributes to predictive track maintenance. By identifying trams with out-of-tolerance wheels early, HTM can anticipate potential areas of accelerated rail wear along the network. Over time, this data-driven insight helps prevent localised damage, reduces the need for costly track repairs and ensures smoother, safer operations across the system.

Successful delivery of 3D Wheel+

The successful delivery of 3D Wheel+ at The Hague Central Station sets a new standard for urban tram monitoring. We have proven that complex, real-time measurement solutions can be deployed efficiently, even in challenging environments. 

Service level agreement for the future

HTM and Althen have agreed a five-year Service Level Agreement (SLA) for the maintenance and support of the 3D Wheel+ measurement system at The Hague Central Station. The system continuously monitors wheel profiles, axle loads and vehicle identification. The SLA guarantees system availability , with proactive data processing, planned and corrective maintenance activities, and direct incident handling. Althen is responsible for installation, calibration, and technical support. Data integration with HTM's DataHub and the AURA system is fully included.

The project highlights our capability to deliver complete system integration, including mechanical installation, sensor calibration, IT connectivity and aftercare.