A new generation of Bluetooth technology is being tested at Bristol Temple Meads railway station, allowing passengers to receive translated and accessible travel information directly through their own connected devices.
The trial combines Auracast, a broadcast audio technology built on Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio, with artificial intelligence to provide real-time translation, transcription and audio announcements.
Developed by accessibility technology provider Ampetronic and AI specialist XRAI, the system is designed to help passengers understand platform changes, travel updates and safety announcements through compatible hearing aids, smartphones, headphones and earbuds.
Unlike conventional Bluetooth connections, which require devices to pair individually, Auracast uses Bluetooth Low Energy Audio to broadcast a single audio stream that any compatible device can receive without pairing. The approach allows stations, theatres and airports to transmit announcements simultaneously to large numbers of listeners, while also supporting multiple language or accessibility channels from the same infrastructure.
The deployment forms part of the Station Innovation Zone programme, delivered by Connected Places Catapult in partnership with Network Rail and supported by Innovate UK. The initiative provides a live environment where emerging rail technologies can be tested in an operational station.
“Making stations more accessible for passengers and continuing to improve safety are vitally important areas of focus for us at Network Rail,” said Brian Wortman, Senior Programme Manager at Network Rail, when the project was announced. “The programme offers Network Rail the chance to see how new solutions can further enhance the passenger experience.”
By delivering audio directly to an individual’s device rather than into a noisy public space, the technology could benefit passengers with hearing loss, travellers who speak different languages and anyone who finds busy stations difficult to navigate.
The Bristol trial reflects growing interest in Auracast across the transport sector. Brighton railway station has already installed a permanent Auracast system, while Munich’s S-Bahn network plans to introduce Bluetooth Low Energy Audio on new trains entering service from 2028.
German passenger information specialist cn-mobility is also integrating Auracast gateways into its onboard communication systems, enabling existing public address systems to broadcast announcements directly to passengers. The company has developed products for both new rolling stock and retrofit projects, allowing operators to upgrade existing fleets without replacing their entire passenger information systems.
Transport is only one of the sectors beginning to adopt the technology.
London’s National Theatre has installed an Auracast system in its 450-seat Dorfman Theatre, allowing audiences to receive performance audio through compatible personal devices. The flexible theatre-in-the-round layout makes conventional hearing loops difficult to deploy without restricting seating, making Auracast an attractive alternative.
The installation uses a Williams AV Infinium system, with receivers available for visitors who do not yet own compatible devices.
There’s plenty of other editorial on our sister site, Electronic Specifier! Or you can always join in the conversation by commenting below or visiting our LinkedIn page.
