Interest from clients in uST technology continues to grow, and the scope of application for string rail transport is expanding. Let’s explore the key directions for the future development of this technology.

Tourist Transport

Tourism is a vital, but far from the only sector where string rail transport can not only thrive but dominate. UST Inc.’s first commercial project, the uLite complex, became the highlight of the Aquarelle Ecopark in Belarus and was built without any harm to the environment.

Thanks to its lightweight design, the anchoring structure and intermediate supports required minimal land use – less than 0.1 hectares. During construction, the string rail itself didn’t even touch the ground. One of uLite’s key advantages is that its passenger unmanned vehicle operates almost silently. Additionally, it produces no harmful emissions, as it runs on electric traction.

A striking example of UST Inc.’s application in tourism is a project in India designed to showcase the beauty of a local waterfall. The string rail complex will connect the riverbanks and allow tourists to admire the breathtaking scenery from above.

Company specialists propose placing a station with a viewing platform on one side of the lake and extending the string rail line along key park landmarks all the way to the waterfall. In this way, the elevated uST complex will provide fast, efficient transport for visitors while blending seamlessly into the landscape and preserving the area’s pristine ecosystem.

Infrastructure Facilities

String transport is also well-suited for organizing movement within existing infrastructure or as part of new development projects. uST complexes integrate effectively into urban environments, where rail unmanned vehicles travel along streets, serve as inter-lot transport in industrial zones and warehouses, and even operate as tourist transport in forested park areas. Importantly, the construction of the track structure and its supports does not require restructuring of existing facilities.

A vivid example is the project for the Sosny sanatorium, which has already received special technical approvals. The future complex is designed to transport guests from the residential block to the spa center. The string rail overpass will be built above a pine forest, and the ride will take just two minutes.

The “Last Mile”

One of the key advantages of uST transport complexes is the mobility they offer to passengers. Traditional transport systems, such as metro lines, light rail, or asphalt roads, are often expensive to build and not always efficient, especially in remote suburban residential areas where peak hours typically bring traffic gridlock.

uST complexes effectively overcome the last mile barrier that other transport networks may struggle with. First, as an above-ground system, they do not occupy space on existing roadways. Second, the lightweight track structure is significantly more cost-effective than constructing metro or tram lines, and the route itself can be more flexible. Third, the movement of rail-based unmanned vehicles and the operation of the entire complex are managed by an automated control system, which allows for dynamic adjustment based on real-time passenger flow.

For example, the Akimat of Almaty Region is seeking solutions for one of the most congested areas leading into central Almaty. UST Inc. has proposed a uST complex featuring its flagship unmanned vehicle Karat U4-212, which can transport up to 5,300 passengers during peak hours.

According to the proposed plan, an 11.8 km string rail overpass would connect the Barlyk market to the city of Kaskelen. The system’s daily capacity would reach 122,400 passengers. With an average speed of 112 km/h, the travel time between terminal stations would be just 6 minutes.

Connecting Two Shores

Thanks to the ability of uST complexes to span up to 2,000 meters between intermediate supports, string rail routes can be built even in areas with challenging terrain. Quarries, natural ravines, mountainous landscapes, shorelines, and complex infrastructure are no obstacle for UST Inc.’s string transport. In fact, uST solutions enable connectivity in locations where conventional transport would be ineffective.

A striking example is the project proposed by Unitsky String Technologies Inc. to the authorities of Rostov-on-Don. It aims to solve the transport issue between the city center and the left bank, while also ending the isolation of Zelyony Island, which is currently accessible only via a pontoon bridge. Notably, implementing uST technology would be significantly more cost-effective than building permanent bridges.

The proposed uST transport and infrastructure complex would span 1.8 kilometers, with the string rail route elevated more than 10 meters above ground. The average speed of the unmanned vehicles on this route would be 32 km/h, with a total travel time of just 3.7 minutes. At peak capacity, the system could transport up to 1,000 passengers per hour.

Future Prospects

uST complexes are a multifunctional solution adaptable to virtually any landscape. They can serve as alternative transport on high-traffic routes, connect remote or isolated areas and infrastructure facilities, and enhance logistics in tourist zones. The company has identified key strategic directions and will continue active development to bring them to life.

 

 

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