Overview
RTRI was established in its current form in 1986 just before Japanese National Railways was privatised and split into separate JR group companies. RTRI conducts research about everything related to trains, railways and their operation. Funding is received from the government as well as the private railway companies. RTRI works both on developing new railway technology, such as magnetic levitation, and improving the safety and economy of current technology.
Research topics include earthquake detection and alarm systems, systems for detecting obstacles on level crossings, improving adhesion between train wheels and tracks, reducing energy usage, noise barriers and preventing vibrations, among other topics.
RTRI is the main developer behind the Japanese Maglev train.
Read more about this topic: Railway Technical Research Institute