Auri™: Pioneering Auracast™ for Public Transport
Auri™, powered by Listen Technologies and Ampetronic, is the first Auracast™ broadcast audio solution designed for accessible listening. It represents the next generation of assistive listening, transforming public spaces like transport hubs, venues, and rail stations. By leveraging Auracast™ technology, Auri™ delivers a seamless, inclusive audio experience—ensuring everyone, especially those with hearing impairments, stays connected.
How is Auri™ changing Access to Audio in Public Transport
Auri™, powered by Ampetronic and Listen Technologies, has been recognised as an innovative solution for accessible audio and selected to feature in the Station Innovation Zone, supported by Catapult. This highlights its potential to transform public transport accessibility by providing seamless, high-quality assistive listening.
By implementing Auri™, public transport operators and venue managers can:
- Enhance accessibility for passengers with hearing impairments.
- Improve passenger satisfaction with clearer announcements and real-time audio.
- Demonstrate leadership in inclusive design and compliance with accessibility standards.
This webpage provides details on the trial of Auri™ at Bristol Temple Meads station, outlining the roadmap for deployment, evaluation, and future scalability across the UK rail network and beyond. It also serves as a central hub for the Auri™ trial in public transport, keeping you updated on the world’s first deployment of an Auracast™ broadcast system in a transport environment.
Challenge
Access to clear and timely audio information in rail stations is a critical component of an inclusive passenger experience. Currently, passengers with hearing impairments face significant challenges in accessing important announcements due to poor sound quality, background noise, or a lack of assistive listening technology. These challenges are compounded by complex station layouts and high passenger volumes, making navigation and timely decision-making difficult.
The issue is not limited to passengers with hearing impairments; poor audio accessibility can have far-reaching implications for other groups:
Neurodiverse Individuals: Passengers with neurodivergent conditions such as autism may struggle to process unclear or overwhelming audio cues, especially in noisy, crowded environments. Access to clear, personalised audio information can reduce stress and improve their overall travel experience.
First-Time Travellers or Tourists: Navigating an unfamiliar station without reliable announcements can lead to confusion, missed connections, and anxiety, particularly for those who may not understand visual signage or local languages.
Elderly Passengers: Reduced hearing sensitivity and slower reaction times make elderly passengers particularly vulnerable to missing important safety or schedule updates.
Non-Native Speakers: Passengers who rely on clear annunciation and audio clarity to understand spoken announcements are disproportionately affected by poor audio quality.
Solution
Auracast™ technology directly addresses these challenges by enabling seamless delivery of high-quality audio directly to passengers’ personal devices. This personalised approach ensures that:
• Passengers with hearing aids or compatible devices receive clear and compliant audio.
• Neurodiverse and elderly passengers can access audio at their preferred volume and clarity.
• First-time travellers and non-native speakers benefit from improved comprehension and navigation.
Planning & Preparation
- Understanding the Transport Environment – Analysing PSV settings (buses, trams, trains) to optimise Auracast deployment.
- Proven Expertise – Ampetronic has extensive experience in transport solutions for buses, rail, platforms, elevators, and intercoms.
- Building Partnerships – Engaging with transport operators, local authorities, and venue managers to ensure seamless integration.
- Technical Compatibility Check – Assessing how AuriTM integrates with existing transport audio/visual systems.
Pilot Testing
- Test Locations – Selecting key PSV routes (e.g., high-traffic urban areas, long-distance journeys) for initial trials.
- Limited Deployment – Installing AuriTM in a select number of vehicles (e.g., 5–10) for controlled testing.
- Performance Testing – Evaluating audio clarity, connectivity, and user experience in real-world conditions.
Evaluation & Optimisation
- Real-User Feedback – Collecting insights from passengers and transport staff.
- System Performance Tracking – Monitoring signal strength, interference, and device compatibility.
- Refinement – Implementing enhancements such as improved signal range and a more intuitive user interface.
Scaling & Full Rollout
- Wider Deployment – Expanding AuriTM to 50+ vehicles across multiple routes.
- Advanced Features – Exploring multi-language support and integration with ticketing & scheduling systems.
- National & Regional Rollout – Evaluating success before full-scale implementation.
How Auri™ Works
Connect the audio source to an Auri™ transmitter.
The Auri™ transmitter broadcasts the audio.
Access the audio on a dedicated Auri™ receiver or a device capable of receiving an Auracast™ broadcast.
Auri™ RX1 Receiver
The Auri™ RX1 receiver is a compact, user-friendly solution for those without Auracast™-enabled devices, meeting global accessibility standards. It delivers high-quality, low-latency audio and features intuitive side-mounted power and volume controls. The RX1 includes two 3.5mm output jacks for connecting earbuds, headphones or neck loops for telecoil-equipped hearing aids, allowing two users to share one receiver. A front-panel OLED screen displays channel name, battery status, and charging indicators, with easy buttons for channel selection. Powered by the LA-367 Lithium Polymer battery, it offers quick charging and extended run time via USB or docking contacts.
Handsfree and Portable
Featuring the compact size, styling, and intuitive operation of our state-of-the-art iDSP receivers, the RX1 delivers the highest quality audio. Intuitive and simple side-mounted power and volume up/down buttons make this design a seamless experience.
Auri™ TX2N Transmitter
The Auri™ TX2N is a sleek, low-profile transmitter designed for professional installations, resembling a Wi-Fi access point. It features a discreet logo, multicolor status indicator, and side-mounted balanced analog mic/line inputs, supporting mono, stereo, or dual mono configurations. A single ethernet connection manages PoE, network/PC control, and Audio over IP, with an option for Dante® network audio. It also includes a balanced line output and USB-C for optional power. A versatile ceiling/wall mounting bracket is included for easy installation.
Sleek and Low-Profile
A concealed side-panel offers two balanced analog mic/line audio inputs for the two radios. This combination offers an array of routing and configuration options, including single stream mono audio, true stereo audio, and dual mono streams with separate audio (e.g. content or language).
Auri™ D4 and D16 Docking Stations
The Auri™ D4 and D16 docking stations are designed for flat surfaces and wall mounting, with four and sixteen receiver slots, respectively. But these docks are more than just chargers—they offer network capability and can store receiver configurations, enabling centralized management, programming, and configuration.
Network Capabilities
Auri™ docks all have network capability and can store receiver configurations. This allows for central management, programming, and configuration of the docking stations and the receivers.
Auri™ Manager Software
Auri™ Manager is Windows® software that simplifies the configuration and management of Auri™ transmitters, docking stations, and receivers across your network. With automatic device discovery, it supports everything from single-device setup to large system programming. Easily create and manage device groups, update firmware, monitor system health, and control all device options, whether you’re adjusting a single receiver or pushing updates network-wide.
Manage Inventory
Easily track and manage inventory while also optimizing system health in one convenient place.