The Royal Academy of Engineering has announced the finalists for the 2026 MacRobert Award, with Transmission Dynamics named as one of just three companies in the running for the UK’s longest-running and most prestigious prize for engineering innovation.
The recognition follows Transmission Dynamics’ King’s Award for Enterprise in Innovation in 2025, marking a standout period of national recognition for the company.
Named in honour of Lady Rachel MacRobert, the MacRobert Award has honoured the engineers behind some of the UK’s most exciting engineering innovations since 1969. Originally founded by the MacRobert Trust, it is now presented by the Royal Academy of Engineering, with support from the MacRobert Trust and the Worshipful Company of Engineers.
For more than five decades, the MacRobert Award has celebrated engineering that makes a real difference: innovations that are not only technically outstanding, but commercially proven and capable of delivering lasting benefit. Being named one of just three finalists places Transmission Dynamics in exceptional company, alongside organisations representing the breadth, ambition and depth of British engineering innovation today.
Transmission Dynamics has been recognised for PANDAS-V®, a technology developed to address one of the rail industry’s most persistent infrastructure challenges: identifying faults in overhead power lines before they cause damage, disruption or safety risks.
Overhead line faults can be difficult to detect early, often leaving rail operators reliant on scheduled inspections or reactive repairs after a problem has already occurred. When issues escalate, they can lead to delays, costly disruption and, in the most serious cases, risks to passenger and workforce safety.
PANDAS-V® changes how this infrastructure can be monitored. The AI-powered video capture system generates real-time analysis of overhead line conditions as trains travel across the network, giving engineers clearer visibility of emerging issues and the information they need to intervene earlier.
Jarek Rosinski, Founder and Executive Chairman of Transmission Dynamics, said:
“PANDAS-V® represents a fundamental shift in how railway infrastructure is monitored and maintained. Rather than waiting for faults to cause disruption, damage or safety risks, we are enabling operators to identify and address issues before they become critical, creating a safer, more reliable and more efficient railway for passengers and operators alike.
“We are proud to be demonstrating that world-leading engineering innovation can be developed here in Northumberland and delivered across rail networks around the globe.”
The MacRobert Award finalist place cements a remarkable period for Transmission Dynamics, putting them among the UK’s most significant innovators and reinforcing the company’s role in developing practical, high-impact engineering solutions for complex infrastructure challenges.
The Royal Academy of Engineering will announce the winner at its annual Awards Dinner on 8th July at The OWO, Raffles London, with the official announcement streamed live via The Academy’s new Instagram channel.
