Ampetronic

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.
Challenge
Solution
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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.

AuriTM Deployment & Expansion in the Transport Environment


AuriTM is already transforming accessibility in public venues like theatres, cinemas, and universities. Now, we're expanding into Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) and Infrastructures to create a seamless, inclusive audio experience for all passengers.


Deployment Overview

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.

If you’ve used Auri™ at the Bristol Temple Meads station, we’d love to hear about your experience. If you're interested in trialling or installing Auri™ in your own transport hub, get in touch!

 

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. 

OLED Display

A front-panel OLED displays at-a-glance information, including channel name, charging status and battery level.  Below the display are a pair of buttons for channel selection for use when multiple channels are available.

Dual 3.5 mm Output Jacks

Listening is available through two standard 3.5mm output jacks – providing industry-standard connection of earbuds, headphones, and neck loops – so two users can share one receiver, if desired. The dual jacks also facilitate the connected of our integrated neck loop/lanyard for use with telecoil-equipped hearing aids and cochlear implants.

Scan and Go

Simply press the front scan button, toggle between channel options, and select your desired audio. 

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). 

Single Ethernet Connection

Supports PoE, network/PC connection (for system management), and Audio over IP (for repeater or daisy-chain configuration). The transmitter also supplies a balanced line-output. 

Dante® Compatible

A USB-C port is available to accept power from an optional power supply, rounding out the standard connectors.  An optional version of the transmitter adds a Dante® network audio interface.  A  ceiling/wall mounting bracket is also included. 

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.

Charge, Store, and Program

Each charging slot features a tension lock that ensures secure charging connectivity, and each slot can be used to store ID cards or other items that are exchanged for and returned when the receiver is not in use. 

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. 

Customise Experiences

Configure system parameters to give users the best experience by naming channels, setting audio quality and defining how receivers scan and connect.

Secure Broadcasts

Control which channels are visible and accessible to ensure those who need to listen to your channel can access that securely. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the standard range of the Auri™ broadcast system?

Each Auri™ TX2N transmitter broadcasts over 100 meters (328 ft) in all directions. If more coverage is required, the system can be expanded with additional TX2n transmitters in the repeater mode. Range will vary depending on environmental factors and other receivers such as earbuds or hearing aids may perform differently to the Auri RX1.

If I have Auracast™-enabled hearing aids/cochlear implants, how can I connect to the transmitter?

It depends on the hearing aid/cochlear implant manufacturer, but most will allow you to connect via their designated app. The TX2N transmitter would appear in the Bluetooth® pairing lists so you’d simply have to connect to the desired source. 

How many receivers can connect to a broadcast?

An unlimited number of receivers can connect to an Auracast™ transmitter. 

When can we expect to see hearing aids and other audio technology with Bluetooth® Low Energy capabilities?

Many audio manufacturers are implementing Auracast™ based technology within their devices. Adoption rates will vary, but many are coming to market this year. 

How many channels can Auri™ support in the same space?

Each Auri™ TX2N transmitter supports up to two channels but more transmitters can be added to increase channel count. The exact number of channels supported will depend on environment and range requirements.

How are the transmitters powered?

A single ethernet connection supports PoE, network/PC connection. Or a USB-C port is available to accept power from an optional power supply, rounding out the standard connectors. 

What are the audio inputs?

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). 

Is there a Dante® version available?

Yes, the standard TX2N does not come equipped with Dante® but they are readily available. An optional version of the transmitter adds a Dante® network audio interface. 

Has the latency improved with Auracast™-based products?

Yes, the Auri™ system supports latency as low as 30ms, depending on certain broadcast settings. Latency will vary with other receivers such as earbuds or hearing aids.

 

Listen Technologies and Ampetronic are part of the Allvida accessibility group. Partnering helps us secure our position as the global leader of assistive listening, and additional future product development opportunities.

The Bluetooth® word mark and logos are registered trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. The Auracast™ word mark and logos are trademarks owned by Bluetooth SIG, Inc. Any use of such marks by Listen Technologies Corporation is under license. Other trademarks and trade names are those of their respective owners.

Audinate®, the Audinate logo and Dante® are registered trademarks of Audinate Pty Ltd. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Windows ® is a trademark of the Microsoft group of companies.