There have been significant advances in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) and autonomous vehicles in industry, with segments such as the mining sector pioneering the implementation of this technology – including autonomous trains – in Australia. Driving these developments is the computing systems that enable autonomous platforms and AI to operate effectively and securely. This white paper discusses the technology in context of its global growth and Australian adoption. It provides insights into the features that enable the success of in-vehicle computing systems in harsh environments, along with examples of why and how these systems are best suited to industrial rail applications.