Rail automation news
News about railway and urban transport automation projects and technology.
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In depthSignalling: Welsh trial pilots low-cost train detection
Trials on a section of the Heart of Wales Line to detect trains approaching user-worked crossings are intended to pave the way for a suite of signalling applications for rural railways. Chris Jackson reports from Pantyffynnon.
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NewsDigital twin supports development of low-code tram washer
SWITZERLAND: BHB Waschanlagen Vertriebs has supplied a tram washing system to Zürich developed using both a digital twin process and simplified low-code programming.
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NewsWarszawa tram depot goes digital
POLAND: Tramwaje Warszawskie has rolled out Peak Mobility’s PEAK.DMS depot management system to automate key processes at its Annopol depot.
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NewsICE4 remote control project aims to make train depot movements more efficient
GERMANY: The remotely controlled operation of an ICE4 high speed trainset is to be tested by a consortium of industrial, operating and academic partners as part of the RemODtrAIn project which aims to make train movements within maintenance depots more efficient.
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NewsDriverless metro train on test
RUSSIA: Moskva Metro has begun testing a driverless train on the Big Circle Line.
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In depthChina: Latest wave of openings brings faster and more automated metros
The number of fully automated metro lines in China is increasing rapidly as cities seek to accommodate urban growth by improving efficiency and increasing capacity through higher frequencies. Toma Bačić reviews the latest tranche of openings.
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NewsDB demonstrates remote controlled S-Bahn train at München depot
GERMANY: Deutsche Bahn and Alstom have demonstrated the remote control of an S-Bahn trainset within a depot as part of a project to make shunting movements faster and more efficient and to reduce the distance staff need to walk.
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In depthItaly: RFI deploys AI, drones and robots as part of monitoring suite expansion
Italian infrastructure manager RFI is expanding its ability to inspect and intervene on its network through autonomous and data-driven technology. Toma Bačić reports.
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In depthHong Kong: MTR completes East Rail Line’s complex retrofit
The retrofitting of Automatic Platform Gates to Hong Kong’s oldest railway without any disruption to passengers marked a major milestone in MTR’s network modernisation programme.
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NewsHelsinki metro CBTC and 5G communications contracts awarded as automation ambitions revived
FINLAND: Contracts have been awarded for the replacement of the Helsinki metro’s signalling and communications systems as part of a programme to increase the level of automation, improve reliability and shorten headways to support expected growth in ridership.
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In depthAsset Maintenance: Cracking the nut of rising costs
An international benchmarking exercise by management consultancy Arthur D Little has found that railways across Europe are facing a maintenance cost crunch, with strong leadership needed to address the problem.
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NewsConsortium selected to supply driverless suburban trains for København
DENMARK: DSB has selected a consortium of Siemens Mobility and Stadler to supply and maintain a fleet of electric multiple-units for the conversion of København’s S-bane suburban rail network to unattended automatic operation.
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In depthIndia: Start-up develops advanced simulation tool to augment safety
Indian start-up SimDaaS Autonomy is using advanced simulation tools to develop hazard perception and scenario planning that could further improve safety on the country’s railways. Founder Dr Bharat Lohani explains its technology to Bharti Jain.
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NewsAccessible rack railcars with provision for automation to modernise Swiss line
SWITZERLAND: Appenzeller Bahnen has awarded Stadler a SFr17·5m contract to supply two rack railcars to replace the life-expired fleet on the 7 km Rorschach – Heiden line from the end of 2028.
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In depthData: AI can help railways ‘do boring better’
4AI Systems founder Derel Wust explains to Nick Kingsley how AI holds the key to determining train location, offering potential for a data-led approach to minimising the risk of overspeed and signal passed at danger incidents.
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In depthJapan: Part-privatised Tokyo Metro looks to grow internationally
Having been selected to help operate London’s Elizabeth Line, the part-privatised Tokyo Metro is looking to win more contracts to operate and maintain urban railways, with particular focus on the European and Oceanian markets, as Naoshi Sakai explains to Benjámin Zelki.
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In depthAutomation: Futurail sees autonomous trains within six years
Co-founders Alex Haag and Maximilian Schöffer tell Andrew Grantham how Franco-German start-up Futurail is aiming to bring automation technology from the road sector to rail, where they see a great opportunity to build a Europe-based global champion.
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In depthTelecoms: South Korea to explore potential of 6G technology in rail
Amid a push from the national government to launch a 6G telecoms network by 2028, Korea Railroad Research Institute is assessing how domestic railway operators could deploy the technology. Benjámin Zelki reports.
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NewsPJM diagnostic equipment fitted to Plasser & Theurer machine
AUSTRIA: Plasser & Theurer has completed a prototype fitment of PJM’s vehicle status diagnostic tools on a ballast management train.
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NewsRadar positioning system provides precise stopping without CBTC
SPAIN: Masats has tested of a radar positioning system which enables the highly accurate stopping of trains without relying on CBTC.
