Siemens Mobility and development partner ViP Verkehrsbetrieb Potsdam are set to present their research project into developing the world’s first autonomous tram.
The company is set to demonstrate a test tram driving autonomously in real traffic on a 6km long section in the German city of Potsdam as part of the InnoTrans 2018 event from 18-21 September.
This demonstration will use a Siemens-made Combino tram procured from ViP.
The vehicle will be used to identify the challenges and scope of improvement for autonomous driving under real-life conditions.
It features multiple lidar, radar and camera sensors to detect the surrounding traffic environment. In addition, it runs complex algorithms functions to interpret this data and provide an appropriate response.
The autonomous tram is capable of responding to tram signals, halt at definite stops, as well as instantly respond during movement of other vehicles and crossing pedestrians.
Siemens Mobility CEO Sabrina Soussan said: “Our autonomous tram can already master essential operating tasks in real road traffic at this stage of development.
“By relying on the ‘Siemens Tram Assistant’ collision warning system being used in, among other places, our Avenio M tram operating in Ulm, Germany, we have already reached series maturity, an important milestone on the way to autonomous driving.
“By making trains and infrastructure intelligent, we can guarantee availability and enhance safety in local and long-distance travel.”
Currently, there are no plans to use this autonomous tram for commercial purposes.
Last week, Siemens Mobility announced plans to unveil its new Vectron Dual Mode locomotive at InnoTrans 2018.
