Autonomous trams: technological progress or future music?

Autonomous trams: technological progress or future music?

AT, Österreich - The discussion about autonomous vehicles, especially in urban traffic systems such as trams, remains a hot topic. The desire for automated transport solutions is very pronounced, but real autonomous trams are still future music due to the complexity of urban traffic. There are currently technological support for drivers, which, however, cannot guarantee automated operation. This reports Krone .

Christian Zinner, Senior Research Engineer on AIT, emphasizes that despite modern assistance systems in the tram sector, driving staff still bears responsibility. For this purpose, new assistance systems were developed that monitor the area around the tram and check the speed while driving. A 3D camera captures other road users and spends acoustic warnings and brake commands with increased collision risk. With their permanent vigilance, these systems are superior to human drivers, which in turn increases security in traffic.

technological developments and their challenges

The possible uses of new technologies are versatile, but there are many open questions. The brake paths of trams are longer than with other vehicles, which places higher demands on the sensor systems. While good progress in obstacle detection and speed control have been achieved, there is still a lack of sophisticated solutions for fully automatic control. Acceptance among drivers is high, but this can also lead to distortions in the feedback, since drivers rarely admit their own mistakes. Reports of system braking are often not made, which makes improving the systems more difficult. This information comes from Science apa .

A suitable scenario for automation could be in the custody area, where the operational processes are clearly structured. However, the hurdles are higher in urban areas, where there are complex traffic situations. The AIT solution that uses stereo cameras is a step in the right direction, but the complete security of action in rail vehicles has not yet been given.

New manual for autonomous technologies in public transport

In order to facilitate the transition to autonomous traffic solutions, the Federal Ministry of Digital and Transport (BMDV) has published a new manual that is intended to offer municipalities, mobility providers and transport associations an orientation for the integration of autonomous vehicles in local public transport (public transport). The manual was created as part of the Stadtverkehr (FOPS) research program and deals with questions of planning and regulatory requirements. Federal Minister Volker Wissing emphasizes the potential of autonomous technologies to improve mobility and reduce the negative aspects of motorized private transport. Among other things, the manual deals with autonomous small and standard buses of the SAE level 4 technology, which can operate in approved operating areas without drivers and is available for download online. More details in the press article of the BMDV at BMDV In summary, it can be seen that during the development of assistance systems and technology for obstacle detection, the complete automation of the trams is still far away. The coming time will show how the various actors will master the challenges of the integration of autonomous systems in urban space.