Autonomous train Poland project advances with PKP tests

Autonomous train Poland plans are moving forward through a project, as PKP notes. It focuses on developing and testing a passenger rail vehicle with automated functions. The initiative is being carried out under the patronage of the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure. It also brings together the railway industry, academia, and the IT sector.

The agreement launching the project was signed during the “Telecommunications and IT on the Railways” conference in Wisła, as reported by RailwayPro.

PKP autonomous train project and consortium partners

The project is based on the ATO system. Also, it is being carried out by a consortium that includes PKP, PKP Informatyka, suburban rail operator WKD (Warszawska Kolej Dojazdowa), train manufacturer PESA Bydgoszcz, technology company Rail-Mil Computers, Częstochowa University of Technology, and the Polish Railway Institute.

Don’t miss…ÖBB FLIRT Akku trains ordered for Lower Austria

In addition, the partners contribute expertise in rail traffic control, software development, visual recognition systems, and automation technologies.

PKP Vice President Dariusz Grajda said the rail sector has long been a place where advanced technological solutions are tested. “Railways have always been at the forefront of new technologies. For nearly 200 years, the solutions implemented in rail transport have been a symbol of modernity and innovation,” he said.

Autonomous train Poland test site on WKD Line No. 48

A section of WKD Line No. 48 between Podkowa Leśna and Milanówek, near Warsaw, was selected as a potential test site. Meanwhile, the line was chosen for three reasons:

• its relatively short length;
• its single-track layout;
• the presence of multiple road level crossings.

According to WKD, Line No. 48 is a single-track section linking Podkowa Leśna Główna and Milanówek Grudów.

At the same time, the first stage of the project will create a digital twin. That means a digital simulation of the infrastructure and the autonomous train. For example, cameras installed on the train will collect images. The visual analysis algorithms will identify obstacles and assist the driver in operating the train.

EN97 train, PESA Bydgoszcz and GoA2 testing

At a later stage, tests in real operating conditions will use an EN97 train. WKD operates the train. The Polish company PESA manufactured it.

In addition, the vehicle will be equipped with sensors and specialized software. This will allow trials at GoA2 (Grade of Automation 2). That means operation with a driver, but assisted by automated systems.

Separately, the tests will include shuttle-type runs between Podkowa Leśna and Milanówek. The driver will be assisted by the systems developed in the project.

Still, the participants are also analyzing a move to fully autonomous trains. Such trains would operate without a driver. At the same time, the project authors emphasize that such a phase would require extensive testing. It would also require rigorous safety checks. Also, this applies especially in the context of level crossings and interaction with road traffic.

News on railway transport, industry, and railway technologies from Railway Supply that you might have missed: