Skoda Group Tests First Autonomous Tram

In the Finnish city of Tampere, Skoda Group successfully tested the first fully autonomous tram, the Skoda Smart Artic X34, developed in-house, according to TechInn s.r.o., a developer of innovative braking system solutions for trams and metro cars.

The tram is equipped with an Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system and an Anti-Collision System (ACS), designed for operation on tracks.

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A digital ecosystem called Smart Depot has been created for servicing the equipment in the depot.

During the tests, the tram moved independently through the depot, including passing through the washing line, without a driver.

When tested on tracks, the Skoda Smart Artic X34 also operated autonomously, responding to traffic light signals and obstacles thanks to its detection and collision prevention systems.

The autonomous control system was tested on the Skoda Smart Artic X34 tram, created in collaboration with the Finnish company Tampereen Ratikka.

The tram has a power output of 800 kW, a maximum speed of up to 70 km/h, and a capacity of up to 264 passengers.

From 2020 to 2021, 19 such trams were delivered to the city transport company Tampere Tramway Ltd, with an option to purchase an additional 46 units.

Skoda Group is also developing automated tram systems in other European cities.

In early July 2024, production began in Pilsen, Czech Republic, on the new low-floor five-section trams ForCity Plus Praha 52T for the Czech capital, which will be equipped with an automatic obstacle detection system.

Photos and videos: Skoda Group

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