Innovation for Safer and More Efficient Operation
Pilsen City Transport Company (Plzeňské městské dopravní podniky - PMDP), in collaboration with leading academic and technological partners, presented a technological demonstrator of an autonomous tram during a special demo presentation at the Slovany depot. The focus was on automating the movement of trams at terminal stops. Current practice requires drivers to constantly move the tram at terminals, which limits their ability to rest and increases the risk of accidents. The new autonomous solution will allow trams to move independently at the terminal stop, while drivers can fully utilize their break. The technology is based on research findings for the American agency DARPA and finds practical application in urban operations.
"Autonomous tram operation represents a huge step forward in the modernization of urban transport. Our strategy is aimed at deploying modern driver support elements, whether it's online camera surveillance or an anti-collision system, but the real breakthrough will be the automatic tram movement demonstrated today. Its deployment at terminals is the first step, followed by the use of the system for movements within the depot," says Miroslav Macháň, PMDP's Transport Operations Director, about the project.
Technical Solution
How does it work? In the future, the autonomous tram will use modular hardware that can be easily connected to existing vehicles, which is significantly cheaper than buying a completely new autonomous tram. This hardware can be easily adapted to a specific tram model. The autonomous driving system, which has proven itself in various applications for years, was successfully tested in the demo presentation.
"Our team primarily focuses on applied research, and in Pilsen, we have a rich tradition of innovation in transportation. As part of this project, we had the opportunity to collaborate with colleagues from FEL CTU, who are leaders in AI technologies and autonomous driving. We brought the practical part to this collaboration. It's great that we can transfer results from academia to the real world," mentions Pavel Turjanica (FEL UWB).
The software uses precisely mapped terminal stations and commonly used mapping algorithms. Standard sensors allow for accurate perception of the surroundings; the autonomous system can recognize obstacles and adapt to changing conditions. Further development will focus on the social aspects of autonomous operation. The goal is to create a reliable and safe system that will be fully functional in regular operation and meet all legislative requirements.
"It's not a novelty, the algorithms used have existed for about 15 years. We are therefore pleased, along with our colleagues from FEL UWB, that Pragoimex placed their trust in us and allowed us to put these algorithms into practice. We appreciate having a partner who is not afraid of innovation and its real-world application and who doesn’t see AI as just a buzzword," says Tomáš Krajník (AIC FEE CTU) about the project.
The software solution for autonomous driving was developed by Tomáš Krajník from AIC FEE CTU, and the hardware was provided by Pavel Turjanica from FEL UWB. Pilsen City Transport Company (PMDP), which provided the infrastructure for testing, PRAGOIMEX a.s., which provided the technical documentation for vehicle control, and SIT Pilsen, which supports the project as part of its vision of the city as a center of innovation in mobility, also participated in the project.
Unique Solution in the European Context
Unlike some foreign systems that integrate autonomous features only into new vehicles, this technology allows for the modernization of the existing fleet. Pilsen thus reaffirms itself as a leader in autonomous mobility – in addition to its own testing polygon equipped with 5G technologies, the 5G Mobility Innovation Lab Pilsen is also being created here, which supports innovations in transportation and autonomous systems.
"We entered the project as a tram supplier and provided information regarding vehicle control. I see great potential in the project, both for modernizing older vehicles and for use in new trams. In the future, this solution could become a standard part of the equipment," says Vladimír Faltýsek, CEO and Chairman of the Board of PRAGOIMEX a.s.
Key Benefits of the Autonomous Tram
This event is a significant milestone as it introduces a technological demonstrator of an autonomous tram for the first time. Automation significantly contributes to increasing operational safety by reducing the risk of accidents and ensuring smoother traffic flow. Simultaneously, it optimizes costs and uses the human resources of transport companies more effectively. For drivers, this innovation means improved working conditions, as it allows them to fully rest between rides, thereby increasing their comfort and reducing fatigue during shifts.
"Although drivers are still irreplaceable, the ultimate goal will be to control the tram in regular operation, perhaps only in parts of the route outside the city center, where driving is generally easier and less affected by heavy pedestrian and vehicle traffic. We stand at the threshold of the future of tram transport, and we are glad that we can be part of this successful project," adds Macháň (PMDP).
Photo credit: PMDP
