RemODtrAIn project launch: consortium develops safe remote control with AI-based obstacle detection for operation in railway depots
- "RemODtrAIn" research project develops safe remote control for trains in depots based on 5G technology
- Trials in an operational environment at the ICE plant in Cologne-Nippes with an ICE 4 and at the Smart Rail Connectivity Campus in Annaberg-Buchholz with a Desiro Classic
- Development of safe obstacle detection with AI as a support system
- Research project builds on findings from previous projects such as AutomatedTrain and safe.trAIn
The "RemODtrAIn" (Remote operated train with AI based Obstacle Detection) consortium, led by Siemens Mobility, is developing and testing safe remote control and modular, AI-supported obstacle detection for digital train operation in the railway depot at the German Aerospace Center (DLR). The project builds on important findings from previous projects such as AutomatedTrain and safe.trAIn and consolidates the positive collaboration with Deutsche Bahn. As part of the project, an ICE 4 will be equipped with the latest 5G technology. This will allow the train to be controlled remotely from a central control centre on the factory premises. The consortium of industry, operators and science is pursuing the goal of enabling safe and highly available remote-controlled train operation by combining various technological innovations, even under different communication conditions in a public 5G mobile network. The project is being funded with € 17 million as part of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy's "DNS der zukunftsfähigen Mobilität Digital – Nachhaltig – Systemfähig" funding programme.
The focus of "RemODtrAIn" is on stabling, works and parking journeys of trains. The vehicle sensors are designed for universal use in all types of operation. The consortium project is thus also addressing the challenge of the shortage of train drivers and aims to further develop automated and remote-controlled train operation and thus advance the digitalisation of the rail system.
The main components of the RemODtrAIn project are the development of requirements for remote-controlled operation, the specification of a safety-loaded architecture as a modular construction kit for step-by-step implementation and the concretisation and testing in a real operating environment. The remote-controlled provision is exemplified by a long-distance train, but retrofit solutions for existing and regional trains are also being considered. The communication solution is to be tested in the 5G test field Smart Rail Connectivity Campus in Annaberg-Buchholz on the line of the Erzgebirgsbahn railway using a Desiro Classic. Obstacle detection is to be tested in daily operation on the Berlin S-Bahn. The test and validation phase on the vehicle is planned for 2028.
The solution is being developed in consultation with leading mobile phone companies to make it fit for the future, also taking into account the increasing potential of satellite communication.
In the RemODtrAIn project, the DLR Institute of Transportation Systems is joining a strong consortium from industry and science to safely enable automated shunting movements on the railway. Our focus is on the development of a virtual validation of object recognition based on realistic radar models. The comparison with real data will provide information on how realistic the simulation is and therefore how suitable it is for validation.
A total of 12 companies from various sectors are working together on the project: Siemens Mobility GmbH, Siemens AG, DB AG, DB Long-Distance AG, DB Systemtechnik GmbH, DB RegioNetz Infrastruktur GmbH, Mira GmbH, Smart Rail Connectivity Campus e. V., German Aerospace Center (DLR), TU Berlin, TU Chemnitz, TU München.