- Remote, automatic and autonomous driving tests have been carried out in the Netherlands
- The Spanish company collaborates with the railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen in this project
CAF's signalling division has completed an ambitious technological innovation project focused on the implementation of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) up to GoA4 level (fully autonomous). in the Netherlands, in collaboration with the railway operator Nederlandse Spoorwegen.
This is an important milestone in the field of railway automation and consolidates the Spanish company as a benchmark in technological innovation at international level.
This project included two key lines of action. The first, ATO Endurance, consisted of carrying out exhaustive tests of the ATO system at GoA2 level (automatic driving with driver in cab), operating on the entire Dutch railway network regardless of the automatic train protection (ATP) system present, whether it is ETCS (European standard), the national ATB system or a combination of both. The objective was to evaluate improvements in energy efficiency, punctuality and capacity covering more than 40,000km travelled.
The second line of research focused on Remote/Autonomous Shunting, i.e., remote and automated operations were executed in a real depot environment, including the route between the depot and the first/last station, even with mixed traffic. The tests included maneuvers in remote mode (GoA1 and GoA2; manual and automatic, respectively) and fully autonomous operations (GoA4, driverless).
The success of the program has been shown in a demonstration between the De Vork depot and the main station in Groningen (in the Netherlands). During this exhibition, two runs in remote driving (GoA1) with remote-controlled coupling and uncoupling were completed, as well as one run at GoA4 level. The latter included advanced tasks such as activating cabs, coupling and uncoupling with other trains, driving while respecting lateral signalling and detecting obstacles, including track buffers stops, trains and dummies.
Despite adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain and snow at nightfall, the perception systems have proven their reliability, ensuring successful operations.
“These achievements underline CAF's leadership in the development of railway signalling and automation technologies. Initiatives of this nature are a demonstration of our commitment to the modernization of rail transport and to a more efficient, safe and sustainable future for our clients.
