Russia: On 16 January, the Moskva 2024 trainset ready for automated operation was presented to Vladimir Putin at the capital’s metro depot Aminyevckoye. President of Russia and Moscow Mayor Sergey Sobyanin kicked off the testing of the fully automated vehicle developed by TMH’s plant in Mytishchi.
In the first stage, the train will be tested without passengers on the Big Circle Line at night hours. The aim is to check the work of the main systems, such as the ATO system, computer vision and interaction with the control centre. In the future, the equipment is due to be tested on the Moskva 2026 metro train.
Moskva 2024 metro train prepared for driverless operation testing. Source: Maxim Mishin/Press Service of Moscow Mayor and Moscow Government
By the end of 2026, the manufacturer plans to produce the prototype of the highly automated train, which is expected to enter operation along with regular trainsets. Since 2027, the vehicle will start running with passengers on board, but the driver will be present at the cabin at all stages of testing. “In 2030, one of the Moscow metro lines is going to be served fully by driverless trains”, as noted by Mr Sobyanin.
Computer vision system of the head car ready to test driverless operation in Moscow. Source: Moscow Department of Transportation
The project on the design and production of the unmanned train for the Russian capital’s metro was launched last year. The software, developed by the Moscow Metro Driverless Transport R&D Centre, allows for autonomous acceleration, braking, and opening and closing doors at stations, as well as keeping to the required travel intervals. By the way, the GoA4 system for metro trains is also developed by TMH Smart Systems.
Vladimir Putin emphasised the importance of the export of such technologies. “The world technology market is large. I assure you that they are waiting for our solutions, I know it. Our friends and partners, they all are telling about it”, President said in the course of the meeting, which also took place at the Aminyevckoye depot and was dedicated to autonomous systems development. In addition, Mr Putin has specified that the marketability of Russian technologies requires expedited facilitation of customs and other relevant procedures.
