Italy: The trial was carried out by the Japanese manufacturer together with Italian infrastructure manager RFI and operator Trenitalia.
An HTR.412 Blues tri-mode train, which draws traction from overhead line equipment, diesel engines and batteries, was fitted with the highest grade of automation, GoA4. The work took place on a test track equipped with European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 2 and covered both the interaction between the train’s onboard systems and trackside infrastructure, and a sensor-based obstacle detection system.
Remote-control unit for Hitachi Rail’s HTR.412 Blues hybrid train. Source: Hitachi Rail
Once the tests were complete, industry representatives were given a demonstration of remote and fully automatic train operation, as well as the obstacle detection system. Attendees included specialists from national operators Deutsche Bahn of Germany and CFL of Luxembourg, along with digital and diagnostic systems suppliers NextRail and MerMec.
Sensors of the obstacle-detection system fitted to Hitachi Rail’s HTR.412 Blues hybrid train. Source: Hitachi Rail
The trial forms part of the European R2DATO programme for the development of rail automation. The €160 mln project, managed by Europe’s Rail (an EU joint undertaking), brings together 77 industry partners. R2DATO is also supporting the development of driverless systems for passenger trains in Czechia and the Netherlands, as well as a machine vision system for trams in Oslo.
