Deutsche Bahn, Siemens Mobility, and other partners are testing fully automated train operation

7th July 2023

As part of the Digital Rail Germany initiative (Digitale Schiene Deutschland), Deutsche Bahn (DB), together with Siemens Mobility, Bosch, and other partners, is advancing the digital railway operations of the future.

In the research and development project called “Automated Train,” the partners will test fully automated train deployment and shunting maneuvers over the next three years. By 2026, Siemens Mobility will equip a train prototype, along with an S-Bahn  train in Stuttgart, with intelligent sensors. The Mireo Smart train from Siemens Mobility will autonomously travel from the depot to the first station without a train driver. The vehicle will automatically brake in case of obstacles. Additionally, the fully automated coupling and uncoupling of the train will be tested. The second train will gather data for obstacle detection, among other tests. Both vehicles will be equipped with the same hardware but different software solutions. This will enable the comparison of sensor data and the software’s responses to specific incidents.

The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection is supporting the project and Parliamentary State Secretary Michael Kellner presented a funding notice for approximately 42.6 million euros today in Berlin.

Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, stated: “For the first time in Germany, we are testing fully automated, driverless operations based on ETCS in regional traffic. That’s why we are proud to be part of the ‘Automated Train’ research and development project. We will equip one of our Mireo Smart regional trains with the latest GoA4 technology for train preparation and deployment. This allows us to continue our research and development activities in the field of driverless trains and obstacle detection in rail transportation. We would like to thank the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Climate Protection for supporting this project.”