OJSC "Russian Railways" ("RZD") announces the testing of the first Russian electric train equipped with an autonomous control system.
This concerns a specially modified version of the "Lastochka". The train has been equipped with positioning technology, communication with the dispatch center, and obstacle detection systems. The "Lastochka" can run on schedule in unmanned mode and will automatically brake upon detecting an obstacle.
The test ride on the unmanned electric train was undertaken by Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Maxim Akimov and Chairman of the Board of JSC "RZD" Oleg Belozyorov. The tests were conducted on an experimental railway loop in Shcherbinka.
Control of the unmanned electric train can be carried out in two ways: by the driver from the cabin or by an operator from the transport control center.
"Today is a historic day for Russian Railways — we are on the verge of unmanned technology. We are using only Russian systems here. Moreover, I can say that we are ahead of our foreign colleagues by a year. OJSC "RZD" is striving to implement unmanned driving technology, primarily because it will ensure a higher level of safety and reliability in transportation, especially for passengers," noted Mr. Belozyorov.
In the coming year, a series of tests for the unmanned train is planned to work out the technology for automated movement under the supervision of drivers, though test rides with passengers are not anticipated at this stage.
Source: 3dnews.ru
