Siemens Mobility is testing an obstacle detection system on the Berlin S-Bahn as part of the Digital Rail Germany (DSD) initiative.
This marks the world’s first installation of an obstacle detection system on an S-Bahn in daily operation.
The system will be installed on the latest 484 series S-Bahn trains.
Testing of the technology will be carried out by Siemens Mobility, who will be responsible for installation supervision, sensors, hardware, software and digital mapping; S-Bahn Berlin who will manage the trains, installation, and operation; and Digitale Schiene Deutschland/DB InfraGo who will provide digital mapping and an open data platform.
The test results will be evaluated in partnership with the VBB.
This project aims to develop an assistance system for accident prevention during driverless operations at low speeds.
Automated operation will help expand rail capacity and strengthen rail performance. To facilitate this transition, the project will evaluate the performance of the new obstacle detection system during daily operations. It will be tested in various weather and route conditions.
The test data will then be used to further refine the system and optimise the positioning of the detection sensors.
“Intelligent trains that relieve their drivers of routine tasks and support them in their work are the future of digitalised rail transport. These trains will be able to automatically set themselves up and shut down, ensure energy-optimised operation, react quickly and safely to obstacles on the track, and shunt fully automatically on the depot grounds. We look forward to working with our partners to qualify our innovative obstacle detection technology for practical application in Germany’s largest S-Bahn network.”
The deployed sensors will include high-performance LiDARs for close- and long-range object detection and an infrared camera. A specially designed algorithm will then be used to evaluate the sensor data.
This system continually compares the position of a train with the location of detected objects using a digital map.
“For 100 years, the Berlin S-Bahn has stood for innovation and progress. We are partnering with industry to test new technologies that support environmentally friendly rail transportation. Automatic obstacle detection will be an indispensable component for automated driving in the future. It is already capable of supporting our drivers and contributing to better operational quality.”
Up to ten trains in the Berlin S-Bahn fleet will be equipped with this technology. Following a one-year test phase through all seasons, it is anticipated that the assistance system will be ready for use as an emergency braking assistance system to support drivers.
In addition, the system may be used with other automation components for automated driving at low speeds, such as during depot shunting.
“The states of Berlin and Brandenburg and the Berlin-Brandenburg public transport authority (VBB) support innovation and the groundwork needed to make S-Bahn operations more efficient and effective. This automatic obstacle detection project will generate valuable findings and enable us to further develop the S-Bahn system. Exactly 100 years after the S-Bahn was first electrified, we are preparing yet another technological leap that will make Berlin’s S-Bahn system fit for the future.”
