Using its Smart Depot ecosystem in Tampere, Finland, Škoda Group has demonstrated a tram’s capabilities to operate without a driver.

This achievement comes just a year after the project’s launch and was supported by the PPF Group. It represents a substantial advancement towards operating fully autonomous Škoda trams.

Škoda's autonomously operating tram
Škoda’s autonomously operating tram

During the demonstration at the Tampereen Ratikka tram depot, the tram executed complex tasks remotely input via a server application. The vehicle autonomously navigated the depot, including passing through the wash line and responding automatically to obstacles on the tracks.  This was enabled by the Automatic Train Operation (ATO) system and the Anti-Collision System (ACS) developed specifically for Škoda trams.

Jiří Liberda, Digital Managing Director at Škoda Group said:

Last year we presented the Smart Depot vision. Thanks to the continuous support of the investor and the intensive work of our developers, we were able to turn the vision into reality in just one year. The successful demonstration of automatic movement and its response in the Smart Depot ecosystem is another step on the road to a fully autonomous tram.

Škoda Group’s Smart Depot integrates existing and newly developed technologies into a cohesive ecosystem, automating routine processes to enhance depot efficiency and safety.

This automation reduces the need for manual intervention. In doing so, the system minimises human error, optimises services, and reduces operational costs.

A video presentation of the tram’s operation can be viewed here.

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