Skoda tests autonomous tram depot

Skoda group has been working with Tampereen Ratikka, the tramway operator in the Finnish city of Tampere,and PPF Group to develop and test digital technologies. 

 

It has now achieved a major breakthrough by demonstrating the first features of its Smart Depot concept, with trams moved around without the need for the cabin to be manned by a driver. This marks a significant step towards full autonomy, with tram movements controlled by a computer server application. The demonstration took the tram through the depot wash and showed however any obstacles on the track were detected and avoided. 

 

Jiri Liberda, Digital Managing Director at Skoda 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’. 

 

The Tampere tramway was opened in August 2021 and its 16km line is being extended early in 2025. There are 26 X34 ForCity Smart Artic 37.3m trams with options for another 39.