First step towards an autonomous tram in Poznań
The first tests in the tram depot in the Franowo district of Poznań will begin next year. Experts from the Łukasiewicz – Poznań Institute of Technology are working together with the Miejskie Przedsiębiorstwo Komunikacyjne in Poznań to develop an autonomous tram control system.
The depot is the first stage. If the tests are successful, the autonomous tram will run on the streets of Poznan in the future. However, the initial work must be carried out in a closed, safe area. The modern base in Franowo with a track length of almost 14 kilometres and an infrastructure reminiscent of a small town – with crossings and pedestrian crossings over the tracks, with traffic lights – is therefore an ideal location.
The first step is to analyse the logistical processes in the depot. The researchers at Łukasiewicz – PIT will carry out simulations in a virtual environment. They will focus on modelling real data relating to the infrastructure and activities carried out during the operation of trams in the depot.
At the centre of the project is the development and introduction of tools to detect hazards during the journey – AI will help with this.
The focus of the work is on analysing vehicle operating scenarios under various conditions, including extreme conditions. Researchers from Łukasiewicz – PIT will develop control algorithms and select suitable electronic components. Tests to simulate obstacle detection and sensor failures are also planned, as well as the development of a driver assistance system that indicates violations of the safety zone. Test runs will be carried out with the installed sensors and the data collected will be used for the next phases of the project.
The project aims to develop a system that can be installed in almost any vehicle. Our aim is to create a tool that is as universal as possible and that transport companies can use in their vehicles,’ explains Dr Rafał Cichy, Director of the Łukasiewicz-Poznan Institute of Technology.
The autonomous vehicle will recognise signals, maintain a certain speed, stop at designated points and, in particular, react to potentially dangerous situations such as running pedestrians or (speeding) cars and those that run red lights.
The tram will initially be deployed at the Franowo depot, which is one of the most modern depots in the country. MPK Poznan was the first transport company in Poland to use the DMS system, i.e. the automatic depot management system that supports the management of the work of drivers and technical staff. The system identifies vehicles, imports their data, categorises them according to defined criteria, determines routes in the depot and parking spaces, etc.
The ‘Autonomous Transport’ project is being carried out by a consortium of five institutes from the Łukasiewicz Research Network (Łukasiewicz – PIMOT, Łukasiewicz – PIAP, Łukasiewicz – ILOT, Łukasiewicz – IEL, Łukasiewicz – PIT) and financed by the Łukasiewicz Centre as part of a specific grant. The Memorandum of Understanding was signed on 16 September this year.
