On the experimental loop in Shcherbinka in Moscow, tests of the unmanned train “Lastochka” are underway, according to the official Telegram channel of Russian Railways.
“The tests are going on intensively – up to 80 approaches to obstacles a day in different weather and visibility conditions. Arrivals are under the control of the driver and development experts, and mannequins are used as obstacles on the tracks, ”it was reported.
Russian Railways reported that in some circumstances the system works better than the driver: it has a higher obstacle detection range (especially at night), a faster reaction speed and “it does not know fatigue.”
The train is equipped with a smart vision system, which includes video cameras (including infrared) and lidars. Artificial intelligence recognizes obstacles on the way. At the moment, the train is automatically following the schedule.
“It is planned that this year the train will be certified in accordance with the third level of automation (Go3), which includes automatic speed control (according to the schedule) and obstacle detection. Actions in case of emergency situations remain with the driver, ”the message says.
Russian Railways signed a contract for the production of Swallows with the German plant Siemens in 2009. Initially, they were assembled in Krefeld (Germany). Since 2013, the production of these trains has been carried out by the Ural Locomotives plant at a joint venture between the German concern Siemens and the Sinara group. “Lastochka” is widely used on the routes Krasnodar – Adler, Moscow – Tver, Moscow – Kursk, Moscow – Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg – Veliky Novgorod and others. The trains also served passengers at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi.
About. that unmanned electric trains will begin to run on the Moscow Central Circle (MCC) in 2024, the head of Russian Railways Oleg Belozerov said in May. The company was previously preparing to launch them in 2021.
Russian Railways first demonstrated the unmanned “Swallow” on the experimental ring in Shcherbinka in 2019. Then, according to Deputy Prime Minister Maxim Akimov, only Russian systems were involved in the development of the unmanned train. At the same time, the head of Russian Railways, Oleg Belozerov, noted that “the supervision of the system will still remain with the person” and the work of machinists will continue to be in demand
