DB to test innovative train sensor technology in 2021

As part of the Sensors4Rail joint project with industry and specialist partners, in 2021 DB is to test highly modern sensors that can identify the surroundings and locations of trains.

DB Member of the Management Board for Infrastructure, Ronald Pofalla, said: “Smart technology is making switches and trains even more intelligent and
rail transportation noticeably more robust. This is truly an advantage for our customers and the entire sector. In collaboration with our industry partners, we are ensuring transportation growth on climate-friendly tracks.”

The innovative sensors automatically monitor the surroundings in front of and next to the train, thus allowing it to avoid potential disruptions. In addition, a digital map permits precise tracking of the vehicle in real-time, thus enabling shorter intervals between trains. This frees up even more capacity on the routes, without having to additionally upgrade or revamp the infrastructure. The system Sensors4Rail serves as support for the train crew and the driver remains on board.

Andre Rodenbeck, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, a partner in Sensors4Rail said: “The cooperation project Sensors4Rail is an extraordinary example of how digitalisation can contribute to improving and increasing the capacity of rail operations. Siemens Mobility is proud to provide the technology for this innovative project.”

Heiko Mangold, Head of the Railway Technology business unit at Bosch Engineering GmbH, another project partner, said: “We are benefiting from the long-term and comprehensive automotive expertise of Bosch in the field of sensor technology and will now also put this to use for rail.”

Jørgen Behrens, Senior Vice President and Chief Product Officer at HERE Technologies, a project partner, said: “The HERE platform allows customers such as Deutsche Bahn to create their own maps using the sensor data. Thanks to technical tools that we developed for this, they can combine this data with the HERE maps and use it for many different purposes.”

Raymond Schulz, Solution Manager for Perception in Multi-sensory Systems at Ibeo Automotive Systems, another project parner, said: “This project impressively shows that as a series product, our real-solid-state LiDAR sensor complies with the high automotive standards and is also the perfect technology for rail. Throughout the process, our sensors enable high-precision sensing of the surroundings in all three dimensions and localisation during
the journey.”