Deutsche Bahn plans to introduce driverless trains by 2021
Posted: 17 June 2016 | | No comments yet
Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB), has told a German newspaper the rail company is planning to introduce driverless trains by as early as 2021.
Rüdiger Grube, CEO of Deutsche Bahn (DB), has told a German newspaper the rail company is planning to introduce driverless trains by as early as 2021.
Speaking to Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung newspaper, Mr Grube said: “I expect us to be able to operate parts of our network completely automatically by 2021, 2022 or 2023.”
Continuing he said, “Autonomous driving can be difficult in a complex rail network that includes high-speed and regional passenger and goods trains, but it is possible.”
Driverless trains tests already underway
Mr Grube also confirmed that the first pilot projects are already underway at a test field which DB constructed in the region of Saxony on the Erzgebirgsbahn. According to reports, trains on test are fitted with cameras and technology aimed at detecting obstacles on the track and halting the train before a collision.
In conclusion, Rüdiger Grube revealed Deutsche Bahn will be establishing Digital Venture GmbH, a new arm of the company which will work with start-ups in creating data focussed business models.
