Driverless Train Operations Tested on the Open Rail Network

Rail Transportation Driverless Train Operations Tested on the Open Rail Network

2026-09-18 Source: Siemens Mobility | Translated by AI 2 min Reading Time

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Siemens Mobility and Deutsche Bahn have demonstrated the feasibility of fully automated train operations on the open rail network. A Mireo train traveled from the storage yard to the departure station without a crew on board.

A Mireo train from Siemens Mobility was used in the “Automated Train” project for a fully automated delivery and return trip on the open rail network.(Source: Siemens Mobility) — A Mireo train from Siemens Mobility was used in the “Automated Train” project for a fully automated delivery and return trip on the open rail network.
(Source: Siemens Mobility)

As part of the “Automated Train” collaborative project, Siemens Mobility, Deutsche Bahn, and other partners from industry and academia investigated the technical feasibility of fully automated train operations. Using a Mireo train from Siemens Mobility, they demonstrated a driverless deployment and stabling run. The train received a start command, performed its self-tests, left the storage yard on its own, and traveled to the starting station. During the trip, it detected obstacles and reacted to them.

Driverless from the Siding to the Station

The demonstrated process consists of several steps. After the start signal, the train automatically prepares for the trip and checks its systems. It then begins moving without a crew and travels from the storage yard to the designated departure station. After the trip, it can also be parked automatically.

This application is the first concrete use case for fully automated driving at GoA 4. The system handles all train operation tasks, eliminating the need for a train operator on board.

“Automated Train shows that fully automated operation on an open rail network is feasible,” says Marc Ludwig, CEO of Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility. The technologies developed as part of the project were integrated into the Mireo train and successfully demonstrated there.

Interaction between Multiple Systems

The technical foundation is based on the interaction of various components. These include Automatic Train Operation (ATO), the train control system based on the European Train Control System (ETCS), an intelligent vehicle control system, and automated environmental sensing.

Modern sensors monitor the track and detect potential obstacles. Combined with a digital map and high-precision positioning, the train can assess its surroundings and react automatically as needed. This enables the train to continue traveling safely even in unexpected situations or to switch to a safe state.

AVVO Controls Safety-Critical Functions

The central element of the solution is the AVVO platform. The acronym stands for Advanced Vital Vehicle Operation. This safety-oriented platform connects the systems relevant to automated operation and supports the execution of individual operational processes.

Among other things, AVVO controls vehicle preparation, the direction of travel, and the brakes. In addition, the platform monitors the train’s safe movement and ensures that the vehicle automatically switches to a safe state in the event of a malfunction. AVVO also enables secure communication with the control center.

Foundations for Standardization and Approval

In addition to conducting practical testing, the project partners developed requirements and an end-to-end system architecture for future fully automated rail systems. These fundamentals formed the basis for the technical solutions in the Mireo train.

At the same time, the project results are intended to support the subsequent transition to standardization and certification. This is particularly relevant for the operation of fully automated trains on the open rail network, where different types of rolling stock, infrastructure, and safety systems must interact.

The research project was part of the German federal government’s economic stimulus package and was co-financed by the European Union as part of the German Recovery and Resilience Plan. The project results are intended to support the transition to standardization, certification, and future applications of fully automated rail systems.

On March 31, BYD put the first major Sky Rail line outside of China into operation with Line 17 on the outskirts of the metropolis of Sao Paulo. (Image:BYD)

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