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Even when drivers have a break at their final stops, they have to keep moving the tram to make room for other colleagues on the turntable. This restricts their ability to rest and increases the risk of accidents. The new technology will allow trams to move independently around the final stop without the need for driver intervention, allowing them to make full use of their break.

The system, which uses accurately mapped termini and whose sensors enable precise perception of the surroundings, obstacle recognition and adaptation to changing conditions, was tested today by experts in a demo at the Slovany tram depot in Pilsen.

The technology demonstrator of the autonomous tram was created in cooperation between the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen (FEL UWB), the Faculty of Electrical Engineering of the Czech Technical University (FEL CTU) and the Pilsen Municipal Transport Companies (PMDP). This breakthrough technology promises to increase the efficiency of operation and improve the working conditions of tram drivers.

After the introduction of online video surveillance and an anti-collision system, this is the next step in supporting drivers and modernising urban transport as a whole. "In Pilsen we have a rich tradition of innovation in transport. In this project, we had the opportunity to cooperate with colleagues from FEL CTU, and we brought the practical part to this cooperation. It is great that we can transfer results from the academic sphere to the real world," said Pavel Turjanica from FEL UWB.

From an economic point of view, a technology demonstrator is much more cost-effective than purchasing a completely new autonomous tram. It can be adapted to a specific vehicle model. Other systems based on this technology could only be used in new trams, whereas this technology allows the modernisation of existing fleets.

"This is not new, the algorithms used have been around for about 15 years. We are therefore glad that Pragoimex, together with our colleagues from FEL UWB, put their trust in us and allowed us to put these algorithms into practice. We appreciate the fact that we have a partner who is not afraid of innovations and their real use, and who does not see AI only as a buzzword," said Tomáš Krajník from FEL CTU.

Miroslav Macháň, PMDP's Director of Transport and Operations, said, "Our strategy is to deploy modern driver support elements, but the real breakthrough will be the automatic tram movement demonstrated today. Its final deployment is the first step, followed by the use of the system for moving around the carriage."

The software solution for autonomous driving was developed by Tomáš Krajník from FEL CTU, while the hardware was provided by Pavel Turjanica from FEL UWB. The project also involved PMDP, which provided the infrastructure for testing, PRAGOIMEX a.s., which provided the technical basis for controlling the vehicle, and SIT Plzeň, which supports the project as part of its vision of the city as a centre of innovation in mobility.