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The modern tram, developed as part of the DIDYMOS research project, is equipped with special units that allow it to communicate with transport infrastructure and navigate the environment using cameras and lidars. Utilizing current and very accurate map data, it can respond to unpredictable events that may occur during the ride, such as obstacles on the track or crossing pedestrians. In July 2024, the first such tram will start running on a test circuit in Pilsen. 

The vehicle is also equipped with a unit enabling C2X communication, successfully tested by the operator O2 in the European C-Roads project. "Using the 5G network, the tram can communicate with other elements on the route, alert the driver to an approaching emergency vehicle, ensure the tram has priority at intersections, and thus provide greater safety and schedule accuracy for passengers," describes Martin Volný, CEO of INTENS Corporation, the main benefits of modern technologies in the tram.

For the project, a Škoda 40T tram was used, into which Škoda Group installed its own Anti-Collision System (ACS), developed specifically for trams. This system is one of the fundamental building blocks of autonomous transport. "Our goal is to develop the first fully autonomous tram, which will not only increase the efficiency and safety of urban transport but also contribute to the sustainability of our cities and increase passenger comfort. The development of the autonomous tram as part of the Memorandum on Cooperation in Autonomous Mobility is a significant project that requires the involvement of experts from various fields. It is an example of effective cooperation necessary to achieve our goal. Of course, we welcome the strong support of the state and the public sector, which is crucial for the development and future deployment of autonomous vehicles," said Jiří Liberda, Digital Managing Director at Škoda Group.

During successful pilot tests on the tram loop at the campus of the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, researchers verified the tram's responses in critical situations. The tests involved deploying newly installed technologies such as lidars, cameras, and V2X communication units in combination with the tram's anti-collision system. The testing covered automatic obstacle detection in the tram's path, recognition of a vehicle approaching from a blind spot, and alerting about an approaching and then intervening emergency vehicle. The tests also verified the tram's ability to automatically detect and inform surrounding vehicles about an accident.

According to Jiří Ptáček, CEO of Pilsen Municipal Transport Company, there are on average 300 to 400 minor or major accidents annually in Pilsen's operations. "Just on trams, there are around 100 traffic accidents each year, causing damage up to 5 million CZK. If the anti-collision system could eliminate these events, it wouldn't just be about cost savings but primarily about reducing injuries that often occur in accidents," adds Ptáček.

The project also involved enriching the existing 3D model of the city of Pilsen with a pilot area featuring the tram loop. "Our work mainly consisted of visualizing data from the digital twin of the tram section over the 3D model of Pilsen and expanding this model with selected 3D objects from HD maps, which will be useful not only for autonomous driving needs but also for other agendas of the city of Pilsen," explained Karel Janečka from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen. The enhanced model will in the future allow further testing of autonomous systems, not only on trams but also on cars. Modern technologies in the coming years will help increase traffic safety as well as the comfort of drivers, residents, and visitors of Pilsen.

"A tram with smart safety features is precisely the type of necessary innovation that results from the collaboration between technology companies and educational institutions. It is also another step towards making transportation not only in Pilsen but gradually throughout the Czech Republic safer, more efficient, and environmentally friendly. I am pleased that the Czech manufacturer is active in the field of transport innovation, not only developing an autonomous tram but also recently introducing the battery-powered RegioPanter, which will serve on the Ostrava - Studénka – Veřovice route," said Minister of Transport Martin Kupka.

The development of the autonomous tram has been closely monitored from the beginning by the Mayor of Pilsen, Roman Zarzycký, who was involved in the project as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Pilsen Municipal Transport Company. "I am pleased that significant progress has been made in development, and I firmly believe that the autonomous tram will soon prove itself in regular operation. Pilsen is an industrial city, and as mayor, I will always support Industry 4.0," says Zarzycký.

The development of the autonomous tram is also supported by a test polygon, which was put into operation in Borek last summer. "Smart intersections were equipped with additional sensors for testing the anti-collision system needed by the autonomous tram. It is important for Pilsen that innovative things are created here, as they provide opportunities for talented Pilseners to engage in advanced technologies. Autonomous mobility fits into the PINE ecosystem, which supports technical education and innovative business in the region," explains Daniel Kůs, Pilsen City Councilor for Smart Cities and Business Support, responsible for the activities of the Pilsen City Information Technology Administration. This administration is behind the test polygon project for autonomous mobility and the PINE ecosystem.

One of the main outputs of the project will also be a methodology for integrating modern technologies into urban public transport. This will be developed based on the test results and in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport, which is the project's guarantor.

The DIDYMOS project, funded by the TRANSPORT 2020+ program of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic, has been ongoing since 2022. This year, the achieved results were presented, which will gradually be implemented in practice, first in a test version and subsequently as a standard part of trams and tram tracks. The technology development is a collaboration of a consortium of partners including INTENS Corporation, Škoda Group, CEDA Maps, the University of West Bohemia in Pilsen, and the Czech Technical University in Prague, within the DIDYMOS research project, funded by the TRANSPORT 2020+ program of the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic in cooperation with the Ministry of Transport.