Deutsche Bahn and Alstom have completed the first deployment of remote train driving on a commuter train in a real depot environment, marking a sector milestone for digitally controlled rail operations in Germany.
The test, carried out in Munich on an S-Bahn mainline unit, saw the train driven from a Remote Operation Centre rather than from the cab, with shunting movements performed on a works track inside an operational depot. According to the companies, this is the first time remote driving has been deployed on a commuter train under live depot conditions.
The Munich deployment uses a DB 5G campus network for the test operations, linking the train to the Remote Operation Centre. Alstom said the solution was developed with an industrial perspective and is connected to a remote workstation through a generic driving interface designed to be applied across different train types.
“This technology brings the driver’s desk to the operator in the control centre and streamlines every movement in the depot,” said Aymeric Sarrazin, President Digital & Integrated Systems at Alstom. “We value the collaboration with Deutsche Bahn and their confidence to implement this test deployment with us”.
‘Preparing for tomorrow’s operations’
According to Alstom, such remote train driving can reduce long walking distances for shunting staff and allow for more efficient shunting movements. Technically applicable to both DB’s existing fleets and future newbuild trains, the French giant said the tech would allow operators to digitalise depot movements and “enhance the value of their current assets while preparing for tomorrow’s operations.”
To link the train to the Remote Operation Centre, Alstom said it used an adaptable architecture that bridges legacy Train Control and Management Systems (TCMS) with a modern, standardised interface for remote operation. According to the company, the gateway “assimilates” the train’s existing TCMS — “acting like a ‘time capsule’ for older vehicles” — and makes the train’s control and status data available to the Remote Operation Centre via standardised interfaces.
Expanding the Alstom model
In the Munich test deployment, Alstom fitted the train with additional cameras and sensors to give the remote operator the situational awareness needed for shunting. It said the same retrofit approach could be applied across several of its German commuter fleets, including BR423, BR430, BR442, BR490 and BR1440, covering several hundred trains in service.
Alstom said the Munich demonstration with DB was a big step towards the possible development of a future prototype, and described it as an “impressive milestone” towards more efficient and digitally enabled depot operations.
“Shunting trains by remote control can reduce the workload for our employees and significantly speed up processes in our depots,” said Harmen van Zijderveld, DB Group Board Member for Regional Transport. “In just four months, we have put the test system on the rails: from the local 5G network to the control centre and the technology in the train,” he added. “This proves that technical innovations can also be realised with existing vehicles.”
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