We have heard so much about self-driving cars. Yet, most of them are still being tested. But, now Siemens, a German engineering multinational company has successfully demonstrated the world’s first ‘Autonomous Tram’. This was launched in simple style in the city of Potsdam, west of Berlin.

Trams are vehicles similar to a train except which their tracks are on the roads and are generally used for shorter distances than trains. In addition, trams are designed to run on a railway/railroad as well. Trams are popular in many countries including Britain, Ireland, France, Germany, Spain, and Portugal. Cars will not be able to handle high passenger volume no matter how many design changes are done. But ViP is proud of this new model that runs on renewable energy and is able to carry up to 250 passengers. Especially in Potsdam, trams are an uninterrupted public transport method.  This would eliminate the human component by making trams and trolleys cheaper for passengers.

Briefing about the AI-driven Combino tram,  it is fitted with multiple LiDAR, radar and camera sensors with multiple virtual eyes that monitor the tram and ongoing traffic. The most interesting part is that the tram reacts to signals, can stop at tram stops, and can even respond to events like pedestrians and other vehicles faster than a human.

The first trial in live traffic on a windy day was as expected, showing no problems with bikes or cars that crossed its path. It ran on 3.7-mile (6km) route with a human conductor riding along as backup. At one point, an employee staged an emergency by pushing a baby stroller onto the tracks. When the obstacle was spotted by its sensors, the tram immediately hit its brakes. The employee slowly restarted the automated driving system once the woman had pulled the pram safely back onto the pavement.

Gordian Stark, a visitor at the InnoTrans 2018 expo, which is dedicated to transportation, told The Guardian, “Watching the tram ride felt practically normal”.

“Truth be told, it does look rather underwhelming, a normal low-floor tram, but closer up you see all the discreet technology like the sensors, and to see it tackle real-time traffic and to think this is the future, it’s a bit like what it must have been to witness the transition from horse-drawn to steam trams or gas to electric,” he added.

Sources:
Theguardian.com
popularmechanics.com