Autonomous Train

 Autonomous Train

Autonomous (driverless) trains have been around for a number of years in a number of large cities. As with other autonomous vehicles, driverless trains make considerable use of sensors, cameras, actuators and on-board computers/microprocessors.

Autonomous trains make use of a system called LiDaR (Light Detection and Ranging); LiDaR uses lasers which build up a 3D image of the surroundings. Other sensors (such as proximity sensors on train doors) and cameras (including infrared cameras) are all used for various purposes to help control the train and maintain safety. The control system in the train also makes use of global positioning satellite technology, which allows accurate changes in speed and direction to be calculated. Again, actuators pay a huge role here in controlling the train’s speed, braking and the opening and closing of the train doors. The safety improvements made by these autonomous systems are fairly obvious.

Consider some of the advantages and disadvantages specific to autonomous trains: