---
title: SYSTRA at the forefront of autonomous trains
url: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/systra-at-the-forefront-of-autonomous-trains/"
type: post
date_published: 2021-01-12
date_modified: 2021-04-02
schema:
  @type: Article
language: en-US
word_count: 493
reading_time: 3 min
canonical: "https://www.systra.com/en/news/systra-at-the-forefront-of-autonomous-trains/"
featured_image: "https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20191010-train-autonome.jpg"
---

# SYSTRA at the forefront of autonomous trains

![SYSTRA at the forefront of autonomous trains](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/20191010-train-autonome.jpg)

A test train ran on a track where silhouettes of people, representations of
animals in foam and resin, as well as a dummy rock were displayed. And this was
done both day and night in order to vary the lighting conditions. The reason for
this? The lineside signalling reading and obstacle detection project (DOS), a
major stage in the Autonomous Train project since the end of 2017.

It concerns proposing a lateral signalling reading and obstacle detection
system, faculties usually reserved for the driver. “The automation of the
observation functions of the driver is a significant technological issue to deal
with for the Autonomous Train,” says Tristan Vandeputte, SYSTRA’s Innovation
Director.”

![hugues-1](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/hugues-1.jpg)

> These tests bring a new technological component to the programme. For the time
> being the train still has an on-board driver, but the aim is that in the long
> term the train will be able to drive itself in complete safety without
> on-board human intervention.
> Hugues de Goësbriand, SYSTRA’s DOS programme manager

### An on-board technological arsenal

The online test phase made it possible to test the sensors and obstacle display
up to 1,000 metres away, regardless of the environmental conditions. In order to
‘perceive’ the track, the test train is equipped with two colour cameras, two
infrared thermal cameras for night tests and two lidar sensors, which allow the
outdoor environment to be recreated in 3D as a point cloud.

These tests also allow data to be collected in parallel in a situation where the
driver gradually brakes until the train comes to a complete halt 150 metres from
the obstacle. “Once the tests were completed, we analysed the data,” continues
Hugues de Goësbriand. “All the sensors worked. A few adjustments still need to
be made, but this is excellent news. This has enabled us to move on to testing
the algorithms in the laboratory, with virtual driving tests where we improve
their behaviour as we go along.”

The next stage will take place in April 2021, with the delivery of a prototype
obstacle detection system for short distances (300 metres) and then, the
following year, a second prototype for long distances (1,000 metres), before a
100% autonomous freight train prototype is put into operational service in 2023.

### A long-established area of expertise for SYSTRA

![thomas-bruel-1](https://www.systra.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/thomas-bruel-1.jpg)

> We have been supporting the SNCF group in its Autonomous Train programme since
> its inception in 2016. This is a flagship project and a precursor in global
> railway engineering, which enables us to remain at the forefront of the
> subject for our clients and on the lookout for new technologies or trends for
> the sector. It’s a logical step for SYSTRA, which has also been a forerunner
> in CBTC for the metro since the 1980s and is contributing to several
> autonomous transport projects, both in France and in Singapore.
> Thomas Bruel, Innovation Leader at SYSTRA