Siemens Mobility Tests Obstacle Detection System on Berlin S-Bahn

Siemens Mobility has embarked on a groundbreaking project to test an obstacle detection system on the Berlin S-Bahn as part of the Digital Rail Germany (DSD) initiative. This initiative marks the first-ever installation of such a system on S-Bahn trains in daily operation, specifically on the latest 484 series.

World-First Installation and Collaborative Effort

The technology will be rigorously tested by Siemens Mobility, which oversees the installation, sensors, hardware, software, and digital mapping. S-Bahn Berlin will manage the trains, installation, and operation, while Digitale Schiene Deutschland/DB InfraGo provides digital mapping and an open data platform. The Verkehrsverbund Berlin Brandenburg (VBB) will partner in evaluating the test results.

Enhancing Rail Safety and Capacity

Development and Testing

This project aims to develop an assistance system for accident prevention during driverless operations at low speeds. Automated operation is expected to enhance rail capacity and performance. The new obstacle detection system will be tested in various weather and route conditions during daily operations to ensure its reliability and accuracy.

Data-Driven Optimization

Collected test data will be utilized to refine the system and optimize sensor positioning. The deployed sensors will include high-performance LiDARs for close- and long-range object detection and an infrared camera. A specially designed algorithm will evaluate the sensor data, continuously comparing the train's position with detected objects using a digital map.

Leadership Comments

Albrecht Neumann, CEO Rolling Stock at Siemens Mobility, highlighted the importance of this innovation: “Intelligent trains that relieve their drivers of routine tasks and support them in their work are the future of digitalized rail transport. These trains will be able to automatically set themselves up and shut down, ensure energy-optimized operation, react quickly and safely to obstacles on the track, and shunt fully automatically on the depot grounds. We look forward to working with our partners to qualify our innovative obstacle detection technology for practical application in Germany’s largest S-Bahn network.”

Peter Buchner, CEO of S-Bahn Berlin GmbH, emphasized the S-Bahn's commitment to innovation: “For 100 years, the Berlin S-Bahn has stood for innovation and progress. We are partnering with industry to test new technologies that support environmentally friendly rail transportation. Automatic obstacle detection will be an indispensable component for automated driving in the future. It is already capable of supporting our drivers and contributing to better operational quality.”

Martin Fuchs, CEO of Verkehrsverbund Berlin Brandenburg (VBB), added: “The states of Berlin and Brandenburg and the Berlin-Brandenburg public transport authority (VBB) support innovation and the groundwork needed to make S-Bahn operations more efficient and effective. This automatic obstacle detection project will generate valuable findings and enable us to further develop the S-Bahn system. Exactly 100 years after the S-Bahn was first electrified, we are preparing yet another technological leap that will make Berlin’s S-Bahn system fit for the future.”

Future Prospects

Up to ten trains in the Berlin S-Bahn fleet will be equipped with this technology. Following a one-year test phase through all seasons, the system is anticipated to be ready for use as an emergency braking assistance system. It may also be integrated with other automation components for low-speed automated driving, such as during depot shunting.