autonomous Archives - International Railway Journal

autonomous

May 5, 2026 | Technology

Ecotrain unveiled in France

Autonomous lightweight battery vehicle developed to reduce operating costs of minor lines.

February 15, 2026 | Technology

Autonomous LRVs set to transform depots

Automatic train operation (ATO) has the potential to transform operations at LRV depots, improving the efficiency of servicing and maintenance activities, and reducing the strain on human resources. Kevin Smith visited Tampere in Finland to learn more about a pioneering project developed by Škoda Group.

June 13, 2025 | Technology

Smarter metros on the horizon

The two-year Nexus research project aims to make metro systems smarter, more efficient, and better-suited to meet the demands of modern urban mobility. Project coordinator Pietro de Vito * outlines how the project will be structured and what it hopes to achieve.

May 20, 2025 | Fleet

Plasser & Theurer demonstrates autonomous tamper

Potential orders foreseen from Japan and the United States for new machine that can be monitored by single worker.

August 22, 2022 | Track

Autonomous track inspection is already here

Matthew Dick† from Ensco Rail explains how North American railways have gone through a technological transformation in the last 14 years to automate track inspection, fulfilling a long-standing objective of the global rail industry to use automation to improve safety and efficiency and protect track workers.

March 14, 2022 | Fleet

New Chinese 200km/h maglev train completes testing

The train is expected to operate on routes of up to 200km.

October 25, 2021 | Technology

LRV automation progresses in Potsdam

Siemens Mobility is more than halfway through its autonomous depot trial project in Potsdam. Richard Clinnick visits the German city to find out more.

April 13, 2020 | Signalling

Remote driving clears first hurdle

Researchers working on SNCF’s Autonomous Trains Project are developing a remote driver’s desk, which could support first and last mile and emergency operation on France’s future autonomous mainline network. Kevin Smith reports on progress following the successful completion of phase one in 2019.

October 8, 2019 | Technology

Autonomous tram depot research project launched in Potsdam

A consortium of German companies including Siemens and Potsdam Transport Authority (ViP) has launched a three-year research project called Autonomous Tram in Depot (Astrid) to develop a fully automated tram depot.

February 12, 2019 | Light Rail

Autonomous tram to be tested in Moscow

PC Transport Systems, Russia, and European-based Cognitive Technologies announced a joint project on February 12 to develop a fully-autonomous tram for Russian and foreign markets by 2021-22.

Rail market intelligence to unlock your business potential.

Sign up for the IRJ Rail Brief Newsletter