Alstom Tests Fully Autonomous Shunting Locomotive Driving in Netherlands

Alstom has successfully demonstrated fully autonomous driving of a shunting locomotive near Breda, the Netherlands, achieving the highest grade of automation (GoA4). The technology allows the locomotive to start, drive, stop, and handle unexpected obstacles without the direct involvement of any on-train staff during shunting operations.

The demonstration, concluding a series of tests conducted in partnership with Dutch infrastructure manager ProRail and Belgian rail freight operator Lineas, highlights the potential of digital solutions to enhance efficiency and capacity in freight operations. This advancement aims to support more sustainable and cost-effective transportation in response to growing demand.

"By integrating advanced obstacle detection into our autonomous driving systems, we have shown that it is possible to make trains 'see' ahead and cope safely with the unexpected. The positive results prove that Alstom possesses the technology required to support operators with autonomous driving technologies that will ultimately improve the operational performance on freight lines," said Stéphane Féray-Beaumont, Vice-President of Innovation & Smart Mobility at Alstom.

During the tests, a diesel-hydraulic shunting locomotive owned by Lineas was equipped with Alstom's Automatic Train Operation (ATO) technology and an intelligent obstacle detection and recognition system (ODS) developed by NIART by Elta. The autonomously operating locomotive reacted to various obstacles, including a person, a car, a rail wagon, and an incorrectly positioned switch, demonstrating effective reaction at distances up to 500 meters and enhancing safety in shunting yards.