A collaboration of Thales, Invision AI and Metrolinx have confirmed the successful completion of an 18-month WinterTech Program trial in Ontario that could result in Canada becoming the first country to introduce advanced driver assistance and autonomous technologies that can function in all weather conditions.
The trial was designed to validate the functionality and reliability of a rail-centric autonomous system that enables situational awareness, safety enhancements and operational benefits in all conditions, with Invision AI emphasising that the technology can withstand the harsh Canadian winters.
Funding for the trial came via the Ontario government through its Autonomous Vehicle Innovation Network (Avin), WinterTech Development Program.
Since January this year, a Metrolinx GO train has been equipped with the system and this successfully operated in shadow mode on several lines in Toronto, collecting data from various sensors including radars, cameras and lidar. This system was powered by cyber-secured 4G/LTE capabilities and the data was used to train the system to recognise obstacles and other hazards in all weather conditions.
Benefits of introducing the system include enhanced safety through the deployment of sensors able to detect and track potential obstacles, rapid installation time due to the minimal equipment footprint, and accurate real-time data collection that is crucial for both maintenance and operations teams. Passengers are expected to benefit through fewer delays, improved safety and enhanced reliability of the rail network.
Further upgrades can also be supported through the modular design, and the system can also be combined with smart monitoring systems at level crossings and stations to provide further safety enhancements by enabling beyond-line-of-sight reactions for approaching trains.
