ISoLa & AISoLA 2026 International Symposium on Leveraging Applications of Formal Methods, Verification, and Validation

This paper presents an ontology-driven modelling framework for modern ETCS-based railway systems, which are becoming increasingly distributed and complex. The approach introduces a train-centric, architecture-independent model that serves as a common basis for requirements, behaviour modelling, and validation. Different railway architectures (such as traditional, hybrid, and dynamic route concepts) are represented through constraint-based refinements rather than by changing the model structure itself. This enables the reuse of verification and testing artefacts across architectural variants and supports consistent comparison and analysis of alternative railway system designs.

ION GNSS+ 2026 conference

This paper proposes a method for achieving meter-level train localization using only speed measurements and disturbances in the Earth’s magnetic field caused by railway infrastructure. A Kalman filter combines wheel encoder data with a magnetic-field-based localization and calibration algorithm to estimate train position. Tested on real data from Deutsche Bahn’s TrainLab in Berlin, the approach demonstrates high accuracy, achieving a position error below 0.5 meters, showing the feasibility of magnetic field-based train localization.

APMS conference

This paper examines how Serious Games (SGs) can support collaboration and knowledge integration in complex innovation projects involving multiple disciplines and organizations. Using a European rail innovation project as a case study, it shows how a Serious Game helped participants understand, discuss, and refine a Business Case methodology used as a boundary object. The results demonstrate that SGs can foster shared understanding, collective sensemaking, and cross-functional dialogue, making them valuable tools for improving collaboration and methodological alignment in complex innovation environments.

Promotional presentation of R2DATO at the screen at UITP booth.

Youtube video shared by CEDEX showcasing its work as part of the ERJU’s FP2 project to promote digitalization for a more efficient rail network.

Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zdwu8f7Vkow

Young Railcongres 2026

The workshop will consist of informing people on ATO/RTO, a presentation on the tests that were performed as part of R2DATO, and an interactive group-based challenge on the key dilemmas, choices and challenges surrounding autonomous and remote shunting.

Vehicular Technology Conference Spring 2026

This study evaluates a train-to-train communication and localization system for autonomous rail operations, particularly for virtually coupled train sets and self-driving freight wagons. Real-world tests show that short-range communication and relative positioning enable reliable data exchange and accurate ranging up to 250 m, confirming the feasibility of a decentralized framework for future autonomous trains.

TRA 2026

This paper presents the WP46 regional line demonstrator developed within the Europe’s Rail R2DATO project. The work focuses on the validation of GoA3/GoA4 automation functions developed according to the R2DATO specifications and demonstrated on a fully operational regional railway line in Czechia while ensuring interoperability with ERTMS/ETCS. The paper describes the demonstrator architecture and the role of key technical enablers, including perception, absolute safe train positioning (ASTP), remote control, and automation decision-making modules. It also explains the traceability between ATO GoA3/GoA4 use cases and requirements and the scenario-based test programme prepared for the Kopidlno–Dolní Bousov line using the EDITA experimental vehicle. The proposed approach combines laboratory validation, system integration, and on-track testing to verify system behaviour under realistic operational conditions. Particular attention is given to interoperability and interchangeability of modules provided by multiple suppliers. The work provides a practical basis for the 2026 demonstration campaign and contributes feedback to the ongoing development of GoA3/GoA4 specifications.

TRA 2026

Taking a step back on the work done in WP3, an article has been developed with some contributors of WP3, to reflect if the approach adopted for the architecture prepared in FP2-R2DATO WP3.1 was robust, considering the complexity of DATO technology introduction. The abstract prepared during the summer was accepted by TRA organizing team and they propose us to present the article as a poster during the conference.
The paper is exploratory but consistent with the work done in WP3 and overall objective of the projects. Our intension is to remind the importance and the challenge of the work we do together in the project, while giving hints on what we must continue to discuss and work out together.

This thesis explores how digital transformation can be successfully managed in complex sociotechnical systems, using railway automation as a case study. It shows that digital transformation is not only a technological challenge but also requires significant organizational, managerial, and interorganizational change. Through a combination of literature review, case studies, and quantitative analysis, the research highlights the importance of integrating project management and change management to support collaboration, adaptability, and stakeholder engagement. The findings also demonstrate that automation and infrastructure investments are complementary, and that successful digital transformation relies on continuous learning, coordination, and human-centered approaches.

Xavier Morin (NTNU) Thesis

The IEEE International Conference on Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITSC) 2026

This study focuses on detecting water near railway tracks using onboard train camera videos. It uses a pretrained AI model with very little training data (only 5 labeled images) to identify and segment water areas. The results show high accuracy, though performance decreases for small or partially hidden water zones. Overall, the approach demonstrates that efficient, scalable monitoring of flood risks along tracks is possible, helping improve railway safety and maintenance planning.

This systematic review of studies across transport sectors shows that successful transitions to automated operations depend mainly on organizational and human factors rather than technology alone. The main barriers are system complexity, poor adoption, and stakeholder misalignment, while strong stakeholder involvement and support tools are key enablers—highlighting that human and managerial alignment is critical for automation success in rail.