Remote and Autonomous Tram Operations: R2DATO Demonstration in Oslo

The Europe’s Rail FP2 R2DATO project is developing cutting-edge technologies to enhance digitalisation and automation in the rail sector, aiming to improve safety, flexibility, capacity, and cost-efficiency. These innovations are applicable across all rail segments, including urban light rail.

Within R2DATO, partners CAF and SVT are demonstrating remote control and autonomous shunting functionalities using two modified SL18 trams at the Holtet depot in Oslo. The remote operation allows an operator to control the tram from a compact desk, streamlining activities such as startup, functional tests, maintenance shunting, and shutdown without needing to be physically on board.

The system builds upon results from previous projects (X2Rail-4, TAURO, CONNECTA) and uses video streaming technologies. It is designed to work even when ATO or ATP systems are faulty, ensuring safety through self-protection features managed by the TCMS.

The next phase of the project will focus on demonstrating full autonomous tram operation in depots by the end of R2DATO.