Soon also in Munich: Bahn-wide AI project for S-Bahn operation | Regional
Bahn expands AI project for S-Bahn operation
Berlin – Artificial intelligence (AI) should initially ensure smooth processes and more punctual trains in Deutsche Bahn’s S-Bahn traffic.
︎ The group now wants to extend a pilot project at the S-Bahn Stuttgart to the S-Bahn Rhein-Main and Munich, as digital board member Daniela Gerd told Tom Markotten on Sunday: “With the AI, we are able to intervene proactively if we see operational delays looming.”
The dispatchers in the control centers could use the algorithms to decide more quickly which trains should enter the station first. In Stuttgart, for example, there could be delays of up to eight minutes, emphasized the board member. The AI also continuously simulates the development of the traffic situation based on live operation and reports conflicts.
► “As a result, the traffic is better: Trains rarely have to reduce their speed or wait when another train blocks a section of the route,” the railway continues. “Converted to the example of the Stuttgart S-Bahn, 17 more trains per day and direction would be possible on the main route.” In the medium term, however, the technology should not be limited to S-Bahn trains.
According to Gerd tom Markotten, the use of artificial intelligence for more capacity in rail operations is one of three focal points that her department wants to use this year. The former Daimler manager took over the board department for digital and technology in the group in September.
︎ In this role, she also wants to promote mobile phone and internet reception on the train. “It is our aim that our customers can travel uninterrupted on all routes and with sufficient bandwidth.” Mobile phone reception in long-distance traffic is still often interrupted, also because the infrastructure along the routes is missing.
Gerd Tom Markotten referred to radio-permeable panes, with which new long-distance trains are equipped as standard and which can better direct the signal into the interior of the car. In addition, the group, together with Telekom, is aiming to equip around 7,800 kilometers of track with download speeds of 200 Mbit per second by 2024.
When it comes to maintenance, sensors on trains and along the route are designed to make maintenance cycles more efficient and, above all, to reduce the time vehicles spend in the factories.