Poland: Škoda to Equip Wroclaw Trams with Anti-Collision System

Škoda Group is working with Polish company SAATZ and Wroclaw’s municipal transport operator MPK Wroclaw to equip 31 Škoda trams with the company’s anti-collision system.

The Škoda 19T trams that will be retrofitted with this technology have been operating in the capital of Lower Silesia since 2006. Trams, unlike other rolling stock systems, share space with other types of vehicles as well as pedestrians, meaning the risk of collisions in this environment is greater.

In addition to having the potential to harm passengers and road users, collisions also pose high repair costs for operators and those paying for the surrounding infrastructure. Consequently, equipping these trams with anti-collision technology should improve safety and cut costs. Škoda also says its system will “act as an important enabler for the development of smart cities and the gradual integration of autonomous technologies into urban mobility.”

Jan Hušák, Technical Director Digital at Škoda Group, said:

Wroclaw’s project demonstrates that our technology can be applied across the full spectrum of transport solutions. The anti-collision system is a key step on the road to transport incorporating elements of autonomous operation, and Wroclaw will now join the ranks of cities using cutting-edge technology to increase tram safety.

Witold Woźny, CEO of MPK Wrocław, also believed this step was setting a direction for the development of this technology in the country.

Škoda’s partner Saatz specialises in performing major repairs and modernising trams, meaning the company has a lot of knowledge about tram components, including anti-collision systems. Saatz is currently modernising the 19T trams and will install Škoda’s anti-collision system in the process, while also ensuring proper system operation.

The anti-collision system combines lidar technology, cameras and advanced localisation using HD maps and odometry. With all the data it receives, it creates a ‘virtual tunnel’ in front of the tram in which it can detect both static and moving obstacles in real time. Lidar scans the surroundings up to 100 metres in front of the tram. The IMU – inertial measurement unit – ensures precise alignment with the track profile. Lastly, the ADAS (advanced driver assistance system) camera produces a detailed 2D image. This ensures the driver is alerted in a timely fashion. If necessary, the system will automatically activate emergency braking.

Škoda’s anti-collision system is already in operation on trams in Tampere and Olomouc. It is also set to be installed on the new trams for Prague and Bergamo and for the trams for German operator rnv.