ADDITIONAL PUBLISHED DOCUMENTS

FP2 R2DATO Mid Term Event Poster

Please find attached the posters for the two half-days of the Mid-Term Event of the FP2 R2DATO project, which took place on 5 and 6 February 2025 in Malaga.
Download

FP2 R2DATO Mid Term Event Presentation

Please find attached the presentation for the two half-days of the Mid-Term Event of the FP2 R2DATO project, which took place on 5 and 6 February 2025 in Malaga.
Download

Program Midterm Event FP2-R2DATO

Please find attached the detailed programme for the two half-days of the Mid-Term Event of the FP2 R2DATO project, to be held on 5 and 6 February 2025 in Malaga.
Download

SR6CSS: Pressrelease

The 6th Smart Rail Control Consortium (SmartRaCon) Scientific Seminar took place on October 23–24, 2024, in San Sebastian, hosted by CEIT. Organized by CEIT (ES), DLR (GE), RISE (SE), SINTEF (NO), University Gustave Eiffel (FR), and IBDiM (PL), the event was a two-day hybrid format featuring 3 keynote presentations, 7 PhD presentations, 13 project presentations, and 10 posters from 10 Europe’s Rail projects, delivered by 28 presenters representing 16 entities.

Key Highlights and Awards:

  • Best PhD Contribution: David Kule Mukuhi (UGE) – NG-TCN: Towards Network Slicing in Onboard Wireless Train Communication Networks.
    Finalist: Imanol Bravo (CEIT) – Rail Fasteners Looseness Detection Using Axle-Box Acceleration Data.
  • Best Project Contribution: Niloofar Minbashi (KTH) – An Integrated ETD Prediction System for Yards and Terminals.
    Finalist: Aria Mirzai (RISE) – Cybersecurity Risk Assessment of Virtually Coupled Train Sets.
  • Best Poster Contribution: Melissa Tijink (Uni. Twente) – What is the Code of This Wagon?.
    Finalist: Itziar Ruiz (CEIT) – Repair of Wheel and Rails by Additive Manufacturing.
  • Most Supportive Project: FP2-R2DATO.
    Finalists: FP3-iam4Rail, FP5-TRANS4M-R.

This seminar marked a shift from previous one-day events under Shift2Rail (X2Rail-1 to X2Rail-5) to a broader scope across Europe’s Rail projects, introducing PhD sessions that facilitated rich technical discussions.


Download

A Versatile Test Component Based on the EULYNX Subsystem Point

With the rise of standardized modular signaling architectures, external validation and verification of signaling subsystems are crucial to ensure conformity and interoperability. Testing involves various setups where subsystems assume different roles. This led to the development of a "versatile test component." The article details its implementation for point controller and point machine subsystems, based on the EULYNX Subsystem Point specification.
Download

Innotrans 2024 Cluster Overview

This presentation provides an overview of all the clusters, the WPs and TEs currently being developed within the cluster, and the demonstrators targeted. It is based on the overview also used for the Annual Activity Report (AAR).
Download

Innotrans 2024 Demonstrator Overview

This presentation provides an overview of the demonstrators, as mentioned in part B of the grant agreement. The aim is to explain the purpose of the demonstrator, the Technical Enables (TE) incorporated into the demonstration, and some details, illustrated by architecture, line images, visuals, diagrams and timetables, to facilitate understanding and clarify the purpose of the demonstrator.
Download

Managerial challenges in implementing ERTMS, Remote Train Control and Automatic Train Operation

This paper explores the managerial challenges in implementing the European Train Management System (ERTMS), Remote Train Control (RTC), and Automatic Train Operation (ATO) within the railway sector. It highlights the need for updated managerial practices to successfully integrate these technologies, which are crucial for advancing digitalization and automation in railways. Given the complex sociotechnical nature of railways, the study emphasizes the importance of aligning technical and social systems across organizational levels. The paper adopts an organizational perspective and uses a scoping review methodology to analyze these challenges within the broader context of railway organizations.
Download

Using social media to understand stakeholder's engagement in ATO megaproject

The railway industry is crucial for economic growth and commuter transportation, but it faces challenges like outdated infrastructure and equipment. To address these issues, the sector is adopting digital and automated technologies, including Automatic Train Operation (ATO), which promise efficiency and cost savings. However, these projects, often classified as megaprojects, are complex due to the advanced technology, environmental impact, and numerous stakeholders involved. Effective stakeholder management and engagement are essential to avoid delays, cost overruns, and to ensure project success. This paper investigates public perceptions of ATO megaprojects through sentiment analysis of social media posts.
Download

R2DATO WP34/35 video

The goal of this video is to describe their activities and the main objectives of the partner’s collaboration within WP34/35: preparing new subsystem validation and certification, enhance the current test benches to be able to test ASTP subsystems, agreeing on testing strategy for validation/certification, digital twin for braking and traction subsystem.
Download

SRC6SS A framework for GNSS-based solutions performance

GNSS is becoming essential for railways to help reduce carbon emissions and improve efficiency. It is seen as a key component for future European Rail Traffic Management (ERTMS), enabling advanced technologies like moving blocks and automation. However, environmental factors such as tunnels and urban areas can degrade GNSS performance, raising challenges in ensuring reliability and safety. Ongoing projects, like R2DATO, are working to address these issues, focusing on performance evaluation and overcoming operational obstacles.
Download

SRC6SS Driving the future of autonomous train operation

The implementation of fully automated train operation (ATO) up to Grade of Automation 4 (GoA4) marks a major advancement in the railway industry, offering key benefits such as reduced energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improved service quality. These improvements enhance the attractiveness of public transport and align with the vision of a fully automated rail system based on European Train Control System (ETCS) standards. This work focuses on the GoA3/4 reference architecture from the X2Rail-4 project and the development of intelligent algorithms for optimizing speed and automatic tracking control.
Download

SRC6SS Development of the Preliminary Stages for ATO lab

CEIT is actively participating in multiple Work Packages (WPs) within the R2DATO Project under the European Rail Joint Undertaking (ERJU), part of the Horizon Europe program. Specifically, CEIT is contributing to WP10, focused on developing a lab prototype for an automatic driving system for an inspection vehicle, based on the GoA3/4 system architecture from the X2Rail-4 project. This work involves collaboration between various research groups, including Railway, ISI 4.0, DAIM, ESC, and STM, to ensure the system aligns with industry standards and supports future integration into railway infrastructure.
Download

SRC6SS Increase Safety in Regional Networks

The push for greater efficiency in rail operations, with more trains running in less time, increases the risk of human error, particularly in manual safety-critical tasks. Assistance systems can help mitigate this risk, especially in rural areas where control centers oversee large territories. The challenge is to provide effective support without disrupting workflows while ensuring safety. In the R2DATO project, a decentralized Autonomous Route Setting (AnRS) approach is being developed to resolve potential train route conflicts dynamically, without changing existing infrastructure. The paper will explore the system architecture, autonomy criteria, and use real accident cases to show how AnRS could improve safety and efficiency.
Download

SRC6SS Map-matching for train localisation

As part of the EU-Rail R2DATO project, Work Packages 21 and 22 focus on Absolute Safe Train Positioning (ASTP). WP21 addresses operational needs, while WP22 focuses on system architecture, design, and RAMS. Their main goals include identifying user needs and system capabilities, analyzing required performance, and defining the ASTP system architecture. This article presents current research on train localization, integrating it with digital maps, and reviews the state-of-the-art in map-matching techniques. It also discusses ongoing research and future directions, concluding with key takeaways.
Download

SRC6SS NG-TCN Towards Network Slicing in on-board

The Train Communication Network (TCN), defined by IEC 61375, consists of a wired architecture with two levels: the Train Backbone Network (TBN) for inter-consist communication and the Consist Network (CN) for intra-consist communication. However, the wired system is costly and maintenance-intensive, driving the need for advanced wireless solutions. European projects propose a Next-Generation TCN (NG-TCN) with a Wireless Train Backbone Network (WLTBN). While wireless communication offers flexibility, it also brings challenges like service priority, security, and reliability. 5G technologies, particularly network slicing, show promise in addressing these challenges, but further research is needed to explore its potential in enhancing WLTBN.
Download

Benefits of Automatic Train Operation

Railway traffic is experiencing notable growth, but also competition from other modes of transport with considerable technological developments. An alternative for rail is through train operation optimization, both at the management level and at the train level. At the train level, the implementation of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) can be employed. This ATO facilitates efficient operation and serves as a decision-support or decision-making component depending on the level of automation. This study explores the benefits of Automatic Train Operation (ATO) technology as presented in the literature. Employing thematic content analysis and grounded theory, the study delves into peer-reviewed articles to synthesize knowledge on ATO benefits, including resource optimization, improved passenger experience, operational efficiency, and safety and reliability. These findings will offer valuable insights for stakeholders considering the implementation of ATO technology on non-metro rail lines, potentially encouraging wider adoption of this technology. While ATO also has costs and potential disadvantages, this study focus on benefits mentioned in literature.
Download

SRC6SS CEIT’s Multi-connectivity Platform Development

Train-trackside communication is essential for safe and efficient railway operations, with evolving requirements to handle increasing traffic. Currently, systems like GSM-R facilitate crucial data exchange for voice communication, emergency calls, and Automatic Train Protection (ATP). However, as GSM-R becomes outdated and will reach the end of its lifecycle by 2030, new communication technologies are needed. The Future Railway Mobile Communication System (FRMCS) is being developed as a successor to GSM-R, aiming to modernize railway communications. Various research projects, such as 5GRAIL and Europe's Rail FP2 R2DATO, are contributing to this transition.
Download

SRC6SS- Cybersecurity Risk Assessment of Virtually Coupled Train Sets

The increasing digitalisation and interconnectedness of railway systems have highlighted the need for strong cybersecurity measures, as demonstrated by incidents like the sabotage of trains in Poland. With evolving threats such as ransomware and DDoS attacks, continuous vigilance is essential. Regulatory efforts, including EU directives like the Cybersecurity Act and NIS 2, aim to strengthen cybersecurity in the transportation sector. This work focuses on assessing cybersecurity risks for the Virtually Coupled Train Set (VCTS) design within the R2DATO EU Rail project, using methodologies from the Shift2Rail initiative. The goal is to identify vulnerabilities, evaluate risks, and ensure compliance with standards like IEC 62443 to enhance railway system security.
Download

Tram Remote Operation Demonstrated : Showcase at Oslo SC

On 5 and 6 June, the Norwegian Railways Directorate hosted an international event for the FP2 R2DATO rail joint venture. One of the highlights was the demonstration of remote control of a tram in Sporveien, Oslo, a major innovation that could improve the management of trams and trains. A preliminary report on the R2DATO architecture was discussed on 5 June, with constructive feedback. On 6 June, the steering committee discussed future strategies. The event was also an opportunity to strengthen international links, with networking, tapas and beautiful views of Oslo.
Download