In combination with TMS and ERTMS, ATO – or the automation of driving – offers advantages in terms of capacity, timetable stability and energy-efficient operation. ATO involves different levels, or grades, of automation (GoA).
GoA4 offers the highest level of automation with fully automated driverless train operation, which requires extensive sensor technology for space monitoring and obstacle detection (perception). GoA2 promises to exploit the optimisation potential mentioned above, with the train driver continuing to monitor the system and perform individual tasks such as driving on sight.
With GoA1, the train driver continues to control the train under the supervision of the train control system, such as ETCS, but can also drive in an optimised manner with DAS (Driver Advisory System) (e.g. calculated in the TMS). There are also selective automation efforts in the area of stabling or shunting, e.g. in depot areas. There are also ATO solutions based on CBTC for metros or isolated branch lines. A well-implemented ATO system always interacts intelligently with the peripheral systems of the vehicle and the IT systems of the infrastructure, as the ATO function on the vehicle is particularly dependent on the data from these systems (e.g. odometry data from ETCS or timetable data from TMS).
Enotrac offers extensive ATO expertise, especially for ATO over ETCS. The Enotrac experts have in-depth knowledge of the ATO specifications for ATO GoA2 or DAS based on ERTMS from the CCS 2023 TSI, such as subsets 125/126/130/139, as well as the current status of specification work at European level for ATO GoA3/4. Enotrac experts provide support with the challenges and solutions for the implementation and interaction of ATO with ETCS, TMS and ATO trackside, including the necessary topology data of the infrastructure. The Enotrac experts also have experience with proprietary ATO solutions for classic routes with lineside signalling outside the TSI CCS, as well as with alternative interface specifications outside the TCI CCS, such as the SFERA protocol of the UIC. SFERA enables standardised data interfaces between TMS/infrastructure and applications such as DAS on the vehicles, even for lines and vehicles without ETCS (Class B systems). Human factors and the impact on operational regulations are also important factors in the definition and implementation of ATO or DAS.
Enotrac accompanies you from the definition and study phase through technical and operational concepts to the engineering and integration of ATO in the vehicle and the necessary measures in the infrastructure (ATO trackside, connection to TMS, topology data for ATO). In the integration and engineering of ATO in the vehicle, the interaction and interface to the vehicle control system TCMS (subset 039 according to TSI CCS) is of central importance. The vehicle expertise of Enotrac, particularly in the area of TCMS (Train Control and Monitoring System) represents an additional benefit for our customers. Enotrac is also involved in the OCORA initiative, which aims to standardise the CCS architecture and interfaces, including the ATO application and network on the vehicle. This enables Enotrac to provide our customers with optimum support when implementing ATO on vehicles.
ERTMS/ETCS
ERTMS/ETCS is a digital signalling and train control system that serves as an enabler for railway automation on the interoperable standard gauge network. See dedicated page.
