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Press Release05 December 2025Siemens AGBerlin
Consortium Develops Secure Remote Control with AI-based Obstacle Detection for Train Operations in Rail Depots
From left to right: Stefan Heidemann (Advisor in Department IV A 3 Digitalization, Industry 4.0 at the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy), Martin Baier (CTO DB Fernverkehr AG and Head of Fleet Management), Marc Ludwig (CEO Rail Infrastructure Siemens Mobility GmbH), Win Neidlinger (CEO Mira GmbH)
The
"RemODtrAIn" (Remote operated train with AI based Obstacle Detection)
consortium, led by Siemens Mobility, is developing and testing a secure remote
control system and a modular, AI-supported obstacle detection system for
digital train operations in rail depots. The project builds on key insights
from previous projects such as AutomatedTrain and safe.trAIn, strengthening the
positive collaboration with Deutsche Bahn.
As part of the project,
an ICE 4 will be equipped with state-of-the-art 5G technology. This will allow
the train to be remotely controlled from a central operating station on the depot
premises. The consortium, comprising of industry, operators, and academia, aims
to enable secure and highly available remote-controlled train operations by
combining various technological innovations, even under different communication
conditions in a public 5G mobile network. The project is supported with €17
million within the framework of the funding program "DNS der
zukunftsfähigen Mobilität. Digital – Nachhaltig – Systemfähig" (DNS of
Sustainable Mobility. Digital – Sustainable – System-capable) by the Federal
Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy.
Marc Ludwig, CEO
Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility: "With RemODtrAIn, we at Siemens Mobility are advancing
automated rail operations. Together with strong partners from industry,
research, and the railway industry, we are developing solutions that are not
only technologically advanced but also precisely tailored to the current
requirements of rail operations. Siemens Mobility is responsible for
specification and development of a remote control system, as well as its
integration and practical testing. Our goal is to make remote-controlled
operations in the depot and premises safe, efficient, and scalable. This is a
decisive step towards digitized rail operations."
Dr. Jasmin Bigdon, Chief Technical Officer,
Deutsche Bahn AG: "With the RemODtrAIn project, Deutsche Bahn is
taking an important step towards the remote control and automation of shunting
movements. Our goal is to develop a pragmatic solution for remote-controlled
train operations by closing specific technological gaps and to consider
necessary adjustments in roles, processes, and regulations. The close
integration of technical solutions and real-world application on-site is the focus
of our actions: DB Fernverkehr AG, as the demand owner, contributes the
operational requirements. Part of the testing will take place on the premises
of DB RegioNetz Infrastruktur GmbH in the Erzgebirge. DB Systemtechnik GmbH
contributes system engineering, architecture, safety and cybersecurity
expertise, as well as experience in standardization and approval. With remote
control in shunting operations, we aim to increase capacities, make processes
more flexible, alleviate staff shortages, and thus achieve tangible operational
improvements quickly for customers and our employees."
The focus of
"RemODtrAIn" is on train availability, depot, and stabling movements.
The vehicle sensors are designed for universal applications in all operating
modes. The consortium project thus also addresses the challenge of a shortage
of train drivers and aims to further develop automated and remote-controlled
train operations, thereby advancing the digitalization of the rail system.
The development of
requirements for remote-controlled operations, the specification of a
safety-critical architecture as a modular kit for step-by-step implementation,
and the realization and testing in a real operational environment are the
essential building blocks of the RemODtrAIn project. Remote provisioning will
be exemplified on a long-distance train, but retrofit solutions for existing
and regional trains are also being considered. The communication solution will
be tested in the 5G test field Smart Rail Connectivity Campus in
Annaberg-Buchholz on the Erzgebirgsbahn with a Desiro Classic. Obstacle
detection is planned to be tested on the S-Bahn Berlin in daily operation. The
vehicle testing and validation phase is scheduled for 2028.
The solution is being
developed in a future-proof manner in coordination with leading mobile network
companies, also considering the increasing potential of satellite
communication.
A total of 12 companies
from various sectors are collaborating on the project: Siemens Mobility GmbH,
Siemens AG, DB AG, DB Fernverkehr AG, DB Systemtechnik GmbH, DB RegioNetz
Infrastruktur GmbH, Mira GmbH, Smart Rail Connectivity Campus e. V., Deutsches
Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. (German Aerospace Center), Technische
Universität Berlin, Technische Universität Chemnitz, Technische Universität
München.
For this press release
Siemens Mobility is a separately managed company of Siemens AG. As a leader in intelligent transport solutions for more than 175 years, Siemens Mobility is constantly innovating its portfolio. Its core areas include rolling stock, rail automation and electrification, a comprehensive software portfolio, turnkey systems as well as related services. With digital products and solutions, and the use of industrial AI, Siemens Mobility is enabling mobility operators worldwide to make their infrastructure intelligent, increase value sustainably over the entire lifecycle, enhance passenger experience, and guarantee availability. In fiscal year 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Mobility posted revenue of €12.4 billion and employed around 43,400 people worldwide. Further information is available at:
www.siemens.com/mobility