ATO is more than just Automatic Train Operation

Automatic Train Operation (ATO) introduces new challenges for train operators, builders and system suppliers. 

 The term ATO covers operational safety from simple driver aids to full driverless operation. ATO follows on from the European and even global standardisation provided by EN50155 (for onboard electronic hardware standards) and ERTMS (for signaling systems). 

A train is a complicated machine controlled by four groups: the passengers, the signaling system, the train’s own subsystems, and the driver.

ATO’s purpose is to provide a reliable and safe way to perform the endlessly repetitive tasks which performed with monotonous regularity on normal train operation. These actions can otherwise lead to fatigue and stress in the driver, who can now focus on more important activities.  Guards are released to focus on customer experience. In this regard, the basic ATO operation of braking and accelerating is similar to the airplane use of an autopilot, without which the pilot would suffer unnecessary stresses which could endanger his passengers. 

Normal trains operate under manual train protection mode, the driver visually sighting risks and taking appropriate action. Automated train protection (ATP) has existed for some time, and automatically controls the distance between trains on the same track. Now in addition to ATP, ATO provides four levels of automated operation that facilitate the normal train operations of start and stop, and door operation for the doors on both the train and the platform. 

ATO is now widely used in metro environments, especially on light railways such as for airports where all trains are the same, but it is increasingly used in mining and mainline trains. 

In a close working relationship with its partners, Advantech is developing increasingly complex hardware to master the challenges of ATO.  Advantech supplies the on-board computers that perform the automated analysis of sensor and camera data, and send out the instructions to engines and brakes, doors, lights and alarms. 

ATO systems can be built into new trains or retrofitted into existing ones. This is relatively easy in a new train benefiting from the latest technologies, but retrofitting means connecting to different legacy systems. In the most complicated cases, Advantech has had to incorporate Profibus, GPS, GSM-R, CAN and MVB technologies in a single computer. For developing some of the AI algorithms used by ATO, Advantech even developed a special rail-certified (EN-50155) 10Gb Ethernet card to collect high-speed camera data that would be used for deep learning. 

Advantech’s skills in electronics, environmental and radio management, and its ability to integrate a wide variety of peripherals from its partners, makes it the leader for on-board computing in trucks, buses, coaches, trams and trains.  

Interested in learning more? Message me with your questions about how we can help with your ATO projects.