Autonomous trams have moved a step closer in Shanghai following the joint development of an AI-based computer vision system by China’s urban rail transit signalling system provider Fuxin Intelligent Transportation Solutions (Fitsco) and Cognitive Pilot.
 
Cognitive Pilot is an autonomous driving technology joint venture of Russia’s Sberbank and Cognitive Technologies Group. The company has signed a contract for the development of an AI-based computer vision system for urban trams with the possibility of autonomous control and movement.
 
According to Jack Wu, CEO of Fitsco, the joint AI-based technology will increase the level of safety and efficiency of public transport.
 
“The new technology will reduce the number of transport accidents in the city and will minimise their dependence on the human factor,” said Wu.
 
The joint project will consist of R&D, testing and commercialisation stages in harmony with the business expedition and technology innovation of both parties.
 
“The implementation of all stages will be facilitated with all the on-going projects,” said Olga Uskova, CEO of Cognitive Pilot. “The result of the project’s first stages will be the development of AI-based advanced driver assistance system (ADAS). In the absence of a proper reaction from the driver, the tram will automatically control its speed and will brake in front of obstacles. During all the upcoming tests, the tram operator will still be in the cab, but will act as a safety controller.”
 
Wu added: “We expect that with the successful implementation of our joint project, we will continue increasing the AI level of the tram autopilot and in the nearest future we will demonstrate its fully autonomous prototype.”
 
Fitsco was founded in 2012 and is controlled by the China Railway Electrification Bureau. It mainly provides urban rail transit signalling and communications in fields such as metros, light rail, monorails, trams, automated people movers (APMs) and commuter trains. Fitsco has undertaken the signalling and communication construction for the Shanghai Metro Line 8 APM project, Shanghai Pudong Airport Express project, Qingdao Metro Line 6 Demonstration project, Taiyuan Metro Line2, as well as many constructions on tram signalling and communication integration projects in Shanghai, Suzhou, Huai’an and Wuhan.
 
Cognitive Pilot is a joint company of Russia’s biggest bank Sberbank and Cognitive Technologies Group. The company develops autonomous driving technology for agricultural and rail machinery and develops components for self-driving cars. Among the company’s clients are Hyundai Mobis, Russian Railways, Rusagro Group, PC Transport Systems and a number of large international manufacturers and tier-one suppliers.