The REAKT project (https://reakt.sh/ & https://www.schiene-m-l.de/) aims at developing new mobility concepts to reactivate rural rail lines. This project will evolve around developing an autonomous on-demand rail vehicle to flexibly provide service on single track lines. A prototype will be build in 1:32 scale as well as a full scale version.

Overview of topics (WIP)

All solutions should be scalable for both demonstrators!

1. An end-user app and management system for on-demand train service [Maybe split into two topics]

• App to call a train to a desired location and communicate desired destination
• Locations drawn from GNSS and appropriate abstraction in 1:32 scale
• Management of multiple trains on a single track line
• Schedules for cooperative passenger pick up
• Provisions for passenger transfer on open track
• Either based on a central or decentralized communication concept

2. An autonomous train controller with risk analysis using STPA

• Control of an autonomous passenger train model (conceptually working for both demonstrators)
• Capability for passenger transfer on open track (safe docking procedure)
• Risk analysis for the controller using STPA
• Safe behavior model generation using PASTA?
• Assumes preprocessed sensor input and destination determination (see other topics)

4. AI-based image recognition for autonomous train control [In cooperation with AG Distributed Systems]

• Sensor processing of a train mounted camera
• Obstacle detection at speeds up to 50 km/h
• [Optional] Distance measuring using multiple cameras

5. AI-based sensor processing for autonomous train control [In cooperation with AG Distributed Systems]

• Sensor processing of train mounted LiDAR or ultrasonic sensor
• Obstacle detection at speeds up to 50 km/h
• Distance measuring (ultrasonic sensor)

3. A digital twin for an autonomous on-demand train service [Heavy interfacing with other topics]

• A digital twin for an autonomous passenger train
• Monitoring system for the state and location of the vehicle
• Remote control capabilities
• Monitoring and economic analysis of on-demand service operation [Integration of management system]
• Reliability analysis to ensure transparency of autonomous operation

Goals

• TBA for each topic individually

Scope

Bachelor's Thesis

Related Work/Literature

• https://reakt.sh/

Involved Languages/Technologies

• TBA for each topic individually

Supervised by

Alexander Schulz-Rosengarten  
als@informatik.uni-kiel.de