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Efforts Toward Implementing Automated Driving on the Sanyo Shinkansen

Efforts Toward Implementing Automated Driving on the Sanyo Shinkansen

Aiming to Begin Automated Driving in the 2030s

JR West, as part of its "Mid-Term Management Plan 2025 Update," has set the goal of "improving safety and sustainable evolution in the railway business," and is working towards enhancing transportation quality and productivity through both hardware and software improvements. One of these initiatives includes the introduction of automated driving technology.

We are pleased to announce our intention to implement automated driving on the Sanyo Shinkansen.

1. Collaboration for Achieving Automated Driving:

On the Sanyo Shinkansen, we will aim to begin automated driving (GOA2) in the 2030s with technical cooperation from JR Central.

2. Automated Driving Levels and Implementation Effects:

  • In GOA2, the train will depart when the driver presses a button, and real-time calculations will enable the train to automatically pass intermediate stations and stop at the destination station at the scheduled time.
  • The reduction in the driver's workload will allow for more focus on safety checks on the platform during station departures and arrivals, thus further enhancing safety.
  • Automated driving will also contribute to energy savings by enabling stable operation with reduced power consumption.
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