Keio Corporation to Launch Autonomous Driving Pilot Test on the Inokashira Line (Spring 2025)
Keio Corporation has announced that it will begin a pilot test for autonomous driving across the entire 12.7 km Inokashira Line starting in the spring of 2025. This initiative aims to address societal challenges such as the aging population, declining birthrate, and workstyle reforms, while pursuing further safety and efficiency improvements in its railway operations.
Objectives of the Test:
- Confirm the safety and stability of the autonomous driving system.
- Automate train operations (acceleration and deceleration) to achieve uniform driving.
- Improve punctuality and verify energy-saving effects.
- Identify challenges associated with the work performed by crew members (driver and conductor) during autonomous operation.
Future Applications:
- The success of the Inokashira Line trial will be used to inform the wider application of autonomous driving across the Keio Line network.
Pilot Test Details:
- Test Vehicles: The 1000-series trains will be used for the trials.
- Test Operations: The trains will run as non-revenue service (empty trains) with both a driver and a conductor onboard. Testing will be conducted during both day and night.
Key Features of Autonomous Driving:
- Automated train operations: Acceleration and deceleration will be fully automated.
- Improved punctuality: The uniform operation will enhance on-time performance.
Used Equipment and Features:
- Train Automatic Stop Control (TASC):
- Purpose: To improve the accuracy of station stops and facilitate the installation of platform screen doors.
- Function: Automatically applies brakes to bring the train to a precise stop at the designated station position.
Expected Benefits:
- Improved safety: Reduced human error through automated control.
- Energy savings: Reduced energy consumption due to consistent, efficient operation.
- Operational efficiency: Increased punctuality and stabilized timetable operations.
- Advancement of platform screen doors: Enhanced station safety through improved stopping precision.
Future Plans:
- Based on the results of the pilot test, improvements to the system will be made.
- Consideration of autonomous driving implementation across the entire Keio Line network.
Further details regarding the equipment and pilot test will be announced in due course.
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