A pilot project has been launched in Antwerp, in which public transport company De Lijn will use AI driver assistance systems on trams to help prevent accidents in the future. The system, developed by the Ghent technology company Otiv, was presented on Tuesday, September 23rd, in Antwerp, in the presence of Minister of Mobility Annick De Ridder (N-VA).
The driving system utilizes cameras and sensors to map the surroundings of the tram. The software analyzes the traffic situation, detects obstacles, assesses risks, and, if necessary, warns the driver, allowing him to take appropriate action. The system functions as a digital co-pilot, helping the driver react more quickly in emergency situations.
Volunteers
The tram drivers participating in the field tests have volunteered for the project. During the test runs, they wear measuring devices that record their brain activity, eye activity, stress levels, and heart rate. Researchers can use all this information to investigate the impact of the system on the alertness and workload of drivers.
“I think that especially inexperienced tram drivers will benefit from it,” says Yves Ielegems, one of the volunteers. “Novice drivers have to learn to pay attention to so many things simultaneously, so this can be a helpful tool.”
The initiative aims to reduce accidents by 20%. Completely replacing drivers is not yet the intention, especially not in a complex traffic environment like Antwerp,” Ielegems assumes.
‘Innovative mobility solutions’
“Artificial intelligence can make our tram services safer, smoother, and more reliable. This not only benefits passengers and drivers but also strengthens Flanders’ position as a leader in innovative mobility solutions,” Minister De Ridder said during the press conference.
Ann Schoubs, Director General of De Lijn, pointed out the added value for both safety and comfort: “Thanks to this system, our drivers gain faster and better insight into dangerous situations. This increases their safety and that of passengers and other road users. […] For us, this is a great example of how technology can help make public transport more attractive and future-proof.”
Similar projects in other countries
The pilot project in Antwerp is part of the European ARISE program, in which the Ghent-based company OTIV is developing the OTIV.TWO system as an advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for trams. The project is supported by EIT Urban Mobility, a European Union initiative that accelerates innovation in urban mobility.
Similar experiments are underway in other countries. Within the ARISE framework, simulations and tests are planned in Zaragoza (Spain) and Lisbon (Portugal). In Rotterdam (Netherlands), tram operator RET is also working with OTIV and Mobility42 to pilot OTIV.TWO on the ‘smart tram’. And in Germany, a simulator system has been built in, with which one can practice with ‘driver assistance systems’ in a tram cockpit.
