A consortium led by Siemens Mobility is developing and testing a secure remote control system with AI-based obstacle detection for train operations in rail depots. The initiative, known as "RemODtrAIn" (Remote operated train with AI based Obstacle Detection), brings together industry partners, operators, and academic institutions to advance digital train operations.
The project aims to equip an ICE 4 train with advanced 5G technology, enabling remote control from a central operating station within the depot. This approach is intended to support secure and highly available remote-controlled train movements, even under varying communication conditions in public 5G networks. The Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy is supporting the project with €17 million through its funding program for sustainable mobility.
Marc Ludwig, CEO Rail Infrastructure at Siemens Mobility, stated: "With RemODtrAIn, we at Siemens Mobility are advancing automated rail operations. Together with strong partners from industry, research, and the railway industry, we are developing solutions that are not only technologically advanced but also precisely tailored to the current requirements of rail operations. Siemens Mobility is responsible for specification and development of a remote control system, as well as its integration and practical testing. Our goal is to make remote-controlled operations in the depot and premises safe, efficient, and scalable. This is a decisive step towards digitized rail operations."
Dr. Jasmin Bigdon, Chief Technical Officer at Deutsche Bahn AG said: "With the RemODtrAIn project, Deutsche Bahn is taking an important step towards the remote control and automation of shunting movements. Our goal is to develop a pragmatic solution for remote-controlled train operations by closing specific technological gaps and to consider necessary adjustments in roles, processes, and regulations. The close integration of technical solutions and real-world application on-site is the focus of our actions: DB Fernverkehr AG, as the demand owner, contributes the operational requirements. Part of the testing will take place on the premises of DB RegioNetz Infrastruktur GmbH in the Erzgebirge. DB Systemtechnik GmbH contributes system engineering, architecture, safety and cybersecurity expertise, as well as experience in standardization and approval. With remote control in shunting operations, we aim to increase capacities, make processes more flexible, alleviate staff shortages, and thus achieve tangible operational improvements quickly for customers and our employees."
The consortium's efforts address issues such as increasing train availability during depot movements while responding to challenges like driver shortages by developing automated systems adaptable across different operational modes.
Development includes creating requirements for safe remote-controlled operation using modular architectures that can be implemented incrementally. Testing will occur both on long-distance trains like ICE 4s—while considering retrofitting existing regional trains—and within dedicated environments such as Annaberg-Buchholz’s Smart Rail Connectivity Campus using Desiro Classic units. Daily operation trials focusing on obstacle detection will take place on Berlin’s S-Bahn network; vehicle validation activities are scheduled through 2028.
Coordination with leading mobile network providers ensures that future advances—including satellite communications—are factored into ongoing development work.
Twelve organizations from various sectors are participating in this project: Siemens Mobility GmbH; Siemens AG; DB AG; DB Fernverkehr AG; DB Systemtechnik GmbH; DB RegioNetz Infrastruktur GmbH; Mira GmbH; Smart Rail Connectivity Campus e.V.; Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V.; Technische Universität Berlin; Technische Universität Chemnitz; Technische Universität München.