The RemODtrAIn project is led by Siemens Mobility and funded by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE), with total funding of around EUR 17m.
Rheinmetall is contributing through its subsidiary MIRA, which is responsible for developing a secure remote train operation (RTO) solution. The project’s core demonstrator involves equipping a Deutsche Bahn ICE 4 train with a remote-control system operated from a control station at a DB maintenance depot near Cologne, using a 5G-based communication architecture.
RemODtrAIn combines remote operation with AI-supported obstacle detection, which is being tested in real operating environments, including the Berlin S-Bahn network. The technical scope includes highly available communications, safety-certified vision systems, and standardised vehicle interfaces. MIRA is developing the teleoperation components, including the remote operator control unit, onboard teleoperation equipment, and a cloud-based fleet management system.
The project is focused on delivery, dispatch and stabling movements, where trains are frequently repositioned by drivers in depots and workshops. According to the project partners, standardised operating logic across different vehicle types is intended to allow a single remote operator to control multiple vehicles and switch between fleets.
MIRA’s solution is designed for both new-build vehicles and retrofit installation on existing fleets. Certified vehicle interfaces are being developed in cooperation with Cattron as a subcontractor. The RemODtrAIn specifications are intended to support later deployment in operational rail environments, including depot logistics and other non-line-haul applications.
