Driver assistance systems for trams – the Bosch tram assist suite

Bosch Engineering has expanded its tried-and-tested forward collision warning system into a comprehensive assistance platform. The tram assist suite monitors the complete vehicle surroundings and supports drivers in critical situations.

Modern urban transport places high demands on safety and availability. The work of tram drivers in dense inner-city traffic is very challenging, while accidents result in high costs and disrupt the smooth running of day-to-day operations. To address such issues, the tram assist suite from Bosch Engineering enhances the tram forward collision warning system (TFCW), which has been in successful use since 2017, with the addition of near-range, flank, and focus assist functions. The TFCW system already provides tram drivers across the world with invaluable assistance in their daily work.

From warning system to complete solution

With the tram assist suite, Bosch Engineering is building on this approach to provide a comprehensive assistance platform, which monitors the complete environment and supports tram personnel. A cluster of camera, radar, LiDAR, and ultrasonic sensors monitors the entire tram surroundings and even covers the driver's cab. The system detects dangerous situations at an early stage and issues timely warnings. The components are based on established Bosch automotive technology, which has been adapted for the rail sector and received international approval.

Modular design for maximum flexibility

The tram assist suite is designed as a modular system and comprises four core functions: forward assist, near range assist, flank assist, and focus assist. Transport companies can combine the modules to suit their own individual requirements.

At the heart of the system is tram forward assist, which is available in three expansion stages. The plus and extended range versions supplement the system with LiDAR and additional radar sensors. Functions such as adaptive cruise control as well as signal and sign detection help to relieve the workload of tram personnel.

Near range assist monitors an area of up to four meters in the immediate vicinity of the vehicle, detects persons between parts of the tram, and assists with the coupling process. The flank assist system provides early warnings of potential side impact collisions, while focus assist uses an interior camera to monitor the driver's attention and issues warnings in the event of perceived tiredness or distraction.

Uniform technology – easy integration

The suite can be integrated into new vehicles and retrofitted to existing fleets. As a result, transport companies benefit from standardized hardware, lower training costs, and a simplified spare parts supply. Over-the-air software updates are supported as well, while integration into predictive maintenance systems is also possible. The central control unit processes all sensor data in real time and displays the information clearly in the driver‘s cab.

Proven in practice

The tram forward collision warning system from Bosch Engineering has been in successful use in numerous cities across the world since 2017. The system helps to increase operational safety and effectively reduces accident damage along with the resulting breakdowns or diversions.

Outlook: foundation for automation

The tram assist suite sets a new standard for safety and efficiency in tram operations. The system forms the basis for future developments such as automated depot traffic. The modular architecture allows additional functions to be integrated smoothly without having to replace existing components. With the tram assist suite, Bosch Engineering impressively demonstrates how automotive technology can be successfully adapted for rail transport.