1. Future of Automated Railroad Operation Using On-board Passenger Information Display
In 2006, Hitachi began developing an autonomous decentralized on-board passenger information display (“this System”). This System has contributed to the realization of digital transformation (DX) for railroad operators through its high utilization rate, information displays for optimized user experiences, and three-screen display systems for enhanced representation of advertising displays.
As society faces a declining population, it is becoming increasingly difficult for railroad operators to acquire and train drivers and other staff, and this has led to a need to implement automated operation without staff in the lead car. Up to now, the linkage between the operation control center (OCC) operators and passengers was performed by the staff operating the train driver’s cab by guiding evacuations in the event of a vehicle breakdown or train fire, or displaying information for timetable changes, but for equipment to take on this role presents numerous challenges.
Hitachi is aiming to utilize the information and communication technology (ICT) of this System as a solution to these challenges. This includes detecting anomalies in the train, such as train breakdowns, train fires, or passengers who are not feeling well, notifying OCC operators and station attendants, and providing evacuation guidance and information display for timetable changes from OCC operators to passengers. Hitachi will promote development of a system aiming to maintain safety and service quality in automated operation and reduce the workload of OCC operators and crew members.
[01]Image of linkage between OCC operators, station attendants, and on-board passenger information displays when an anomaly is detected in a train carriage