The first phase of testing for the Center for the Automation of Shunting Operations at the Chelyabinsk-Glavny marshaling yard has been finalized by Russian Railroads (RZD). The complex is a critical component of the company’s “Digital Railway Station” initiative and functions as the computational “brain” that coordinates the movement of shunting locomotives within the railroad center.
Unlike the conventional system, which involves a driver directly operating the locomotive, the new architecture delegated a large portion of these functions to automated systems. The center processes data, generates instructions for locomotives outfitted with the “Avtomashinist” automated driving system, and receives information regarding the condition of railroad infrastructure. Consequently, the shunting locomotive is assigned a digital task to execute a particular operation, rather than receiving individual commands from a human operator.
The tests are currently being conducted by two shunting locomotives: a TEM7A and a TEM23, both of which are equipped with the “Avtomashinist” systems. Their operation is enabling RZD to evaluate the reliability of the central system’s ability to coordinate locomotive movements under real conditions at a significant marshaling station.
The Operation of the Digital Station’s “Brain”
The Center for the Automation of Shunting Operations is designed to facilitate the continuous exchange of data between locomotives and railroad infrastructure. The railroad interlocking and signaling systems are integrated with the system, which receives information regarding the status of signals and the position of turnouts. This information is essential for the identification of secure routes.
The center calculates the necessary actions and transmits route assignments to the onboard computers of the driverless locomotives after processing the incoming data. In these assignments, the locomotive is required to perform specific shunting operations and travel to specific locations.
Consequently, the digital system establishes a connection between the station’s infrastructure and its rolling stock, transforming them into a unified technological environment.
The system’s capacity to adjust to actual conditions that differ from the original plan is a critical feature. A sequence of subsequent movements can be influenced by a delay in one operation at a marshaling yard. In the event of an unforeseen circumstance, such as a delay, the center recalculates the routes and generates updated assignments, as per RZD.
This implies that the system is not just following a predetermined path. It is important that the locomotive’s movements be adjusted in accordance with the evolving situation at the station.
“Avtomashinist” Becomes the Locomotive’s Automated Pilot
The “Avtomashinist” complex, which is installed on the locomotive, is responsible for executing the movements and monitoring the immediate environment advance of the train, while the central system provides overall coordination.
Obstacle detection is one of its most critical capabilities. The locomotive can be stopped before it reaches obstacles along the track, as the system is capable of independently identifying them. Trains operate in a complex and continually changing environment during shunting operations, making this capability particularly critical.
The system must take into consideration not only the positions of turnouts and signals, but also the physical objects that are located along the track.
The locomotive is also intended to interact with other robotic systems that are in operation at the digital station. A robotic uncoupling system serves as an illustration. The locomotive’s movement planning is integrated with information regarding infrastructure restrictions, such as the operation of such machinery, that is received by the central complex.
This serves as evidence that the ultimate objective is not just to build an autonomous locomotive that operates without a driver. Instead, RZD is creating an ecosystem in which locomotives, robots, and railroad infrastructure collaborate and communicate information as part of a single automated process.
Robotic Uncoupling and Driverless Locomotives Work Together
One of the most critical components of the “Digital Railway Station” concept is the incorporation of various automated systems. Several employees are required to participate in the sequential execution of multiple operations at a traditional railway station. The digital model is designed to facilitate the automatic transmission of information regarding each operation between various technological systems.
Robotic equipment is currently used at Chelyabinsk-Glavny for the purpose of uncoupling wagons. In 2024, the station implemented its inaugural autonomous “Uncoupler” system. It is intended to execute the uncoupling operation automatically, identify coupling types, coordinate its actions with the movements of the rolling stock, and assist in the processing of the sorting plan.
By the end of 2026, RZD intends to augment the station’s inventory of such systems to six.
This is of particular significance in the context of driverless shunting. A locomotive is incapable of functioning independently of other automated equipment. The route must consider the location and timing of robot operations, the occupied track sections, and the operations being performed on the wagons.
The outcome is a model in which the locomotive, robotic equipment, and railroad infrastructure are integrated into a single digital production system.
A Human Is Still in the Cab — But the Role Is Changing
The current tests should not be interpreted as a completely unmanned operation, despite the use of automated locomotive control. A person is permitted to remain within the locomotive cab during the trial phase. Nevertheless, the locomotive is not operated manually by that individual. Rather, the employee oversees the automated systems’ operation and the process.
The longer-term objective is distinct. It is expected that the driver will gradually transition from a direct operator of the locomotive to a remote operator who supervises automated operations.
The operator will be able to monitor the locomotive’s operation and receive real-time video from cameras affixed on the locomotive under the proposed configuration, without the need to be physically present inside the cab.
More than a Driverless Locomotive
The Center for the Automation of Shunting Operations is merely a component of a much larger project. In 2023, RZD initiated the implementation of its “Digital Railway Station” concept in Chelyabinsk.
The project includes multiple automated platforms and software and hardware systems that are intended to oversee the technical conditions of rolling stock, sorting operations, robotic wagon coupling and uncoupling, and shunting locomotive control.
Machine vision, laser 3D scanning, thermal diagnostics, RFID technologies, and strain gage systems are also included in the more comprehensive digital station concept. These systems are intended to automate the collection and analysis of information about trains and railway infrastructure.
From Chelyabinsk to the Wider Russian Rail Network
The current tests have a far-reaching impact that transcends a single railroad station. Chelyabinsk-Glavny was chosen as a pilot site for RZD to evaluate the interaction of multiple automated systems in real railroad operating conditions.
The experience acquired in Chelyabinsk could serve as the foundation for a more extensive deployment throughout the Russian railroad network, provided that the technology exhibits the necessary reliability.
RZD has previously disclosed its intention to install the “Avtomashinist” system on additional shunting locomotives at key marshaling yards. The technology is to be installed in 11 new TEM23A shunting locomotives and 15 enhanced TEM7A locomotives for the Chelyabinsk project.
The Next Step: A Fully Integrated Autonomous Environment
Russian Railroads is progressing from the isolation of automated functions to the integrated control of an entire technological process, as evidenced by the conclusion of the initial testing phase.
The locomotive is being increasingly regarded as a component of a broader digital system, rather than an autonomous engine that is operated by a driver.