Driverless Train

Abstract: As automation increases in train services, this project resulted in making a driver-less train. The main purpose was to see how security can be increased. By using sensors, today’s technologies and rebuild the stations with walls on the platforms, the safety can increase for the better. This project designs a railway system consisting of a train, boom barriers and a station. The mechanical parts were made from scratch to get the system to work beneficially. The use of Arduino as a micro controller where electrical components could be programmed, became the control of all subsystems. Ultrasonic- and IR-sensors were used to detect if obstructions were located on the rails and to detect the oncoming train at the railway crossing. To increase safety, a wall was built on the platform with doors to prevent people from tracing the tracks. The platform door opened and closed simultaneously with the door on the train. As a result, all subsystems worked well separately. When connecting them with each other, some problems occurred. For example, door operations did not match up to 100 percent, which still was considered approved. The major problem was that the train became too heavy for the motor to drive it properly. As there was no time to implement a larger motor, the solution was to increase the voltage with two 9V batteries connected in series. The project demonstrated that an automated train system is to prefer, given its safety benefits. This model can not be materialized into reality as more sensitive sensors are required and the train systems are built more advanced, both mechanically and electrically.