Presentation of TMH automated metro train held in St. Peterburg
posted on 16th Sep 2026 15:46
On 2 September 2026, a demonstration of the latest domestic technologies for highly automated and driverless rail transport control systems took place in the St. Peterburg Metro. These technologies were developed by specialists from TMH and its partners. St. Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov and Almaty Mayor Darkhan Satybaldy attended the event. The demonstration of innovative technologies was held as part of a cooperation agreement between the St. Peterburg Metro, Gorelektrotrans, and TMH, which outlines collaboration on the development of driverless solutions for metro and tram systems.
The highlight of the event was a demonstration of the full cycle of automatic train operation and turnaround on the Krasnoselsko-Kalininskaya Line. Participants were shown a suite of technologies developed by TMH TM (part of the TMH Intelligent Systems division) that enable key train control operations to be performed automatically: driving the train, opening passenger doors, monitoring infrastructure conditions via computer vision, and automatically transferring control between cabs.
The demonstration began at Putilovskaya station, where participants boarded a Baltiets train. During the journey, it was operated by an automated system that ensured adherence to the set schedule and safety parameters. The automatic passenger door opening function was shown at the station. In the Putilovskaya terminus, the system executed an automatic train turnaround: control was transferred from the leading cab to the rear cab, after which the train autonomously prepared for the return journey and entered the line without driver intervention. After completing the turnaround maneuver, the train proceeded to Yugo-Zapadnaya station in automatic mode.
Particular attention was paid to the obstacle detection system, developed using machine vision technology by specialists at AVP Technology (part of the TMH Intelligent Systems division). Real-time data displayed on the screen included the position of track switches, route adherence against the assigned schedule, signal indications, tunnel clearance limits, and the range and visibility of the scanned area.
The system ensures reliable monitoring of the surrounding environment and generates a digital model of the train's route. The hybrid sensor suite comprises cameras with lenses for both near and far ranges, as well as two LiDAR units designed for operation in darkness. All sensors are synchronized and transmit data to a processing unit, where software analyzes the information and constructs a spatial model of the surroundings.
The implementation of this project establishes the technological foundation for introducing driverless technologies into metro and surface urban rail transport systems, opening up new opportunities to enhance the safety, reliability, and efficiency of passenger transportation.
