The CSG Group, as part of its extensive support for research and development, is also a partner of Česká hlava, the most prestigious award presented to Czech scientists. Last year, CSG presented the Industrie Award for the first time, which recognizes the most significant technological innovation developed in the Czech Republic. Where has last year's winning innovation advanced over the past year?
The CSG Group, as part of its extensive support for research and development, is also a partner of Česká hlava, the most prestigious award presented to Czech scientists. Last year, CSG presented the Industrie Award for the first time, which recognizes the most significant technological innovation developed in the Czech Republic. Where has last year's winning innovation advanced over the past year?
The 2023 CSG Industrie Award was won by Škoda Digital, part of the Škoda Group, for its anti-collision system designed for trams. This system is undergoing continuous development and will soon be operational. Currently, it is being validated in Olomouc and is also in the patenting process.
Preparations are underway for its implementation in new trams for Prague, as well as in vehicles for international cities such as Bergamo, Kassel, Mannheim, Ludwigshafen, and Heidelberg. This technology will enhance transportation safety and reduce repair costs for damaged vehicles in all mentioned locations.
Anti-collision system that won the CSG Industrie Award
The main benefits of the anti-collision system include preventing collisions with large objects, minimizing passenger injuries, and avoiding significant economic losses. Additionally, the system significantly reduces the risk of human error. It is based on a combination of lidar and a camera, where the lidar emits an invisible infrared laser beam, and its reflections create a matrix of points.
The system functions by detecting obstacles when the beam reflects off them. It can identify small objects with a cross-section of 1 m² at a distance of up to 50 meters and large objects, such as a car, at up to 100 meters. The system is capable of creating a virtual tunnel—a safe zone for collision-free vehicle passage—detecting obstacles, and maintaining a safe braking distance, all with centimeter-level precision. Thanks to lidar, the system works even in the dark when the camera's functionality is reduced.
It's remarkable that this innovative product will intersect, at least in Prague, with another Czech innovation developed within the CSG Group. The new ForCity Plus 52T trams from Škoda Group, intended for Prague's public transport operator, will be equipped with an electromechanical braking system and rail brakes from DAKO-CZ. This braking system is environmentally friendly and will be implemented in Prague for the first time in the Czech Republic, following several foreign cities.
Returning to the anti-collision system recognized by Česká hlava, Škoda Group's development goal is to integrate the system into a comprehensive Smart Depot ecosystem. This will optimize staffing requirements in depots and ensure more efficient vehicle management. The first steps toward successful integration were showcased in Tampere, Finland, where a tram managed autonomous movement within the depot, including obstacle detection, halting, and resuming motion once the path was clear.
Additionally, Škoda Group specialists are testing artificial intelligence algorithms to enhance the system's ability to predict potential collisions. These ongoing developments are taking place under the auspices of the DOPRAVA 2030 project. These innovations will be key to advancing urban transport safety and efficiency both in the Czech Republic and abroad.
The results of this year's 23rd edition of Česká hlava will be announced on November 22. Who will become the second-ever recipient of the CSG Industrie Award?
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