SAFE4RAIL will provide the baseline for a fundamentally simplified embedded computing and networked TCMS platform, for modular integration and certification of all safety-, time- and mission-critical train functions, including distributed hard real-time controls, safety signals and functions up to SIL4. The generic embedded platform architecture provided by SAFE4RAIL will allow mixed-criticality integration and virtualization to host critical and non-critical functions on reconfigurable computing and networking resources. The SAFE4RAIL simulation and testing environment is based on the hardware abstraction and domain separation concepts allowing rapid deployment and testing of applications, e.g. by supporting early functional integration testing long before vehicle integration. The results of SAFE4RAIL are demonstrated with a SIL4 brake-by-wire system safety concept. Finally, the project will provide recommendations for standardization and certification of next generation TCMS embedded platform. SAFE4RAIL reduces TCMS system lifecycle and operating costs and minimizes time-to-market by: (1) minimized physical complexity: reduced weight, wiring, connector and computer count, increased part commonality, reliability and availability (2) supporting streamlined approaches to verification/testing, validation, reuse, and (re)certification (3) incorporating reconfiguration and modular certification to reduce system integration and recommissioning costs. SAFE4RAIL results will encourage interoperability, efficient, safe and secure interconnection of technical solutions among European railway providers, boosting the worldwide competitiveness and preserving the global leadership of the European transport industry. SAFE4RAIL is driven by a European cross-industry consortium of 11 academic and industrial partners (including 4 SMEs), with experts from automotive, aerospace, railway to ensure synergies with existing and developing architectural concepts and technologies.

Hi-Drive addresses a number of key challenges which are currently hindering the progress of developments in vehicle automation. The key aim of the project is to focus on testing and demonstrating automated driving, by improving intelligent vehicle technologies, to cover a large set of traffic environments, not currently achievable. Hi-Drive enables testing of a variety of functionalities, from motorway chauffeur to urban chauffeur, explored in diverse scenarios with heterogeneous driving cultures across Europe. In particular, the Hi-Drive trials will consider European TEN-T corridors and urban nodes in large and medium cities, with a specific attention to demanding, error-prone, conditions. The project’s ambition is to considerably extend the operational design domain (ODD) from the present situation, which frequently demands interventions from the human driver. Therefore, the project concept builds on reaching a widespread and continuous ODD, where automation can operate for longer periods and interoperability is assured across borders and brands. The project also investigates what factors influence user behavior and acceptance, as well as understanding the needs of other road users interacting with these vehicles. The removal of fragmentation in the ODD is expected to give rise to a gradual transition from a conditional operation towards higher levels of automated driving. With these aims, Hi-Drive associates a consortium of 41 European partners with a wide range of interests and capabilities covering the main impact areas which affect users, and the transport system, and enhance societal benefits. The project intends to contribute towards market deployment of automated systems by 2030. All this cannot be achieved by testing only. Accordingly, the work includes outreach activities on business innovation and standardization, plus extended networking with the interested stakeholders, coordinating parallel activities in Europe and overseas.

Safe4RAIL-3 and its activities will be based on the development of three technological pillars aimed at advancing the maturity of the technologies and devices for the next generation for Train Control and Monitoring System (TCMS), in order to pass from prototypes level to TRL 6/7: (1) Development of the Drive-by-Data (DbD) devices in the train network, i.e. Ethernet Train Backbone Nodes, Car Switches and End Devices, using Time-Sensitive Network technology for adding determinism to TCMS communications.(2) Development of high TRL wireless devices and antennas that are suitable for Wireless TCMS (WLTB and WLCN domains), along with analysis of antenna installation based on ray-tracing simulations and on-site validations to identify the most optimal antenna locations and radiation patterns in the different wireless TCMS domains (3) Integration of a Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning functionality on top of a Functional Distribution Framework platform and a DbD communication layer, taking advantage of the expertise obtained from automotive industry specialized on AUTOSAR. Safety and Security assessments for these technological developments will be analyzed and studied based on the upcoming standardization. All these technological developments will be further validated in two real demonstrators that will be set up by the Shift2Rail CFM project and will also contribute to standardization. These results will increase the flexibility and reliability of the TCMS communications, reduce development and maintenance costs, and achieve novel train functionalities, paying special attention to manufacturer interoperability and the availability of multiple sources. The consortium consists of 10 partners with specific industrial profiles and expertise in key technologies from 7 European countries, including 8 industrial partners, 2 academic partners. Such an industry-oriented consortium has been considered crucial to bring the selected technologies to higher TRL up to TRL-7.

To achieve the objectives of the European Commission white paper on Transport 2011 aiming at a shift to rail of 30% of road freight over 300km by 2030, rail freight transport market share has to increase strongly. The market requirement are competitiveness, reliability, flexibility, frequency and information. The previous FP7 MARATHON project demonstrators have shown the feasibility of 1500m long coupled heavy trains with distributed power of two locomotives running safely on the French network. Building on FFL4E, M2O intends to extend the possibilities to four locos as distributed power system in collaboration with S2R-IP5-CFM-01-2018 project. To reach that goal M2O sets up a reliable transfer of data and commands between the locos based on GSM-R technology. The proposed solution is aimed to be compatible with various suppliers of GSM-R and its safety analysed by NIER Ingegneria and assessed by TÜV SÜD. The solution is integrated in the train DPS and the safety of the system is studied to cope with the various operational situations. Having set the radio communication system the project defines the main possible train consists characteristics in terms of speed, type of wagons, acceptable load and its distribution along the train by using TrainDy simulations to ensure that the consist my run safely. These simulations will be monitored by Nier Ingegneria in terms of safety to ensure that the various hazards have been correctly taken into considerations while performing the simulations and that the adequate mitigations have been elaborated Jointly with the CFM Partners of S2R-IP5-CFM-01-2018 project the choice will be made of two demonstrators whose safety will be studied and assessed to get the green light of the authorities to perform the tests on the rail network. The project will disseminate its results widely for a quick market uptake and measure its impact by keeping on its website the record of the number of trains of that type running on the European Networks