Autonomous and small monorail vehicle for “on demand” operation on disused railroad tracks in rural areas

Summary

Profile Type

Technology offer

POD Reference

TODE20250312007

Term of Validity

2 April 2025 - 2 April 2026

Company's Country

Germany

Type of partnership

Research and development cooperation agreement

Targeted Countries

All countries

Contact the EEN partner nearest to you for more information.

Find my local partner

General information

Short Summary

A German university of applied science has developed a mobility concept for unused rail tracks in rural areas, based upon an autonomous monorail vehicle that operates on-demand. The aim is to further develop the prototype and infrastructure solutions as well as to explore use cases for passenger and cargo applications. Sought are partner in rail innovation from various areas for joint R&D collaboration.

Full Description

In many rural areas, there is a significant lack of public transportation, with few bus routes or outdated train systems. This leads to a greater dependence on private vehicles, which has various negative effects on people and the environment and makes rural areas an unattractive place to live. One potential approach to improve the situation is to modernize transportation infrastructure, making it more adaptable to the needs of rural communities and providing alternative, on-demand transport options.

In collaboration with two other German academic institutions and industry support, a German university of applied sciences has developed a small autonomous monorail vehicle for passenger and freight transport that can potentially travel on disused rail networks. This allows the concept to revitalise existing but unused rail infrastructure in rural areas. In addition, the installation of new landscape integrated tracks, e.g. on campuses and factory premises as well as for connecting quarters, is also conceivable.

The vehicle is a gyro-stabilized and battery-electric powered monorail, inspired by Louis Brennan's monorail from 1907. It includes self-propelled cabins for 4-6 passengers traveling in both directions on ONE track. This is because they are so compact that they can pass each other in opposite directions - like a paternoster in constant circulation. They can be ordered like cabs for individual trips to the village or the city. Simply by app, around the clock, 365 days a year. Individual, automated - and “on demand” instead of what feels like an eternal wait for the rare rural bus. The aim is to create attractive, ecologically and economically viable mobility solutions for sparsely populated, rural areas that are comparable to private cars and are therefore socially acceptable.

A prototype with TRL 5 has been developed in recent years. From 2029, the vehicle is to go into large-scale regular test operation. The German university of applied science now intends to further develop the system and explore passenger and cargo Use Cases. Additional European partners are sought to apply for funding in suitable international calls.

Two projects are envisioned, but the concept is not limited to them:

• “Modern Level Crossings“: The project aims to develop low-cost and safe solutions for modern level crossings by upgrading passive crossings, incorporating communication technologies for autonomous vehicles, and enhancing safety through perception sensors. These innovations will improve the efficiency and safety of level crossings, reducing risks and optimizing traffic flow.

Sought are technology providers, especially for sensors, controllers and communication systems and functional safety as well as energy system providers, operators & integrators and operators and providers of level crossings. Also sought is expertise in regulatory approval and certification and the integration of autonomous rail vehicles into existing networks.

• “Logistics and Cargo transportation“: The project will focus on improving logistics and cargo transportation by offering on-demand rail services, enabling flexible and efficient movement of goods. It also explores the possibility of replacing passenger cabins with cargo spaces for transporting small goods such as parcels, pallets, and even parcel delivery robots.

Sought are transport & logistics companies with a focus on cargo and multimodal transport, Autonomous cargo handling and rail freight operators. As this project is still in an early conceptual phase, we explicitly welcome all interested partners with ideas and innovative use cases.

Role of the partners is to collaborate in the framework of joint R&D projects. The university of applied sciences is particularly interested in participating in Horizon Europe calls and is also open to join R&D projects as a contributing partner.

Advantages and Innovations

• Flexible Service-on-Demand Operation
• Scalable and Modular Fleet – Multiple Small Vehicles
• Energy-Efficient & Sustainable Mobility
• Cost-Effective Solutions for Reactivation and New Tracks

Stage of Development

Available for demonstration

Sustainable Development Goals

Goal 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Goal 13: Climate Action
Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

IPR status

IPR granted

Partner Sought

Expected Role of a Partner

PROJECTS „LEVEL CROSSINGS“

Technology providers & developers
• Sensor developers (perception, environment monitoring)
• Controllers and communication systems
• Functional safety

Stakeholders in rail and mobility
• System providers, operators & integrators
• Operator and providers of level crossings
• Regulatory approval and certification
• Integration of autonomous rail vehicles into existing networks

PROJECTS „LOGISTICS AND CARGO“

Transport & logistics companies
• Use cases for cargo and multimodal transport
• Autonomous cargo handling (automated loading/unloading)
• Rail freight operators (autonomous cargo services)

Stakeholders in rail and mobility
• System providers, operators & integrators
• Operator and providers
• Regulatory approval and certification
• Integration of autonomous rail vehicles into existing networks

Role of the partners is to collaborate in the framework of joint R&D projects. The university is particularly interested in participating in Horizon Europe calls.

Type and Size of Partner