Head’s up, hands on
Ecovigidrive has developed a system to improve the concentration and performance (eco-driving) of tram and light rail vehicle (LRV) drivers. Led by Alstom, together with a cluster of partners, this collaborative effort was triggered in response to feedback from operators, drivers, constructors and city authorities.
The three ‘technology bricks’ making up the system are a ‘heads up’ display showing information in the line of sight, a haptic manipulator that sends information to the driver through force feedback, and vigilance control based on sensors integrating human factors.
“They have all been tested by 80 drivers from 10 networks across France, who each completed a 2hr 15-minute simulation session,” Rudy Dahyot, innovation R&D project coordinator, Railenium, told Rail Engineer. “And, since February 2017, the ‘heads up’ display is piloting on Nice’s tramway (south of France).”
While not the only such platform in the making (there are several under development in Germany), Ecovigidrive differs by seeking to keep drivers fully in the loop. “We have kept the human element at the heart of the system,” confirmed Mr Dahyot.
Read “Head’s up, hands on” section half way down this French rail industry meets at Sifer article.