From 8 August 2025, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and Siemens Mobility will begin testing an obstacle detection system in the Zurich area. The year-long trial, carried out on a Zurich S-Bahn vehicle, aims to support train crews in their work and further enhance railway safety.
The system is designed to identify objects on the track at an early stage, reducing the risk of damage to trains and subsequent delays or line closures. For example, branches or debris brought down during storms can cause disruption if not spotted in time. By detecting such hazards promptly, the technology could provide an additional safeguard for rail operations in the future.
The equipment, comprising a camera, radar, thermal imaging camera and GPS receiver, will be mounted on an S-Bahn locomotive. It will record environmental data, including the presence of objects along the route, without affecting train crew duties or the operation of services. Tests will take place in various conditions – on open track, in tunnels, in shunting yards, and during different weather scenarios such as fog, snow and rain.
Data gathered during the trial will be continuously analysed to assess the system’s performance. Recordings may capture images of people, such as passengers waiting on platforms, but all information will be used solely to evaluate and improve system reliability. Data will be deleted once it is no longer required, and privacy will be protected through measures such as strict access controls and encryption.
Once the trial concludes, the system will be removed from the train. Findings from the project will inform potential future procurement processes and further testing initiatives.
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