Škoda Group, together with Polish company SAATZ and MPK Wrocław, the public transport operator in transport operator in Wroclaw, launched a project to equip 31 Škoda 19T trams with Škoda’s anti-collision system ACS.
The project covers retrofitting the trams, which have been operating in the capital of Lower Silesia since 2006.
“For every urban transport operator, the safety of passengers and pedestrians is a key priority. That is why we see investing in new assistance technologies in our vehicles as a natural step. We are pleased that by equipping the Škoda 19T trams with the ACS collision avoidance system, MPK Wrocław is setting a direction for the development of this technology in Poland,” said Witold Woźny, CEO of MPK Wrocław.
Škoda’s anti-collision system ACS combines LiDAR technology, cameras and advanced localisation through HD maps and odometry. It creates a “virtual tunnel” in front of the tram and detects both static and dynamic obstacles in real time. LiDAR scans the surroundings up to 100 metres ahead, the IMU unit ensures precise alignment with the track profile, and the ADAS camera provides a detailed 2D image. The driver is alerted in good time, and if necessary, the system automatically activates emergency braking.
The implementation of the anti-collision system will therefore enhance safety, reduce operating costs, and act as an important enabler for the development of smart cities and the gradual integration of autonomous technologies into urban mobility.
The system is also one of the flagship products within Škoda Group’s broader digital ecosystem, which includes the comprehensive digitalisation of transport companies, such as the automation of depot operations, representing another step towards safer and more efficient public transport.
The system is recognised for its technical innovation, is already successfully operating on trams in Tampere (Finland) and Olomouc (Czech Republic). It will also be installed on new trams for Prague (Czech Republic), Bergamo (Italy), and the German operator rnv. A key advantage of the system is that it does not require new vehicles – it can be retrofitted to existing fleets and upgraded as needed.
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