What began four years ago as a vision of an interconnected and automated tram depot has now evolved into a fully functional ecosystem. Smart Depot by Škoda Group brings together artificial intelligence, digital maintenance and autonomous vehicle movement into one integrated platform designed to transform traditional depots into intelligent, data-driven mobility hubs.
Developed and tested in the Finnish city of Tampere, Smart Depot introduces automated tram movement, real-time condition monitoring through a digital twin, and AI-based visual inspection — marking a significant step towards fully digital and predictive maintenance across European tram networks.
“Smart Depot builds on our proven rail vehicle systems and transfers them into the depot environment. It interconnects all key processes – from the moment a vehicle enters the depot to its dispatch back into service,” said Jiří Liberda, Digital Managing Director at Škoda Group. “Our aim is to increase maintenance efficiency, relieve staff of routine tasks and give operators accurate data for decision-making. It is a tangible step towards a fully digital and autonomous operation.”
Automation meets artificial intelligence
The Smart Depot concept enables fully automated tram movement within the depot — from parking and washing to transfers to maintenance tracks. All activities are managed from a centralised control system, ensuring precision and safety across the process.
Key features of the Smart Depot include:
- Autonomous shunting and parking – Trams navigate within the depot without drivers, following predefined routes using Škoda’s ACS anti-collision system.
- AI visual inspection – Cameras and sensors automatically inspect bogies, roofs and bodywork to detect damage or contamination.
- Digital twin and predictive diagnostics – Continuous monitoring enables maintenance teams to predict component wear and schedule repairs before faults occur.
- Fleet Management and Depot Management System – A unified data platform integrates vehicles, infrastructure and maintenance operations in real time.
These technologies are designed to reduce human error, optimise fleet availability and lower operating costs, while giving operators greater insight into asset performance.
Pilot operation in Tampere
The Smart Depot system is currently undergoing live pilot operation in Tampere, where Škoda Group continues to expand its capabilities in collaboration with local partners.
“In Tampere we have ideal conditions — a functioning tram system, an openness to innovation and partners who share our vision of autonomous mobility,” said Jiří Liberda. “Our technology is now maturing to a stage where it is ready for wide commercial deployment. The average return on investment is around four years depending on the project, while the AI visual inspection system typically pays back in about 1.5 years.”
The project is being carried out in cooperation with the City of Tampere, Tampere University and GIM Robotics, with partial funding from the OptiPEx programme in partnership with Finland’s Technical Research Centre VTT.
Škoda’s pilot initiative in Tampere demonstrates how advanced digital tools can integrate seamlessly into existing tram operations, creating a model for smart depot deployment in other European cities.
Lyyli Living Lab: a testbed for the future
Since 2021, Škoda Group has worked with the tram operator Tampereen Ratikka to develop and test digital systems for urban mobility. The collaboration led to the creation of Lyyli Living Lab, a dedicated research and testing environment for next-generation tram technologies.
At its centre is the Lyyli tram — one of Škoda’s Smart Artic X34 vehicles — which serves as a mobile test platform for new hardware and software. The tram allows real-time evaluation of new systems under operational conditions, providing immediate feedback to engineers and researchers.
Tampere: a showcase for Škoda’s rail innovation
Tampere operates one of Europe’s newest tram networks, inaugurated in 2021, and from the outset, services have been run exclusively by Škoda Smart Artic X34 trams. To date, 35 units have been delivered or ordered, forming the backbone of the city’s public transport system.
To further increase capacity, Tampereen Raitiotie Oy has commissioned extension modules to lengthen 19 of the existing trams by 10 metres each, boosting passenger capacity by around 30% by mid-2028.
Škoda Group’s Smart Depot project complements these investments by ensuring that the city’s growing fleet can be maintained efficiently through automation, digital diagnostics and predictive planning — key components in the sustainable expansion of urban mobility.
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