Parallel Systems has begun testing autonomous rail platforms on a 3,2-mile (XNUMX km) isolated section of rail in Georgia to test the operation of empty railcars and electronic systems. This innovative project is being carried out on a low-traffic line belonging to Genesee and Wyoming (G&W) under the supervision of the U.S. Federal Railroad Administration (FRA), and the main goal is to verify the reliability of telemetry and unmanned control systems.
Parallel Systems Technology and Test Program
US startup Parallel Systems has developed electric rail vehicles that can autonomously carry a single container each. Each unit has two axles, runs on battery power and moves with a matching module. The design aims to provide flexibility and efficiency.
The test program consists of seven phases in total. In the final phase, engineers plan to link several platforms into a convoy and conduct a trial payload delivery over a 257,5-kilometer section. This phased approach, which FRA has approved as a full test structure, will allow developers to evaluate how the vehicles perform under different conditions and identify potential weaknesses in control or communication systems.
Expansion of Test Geography and Environmental Targets
Parallel Systems is not limiting its testing geography to the US. Similar trials are also underway in Australia, where infrastructure operator Arc Infrastructure is testing the same technology on remote rail lines to assess its suitability in sparsely populated areas.
According to the developers, the technology aims to reduce carbon emissions and ease traffic congestion on both highways and traditional railway lines. Battery-electric traction and driverless operation are the key elements of this concept.
