Autonomous Driving Initiatives for Sustainable Public Transportation

This technical report discusses the challenges faced by the railway industry in Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore, particularly due to an aging labor force and a declining working-age population. It emphasizes the necessity for autonomous trains to improve management efficiency and address the labor shortage exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The report outlines three key solutions developed by Mitsubishi Electric. The first solution focuses on automating train controls to enhance operational efficiency. The second solution introduces automated passenger service systems aimed at maintaining and improving safety and service quality. Finally, the third solution details the automation of troubleshooting processes to minimize delays caused by equipment failures. The document presents a framework for these solutions that leverages advanced data processing, AI, and sensor technologies, positioning Mitsubishi Electric as a pioneer in the development of autonomous driving systems for public transportation.