Robotics & Automation News

Where Innovation Meets Imagination

Transportation

Mumbai to tackle traffic congestion with ‘flying electric ferries’

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Mumbai’s commuters will soon be able to “fly” to work – on electric ships.

A fleet of 11 hydrofoiling Candela P-12 commuter ferries will create new links across Mumbai’s waterways, forming the nucleus of the city’s electric transport network, which is set to eventually include thousands of vessels.

The ferries have been ordered by Mumbai-based operator JalVimana.

Gustav Hasselskog, CEO of Candela, says: “This is a groundbreaking project that unlocks the full potential of Mumbai’s waterways for efficient commuting – and by investing in hydrofoil technology, the city is leapfrogging legacy waterborne transport systems.” [Read more…] about Mumbai to tackle traffic congestion with ‘flying electric ferries’

Glīd Technologies unveils vehicle that can transport goods by road or rail

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Kevin Damoa, founder and CEO of Glīd Technologies is on a mission to bring the railways into what’s come to be known as the Fourth Industrial Revolution – the idea of modern, hi-tech computing combining with good old-fashioned machinery.

In the case of Glīd Technologies – a California based company founded by veterans from SpaceX, Google, and the military – combining technologies from different ages and indeed worlds has resulted in the deployment of “the world’s first hybrid and autonomous road-to-rail freight systems”.

Yes, what we mean is that Glīd has designed a vehicle that can go by road or rail. It looks like a regular truck (see main image) but it has a separate set of wheels tucked underneath for going by rail. (See video below.) [Read more…] about Glīd Technologies unveils vehicle that can transport goods by road or rail

Saudi Arabia launches ambitious plan to ‘revolutionize mobility’ in new sandbox city

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Saudi Arabia has announced ambitious plans to “revolutionize the mobility landscape” through a long-term, multi-trillion-dollar investment in a multi-modal transport ecosystem. This announcement comes just ahead of President Trump’s scheduled visit to the Kingdom next week. 

The spectacular transport project – called the “Future Mobility Sandbox” – is an initiative developed by the Ministry of Transport and Logistic Services (MOTLS), and King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), in collaboration with the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources (MIM).

Covering 1.56 square kilometers, the Sandbox will provide a unique test bed for air, land, and sea transport innovation on the KAUST campus along the Red Sea. [Read more…] about Saudi Arabia launches ambitious plan to ‘revolutionize mobility’ in new sandbox city

Alstom to equip Taiwan Metro network with driverless signalling system

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Alstom has secured a contract to deliver its cutting-edge driverless signalling system for the new Taichung Metro Blue Line in Taiwan, a project designed to support the city’s growing demand for urban mobility.

Awarded by the Systemwide E&M Project Office of Taiwan’s Department of Rapid Transit Systems (DORTS), the contract includes the deployment of Alstom’s Urbalis CBTC (communications-based train control) system.

This technology enables fully automated, unattended train operations (UTO), increasing both the safety and efficiency of the metro service while allowing for shorter headways and improved capacity. [Read more…] about Alstom to equip Taiwan Metro network with driverless signalling system

Improving Community Mobility Through Data-Driven Transportation Engineering

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In our rapidly changing world, the way we move around is evolving. Communities are no longer satisfied with outdated transit systems and congested roads.

Instead, cities and towns are turning to data-driven transportation engineering – a fresh, innovative approach that uses real information to make travel safer, faster, and more convenient for everyone.

This article explores how harnessing data can improve community mobility, offering practical insights and real-world examples. [Read more…] about Improving Community Mobility Through Data-Driven Transportation Engineering

Siemens supplies 67 Inspiro driverless trains for Riyadh’s metro

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The BACS consortium led by Bechtel, along with local construction companies Almabani and Consolidated Contractors Company, and in collaboration with Siemens Mobility, have successfully delivered Riyadh Metro’s 64-kilometer Blue Line (line 1) and Red Line (line 2), equipped with 67 Siemens Mobility Inspiro trains for fully automated, driverless operations.

This marks a significant achievement in the development of public transportation in the capital city, providing residents and visitors with a fast, safe, and eco-friendly mass transit system.

The passenger operations on the network´s Blue Line starts December 1st with Red Line officially commence passenger operations on December 15. [Read more…] about Siemens supplies 67 Inspiro driverless trains for Riyadh’s metro

Alstom celebrates launch of Riyadh Metro network, featuring its driverless Innovia trains

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Alstom, a global transportation engineering company, is celebrating the launch of the Riyadh Metro network, a key milestone of the ambitious plans outlined by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) to improve mobility and enhance quality of life in the capital city.

This 176km network, encompassing six lines, 85 state-of-the-art stations, and seven depots, “sets a new global standard for urban mobility”, says Alstom, which supplied 47 Innovia metro trains for the project.

The Riyadh Metro is poised to transform public transportation, easing congestion, and improving air quality. It directly supports the Kingdom’s goals for sustainable urban development and economic diversification.

Projected to serve a maximum capacity of 3.6 million daily passengers, the Riyadh Metro network will in its whole significantly reduce reliance on private vehicles, cutting internal fuel consumption by up to 1 million gallons annually and reducing greenhouse gas emission by up to 3105 tons of VOC, 217 tons of PM, 3990 tons of NOx, 12.5 Mn tons of CO2.

Andrew DeLeone, region President for Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia at Alstom, says: “The opening of the Riyadh Metro by the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC) marks a significant milestone in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030.

“By leveraging innovative technology and sustainable practices, we are reshaping urban mobility together with RCRC and empowering communities while fostering economic growth.

“Alstom is humbled to play a major role in this transformation, contributing to a brighter and more interconnected future for the Kingdom and beyond.”

The metro will operate in phases, with the Yellow line (Line 4), and the Purple line (Line 6) – commencing passenger operations on December 1st, followed by the Green line (Line 5) on December 15th and the Orange line (Line 3) on January 5th.

Alstom’s contribution includes 47 Innovia metro trains for the Orange line and 69 Metropolis metro trains for the Yellow, Green, and Purple lines custom-designed for Riyadh’s specific needs, offering superior performance and efficiency.

The metro utilises Alstom’s advanced Urbalis CBTC signalling system for safe and efficient operations. HESOP regenerative braking technology recovers braking energy, reducing operational costs and lowering power consumption.

The milestone marks Alstom’s 100th line launch into commercial service with a comprehensive turnkey scope, showcasing its global expertise.

This integrated system represents the largest single-phase, turnkey urban metro project ever undertaken in the rail industry, and Alstom’s most extensive turnkey urban project to date.

Mohamed Khalil, managing director of Middle East regional headquarters, says: “The Riyadh Metro is not just a transportation system; it is a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s forward-thinking vision and its commitment to sustainable growth.

“Alstom is immensely proud to have partnered in this groundbreaking journey, delivering a world-class metro that will reshape urban mobility and contribute to a brighter future for Riyadh.”

Alstom is also providing comprehensive maintenance services for the Orange, Yellow, Green and Purple lines.

This includes the maintenance of trains, fixed installations such as tracks and signalling systems, communication networks, passenger information systems, and power supply, ensuring long-term system reliability.

From the 2014 groundbreaking to today’s full network launch, Alstom is proud to have consistently delivered world-class expertise.

Alstom renews contract to operate and maintain automated people movers at Denver Airport

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Alstom, a global company specializing in transportation and mobility systems, has signed a contract renewal with Denver International Airport to operate and maintain the airport’s Innovia Automated People Mover (APM) system – built by Alstom – over the course of next seven years.

The new contract will run from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2032. The contract will employ 91 Alstom team members at Denver International Airport, and is valued at €218 million.

Alstom employees will provide twenty-four hour a day, seven-day-a-week maintenance and operations for Denver’s Automated People Mover system. These services include the operations and dispatching of the APMs.

Alstom will provide maintenance of the vehicles and the 1.2 mile of loop track; power and electrification; signs, signals, and station platform doors; and the communications systems.

The contract scope includes cleaning services for the interior and exterior of the trains; tunnel floor cleaning, pressure washing, and floor drainage; facilities and platform doors; and the collection and disposition of hazardous waste.

Michael Keroullé, president of Alstom Americas, says: “Alstom is proud to be Denver International Airport’s partner of choice as they continue on their journey to modernize and expand air train service at one of the busiest airports in the world.

“Our expertise in the operations and maintenance of automated people movers allows us to deliver frequent, safe and comfortable service for travellers from around the world.”

Matthew Robb, senior vice president of technical operations for Denver International Airport, says: “Denver International Airport’s new operations and maintenance agreement with Alstom is one of many steps we’re taking to enhance the reliability and passenger experience of the train that moves people between the terminal and concourse.

“As a growing airport, it’s crucial that we provide a consistent service, especially as we continue our work toward accommodating 100 million annual passengers.”

Alstom recently entered a new chapter in its 30-year relationship with Denver International Airport by providing new Innovia APM R vehicles, which went into service in July 2024.

Manufactured by Alstom, these train cars increased capacity, efficiency, and comfort for people navigating the airport.

Alstom has been providing operations and maintenance services for the airport’s Automated People Mover system since the airport opened in 1994.

Across all our Innovia APM customers in the US, we average a performance of 99.5 percent fleet availability, through 24/7 operations and maintenance services.

Strong position in airport people movers

Alstom says it is “the number one provider and operator of airport people movers in the US”.

Alstom’s Innovia APMs have transported over 525 million passengers safely and efficiently at 16 airports across the nation.

Market leading for 50+ years, driverless Innovia automated people mover (APM) is an efficient transportation solution, specially designed to offer quick and convenient service for commuters between airport terminals, to and from airports or within cities.

Over 30 of Alstom’s APM systems have been delivered around the world and are in operation at 12 of the world’s busiest airports.

Alstom’s FlexCare Operate portfolio covers the full spectrum of customer needs, including operations for all types of fleets and maintenance for the full transit system.

Our customers benefit from reduced operating costs and increased operational efficiencies through technologies and best practices based on over 40 years of experience operating and maintaining trains and systems.

With over 25 active operations and maintenance projects worldwide, we are a trusted partner in helping transit authorities and communities achieve their mobility goals.

How Automation and Robotics Drive Fleet Efficiency for Pre-Owned Trucks

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Pre-owned trucks are the bread and butter of many business fleets, and while they might have a lot of miles on the clock, modern tech is having a major impact on how these vehicles are managed.

If you’re unfamiliar with the influence of automation on the operation of second-hand commercial vehicles, here’s a look at the ample number of upsides that are made possible by this relationship. [Read more…] about How Automation and Robotics Drive Fleet Efficiency for Pre-Owned Trucks

Los Angeles airport takes delivery of final cars for automated people mover train

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The final 4 Automated People Mover (APM) train cars arrived at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), bringing the total number on site to 44. The first cars arrived in summer 2022 and the remaining cars have since been steadily making the cross-country journey from the manufacturer in Pittsburgh, PA.

The new cars will join the rest of the fleet in testing on the APM’s elevated guideway, as the design-build team at LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) continues progress toward the project completion date of December 8, 2025.

John Ackerman, CEO of Los Angeles World Airports, says: “Receiving the final train cars for the APM signifies a major milestone for this project and our airport’s transformation. [Read more…] about Los Angeles airport takes delivery of final cars for automated people mover train