Trams play a key role in sustainable urban mobility. At the same time, their specific driving characteristics – long braking distances and the inability to swerve – pose particular challenges in complex traffic situations. Despite the drivers’ extensive experience, accidents occur time and again. Against this backdrop, there was a need to develop driver assistance systems specifically for tram operations.
Based on AIT’s real-time 3D stereo vision technology, “ODAS” – the world’s first driver assistance system for collision avoidance on trams – was developed in collaboration with Bombardier (now Alstom) and Mission Embedded, and was first put into series operation across an entire fleet of trams in Frankfurt. The system detects obstacles, assesses the risk of collision in real time and warns drivers of potential hazards. A subsequent further development led to “COMPAS”, which, in addition to obstacle detection, also integrates speed control (overspeed prevention) as an additional assistance function.
Tram detects obstacles and alerts the driver
The technology is now in use in numerous cities around the world, including Frankfurt, Zurich, Blackpool, Duisburg, Dresden, Melbourne, Brussels and Essen. Many new Alstom trams are fitted with the system, meaning that the assistance system is increasingly becoming standard technology. The high demand from operators for such systems is evidence of their positive impact on reducing collisions and property damage. In addition to the safety benefits, the technology also has economic implications. The developments, funded by the vehicle manufacturer, have enabled long-term value creation – by securing the local economy and creating jobs in Vienna, particularly at Alstom and Mission Embedded.
Development work is continuing on an ongoing basis. For example, the COMPAS trams already enable precise mapping of the route network, upon which a highly reliable vehicle self-localisation system is built. At AIT, AI systems are being developed which, for the first time, enable vehicles to understand their surroundings, thereby laying the foundations for the intelligent tram of the future. Within the research framework, it has been demonstrated that the sensors of the driver assistance system, in combination with the localisation system and AI-based scene understanding, enable effective automated monitoring of the rail vehicle infrastructure.
AIT connects science and innovation
The ability to rapidly translate new findings into marketable technologies and practical solutions is increasingly becoming a key competitive factor for Europe. At this interface between science, technology and application, applied research at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology plays a central role. Austria’s largest research and technology organisation aligns its research closely with the needs of industry and current societal challenges. AIT’s research makes a difference and creates solutions – for businesses, society and, ultimately, for us all.
AIT Impact Report
The AIT Impact Report 2026 uses around 30 examples to illustrate how AIT, together with partners from industry, academia and the public sector, translates research into concrete solutions. The projects presented range from the digitalisation of industrial processes, through resilient infrastructure and sustainable energy and industrial systems, to health, mobility, security and the circular economy.
The AIT Impact Report 2026 is available online (in German): www.ait.ac.at/impact-report