TITLE: Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) System and Future Cyber-Physical Rail Systems

SPEAKER: Dr. Tao Tang

ABSTRACT:

The global demand for rail services continues to outpace the available capacity and the infrastructure.  At the meantime, aging systems and traditional business practices provide significant limitations to effectively address these challenges. In order to accommodate the significant increase of demands in rail services, it is important to increase the capacity of the railway network.  Another paramount issue in rail service is the safety – It is essential to design and operate a system that can provide reliable and efficient communication and control of railway signals and eliminate any potential dangers in the system. 

 The Communication Based Train Control (CBTC) system uses radio signal to transmit real time control information between the train and the wayside. With the help of the CBTC system, the train will continually monitor its position and operation status, which significantly improves the dependability and increases the capacity of a railway network. Currently, the CBTC system has been adopted by more and more railway networks in the world.  A Cyber-Physical Rail Systems based on CBTC, with more enhanced information collection, Internet-based communications, and safety and efficiency improvement, will be the future trend in the railway system communication and safety. 

 This presentation will introduce some key technologies in the CBTC system. The  framework, research challenges, and opportunities of cyber-physical rail system will be discussed also.