Mipro Oy will deliver ATO-option for the first commercial rail section of the Digirail project

Mipro Oy will supply the Automatic Train Operation functionality for the trackside system (ATO-TS) on the first commercial rail section of the Digirail project, Lielahti–Rauma/Pori. The ATO trackside system is being built to facilitate the testing of ATO-system. The procurement is an option under the previously signed agreement for the Digirail Centralised Traffic Control system (EKA CTC).

Mipro has been selected to supply the trackside system for Automatic Train Operation (ATO-TS) for the first commercial railway section (EKA) of the Digirail project. The ATO trackside system is being implemented to support the testing of the ATO-system. This procurement is a continuation of the Centralised Traffic Control (CTC) system delivery agreement between Mipro Oy and Fintraffic Railway Ltd. for the first commercial railway section of the Digirail project.

The Digirail project is modernising Finland’s train traffic control system, bringing increased safety, efficiency, and environmental sustainability. By implementing the European Train Control System (ETCS) and adhering to EU standards, the project strengthens the integration of Finland’s railway network with the rest of the European network. With radio network technology and cybersecurity solutions, the Digirail project also enhances Finnish expertise in international markets.

“Automatic Train Operation is one of the goals for Fintraffic’s future traffic management systems, provided that the train fleet enables it. With this option, Fintraffic has a great opportunity to learn and test automatic train operation with test trains, allowing us to gather experience on utilising the system before its wider implementation and adoption in commercial traffic”, says Software Manager Teemu Sirkiä from Fintraffic Railway Ltd.

“In the ATO-project, we will work with Fintraffic Railway Ltd. to enhance domestic expertise in automatic train driving and control. The lessons learned from the ATO-project will be beneficial for the later implementation phases of the Digirail project”, says Mipro’s Account Manager Tom Lille.

With the ATO-functionality, the client will be able to test semi-automatic train operation at Level 2 (GoA 2). This means a scenario where the train driver is responsible for closing the train doors and departing from the station, but the ATO-system optimises the train’s speed after departure in various traffic situations. This provides several benefits, including improved punctuality, reduced energy consumption, minimised wear and tear on equipment, optimised maintenance, and enhanced passenger comfort.

“We are very pleased to deliver and test the ATO-functionality on Finland’s first commercial ETCS railway section, in collaboration with the Digirail team. With the introduction of ATO-functionality, Mipro is developing a significant new product area that leverages our long-standing expertise in train traffic control technology and can be further utilised in the broader market as ETCS systems become more widespread. Fully automated train operation is still underway, but even semi-automatic functionality can deliver significant benefits, such as improved energy efficiency”, says Mipro’s Chief Technology Officer Kari Haapala. 

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Mipro is a specialist company focused on systems for rail transport and industry. Mipro’s systems are used in railway and metro safety management, industrial process safety, and the control of water and energy supply processes. Headquartered in Mikkeli, this growing company operates in global markets. In Finland, its clients include the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Fintraffic, Helsinki Metropolitan Area Transport Ltd., and numerous water and energy utilities. 

The Digirail project is making rail transport in Finland safer, smoother and more efficient. The project is reinventing the outdated train control system and introducing a shared European radio-based train control system across the entire rail network. Digirail will enable safe transport, an improved service level and growth of capacity, and it will create a long-term technical foundation for Finnish railway traffic. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency, Fintraffic and the Ministry of Transport and Communications are collaborating in the project with other actors. 

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