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.