Deliverables of an Innovative Research Project in Railway Transport
Precise train positioning is crucial for railway safety. It can prevent collisions on tracks and forms the foundation for the future of autonomous train operations.
Over the past three years, IXPERTA has led a research project in the Czech Republic focused on accurate train localization. The result: a functional prototype of a localization unit.
Project Profile
- Objective: Precise positioning for autonomous train operation with secure communication using new 5G+ standards.
- Goal: Develop a functional prototype for real-time train localization, designed to operate independently of existing railway infrastructure.
Financial Support
Co-funded by the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic under the TREND 1 Program for industrial research and experimental development.
Project Partner
Czech Technical University in Prague (CTU)
Duration
January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2022
Deliverable
Functional prototype of a localization unit
The Localization Unit
The localization unit is a safety element that determines the exact train position and transmits data both to the cloud and nearby trains (Train2Train). The prototype system model is registered with the Czech Industrial Property Office as a utility model.
From a safety perspective, the localization unit is even more critical than detection units delivered in other IXPERTA projects. Knowing if a train is on the wrong track or facing an obstacle is essential — especially since braking distances can reach up to 2–3 km. By providing accurate, real-time positional data (track, speed, vector), the system enables proactive communication between trains, reducing collision risks.
Key Figures
- Accuracy <10 cm (2σ 95%)
- Signal Guarantee 30 s without external odometer, 2 h with odometer
- Train2Train Communication 2–5 km over 868 MHz band
- Speed Up to 250 km/h (tested up to 90 km/h)
How It Works
- Initial Positioning: At departure, the train establishes its location with 10 cm accuracy, track, and direction using dual GNSS antennas.
- During Operation: Location is updated via GNSS; in case of signal loss, data fusion (IMU accelerometers, odometry, map-matching) ensures continuity.
- Output: Validated position data is sent securely to the cloud (5G) or to nearby systems (Train2Train).
Technical Highlights Hardware
-
CPU
iBase ET876
-
GNSS
uBlox F9P (Galileo, GPS, GLONASS, BeiDou)
- 5G Modem Telit FN-980
- IMU OpenIMU 383ZA
-
Train2Train Module
Digi XBee SX 868
- Designed for harsh railway environments (-40 °C to +85 °C)
Technical Highlights Software
- GNSS & IMU drivers
- Data fusion module (GPS, RTK, PointPerfect, IMU)
- Integrity module for accuracy validation
- Map-matching module with railway topology
- Simulation module for GPS-free prediction
- Communication module for Train2Train up to 5 km
Collaboration
The project was carried out in cooperation with researchers from CTU Faculty of Electrical Engineering, who developed the communication module and an F-Tester platform for evaluating communication networks under real-world railway conditions.
Advantages of the IXPERTA Localization Unit
- Greater accuracy than currently deployed systems — even without mobile/GPS signals (e.g., tunnels).
- Designed for any train type, any voltage, and resilient to electromagnetic interference.
- Integrated communication and localization features.
- Multi-system detection ensures future certification readiness for autonomous rail.
- Open data collection, API-ready for integration with existing operator systems.
- Built for 5G networks — ensuring reliability, speed, and scalability.
Future Potential
While immediate benefits lie in safety and operational efficiency (incident detection, delay prediction, capacity planning), the technology is a stepping stone toward autonomous railway transport.
Some modules, such as the fusion engine, can also be applied in other modes of transport.
Conclusion
The IXPERTA localization unit is the result of a three-year research effort, delivering a world-class solution that meets the highest requirements for safety, robustness, and interoperability with Czech and European railway systems.
It provides precise, real-time train positioning with minimal dependency on existing infrastructure, combining modern localization, secure communications, and cloud-based data management.
About the Partners
Czech Technical University in Prague – Faculty of Electrical Engineering
With a history of more than 70 years, CTU’s Faculty of Electrical Engineering is a leader in research and development in communication systems, protocols, and network testing.
About IXPERTA
IXPERTA has been a trusted IT partner in the Czech and Slovak markets for over 30 years. We specialize in infrastructure solutions, cybersecurity, custom software development, and artificial intelligence. Our portfolio includes unique projects such as the Slovak supercomputer Devana, as well as multiple railway security research initiatives in recent years.
Published: 4. September 2025
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