DB InfraGO's Automated Dispatching Assistant ADA-PMB

TL;DR

This paper presents the development and pilot testing of an automated dispatching assistant system for railway operations, aiming to improve efficiency and decision-making support for train dispatchers during high-conflict situations.

Contribution

It introduces a novel automated dispatching assistance system for railway management, with plans for integration into existing control systems to enhance operational efficiency.

Findings

System provides dispatching recommendations during high-conflict scenarios

Pilot testing demonstrates potential to support train dispatchers effectively

Future integration will streamline communication and decision-making processes

Abstract

As railway infrastructure manager, DB InfraGO AG is faced with the challenge of offering fluid and punctual operation despite rising demand and increased construction activity. The high capacity utilisation, especially in the core network sections, causes delays to be propagated quickly and widely across the entire network. Up to now, conflicts between train runs can be identified automatically, but dispatching measures have been based on past human experience. An automated dispatching assistance system is currently being piloted to provide support for train dispatchers in their work. The aim is to offer them helpful dispatching recommendations, particularly in stressful situations with a high conflict density in the network section under consideration, in order to ensure the most efficient operation of the system. The recommendations are currently displayed separately alongside the central control system. In future, they will be integrated into the central control system, which will significantly simplify communication between the train dispatcher and signal setter. Further development steps for the integration process are also presented and discussed.