U.S.-based Parallel Systems recently launched the first commercial pilot test of its autonomous all-electric freight rail system along a 160-mile stretch of two Georgia railroads after securing approval from the Federal Railroad Administration.
[Above photo by Parallel Systems]
The company said in statement that its autonomous rail freight system allows for small groupings of vehicles, typically 10 to 30 units, to operate in a platoon without couplings between them.
Following FRA approval, Parallel Systems – in partnership with Genesee & Wyoming Railroad – will test its autonomous railcars on tracks connecting the Port of Savannah in Georgia to major arterial distribution operations serving the East Coast.
Parallel noted that it already has a backlog of 300-plus autonomous battery-electric vehicles with leading railroads and expects to launch initial commercial operations by 2026. It is also scaling up production of its Generation 3 vehicle and accompanying train control systems and autonomy software.
Additionally, in collaboration with Union Pacific Railroad, the company has tested that new technology’s compatibility with Positive Train Control for its safe use on the nation’s railroad network.
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