Rheinmetall and Siemens Mobility Advance Remote Train Operation with 5G and AI in RemODtrAIn Research Project

Rheinmetall and Siemens Mobility Advance Remote Train Operation with 5G and AI in RemODtrAIn Research Project

(IN BRIEF) Rheinmetall, through its subsidiary MIRA, is participating in the RemODtrAIn research project led by Siemens Mobility to develop secure remote train operation and AI-based obstacle detection solutions for rail transport. Using 5G connectivity and modular teleoperation technology, the project aims to enable remote control of trains such as the ICE 4 from centralized control stations and provide retrofit solutions for existing fleets. Funded with around €17 million from the EU and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy, the initiative supports automation, addresses driver shortages, and contributes to the digital and sustainable modernization of Europe’s railway system.

(PRESS RELEASE) DÜSSELDORF, 16-Jan-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Rheinmetall is participating in the newly launched research project “RemODtrAIn” (Remote Operated Train with AI-based Obstacle Detection) through its subsidiary MIRA, contributing its expertise in teleoperation technologies to the future of highly automated rail transport. Led by Siemens Mobility, the industry consortium brings together partners from industry, railway operators, and research institutions to develop secure remote control solutions and modular, AI-supported obstacle detection systems for railway operations.

A central goal of the project is to equip an ICE 4 train with a remote control capability that allows it to be operated from a control station located at Deutsche Bahn’s maintenance depot near Cologne. The system is based on a 5G communication architecture designed to ensure secure, highly available connectivity under a wide range of operating conditions. In parallel, AI-driven obstacle detection technologies are being tested in real-world environments, including sections of the Berlin S-Bahn network.

Within the consortium, MIRA is responsible for developing a secure and robust remote train operation solution that can be integrated into newly built rolling stock as well as retrofitted into existing fleets. The approach is designed to offer a cost-effective retrofit option for large train fleets. The solution consists of a compact operator control unit, an onboard teleoperation kit installed in the vehicle, and a cloud-based fleet management system that supports the operation of a dedicated remote control center.

The project places particular emphasis on delivery, dispatch, and stabling operations, where trains are frequently moved over short distances by drivers in depots and maintenance facilities. By standardizing operator interfaces and control logic, MIRA’s solution aims to enable a single operating concept across different vehicle types. This standardization supports remote control and automation, helping railway operators address staff shortages while improving operational efficiency.

Key technical elements of the MIRA solution include a safety-designed vision system compliant with ASIL-D requirements, a high-availability communication framework, certified vehicle interfaces developed in cooperation with Cattron, and a compact remote train operation system aligned with relevant railway standards. The RemODtrAIn project is also defining specifications that will allow these technologies to be transferred into future real-world railway applications, ranging from factory and depot logistics to broader rail transport use cases.

Remote operation enables a single operator to control multiple vehicles or switch flexibly between different train types, improving resource utilization and operational resilience. By reducing dependency on on-site drivers for certain operational tasks, the solution supports more stable and efficient railway operations.

The RemODtrAIn project is funded by the European Union and through the “Digital – Sustainable – System-compatible” funding program under the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. With total funding of approximately €17 million, the initiative represents an important contribution to the digitalization, performance enhancement, and sustainable modernization of rail transport in Germany and across Europe.

About MIRA

MIRA, a wholly owned subsidiary of Rheinmetall AG, specialises in teleoperation solutions for complex mobility systems. The company has been remotely controlling vehicles safely and reliably on public roads for several years, relying on a specially developed technology platform that can be used for all mobility platforms. Within the RemODtrAIn project, MIRA is developing a modular remote control platform for train vehicles that can be integrated into both new vehicles as well as existing fleets via a retrofit solution. The aim is to make rail transport more efficient and resilient in the long term through safe, standardised and efficient teleoperation.

About Rheinmetall

Rheinmetall AG is an international technology group with a focus on security and industry. The company develops and manufactures solutions for defence, mobility and industrial applications, and drives the digitalisation and automation of key infrastructure systems with innovative technologies.

Media Contacts:

Oliver Hoffmann
Head of Public Relations
Rheinmetall AG
Tel.: +49-(0)211 473 4748

SOURCE: RHEINMETALL AG