The world of transport is changing rapidly. Rail is an enormously important part of this landscape. The Open Rail Lab has set itself the task of reinventing rail, making it an innovation driver for Mobility 4.0. And to secure the rail network’s long-term position as an essential and sustainable transport artery in the rural context.

The Open Rail Lab is Europe’s first test environment for self-driving trains on open track. Here various companies and research institutions can test system functionalities in various development areas, from rail vehicles (e.g. drive control systems for automated driving, doors, route monitoring, hybrid systems, communication infrastructure for vehicles). New railway technologies can also be tested, such as engines with automatic recognition of level crossings or obstructions on the tracks. An initial detailed survey of various industry partners, conducted in cooperation with Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB), has already identified 34 applications that can be tested on this stretch of track. 

The test route between Friedberg in Styria and Oberwart in Burgenland is over 25 kilometres long. In the Open Rail Lab, it is possible to run through the entire range of technology for self-driving trains – from the first computer simulations to test driving in everyday rail operation.

New stimulus for growth

The Open Rail Lab is a leading edge research project in Burgenland. The launch of this innovation project in rail transport will be an important stimulus for growth in the region.
>          Rail as an employment generator
>          Real estate and attractiveness for industrial development
>          Establishment of the region as a location for technological innovation

Rethinking collaboration

Innovations need agile creative thinking and a partnership working style. The Open Rail Lab lives up to its name. It is open to ideas.
>          Collaboration between business and research
>          Support for start-ups and SMEs
>          Practical research leadership creates clear frameworks

www.openraillab.at
 
Technical features of the test track
>          Track length approx. 25.5 km
>          Standard gauge, single track, not electrified
>          Maximum speed 40 km/h
>          Track type: C3
>          8 stops (6 stations, 2 halts)
>          36 level crossings
>          42 rail bridges and constructed culverts
>          1 tunnel
>          Low level of traffic
>          No timetabled traffic
>          2 freight trains
>          Facilities in good condition