Nuremberg, April 2, 2025 – As part of the Mobility and Rail Congress Bavaria, the project team "Tram Simulator ATO" led by IABG was awarded the “Coup de Cœur” by CNA e.V. The innovation award honors research and innovative action that make a significant contribution to sustainable economic growth, job security, and the competitiveness of Bavaria as a business location. The award is presented in the categories of Innovation, Science, and Sustainability. This year, for the first time, a “Coup de Cœur” was granted – a special recognition for outstanding achievements.
The Tram Simulator ATO was developed by IABG in collaboration with its partners Stadtwerke München GmbH (SWM) & Münchner Verkehrsgesellschaft (MVG), Gersys, and optify!. The aim of the project is to test modern assistance systems for tram operations in a safe and realistic environment – and thus help shape the mobility of the future. Key innovative features for increased safety and efficiency in public transport include:
User-centered prototyping of driver assistance systems using virtual simulation
Realistic training for operating personnel through networked simulation
Simulation of new routes in a virtual environment before actual construction
The system is based on a range of innovative technologies, such as LiDAR sensors and intelligent camera recognition, to detect traffic hazards at an early stage. The simulator serves not only as a development platform but also as a training environment for transport operators. “What was originally planned as a technical demonstrator for InnoTrans 2024 has evolved into a pioneering development project for public transport,” says Christian Dörfler, Project Manager at IABG. “The simulator not only enables the prototyping of new technologies but also their realistic testing in a virtual space – a real added value for transport companies.”
The award highlights the innovative strength of IABG and its partners – and their joint expertise in creating practical solutions for secure, digital, and sustainable mobility.