Design, modelling and validation of an active region monitoring and control system for PRM assistance in high-speed railway applications - in collaboration with Alstom S.p.A

This M.Sc. thesis presents the design and validation of an intelligent assistance system for passengers with reduced mobility (PRM), conceived for integration on high–speed railway vehicles. The project, developed in collaboration with Alstom S.p.A., addresses one of the most critical aspects of railway accessibility: ensuring safe and autonomous boarding at the train–platform interface. After analyzing the European regulatory framework and current technological limitations, an innovative concept was defined: a roof–mounted deployable unit equipped with a stereo camera capable of monitoring the platform area and supporting the PRM lift during operation. The solution combines mechanical integration, sensor design, and automation logic into a compact and protected module compatible with high–speed train constraints. A complete 3D CAD model of the deployable sensor housing was designed from scratch, including the mechanical layout, actuator assembly, and sensor integration. The geometry was optimized to meet space constraints on the train roof and to ensure IP67 protection. A functional model was then implemented in Simulink to reproduce the system behaviour and verify its timing and safety interlocks. The simulation confirmed the correct sequence of operations: early activation of the vision system, reliable obstacle detection within predefined safety zones, and consistent coordination between perception, supervision, and actuation layers. Within the simulated operating envelope, results indicate preliminary feasibility of a perception–driven approach to PRM assistance and outline practical next steps for on-train validation. They highlight its potential for improving boarding safety, operational efficiency, and passenger experience. The study also outlines possible future developments, including experimental validation with real data, hardware integration, and functional–safety certification for industrial deployment.