Bosch Engineering tram assistance systems

Technical data sheets describe sensor ranges, detection rates, and reaction times. But numbers on paper do not answer the crucial question. How does a driver assistance system behave when a tram approaches an obstacle on the tracks, when concentration wanes after hours at the wheel, or when a warning at the right moment makes all the difference?

The Bosch experience day in Łódź gave Polish public transport operators the opportunity to find out for themselves. In October 2025, participants from the public transport sector tested the Bosch tram assist suite in simulated scenarios at the MPK Łódź depot. Instead of following presentations or going through documentation, they got behind the controls themselves, triggered warning scenarios, and experienced how the systems react.

Bosch Experience Day Łódź – Tram Assist Suite Live in Action

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MPK Łódź has been using the Bosch Tram Forward Collision Warning (TFCW) since 2022. At that time, system integrator Enika and Bosch Engineering jointly launched a pilot installation, equipping the first three vehicles, with four more following in the same year. In 2024, eight additional vehicles were retrofitted. In November 2025, the installation on all 15 Bombardier Cityrunner trams was completed.

For the experience day, a vehicle was additionally equipped with Bosch tram near range assist and Bosch tram focus assist, allowing participants to experience these systems firsthand. These two assistance systems are part of the modular Bosch tram assist suite for seamless monitoring of the vehicle's surroundings.

Tram assist systems

Focus assist

Focus assist analyzes the driver's gaze and head posture to detect signs of fatigue or distraction. At the experience day in Łódź, participants took a seat in the driver's cab and simulated distracted behavior while colleagues observed the system's reaction on the display.

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Tram forward collision warning

The TFCW system combines a camera and radar sensors to detect obstacles on the tracks early. During the experience day, participants drove towards a test object themselves and watched the detection live on a screen. The system issued a warning before the obstacle was reached, providing the driver with the necessary reaction time. If the driver does not react in time, the system automatically initiates braking.

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What do operator and integrator think about the systems?

In addition to the practical tests, the experience day also provided an opportunity for discussion. Maciej Michalski, head of modernization and maintenance at MPK Łódź, and Dariusz Stanisławczyk from the system integrator Enika, spoke about their collaboration and experience with the TFCW system to date.

"We have had very positive experiences with the operation of these systems. To date, none of the vehicles has been involved in a collision with another vehicle or a car on the tracks."

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