Challenges are based on areas of importance to the rail industry, such as operational reliability and safety, energy efficiency and passenger comfort. Among the innovations developed by the University of Derby/Alstom team – made up of undergraduate and postgraduate students and recent graduates working at Alstom – were train control changes to improve the driving experience, and a new composite roof which provides better waterproof performance and durability.
Eight teams from across the UK and Europe took part in the final competition weekend, which was held at Stapleford Miniature Railway in Leicestershire. With the judges describing the standard of entries as the highest ever, the University of Derby/Alstom team finished in second place, narrowly behind a team from Poznan University of Technology, Poland, and the only UK team in the top three.
The Derby group also won a number of challenge trophies, including the Ride Comfort Challenge, Energy Storage Challenge, Traction Challenge and Auto-Stop Challenge.
