Antwerp launches AI-powered Tram 1 equipped with advanced sensors and cameras, as driver Yves Lelegems participates in the pilot program. The trial, running from July to September 2025, monitors CAF Urbos trams while University College London studies driver alertness and safety, reports 24brussels.
As reported by VRT News, the AI-integrated tram aims to enhance safety in public transport. Yves Lelegems, a seasoned tram driver with over 20 years of experience, is one of the first participants in the trial. He emphasizes the importance of contributing to a project focused on future safety. During his test runs, he is connected to various sensors that monitor his physiological reactions.
“I wear a special cap that measures my brain activity,”
Lelegems adds.
“This way, they can see how I react to certain traffic situations. Two sweat sensors are attached to my fingers, and a heart rate monitor is under my sleeve. All of those measure my stress level.”
Antwerp’s AI Technology Testing on Tram 1
The data gathered during the trials is sent to researchers at University College London, who are investigating the impact of the AI system on driver focus, alertness, and workload. The findings will guide improvements and potential broader applications in public transport.
The innovative tram system in Antwerp alerts drivers to unusual conditions detected by its sensors. Lelegems explains that while the tram does not automatically brake, he receives clear signals through a specialized device, enabling him to assess situations and make decisions. He notes that developments toward self-driving buses and trucks are already in progress, and he believes that autonomous trams and trains are inevitable in the future.
While Tram 1 resembles a conventional tram, its cabin is outfitted with cutting-edge technology. As the first tram equipped with this system in the city, it operates with an assistance tool that enhances safety while remaining invisible to passengers. The integrated system employs sensors, cameras, and intelligent software to monitor the route, providing real-time alerts about potential hazards.
The test runs for Antwerp’s AI-powered tram system began in July 2025, following the official installation of the technology by Ghent-based company OTIV in August 2025. By September 2025, multiple CAF Urbos trams across the city had adopted this innovative system as part of a pilot project under the European ARISE research initiative, which evaluates driver responses to real traffic conditions, including during peak hours and nighttime operations.
