Traffic System Research Department
From a fair and neutral standpoint, the Traffic System Research Department conducts research that contributes to safety evaluations, development of regulations, and accident analysis, etc. relating to railways.
In addition to railways, we are also working on issues related to the overall safety and environment of land transportation, including buses and the Green Slow Mobility Project.
Safety evaluation of transportation systems using new technologies
To accurately evaluate the safety of transportation systems that use new technologies including their reliability, the Department conducts research on evaluation methods in view of domestic and international trends, and contributes to ensuring the safety and stability of transportation systems and to promoting their introduction including overseas deployment. In addition, to ensure the safety of electromagnetic radiation in railways, we are conducting research on methods of measuring and evaluating magnetic fields generated inside and outside vehicles.
Equipment used to measure magnetic fields inside and outside railway vehicles
Evaluating technologies that contribute to safe train operation and labor-saving maintenance of facilities
Focusing on various sensor technologies and technology for condition monitoring such as light detection and ranging (LiDAR) and global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), we evaluate technologies that contribute to safe train operation and labor-saving maintenance of railway facilities, aiming to contribute to the maintenance of regional railways, etc., based on the principle of safe transportation at low cost. In addition, in light of recent social changes such as the development of ski resorts as part of initiatives to develop Japan as a tourism-oriented country and the introduction of ropeways to urban areas, the Department is also evaluating technology to assist the labor-saving maintenance of ropeway facilities, etc.
Examination of risk assessment of gauge widening using lateral force loading jigs
Examination of methods for evaluating the accuracy of position detection using satellite positioning on vehicles
Evaluation of initiatives to introduce new-tech public transport, etc. into regions according to their situation
In the field of transportation, how to realize sustainable transport and ensure residents’ mobility in regions is also an important issue. In response to changing demographics such as population aging and decline, the Department conducts research on technologies for new mobility services in a symbiotic society and on evaluation methods for the introduction of public transport that takes into account linkages with existing transport, convenience, etc., thereby contributing to the development of public transportation suited to regional characteristics.
Identifying mobility-handicapped people based on population data and public transport
infrastructure data such as bus stops
Supporting residents in selecting public transport systems suited to local characteristics through traffic flow simulation
Clarifying the causes of accidents
From a fair and neutral standpoint, the Department studies and analyzes the causes of accidents on railways and ropeways at the request of the government, railway operators, etc. We also study necessary preventive measures and provide technical guidance through scientific analysis of the causes.
Investigation of railway accident
Measurement of the motion of a ropeway cabin and consideration of the mechanism in case the cabin comes into contact with a structure