The research project “Railcab” designs a shuttle-based transportation system, which combines innovative mechatronic technologies with existing railway tracks. The traction and braking forces are generated by a linear electromagnetic drive while the tracking and guidance is performed using classical wheel/rail technology. By adopting different mechatronic modules, a modular structuring of the overall system, the driving safety, vehicle dynamics and the travelling comfort can be increased.

In the present paper, we concentrate on the development of the active tracking module which reduces the sensitivity of the system behaviour with respect to the friction in the wheel/rail contact. Basic ideas of the tracking module are self-optimizing active tracking, camber adjustment, and mechanical locking device. Based on a-priori identified risks, like e.g. strong cross-wind, frosted rails and crossing of switches, the safety concepts are described in detail together with the methodology that was used in the design process.