Vale is the first company in Brazil to start implementing remotely controlled trains on its railroads. After undergoing tests in Vitória, in the state of Espírito Santo, the innovation is being implemented in Açailândia, Maranhão. Using remote control is part of our investment of around R$60 million in technologies on our heavy goods railroads.
This year, Vale acquired four remote control devices: two for Vitória and two for Açailândia. The devices may be installed on any train, and are used to unload ore and load pig iron.
Besides optimizing railroad operation processes, the technology reduces the time taken to position locomotives and frees up the radio channel used during maneuvers.
New technology does not replace train drivers
People will continue to operate the trains, but now the procedures will take place outside the driver’s cabin. The remote control device is attached to the belt used by drivers, who can see information on pressure and acceleration/braking points on a display. The driver also needs to be present at loading and unloading points and at the end of the line to observe wagon positioning.