Blog Archive

Tuesday, June 24, 2025

Decarbonizing Modern Public Transit Systems: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Leads Development of Automated Guideway Transits (AGTs)

     Automated Guideway Transits (AGTs) have several advantages over traditional train and bus transit networks. AGTs are fully automated, driverless, electricity-powered transit systems. The automation allows them to reduce human error and operational costs. They have a smaller footprint than diesel trains or buses. They utilize rubber tires, which give them more flexibility on a track, reduce noise, and reduce friction and vibration. Their smaller size allows them to be built above or around existing roads or buildings, reducing land acquisition costs and construction times.





     Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) is a major manufacturer of AGTs. They are in operation around the globe, particularly at airports.

As a systems integrator, MHI builds not only the track and rolling stock but can also handle the signaling, power supply, platform doors and automated fare collection.”

     MHI recently released a new AGT model called Prismo. It was the first new AGT released in a decade.

The key innovation (literally) driving Prismo is an onboard energy storage system – basically a high-density, high-power battery that can recharge in seconds. This means Prismo does not need a power rail between stations, since the train recharges each time it stops at a station and during breaking.”

Not only does this yield a 10% energy saving during operation. No longer having to build the power rail between stations required by all previous AGTs and with a newly adopted single guiderail, the entire system is slimmer and simpler to build, leading to significantly reduced infrastructure construction costs. And because the power is onboard, Prismo will always make it to the next station, while predecessors risked being stranded if their power rails failed.”





The use of lighter construction materials such as aluminum alloys increases energy efficiency. Operation is low decibels, much quieter than diesel systems.  












     MHI utilizes advanced manufacturing methods such as friction stir welding that join panels without the need for solder. They build them at their Mihara plant in Japan, which began in the 1940s, building steam trains and air braking systems. The plant now runs on 100% renewable energy with a solar farm onsite.





     Along with AGT use at airports, they are used as metros and high-speed rail systems. They are deployed all over the world.

 

     


 




 

References:

 

More eco-friendly and flexible: Prismo pioneers modern transit systems. Daniel Bogler. Spectra. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. June 24, 2025. More eco-friendly and flexible: Prismo pioneers modern transit systems | Spectra by MHI

Prismo - Designed For the Future of Sustainable Mobility. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Prismo - Designed For the Future of Sustainable Mobility | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

Mobility Achievement. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. Mobility Achievement | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries

No comments:

Post a Comment

     Scientists and policy experts at the American Farmland Trust and Sierra View Solutions have written about the importance of conservati...

Index of Posts (Linked)