Škoda Group’s Tampere Smart Depot: Rail Tech & AI Innovations in Finland

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Introduction

Škoda Group’s Smart Depot, developed and tested in Tampere, Finland, integrates artificial intelligence, digital maintenance, and autonomous vehicle movement to transform traditional tram depots into data-driven mobility hubs. The project, initiated four years ago, introduces automated tram movement and AI-based visual inspection, aiming for fully digital and predictive maintenance.

Smart Depot Overview

Smart Depot by Škoda Group brings together artificial intelligence, digital maintenance and autonomous vehicle movement into one integrated platform designed to transform traditional depots into intelligent, data-driven mobility hubs. Developed and tested in the Finnish city of Tampere, Smart Depot introduces automated tram movement, real-time condition monitoring through a digital twin, and AI-based visual inspection.

Key Features and Technologies

The Smart Depot concept enables fully automated tram movement within the depot — from parking and washing to transfers to maintenance tracks. All activities are managed from a centralised control system, ensuring precision and safety across the process.

• Automated tram movement
• Real-time condition monitoring using digital twin technology
• AI-based visual inspection

These technologies are designed to reduce human error, optimise fleet availability and lower operating costs, while giving operators greater insight into asset performance.

Pilot Operation in Tampere

The Smart Depot system is currently undergoing live pilot operation in Tampere, where Škoda Group continues to expand its capabilities in collaboration with local partners. The project is being carried out in cooperation with the City of Tampere, Tampere University and GIM Robotics, with partial funding from the OptiPEx programme in partnership with Finland’s Technical Research Centre VTT.

Lyyli Living Lab and Smart Artic X34

Since 2021, Škoda Group has worked with the tram operator Tampereen Ratikka to develop and test digital systems for urban mobility. The collaboration led to the creation of Lyyli Living Lab, a dedicated research and testing environment for next-generation tram technologies.

At its centre is the Lyyli tram — one of Škoda’s Smart Artic X34 vehicles — which serves as a mobile test platform for new hardware and software. The tram allows real-time evaluation of new systems under operational conditions, providing immediate feedback to engineers and researchers.

Conclusion

The Smart Depot project in Tampere demonstrates how digital tools can integrate into existing tram operations, creating a model for smart depot deployment in other European cities. The project aims to increase maintenance efficiency, relieve staff of routine tasks, and provide operators with accurate data for decision-making.

Company Summary

Škoda Group: The company has been working with the tram operator Tampereen Ratikka since 2021 to develop and test digital systems for urban mobility.

GIM Robotics: The company is cooperating on the Smart Depot project.

Tampereen Ratikka: The tram operator that has been working with Škoda Group since 2021.

City of Tampere: The city that is cooperating on the Smart Depot project.

Tampere University: The university is cooperating on the Smart Depot project.

Finland’s Technical Research Centre VTT: The research centre is in partnership with the OptiPEx programme.

Technology

Smart Artic X34: One of Škoda’s tram vehicles.

OptiPEx programme: The program in partnership with Finland’s Technical Research Centre VTT.

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