Pod’s safety and reliability

Modern public transport is characterized by technological sophistication, autonomy, and a high level of comfort and safety. Incidentally, safety is the primary criterion for the engineers at Unitsky String Technologies Inc. Therefore, a uPod is not just part of an aboveground transport structure — it is an intelligent system in which every element, from mechanics to software code, is designed for reliability in all operating conditions.

Design created for stability 

A uPod moves along a string rail overpass, where dynamic loads are evenly distributed. This design eliminates the risk of derailment as:

•    The undercarriage covers the rail on several sides, ensuring stability even in crosswinds of up to 35 m/s;

•    Independent suspension dampens vibrations and ensures smooth movement;

•    The track structure is designed with a safety margin exceeding the calculated loads.

The uPod body is made of composite materials and aluminum alloys, which combine lightness with high strength. During impact tests, the passenger module frame remains intact in a collision at a speed of 25 km/h, which is comparable to automotive safety standards.

Electronic safety: transport that thinks for itself

The uPod’s onboard control system monitors movement, power supply, and communication with the control room. Its key element is an automatic situation control system. It analyzes sensor readings: speed, acceleration and braking cycles, body tilt angle, battery status, technical unit temperature, and the presence of obstacles on the route.

If the system detects a hazard – such as overheating or an obstacle on the line – it independently decides whether to reduce speed, activate emergency braking, or stop at a designated point. Even if communication with the control room is lost, the uPod continues operating in autonomous mode and completes its route in a safe zone.

Braking system

For traffic safety, the uPod of the uST complex uses service and emergency braking systems. During service braking, an electromechanical process with energy recovery occurs, returning part of the charge to the batteries during deceleration. The emergency braking system operates independently of the main circuit and is capable of stopping the vehicle within seconds, even in the event of an electronic failure.

All critical subsystems (power supply, communication, positioning) have duplicates. This means that if one module fails, the auxiliary module is automatically activated, ensuring continuous operation.

Passenger safety

The comfort and safety of uST vehicles are interrelated. The uPod cabin is equipped with climate control and intelligent lighting systems that adapt to the number of passengers and the outside temperature.

Built-in video cameras and microphones ensure communication with the dispatcher, while the doors are equipped with a closing controller – if the doors fail to close properly, the vehicle cannot move. In emergency situations, manual door opening drives and an emergency lighting system are provided.

Testing and quality control

Before heading to the test sites in Belarus and the UAE, each uPod undergoes a multi-stage inspection:

1)    Computer simulation of loads and deviations;

2)    Laboratory tests for resistance to vibrations and temperature changes.

Proven results

The uPod safety is the result of thousands of engineering solutions united by a common philosophy: no compromises between speed and reliability. Thanks to its well-thought-out architecture, system redundancy, and intelligent control, string rail transport is truly safe.