Mechatronics in Japanese rail vehicles: active and semi-active suspensions

This paper introduces the present state of mechatronics application to the railway vehicle in Japan. The objective mechanisms in the vehicle are classified into five categories such as drive and braking, car body tilting, steering, pantograph and suspension. First, the outline of research and development in each category is described briefly. Next, the situation in the category of suspension is explained mainly on active control system and semi-active one. Finally, the prospect of research studies relating to high-speed curve negotiation is described.