China Launches World's Fastest Autonomous Train Ahead of 2022 Winter Olympics

The world’s fastest autonomous train has been launched in China ahead of the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Connecting the cities of Beijing and Zhangjiakou, the train is capable of reaching 217 MPH (350 KMH), drastically reducing travel time from the capital city to the main skiing event area from three hours to less than one, with some completing the 108-mile journey in just 45 minutes.

The trains will start and stop at various stations automatically according to a timetable, further changing speeds depending on limits in-between stops. A monitoring attendant will be on board in case of emergencies. The project took four years to complete and has 10 stations in total, including a stop at Badaling Changcheng for those looking to access the Great Wall of China. The first train began operating on December 30, running from the capital to Taizicheng, a city that will also host skiing events and is the nearest station to the Olympic village.

On-board features include cabins that have storage areas for winter sports equipment, seats equipped with 5G touchscreen control panels, real-time safety sensors, and more. Facial-recognition technology and robots will be used in stations to assist passengers with boarding, directions, checking-in, and luggage.

In case you missed it, check out the official mascots for the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.