Computer-aided train dispatch

The Carajas Line is one of the busiest railway routes and leading carriers of iron ore in the world. The 892 km-long, single-track line connects Sao Luis Harbor with the Carajas iron ore mine in the state of Para in the Amazon. Soon the line will become still busier because a unique real-time knowledge-based system is about to significantly increase its productivity while reducing its operating costs and without compromising safety. An innovative, rule-based expert system that employs fuzzy logic will transform the culture of train operations. The system is described.