[04.01.2024]
The lead software engineer plays an important role in creating and improving software optimizing operations of entire transport infrastructure. The part of a leading software engineer is not only a technical job, but also a leadership one, requires an integrated approach to technological and organizational issues. This professional is a key player in achieving tech goals and creating SW products that meet high standards of quality and innovation.
Today we were able to have a talk with Sergey Demidov, a Leading SW Engineer in the Software Development Department. He came to uSky Test & Certification Centre to conduct the 4th stage of uBus Carat commissioning.
How are you, Sergey? First, tell us in general terms what do you do?
In general, situation is like this: there are such standard concepts as “control room” and “dispatching”. This allows certain professionals trained to work in this field to monitor parameters of managed objects, make decisions based on data received, and perform certain actions using a special SW package. So, in our case, this provides complete management of transport complex, vehicle control and transport tasks, monitoring of all uPods parameters and monitoring their motion. If some unforeseen situation occurs, dispatch operator must understand everything, perceive it adequately, and must react correctly. For that we use SCAD. For dispatch, fast delivery of data is important. For analyzing situations important are data storage and matching visualization, that is, graphs and reports. To receive all the necessary information from vehicles we use OPC technology, which helps to get all information quickly. SCAD enables us to visualize all parameters. Additionally, linking up SCAD and database, we save and archive data to be able to view it in the future in the form of reports and graphs.
What tasks are included in your work at uSky Transport?
Interface testing, testing OPC server configurations, setting up SCAD system link with the OPC server, so that all data is transferred, so that all graphic primitives are displayed correctly depending on the OTC signal (red, yellow, green), for all buttons to work correctly. If there are any shortcomings, they need to be eliminated. We need to transfer control of uBus Carat to our control room, from where the tropical uCar is already controlled.
In terms of system security, how safe and secure is it from hacking?
Some time ago we decided to check, and conducted a series of tests. It would take 268 years to find a Wi-Fi password for certain things that we have in our vehicles. A password simply gives access to system, but in order to understand how to harm this system, you also need to understand what this system can do. Without that knowledge it is impossible.
Does the control room system require constant updates?
Yes, the software is constantly updated, but with help of certain SW we are developing a system based on our own algorithms, our understanding of vehicle operation safety and passenger safety. The standards say that if vehicle is certified, then we can release a new software model, but we must re-certify this SW. We update, but we include the fact that we understand what we are doing, since this is completely our development.
What attracted you to this string-rail transport project?
To be honest, I just liked the actual idea of this transport from the points of view of safety and comfort.
Is there a fundamental difference in working with vehicles at EcoTechnoPark in Belarus and at uSky Test & Certification Centre in Sharjah?
No. We control hydraulics, we control brakes, we control motion, and it's all through the provided communication. Yes, there may be different temperature conditions, for example there will be a different slip coefficient, because there are sand and ice. But in general, all approaches to safety systems of both vehicle motion and safety of passengers and cargo are identical.
How do you see uSky Transport & Infrastructure Technology developing in future?
I would like as many people as possible to believe in this project. And not just see or recognize, but believe that this would really help improve their real-life operation in the future.
What is your mission in work?
I would like to ride home from work in our electric and autonomous uPods, knowing that a dispatcher is sitting somewhere, looking at the interface that I developed and he perfectly understands where the vehicle is going and what is happening to it.
What motivates your work?
When you press a button, and you get 2.5 tons quietly moving, accelerating, riding away, stopping, opening and closing doors, and then arriving back, you are thinking: “I’m pretty great”.