The department of Automation and Telemechanics was founded in the early 1940s by N.O. Roginsky. In 1971, the department organized a research laboratory under the leadership of the department head V.I. Tsygankov and V.F. Kostarev. The main direction of scientific research were the signal track circuits. For high-quality maintenance, the SITLS and AIST systems were created, which were implemented on a number of railways. Currently, the direction of priority scientific research is the system of technical control and diagnostics of alarm devices, centralization and blocking.

The main task facing the staff of the department today is the modernization of the laboratory base, which should correspond to the modern level of development of railway automation and telemechanics systems, as well as ongoing scientific research. With great scientific potential, qualified and experienced teaching staff, the department is currently a close-knit team of like-minded people who can handle the tasks of training competent specialists for the industry.

The main directions of scientific research of the AiT department:

• control of electric power quality parameters in RAT power supply networks;
• analysis of sewage circuits reverse traction current;
• training laboratory benches;
• diagnostics of outdoor signaling devices;
• diagnostics of signal track circuits.

Computing technology is widely introduced into the educational process. Students of the department carry out laboratory, term papers and degree projects in the computer classes of the department and the university. In many academic disciplines, students solve problems using software developed by the teachers. Such works include the study of microprocessor automation and telemechanics systems, the synthesis and calculation of rail circuits, and others.