Digitalization and innovation

DB Cargo has developed a comprehensive digitalization and automation strategy to make it easier for customers to access the rail system and to provide more transparency about the current status of freight. This is aimed at significantly speeding up processes such as train formation and maintenance. To that end, DB Cargo wants to network its freight wagon fleet and optimize operating procedures using digital technologies and automated processes. The following selected measures should contribute to this:

• Wagon Intelligence: By way of the Wagon Intelligence project, DB Cargo has been driving forward the equipping of its freight wagons with innovative telematics systems since 2018. Freight wagons are also equipped with sensors that make it possible to record data on the condition and position of the wagons. By developing the VABE (value-added business events) algorithm, wagon positions and business data can be linked, thereby optimizing production processes. On their way through Europe, the freight wagons continually send data and can, therefore, be tracked at any time. The data is processed in the cloud and enriched via interfaces with information from existing business processes, such as order information. This ensures complete documentation. As a further expansion stage, the activation and completion messages for transport orders can be automated. In addition to an increase in temporal and local precision, especially employees can be relieved of administrative work. From September 2024, the telematics devices that had reached their technical “end of life” were replaced: equipping them with next- gen­­eration telematics devices should ensure that the 
  data continues to be recorded and transmitted reliably.
• Digital automatic coupling (DAC): The DAC connects freight wagons with each other and enables a power and data line to be available across the entire freight train. This is the basis for the introduction of further technical innovations and is intended to help contribute to implementing the target image “intelligent rail freight transport system” with the help of digitalization and automation along the entire value chain.
  • Under the leadership of DB Cargo, in 2024 numerous test activities relating to the DAC were planned and implemented with all partners in the sector as part of Europe’s rail project FP5-TRANS4M-R. Among other things, the decision for the electric coupling for the power and data connection was made.
  • In 2024, as part of the DAC4EU project (Digital Automatic Coupling for Europe), further test drives with a demonstrator train were undertaken in Germany and in some neighboring countries, and numerous detailed inspections were carried out. This includes tests on derailment safety and supporting the selection decision for the electric coupling. DAC4EU is also managed by DB Group. The project is funded by the BMDV and was extended for the second time in 2024 (until mid-2026). The results from DAC4EU are also being incorporated in the development activities of the FP5-TRANS4M-R project.
  • The DACFIT project, which is also funded by Europe’s Rail, has been preparing the foundations for the migration of the DAC since 2024 under the leadership of DB Cargo, with partners from Poland, the Czech Republic and Hungary.
• AI for freight wagon checks: DB Cargo relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to render the inspection of freight wagons more efficient. This is used in eight large marshaling yards, through which more than 10,000 wagons pass every day. The latest extension of this technology now also allows AI in the nationwide test to record and analyze essential wagon information in a matter of seconds. This includes information such as tare weight, brakes and load dimensions, which were previously reviewed manually and time-consuming. Use of AI should make employees’ work easier in future and operations more efficient.