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 this end, DB Cargo intends to interlink its freight wagon fleet and optimize operating procedures using digital technologies and automated processes. The following selected measures are intended to contribute to this:

• Digital automatic coupling (DAC): The DAC couples freight wagons mechanically and provides continuous energy and data connections across the entire train.
  • The first commercial trial of the DAC in Germany began in 2025. The trial is being carried out by the DAC4EU project under the direction of DB Group. The project is funded by the BMV.
  • In 2025, extensive test activities were conducted together with partners in the sector as part of the Europe’s Rail project FP5-TRANS4M-R. The tests are helping to achieve a high level of product maturity. The definition and implementation of requirements for technology and processes from the operator’s perspective is also being worked on within this framework.
• AI agents in CRM: DB Cargo has been using a central CRM platform for company master data, customer service and sales since 2021. Internal applications are currently being consolidated into the system landscape with a strict focus on the platform standard. The AI platform included allows DB Cargo to make targeted use of artificial intelligence to make sales and customer service processes more efficient and create added value.
• Distributed traction for longer and heavier trains: A distributed power system (DPS; distributed multiple traction via radio) makes it possible not only to increase the traction power by one-third with one locomotive at the front of the train and another at the rear, but also to double the recovered braking energy and enable heavier and longer trains. The increased utilization of the trains leads to fewer train runs while the transport volume remains the same, thus preventing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Final tests were carried out in March 2025. In May 2025, the European Union Agency for Railways issued the approval under which DPS has been in operation since June 2025. The market launch is funded by the Federal Government’s Future of Rail Freight Transport program.
• Automated driving, remote monitoring and remote control: For the first time, two DB Cargo freight locomotives were fitted with modern technologies for trial operation on the tracks: Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Operation (RTO) are intended to make rail freight transport more efficient, flexible and competitive throughout Europe. In 2026, a one-year trial phase will start on the Betuwe line in the Netherlands, one of the most important and state-of-the-art freight lines in Europe. The aim is to make the new technologies available to order for the sector in Europe.