Test train with automatic couplings starts journey through Europe

Digital Revolution in Rail Freight Transport: A train equipped with innovative Digital Automatic Couplings has today commenced a multi-month practical test. The Federal Minister for Digital and Transport, Dr. Volker Wissing, has given the train the symbolic departure signal for its journey across Europe. This key technology for the digitalization of rail freight transport is becoming ready for series production.

(Berlin) The Digital Automatic Coupling (DAK) is an essential component of the digitalization of freight trains. It is thus a crucial lever to make rail transport more competitive compared to road transport. The DAK allows freight cars to be coupled automatically, i.e., without manual labor. The connections for the brakes are also established automatically. For the first time, freight cars will be equipped with continuous power and data lines.

With the DAK, faster, automated shunting processes become possible. Overall, the capacity of transshipment terminals significantly increases. Freight trains can become longer and heavier with the new coupling technology. Even more importantly, they can travel at higher speeds than before, thereby better “keeping up” in rail transport. This increases capacity in the rail network. The DAK will significantly contribute to achieving European climate goals.

Aligning transport volumes with climate protection goals

Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport: “Bringing the growing transport volumes in line with our climate protection goals is one of the greatest challenges of our time. The rail is the key to this – even though we have some catching up to do in freight transport. True to our motto ‘Dare more progress,’ we will solve a long-standing issue that has persisted for over 70 years with the EU-wide introduction of a uniform automatic coupling system and catapult over half a million freight cars into the 21st century. A much-needed transformation that cannot be delayed any longer.”

Dr. Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, DB Board Member for Digitalization and Technology: “This coupling is a revolution; it belongs to the future. The DAK makes freight cars smart and fast: in coupling, but also in driving. With this technology, not only can more freight cars run on the rail; it also enables a densification of rail traffic that benefits everyone. Without the engineers at DB and their expertise, this coupling would not exist. We are making it ready for series production together with the manufacturers. We are bringing the DAK onto the tracks!”

(l.r.) Dr. Volker Wissing, Federal Minister for Digital and Transport; Dr. Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, DB Board Member for Digitalization and Technology; Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, DB Board Member for Freight Transport

Coupling changes rail freight transport

Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, DB Board Member for Freight Transport: “The new coupling fundamentally changes rail freight transport and brings us the speed we need to save the climate. And it transforms the previously hard work at freight terminals: Around 70,000 times a day, our employees have to lift coupling hooks weighing up to 20 kilograms at shoulder height to couple trains. Digitalization and automation of train operations send a strong signal to our logistics customers: Freight belongs on the rail. Each of our trains saves 80 to 100 percent CO2 compared to road transport. And with the DAK, we make the rail system much simpler and faster.”

The journey of the freight train of the future initially goes from Germany to Austria and then to Switzerland. Further EU countries are to follow. The DAK will be tested in different driving situations than would be possible in Germany. This includes steeper gradients, tighter curves, or different climatic conditions. The test drive aims to lead the DAK to series production.

Test lasts until the end of this year

The practical test is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year. In recent months, test runs have already taken place in Germany, along with coupling trials at shunting yards.

The test train is part of a research project funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) with 13 million euros. A consortium of six companies is involved. In addition to DB and its subsidiary DB Cargo, these include the Swiss and Austrian freight railways SBB Cargo and Rail Cargo Austria, as well as the wagon keepers Ermewa, GATX Rail Europe, and VTG. The goal is the EU-wide introduction of the DAK.

Photos: © DB Cargo