To achieve this, Deutsche Bahn is relying not only on retrofitting in its own workshops but also on installing the DAK in pop-up workshops. With the help of these mobile workshop tents, freight wagons can be equipped with the new technology within a short space of time close to where they are used, for example by industrial customers. The aim is to create temporary and additional conversion capacities and to reduce the time freight wagons are absent from the customer's premises. Europe's leading rail freight operator, DB Cargo, has successfully completed an initial practical test in Bremen.

Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, DB Board Member for Freight Transport: "The Digital Automatic Coupling has proven that it works in practice during the test runs across Europe. The task now is to find solutions for installing the DAK quickly and efficiently in freight wagons. With our innovative approach of a pop-up workshop, we have proven that this is possible. In just a few steps, we have turned an analog freight wagon into a digital and intelligent freight wagon. With the mobile workshops, we will be able to make thousands of freight wagons fit for the digital future in a short space of time."

When introducing the DAK, operation must be ensured despite two incompatible coupling systems (screw coupling versus DAK). To this end, the freight wagons will first be pre-equipped as "DAK ready" during normal workshop visits. The conversion to the DAK is then carried out in a few simple steps - similar to a "plug & play approach" - in the pop-up workshops. Deutsche Bahn plans to set up 150 pop-up deployment locations throughout Europe with partner companies.

DAK speeds up shunting, increases the capacity of transhipment stations and boosts the capacity of the existing rail infrastructure. For the DAK, freight wagons are being equipped with continuous power and data lines for the first time. It particularly strengthens single-wagon transport as a green alternative to trucks. From 2023, DB Cargo intends to pre-equip its freight wagons for the DAK installation as part of its regular workshop visits.