Digital coupling technology for freight wagons
Premiere of the digital automatic clutch in freight transport
For the first time, Deutsche Bahn has presented a completely new coupling mechanism for its freight wagons. Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) speeds up the process of putting freight trains together. At DB Systemtechnik in Minden (Westphalia), several wagons have now been connected to each other for the first time on a trial basis using a DAK.
Over the next few months, twelve freight wagons will be fitted with couplings from four manufacturers. One type will be selected following technical tests. A test train with 24 wagons will then travel through Germany, Austria, Switzerland and other EU countries for several months. Among other things, the DAK will be tested in daily use in shunting yards.
The research project, which will run until the end of 2022, is being funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) with 13 million euros. A consortium of six companies is involved in the project.
The new technology is intended to contribute to the success of the transport transition and relieve rail employees of physical labor.
Sabina Jeschke, DB Board Member for Digitalization and Technology, explained: "The DAK opens the door to comprehensive automation and digitalization of rail freight transport. It can significantly increase the capacity of shunting and transhipment yards. The introduction of the DAK therefore represents a digital revolution for rail freight transport."
Sigrid Nikutta, DB Board Member for Freight Transport, continued: "We want to grow and shift more freight to rail. To do this, we need attractive offers for our customers. Technical innovations such as Digital Automatic Coupling help us to achieve this. It makes rail freight transport faster and easier. This strengthens single wagonload transport in particular as a green alternative to trucks. Transporting goods by rail is the easiest way to protect the climate."
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