Tablet-Controlled Coupling? DAC Proves It’s Closer Than You Think

What does the future of freight coupling look like? At Berlin’s TrainTestLab, over 180 railway experts just got a front-row seat. At the DAK Live Event 2025, rail freight’s digital future came to life—tablet-controlled coupling, automated diagnostics, and EU-backed migration plans all took centre stage in a push to modernise Europe's freight backbone.

Over 180 railway professionals, operators, manufacturers, and policymakers gathered at Berlin-Spandau’s TrainTestLab for the DAK Live Event, an interactive showcase of Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) technology and its migration roadmap. Organised as part of the VPI member meeting and technical info days, the event gave participants a hands-on look at the future of rail freight automation.

According to VPI, the event featured four practical info stations focused on key implementation areas: quick and safe installation, pop-up retrofitting workshops, and the role of 3D scanning in analysing wagons that lack technical drawings. Attendees were able to test coupling and uncoupling via tablet, providing a clear glimpse into how DAC systems can streamline operations.

"It’s a complex system — but this is how it could work," one participant noted during the live demonstration of the reference test system, which included coupling, integrity checks, and brake tests conducted digitally.

From Vision to Migration: FP5-TRANS4M-R and DACFIT on Display

As Europe’s Rail JU pointed out, the DAK Live Event also showcased milestones from the FP5-TRANS4M-R project, the flagship EU initiative for full digital freight train operations. Backed by the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, FP5 is tasked with delivering DAC-ready technology, system architecture, and operational procedures by mid-2026.

Particularly in focus was the DACFIT project, which presented findings on fleet analytics, workshop process planning, and capacity building—elements essential to DAK deployment. Dr.-Ing. Jens Engelmann and the EDDP migration team led by Andreas Lipka and Matthias Knüpling responded to detailed inquiries about European DAC strategy, especially concerning EDDP governance and procedural rollouts.

According to Europe’s Rail, the DAC General Master Plan was revised in December 2024, shifting the deployment of Pioneer DAC trains from 2026/27 to 2027/28, due to extended development timelines within FP5. This was transparently communicated as part of the Sounding Boards process, which ensures sector-wide input and buy-in.

Sector-Wide Dialogue, Real-Time Feedback

Organisers praised the event for fostering a genuine dialogue on equal footing between stakeholders. Representatives from wagon keepers, workshops, shippers, associations, and public authorities provided on-site feedback that will be incorporated into Europe’s DAC roadmap.

The Sounding Boards, created to promote transparency and two-way engagement, play a crucial role in shaping the DAC rollout. As Europe’s Rail explains, these boards gather feedback from all corners of the sector, which is then assessed by the FP5-TRANS4M-R consortium and reported to the EDDP Programme Board. Registered members are invited to participate in these meetings twice a year, either virtually or in person.

VPI’s Broader Event Programme

The DAK Live Event was part of a two-day programme hosted by VPI in Berlin. Following the DAK demonstrations on 17 June, the VPI General Assembly took place at the nhow Hotel, concluding with a networking Get Together by the Spree. On 18 June, the focus shifted to VPI’s 25th Technical Information Day, covering wagon maintenance in intermodal transport, with expert panels and presentations continuing the theme of innovation. VPI called the event a resounding success, noting that its teams walked away with valuable impulses directly from practice. "Events like these," VPI noted, "are key to aligning future technology with operational realities."

Source: VPI; Europe's Rail