Digital Automatic Coupling: A Future Game Changer?

At the InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin, DB Cargo unveiled the digital automatic coupling system, which aims to make freight rail faster and more competitive. This new technology promises better data transmission and shorter travel times.

The demonstration of the current development stage of the digital automatic coupling took place at DB Cargo's test center at the marshaling yard in Berlin-Spandau during InnoTrans. The Europe for Rail project, along with the industrial and transport companies involved, expects the digitalization of freight trains to bring benefits for customers, including shorter journey times and better adaptation to the speed and capacity of tracks shared with passenger trains.

For the first time, the electrical and digital functionalities were demonstrated, which, thanks to continuous data transmission, could open new markets and attract new customers to freight rail. The digital automatic coupling truly represents a game changer for the entire railway system. However, these functionalities are still in the pre-prototype phase. DB Cargo presented them concealed within compartments on the test trains, without providing further details.

In terms of digital technologies, the consortium is still uncertain about the best path forward. There is no clear consensus on how ETB technology could be applied for connecting passenger train cars, or how it would work with Ethernet 10 MB for reliable data transmission over long freight trains. Features such as CCTV camera systems require a robust data stream, posing additional challenges.

In Europe, discussions continue regarding the preparations and financing for testing the system. There is a general consensus that it makes sense to test a coupling equipped with digital functionalities. Over the next two years, the goal will be to reach an agreement on a technological solution that enables data transmission and is robust enough to withstand various operational conditions. At the same time, questions arise about the cost of this solution and whether the DAC will exceed the realistic investment capacity of freight car owners and operators.

A key element for connecting locomotives or cars without digital coupling to those equipped with DAC was demonstrated by VOITH. They developed a hybrid DAC coupling, which includes a traditional hook and screw coupling that can be easily folded down when needed.

Source: DB Cargo; Europe for Rail