FP5-TRANS4M-R Event “Live-Demonstration of the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) for rail freight” in Vienna on 11th September 2026

Within the EU-Rail funded FP5 TRANS4M-R project, ÖBB hosted the DAC hands-on demonstration at the Floridsdorf Freight Yard in Vienna.

On 11^th September, Austrian representatives from the European railway sector, industry, politics, and workers union had experienced the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) at close range in the event that directly compared how today’s manual shunting process (using the traditional screw coupling) with the future DAC process, making their impact on operational processes directly tangible. Participants were showcased automatic coupling and uncoupling, automated brake testing, wagon lists, train length determination, and train integrity monitoring work in practice. Finally, participants gained valuable insights into the opportunities this technology could bring to operational processes in rail freight transport, by the demonstration clearly highlighting the differences in terms of time, safety, and efficiency.

In addition to the demonstrations, the event provided ample opportunity for questions and personal discussions. Employees took the chance to engage with operational experts and project managers on technical challenges, lessons learned so far, and the next steps in the development process.

The equipped train and event impressions

Photos: © ÖBB / Scheiblecker