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EU-Rail May 2026 Newsletter
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Basic Automated Shunting Operations for Automated Train Composition and Dispatching
Challenge
European rail freight yards are at a turning point, where the need for higher productivity, improved safety, and reduced operational costs is becoming increasingly urgent. At the same time, the sector is undergoing a broader digital transformation, with initiatives such as Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) enabling new levels of automation.
The solution
Within this context, Europe’s Rail (EU-Rail) is developing integrated solutions to modernise yard operations.
These efforts aim to develop systems and solutions for basic autonomous shunting operations, as well as on advanced yard automation. In particular, they involve digitalisation approaches that support automated train composition and dispatching (Automated Shunting Operations), together with the implementation of wagon identification systems required for automated shunting. The ultimate target is to achieve Digital Yard Automation and Management Solutions. This will be made possible through strong interaction between wayside and DAC-enabled systems, enabling fully automated yard operation and single-staffed last-mile operation.
Readiness for Industrialisation and Deployment
FP5-TRANS4M-R covers activities related to the technological development and testing of prototypes in real environments. It includes real-time demonstration of basic automated operational procedures in automated flat yards and last mile operations, as well as automated shunting movements in hump yards using real hump yard environments. This is essential for achieving excellent performance of SWL traffic throughout Europe.
Maturity level
TRL 5/6
Expected benefits
New products and emerging digital services for yard management solutions providing extensions of the supplier portfolios, which will lead to:
- Reduced transport time and costs: Overall decreased transport time as well as cost-efficiency gains due to automation and more efficient shunting activities in automated flat yards.
- Increased infrastructure capacity: Capacity gains at infrastructure node due to productivity improvements in shunting operations and train preparation.
- Reduction of manual work: Limiting manual tasks shunting and train preparation processes by deploying trackside robotic solutions integrated with the DAC system where required in yards.
- Improved safety: Safer handling while minimising human-made failures.
- Process harmonisation: Harmonised shunting processes.
- Workforce development: Sustainable employment opportunities and investments in human capital to create attractive job models for the future.
- Enhanced competitiveness: Automated shunting operations increase efficiency in yard operations, thereby supporting the overall competitiveness of European rail freight.
Who benefits
Infrastructure Managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
Conclusion
The work of EU-Rail allows for the transition towards fully digitalised and automated yard operations, improving efficiency, safety, and cost-effectiveness across the rail freight system. Ultimately, it enables a more competitive and resilient European rail sector, particularly in enhancing the performance and viability of Single Wagon Load traffic (SWL).
Learn more about the project
FP5-TRANS4M-R
The project FP5-TRANS4M-R’s overall goal is to establish rail freight as the backbone of a low-emission, resilient European logistics chain which fulfils end-user requirements to full satisfaction.