As part of the preparations and impact assessment for the next legislative framework governing European partnerships...
By replacing passive mechanical guidance with an actively controlled mechatronic system, IRDW significantly reduces wheel and rail wear, minimises noise emissions, and enhances ride comfort. The system integrates advanced sensing, dynamic modelling, and control algorithms to ensure stable operation under varying conditions, including nonlinear effects such as hysteresis and variable damping.
In addition, the architecture enables lightweight design and increased flexibility in vehicle layout, while embedded sensors provide valuable data for condition monitoring of both the vehicle and the track. Overall, IRDW represents a key enabling technology for intelligent, efficient, and low-maintenance railway systems.
The IRDW running gear is currently in an advanced prototype and validation phase, supported by extensive multi-body simulation and digital modelling capabilities for wear prediction, curve behaviour and dynamic system performance.
A 1:5 scale test rig has been in operation for an extended period and has already been used to validate and refine key control algorithms, particularly with respect to wear minimisation, stability, and energy-efficient wheel–rail interaction.
A full-scale 1:1 test rig has recently been commissioned and is currently undergoing initial operational use. The system is being actively controlled and tested at low speeds up to approximately 20 km/h, enabling initial validation of system behaviour under realistic mechanical loads and control conditions.
The next development step foresees the transfer of the system to an external high-performance test facility by the end of 2027, where it will be operated at speeds of up to 100 km/h, enabling extended validation under more demanding dynamic conditions. This will be followed by a further scaling of testing capability towards high-speed operation up to 300 km/h.
In parallel, long-term plans include on-track demonstration in real railway environments, supporting full system validation under operational conditions and accelerating the path towards industrial deployment.
By reducing wear, noise emissions, and lifecycle costs while enhancing energy efficiency, monitoring capabilities, and design flexibility, the technology supports longer component lifetimes and optimized maintenance strategies. Its adaptability across different railway applications and potential to enable new vehicle concepts position IRDW as a key technology for future intelligent, high-performance, and sustainable rail systems.
