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EU-Rail January 2025 Newsletter
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Transforming rail freight through digitalisation and automation
With the goal of making rail freight a more attractive and sustainable transport option, EU-Rail conducted two technical demonstrators (TD).
FLEET DIGITALISATION AND AUTOMATION DEMONSTRATOR
Developed a digital automatic coupler and condition-based maintenance, both of which will help enable a digital and automated rail freight system.
Digital automatic coupler (DAC)
The new freight DAC will contribute to the automation of shunting operations and bring additional functionalities to the entire freight system.
Did You Know?
As the cornerstone technology of fleet digitisation and automation, the DAC has the potential to enhance rail freight’s load capacity and operational intelligence.
Key Finding
Having defined the specifications and conducted a thorough cost-benefit analysis, the TD delivered several coupler solutions.
Fast Fact
The DAC prototype underwent dynamic testing, conducted at different speeds on both straight and curved tracks.
Condition-based maintenance (CBM)
CBM aims to perform maintenance only when necessary and not on a fixed schedule or after a failure occurs.
Did You Know?
CBM is a viable option for railway undertakings and those entities in charge of maintenance – one that could result in a 10% reduction in lifecycle costs.
Key Finding
CBM involves changing the way maintenance staff work and the company’s processes.
Fast Fact
CBM reduces costs, avoids unnecessary maintenance activities, increases the availability of the locomotive, and improves the reliability of a freight asset.
DIGITAL TRANSPORT MANAGEMENT DEMONSTRATOR
Both TDs allow the rail freight sector to visualise and concretely test technological advancements and to more adequately quantify the impact of fleet digitalisation/automation and digital transport management technologies.
Real-time network management
A comprehensive yard and network management platform was designed for the proactive planning of operational activities at a marshalling yard.
Did You Know?
Thanks to its use of automatic train operation and coupling, yard and network management could cut staff costs by as much as 50%.
Key Finding
Using the solution could improve total yard lead times by 20%.
Fast Fact
By reducing lead times and improving infrastructure use, the yard and network management solution could reduce costs by 10%.
Intelligent video gate (IVG)
A gate system located at intermodal terminals and equipped with high-frequency cameras to automatically identify wagons and intermodal loading units.
Did You Know?
IVG can reduce the time needed to conduct inspections and the shunting of arriving trains, which in turn means more reliable departures.
Key Finding
IVG could significantly reduce wagon check times (up to -20%), terminal staff costs (up to -50%), and terminal loading times (up to -50%).
Fast Fact
Using IVGs improves operational efficiency for terminal operators by enhancing automation for check-ins, inspections, damage claims, and the handling of dangerous goods.
Conclusion
This TD focused on real-time network management and the intelligent video gate.
Who benefits
Infrastructure managers
Railway operators
Suppliers
