Digitalization and innovation

• Digital automatic coupling (DAC): The DAC automatically couples locomotives and freight wagons using both mechanical and pneumatic means. This ensures continuous power and data connections throughout the entire train. The DAC trial was conducted by the DAC4EU project led by DB Group. The project was funded by the BMV and was completed on June 30, 2026. In the first half of 2026, extensive testing activities focusing on automation and digitalization functions were also conducted in collaboration with industry partners as part of the FP5-TRANS4M-R Europe’s Rail project.
• Distributed traction for longer and heavier trains: A distributed power system (DPS) makes it possible not only to increase the traction power by one-third with one locomotive at the front of the train and another at the rear, but also to double the energy recovery and enable heavier and longer trains. The increased utilization of the trains leads to fewer train runs while the transport volume remains the same, thus preventing energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The system has been in use since June 2025 and has proven itself in real-world operations. In June 2026, the second phase of the DPS rollout began: the system is now also approved for use in Austria and can therefore be used on the line from Linz to the destination in Germany. The market launch is funded by the Federal Government’s Future of Rail Freight Transport program.
• Automated driving, remote monitoring and remote control: For the first time, two DB Cargo freight locomotives were equipped with modern technologies for trial operations on the line: Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Operation (RTO) are intended to make rail freight transport more efficient, flexible and competitive across Europe. In the first half of 2026, test operations for ATO and RTO were conducted on the Betuwe line in the Netherlands, one of the most important and state-of-the-art freight lines in Europe. The aim is to make the new technologies available to order for the sector in Europe.
• Artificial intelligence (AI): DB Cargo is systematically pressing ahead with the use of AI in order to unlock the potential of automation and digitalization and put it to effective use in its operations. In the first half of 2026, the groundwork was laid for the broader deployment of AI solutions: based on the agentic platform developed in conjunction with an external partner, five AI use cases were implemented, two of which are in productive use. Additional applications are set to be introduced. At the same time, efforts to develop AI-based solutions were advanced further. These include company-specific AI agents, such as a governance agent to assist with compliance and regulatory issues and a data quality agent to improve data quality. In addition, efforts were stepped up to further develop the Digital Track Buddy into an AI-powered assistance solution for rail operations. Another focus was on empowering employees. In the area of vehicles and maintenance, a system for detecting the loading status of both open and closed freight wagons using images and AI analysis was developed in the first half of 2026. In addition, the groundwork was laid for the use of agentic AI systems in connection with the freight wagon regulations to automate billing and as a basis for inspections.