DB Cargo equips first locomotive in Europe for automated operation

For the first time in Europe, a freight train locomotive has been retrofitted for automated regular operation: DB Cargo has equipped the first line locomotive with state-of-the-art technologies for Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Operation (RTO) at its facility in Cologne-Gremberg. This marks an important milestone in a groundbreaking pilot project, achieved in collaboration with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and partners Hitachi and Remoot.

(Mainz/Köln) The goal is clear – ATO and RTO aim to make rail freight transport across Europe more efficient, flexible, and competitive. The project is part of the federal program “Future Rail Freight Transport to Promote Innovations,” through which the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) seeks to accelerate the development and timely market introduction of innovative technologies in freight transport, thereby increasing the market share of rail in freight transport in Germany. Federal funds amounting to 18.86 million euros have been allocated to this project.

One-year testing phase starting in October 2025

Starting in October 2025, a one-year testing phase will begin on the Dutch Betuweroute – one of the most important and modern freight transport routes in Europe. In the so-called ATO operation, the locomotive automatically takes over acceleration, driving, braking, and stopping. Safety remains the top priority: a train driver will remain on board, supplemented by a central remote monitoring and control team. During the trial operation, journeys with various types of wagons and loading scenarios will be examined – from heavy bulk wagons to partially filled tank wagons. Additionally, for the first time, the combination of ATO and RTO technologies will be tested in an open network.

Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, Board Member for Freight Transport at Deutsche Bahn AG and Chairwoman of the Board of DB Cargo AG: “Automated, self-driving locomotives use the tracks more efficiently – thus creating more capacity and better quality in rail freight transport. The premiere of this automated locomotive at the Cologne-Gremberg marshalling yard is an important step for the future of European rail freight transport.

DB Cargo and rail freight transport are crucial for the success of the transport transition and thus essential in the fight against climate change. Shifting goods to rail is the largest and most effective lever to reduce CO2 emissions and relieve our roads.”

Federal Minister of Transport Patrick Schnieder (CDU): “Innovations are the engine for a modern, intelligent, and efficient rail freight transport system. Automated driving relieves employees and simultaneously creates future-proof jobs. This is exactly what we need to address the shortage of skilled workers and demographic change, which of course also affects rail freight transport. With this project, we are pioneering efforts for the entire rail freight transport sector in Europe.”

Advancing digitalization in rail freight transport

The automation of train operations will shift more goods from road to rail – thus serving as a central lever for climate-friendly logistics in Europe. DB Cargo is consistently advancing digitalization and automation in rail freight transport and making an important contribution to the transport and climate transition.

Photo: © DB Cargo