Voith, WLE & DAC4EU: Digital Freight Revolution in Germany

Voith Drives Digital Freight Revolution with DAC Coupler Deployment

The future of rail freight is taking shape, and Voith is at the forefront. In a move that signals a significant leap forward for European rail transport, Voith is supplying Westfälische Landes-Eisenbahn (WLE) with 30 CargoFlex wagon couplers and two hybrid couplers. These Digital Automatic Couplers (DACs) mark a critical milestone as the first DAC-equipped train enters commercial freight transport in Germany. This initiative is part of the ambitious DAC4EU project, a collaborative endeavor designed to demonstrate, test, and ultimately approve DAC technology for widespread adoption across the European rail network. The deployment signifies a bold step towards digitizing and automating rail freight operations. The first DAC-equipped wagons entered commercial service in March 2025, demonstrating the tangible impact of this innovative technology. This article delves into the intricacies of this pivotal project, exploring its benefits, challenges, and implications for the future of rail freight.

The DAC4EU Initiative: A Pioneering Project

The DAC4EU project is more than just an equipment deployment; it’s a pilot initiative aimed at paving the way for widespread DAC implementation. As part of this project, Voith will equip a further 13 freight wagons and one locomotive with its DAC technology by the end of the year. The core objective of DAC4EU is to rigorously test and validate the DAC system in a real-world operational environment. This includes not only demonstrating the functionality and reliability of the couplers themselves but also integrating them with existing railway infrastructure and operational procedures. By gathering practical experience and data, the project aims to address potential challenges, optimize system performance, and ultimately secure the necessary approvals for broader adoption across the European rail network. The project’s emphasis on practical testing and evaluation is crucial for building confidence in the technology and ensuring its successful integration into the complex rail freight ecosystem.

CargoFlex: The Technological Backbone

Voith’s CargoFlex couplers form the technological core of this project. These couplers go beyond the basic function of connecting railcars; they offer a continuous power and data supply between wagons, facilitated by integrated e-couplers. This capability is pivotal for enabling a range of advanced features that will revolutionize rail freight operations. One of the most significant developments is the automated brake test, developed in collaboration with the Austrian company PJM, offering significant time and efficiency gains. Furthermore, the system is designed to support future functionalities, including the automatic detection of train length, wagon sequence, and train integrity. The manual uncoupling mechanism, operated via a device on the wagon side, provides a necessary layer of operational flexibility. The delivery of the first four couplers and the successive installments expected through Fall 2025 will be crucial for the continued advancement of this project.

Operational Advantages and Industry Impact

WLE’s implementation of DAC technology holds substantial potential for enhancing efficiency and safety within its operations. WLE operates a dedicated rail network of approximately 120 kilometers and transports around 1.4 million tons of goods annually, primarily limestone and cement. By transitioning to DAC, the company is poised to realize significant benefits, including reduced shunting times, improved safety protocols, and streamlined operational procedures. These improvements translate directly to lower operating costs and increased overall capacity. The continuous data link provided by the CargoFlex system, crucial to the development of digital rail freight, will create new possibilities for automation and real-time tracking of assets. As WLE represents the first user of DAC in commercial freight within the EU, it serves as a crucial test bed for demonstrating the potential benefits of the technology and laying the groundwork for widespread adoption across the rail freight industry.

Hybrid Coupler Capabilities: A Future-Proof Solution

The inclusion of CargoFlex hybrid couplers for locomotives provides a vital element of flexibility. The hybrid design facilitates seamless integration with the existing infrastructure. It allows the head to be moved to both the automatic and manual position as required, enabling the use of both draw hook coupling and automatic coupling. This feature is designed to ensure compatibility with a wide range of rolling stock and infrastructure, facilitating a smooth transition to a fully automated system. Furthermore, it minimizes the need for costly and time-consuming modifications to existing equipment. By embracing this versatile approach, Voith is ensuring that the DAC technology is forward-compatible, helping railway operators integrate it without having to perform costly infrastructure investments.

Conclusion

Voith’s collaboration with WLE on the DAC4EU project represents a transformative moment in rail freight history. The deployment of CargoFlex couplers and hybrid couplers underscores a significant shift towards digitalization and automation. The initiative has already seen the first wagons carrying commercial freight using DACs, and with successive deliveries planned, it represents a significant leap forward for the industry. The DAC system, with its integrated power and data capabilities, has the potential to revolutionize rail freight operations by streamlining processes, improving safety, and increasing overall efficiency. The ongoing testing and validation within the DAC4EU project will be critical to accelerating broader adoption and fully realizing the benefits of DAC technology. The experience gained and data accumulated will influence future developments in rail freight across Europe and beyond, shaping the future of sustainable and efficient transportation. The industry can expect advancements in areas like autonomous brake testing and enhanced train management through the use of DAC technology.

Company Summary: Voith

Voith is a global technology company specializing in a diverse portfolio of industries, including rail transportation. They are a leading supplier of components and systems for the rail industry, with a focus on providing innovative and sustainable solutions that improve efficiency, safety, and performance. Their products and services encompass a wide range of applications, including digital automatic couplers (DACs), which are crucial components for the advancement of rail freight across Europe. Voith’s commitment to research, development, and strategic partnerships enables them to deliver cutting-edge technologies that are shaping the future of rail transportation.