A DB Cargo electric locomotive has been equipped with automatic and remote train operation technology which is to be used to test automated freight haulage under real-world conditions.
On July 4 retrofitted Siemens Mobility Vectron electric locomotive 193 347 was presented to guests at the Köln-Gremberg workshop, where a second loco is also being equipped. DB Cargo said ‘the goal is clear: ATO and RTO should make rail freight transport more efficient, flexible and competitive throughout Europe’. A one-year trial is scheduled to begin in October on the Betuweroute freight corridor from Rotterdam in the Netherlands to Germany.
In ATO mode the locomotive will autonomously manage acceleration, running, braking and stopping. The tests will encompass a range of wagon types and loading scenarios, from heavy bulk freight to partially-loaded tank wagons. There will be a driver onboard, supported by a remote control and monitoring team.
