For the first time, a freight train locomotive in Europe has been retrofitted for automated regular operation: DB Cargo has equipped the first mainline locomotive at the Cologne-Gremberg plant with the latest technologies for Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Operation (RTO). This was announced in a company press release in early July. According to the release, the retrofitting, which was implemented with the German Aerospace Center (DLR) and partners Hitachi and Remoot, is an important step towards more automation in rail freight transport. ATO and RTO are intended by DB Cargo to make freight transport on rail more efficient, flexible, and competitive across Europe.
The project is part of the federal program "Future of Rail Freight Transport for Innovation Promotion," through which the Federal Ministry of Transport (BMV) aims
to accelerate the development and timely market introduction of innovative technologies in freight transport and thereby increase the market share of rail in freight transport in Germany. Federal funds amounting to 18.86 million euros were invested in this project.
Test phase starts in October 2025
From October 2025, a one-year testing phase will begin on the Dutch Betuweroute – it is one of the most important and modern freight transport routes in Europe. In the so-called ATO operation, the locomotive according to DB Cargo will automate acceleration, running, braking, and stopping. Safety remains the highest priority: A train driver will remain on board, supplemented by a central remote monitoring and control team. During the trial operation, trips with various wagon types and loading scenarios will be considered – 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 the open network.
Dr. Sigrid Nikutta, Board Member for Freight Transport at Deutsche Bahn AG and Chairwoman of the Board of DB Cargo AG:
“Automated, that is, self-driving locomotives utilize the tracks more efficiently – this creates more capacity and better quality in rail freight transport. The debut 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 therefore essential in the fight against climate change. Because shifting goods to rail is the largest and most effective lever to reduce CO2 and
relieve our roads.”
“Innovations are the engine for modern, intelligent, and efficient rail freight transport. Automated driving eases the burden on employees and simultaneously creates future-oriented jobs. This is exactly what we need to address the shortage of skilled workers and demographic change, which naturally does not stop at rail freight transport. With this project, we are pioneering in this regard for the entire rail freight transport in Europe," said Federal Minister for Transport Patrick Schnieder (CDU).
The automation of train operations is intended to shift more freight from roads to rails – thus from DB Cargo's perspective, it is a central lever for climate-friendly logistics in Europe. According to the company, it aims to consistently advance digitization and automation in rail freight transport and contribute to the transport and climate
