DB Cargo is using artificial intelligence to make rail freight transport more efficient: AI technology can literally read out the status and, more recently, important operating data as it rolls past marshalling yards.
DB Cargo uses existing camera bridges for this purpose. With the AI initiative at the freight railway, Deutsche Bahn is following its long-term growth strategy Strong Rail: The digital eye ensures that more goods are transported on the climate-friendly rails because operations can be carried out much faster and more effectively.
DB Cargo has been using camera bridges for digital diagnostics of freight wagons across the board for some time now. A total of 13 camera bridges are located at the eight largest freight stations in Germany. Freight trains pass through portals that are equipped with high-speed cameras and lighting. An AI analyzes the captured images for damage.
Now another feature is being rolled out: the most important railcar information can be read and analyzed in seconds using AI. The labeling of the cars contains essential operating data such as deadweight, brakes, loading dimensions and much more. The check of this data is required by law and must be carried out again for each train formation.
Previously, employees with long computer lists carried out this work exclusively manually, which was very time-consuming. With the new AI-supported image processing, DB Cargo can precisely recognize and further process the 15 most important addresses on a freight wagon.
The new AI technology is now being tested nationwide. It is intended to speed up the provision of freight wagons and at the same time make the work of employees considerably easier.
DB Cargo customers will benefit most from this. The project is funded by the Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport as part of the Future of Rail Freight Transport program.
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