Automatic push-off locomotive to speed up freight traffic

Deutsche Bahn subsidiary DB Cargo wants to use a fully automatic shunting locomotive to assemble freight trains more efficiently in future. Following initial successful tests with a prototype at the Munich North marshalling yard, the rail company now wants to further develop the locomotive to series production readiness, it announced in a press release. It could then be used in DB Cargo's large train formation yards in Germany from 2028.

The so-called push-off locomotive has a special role to play in shunting operations: it is responsible for pushing freight wagons over a hump. To do this, it pushes groups of wagons slowly and in a controlled manner over the top of the artificial hill, from where they roll independently in different directional tracks. Until now, these shunting locomotives have been operated manually by train drivers.

Challenging project

The automation, which is being driven forward by DB Cargo together with Bosch Engineering and ITK Engineering, is considered technically challenging, as the locomotive has to maintain precise speeds and react to different wagon weights.

The locomotive was equipped with sensors to detect the environment. The aim is to increase the efficiency of rail freight transport.

Deutsche Bahn plans for the push-off locomotive to receive approval from the Federal Railway Authority at the end of 2027. It could then be used in various freight stations in the following year. The Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport (BMDV) is funding the project via the Future Rail Freight Transport program.

(mki)