DB Cargo, a freight operator of the German railways (DB), has implemented a technology for monitoring the condition of wagons using artificial intelligence at eight large marshalling yards. The technology, installed in 13 diagnostic portals, allows around 10,000 freight wagons to be checked daily in motion.
The artificial intelligence analyzes images from cameras, recognizing data on wagon weight, braking systems, and permissible load. Previously, this information was collected manually, which required significant resources. Now the process is automated, which increases efficiency and reduces labor costs.
In addition, the system automatically detects damage to wagons, which helps prevent potential accidents. DB Cargo is testing the technology across its entire network, managing its own fleet of 83,000 wagons and integrating wagons from other owners. The project is supported by the German Federal Ministry for Digitalization and Transport (BMDV).