InnoTrans 2026 report (7)
posted on 23rd Oct 2026 19:33
The Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) is a key component in the digitalization of freight trains. With CargoFlex, Voith has developed a DAC solution that not only automates mechanical coupling but also establishes energy and data connections between the cars. This transforms the analog freight car into a digitally connected car and many connected cars into a smart freight train. Automated processes, from brake testing to condition monitoring, are thus made possible.
CargoFlex is already in use in commercial freight transport. The coupling has been successfully in regular operation in Switzerland since 2019. A total of 230 wagons and 25 locomotives have been equipped, making CargoFlex the only DAC solution with a multi-year, commercially proven track record in European rail freight transport.
“A particular challenge is integrating the DAC into locomotives, as they must remain flexible enough to be used in various types of service,” says Müslüm Yakisan, CEO of Voith Turbo Rail & Marine. “With CargoFlex, we’re leveraging our system and integration expertise to lay the groundwork for the freight train’s digital functionalities.”
The technological development of the DAC is well advanced. For Europe-wide migration, approximately 900,000 couplings for wagons and about 46,000 couplings for roughly 23,000 locomotives must be retrofitted. Technical integration is particularly challenging when it comes to locomotives. This requires interoperability, a reliable migration path, and investment security.
With the funding program for DAC pioneer trains launched in September, the Federal Ministry of Transport of Germany has initiated the next phase of testing. The pioneer trains are intended to test the interaction between couplers and digital train functions under real-world operating conditions, thereby enabling an important step toward Europe-wide migration.
As part of the InnoTrans opening ceremony, Germany’s Federal Minister of Transport Steffen Bilger and Apostolos Tzitzikostas, EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism, visited the Voith booth. The discussion focused on the digitalization of rail freight transport and the conditions necessary for successful Europe-wide scaling.
