Project information
- Acronym: DAC
- Could be partly financed through EU-RAIL JU
- Sector: Railway System Forum (RSF)
- Project start date: 01/01/2024
- Duration: 36 months
- Project director: Frédéric Henon
- Project manager: Giancarlo De Marco Telese
- Status: ongoing project
- Project code: 2024/RSF/833
Project description
The Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) presents a unique opportunity to revolutionize rail freight systems in Europe. It is a key enabler for the digital transformation towards fully automated railway operations, enhancing efficiency and interoperability. By unlocking more capacity and integrating new technologies, DAC will promote a shift to rail, contributing to climate protection and economic growth.
Achieving these goals requires new telematics solutions for condition and health monitoring, performance monitoring, and load supervision. This includes smart inspection processes and the development of harmonized training programs for locomotive drivers to support cross-border operations. These advancements necessitate supportive training and equipment.
The International Union of Railways (UIC) plays a crucial role in preparing industrial standards and publishing reports, solutions, guidelines, and specifications throughout the innovation life cycle. UIC aims to improve the ’time to market’ for suppliers and ensure safe operational implementation for railway operators through harmonized processes. Operations cover all aspects from service design to maintenance, considering all system interactions and interfaces, such as rolling stock, infrastructure, command and control systems, and energy.
Project objectives
The development and publication of operation and maintenance rules are grounded in the principle of collaboration with manufacturers, vehicle keepers, and entities in charge of maintenance (ECMs). This collaborative approach aims to build a robust EU-working community to advance operational procedures and rules for DAC-based freight operations. A key aspect of this initiative is the creation of harmonized operational procedures for DAC, known as AMOC, ensuring consistency and efficiency across the European rail network.
Additionally, the project leverages the use of “TRAINDY” to manage Longitudinal Compressive Forces (LCF), a crucial factor in maintaining the structural integrity of trains. Supporting activities related to automated shunting operations on both ETCS (European Train Control System) and non-ETCS lines is another important target. This support will facilitate the seamless integration of automation in rail operations, enhancing the overall efficiency and safety of freight transport.
