08. December 2025, 00:00 o'Clock
Article: A new look at freight wagons – DB Cargo tests underfloor cameras and AI in marshalling yards
DB Cargo is testing underfloor cameras, microphones and AI as an extension of its technical wagon inspection procedures – for greater efficiency and support for wagon inspectors.
Technical wagon inspection is a fundamental task in rail freight transport. It is carried out after the composition, loading or unloading of freight wagons. To further improve these processes, DB Cargo is testing the use of underfloor cameras, microphones and artificial intelligence (AI).
The system being tested at the Munich North marshalling yard provides a complete view of the freight wagon for the first time – from above, from the side and now also from below. This should make it possible to diagnose potential damage much more quickly and accurately in future.
Existing camera gates capture visual images of the wagons as they pass through. The newly installed underfloor camera complements this technology by providing a view from below. It consists of five camera modules that capture images of the axles, brake rigging and components underneath the wagon. At the same time, microphones record sound to detect flat spots on wheels or other irregularities.
"With the underfloor camera, we can capture freight wagons completely digitally for the first time as part of the trial - from all sides," explains Vitali Ryazantsev-Frey. "The additional perspective provides us with more comprehensive information on the condition of the wagon. This would give us a 360-degree view of freight wagons in the future."
The data obtained from the underfloor cameras and camera gates will be linked together during the trial and evaluated using AI models. The aim is to provide early, data-based support for technical wagon inspection – before visible damage or operational delays occur.
Underfloor camera mounted in front of the camera bridge in Munich North marshalling yard – view of the directional track.
The ASaG project – Automated Damage Detection on Freight Cars – is being implemented jointly by DB Cargo, DB Systel, CoDiVe, DB InfraGO, and the University of Wuppertal.
The installation of the sensor technology is part of a proof of concept – an important milestone on the way to targeted, data-based support for our wagon inspectors during the technical inspection of freight wagons," Rjasanzew-Frey continues.
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With the ASaG project, DB Cargo is taking another step towards its vision of creating an 'intelligent rail freight transport system'. This involves implementing innovation projects along the value chain through digitalisation and automation for the future of rail freight transport.
ASaG is funded by the Federal Ministry of Transport as part of the Future of Rail Freight Transport (Z-SGV) funding programme.
Bottom view of a freight wagon:Shot with the underfloor camera. Axles and brake rigging are clearly recognisable.
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DB Cargo is testing the basis for future technical wagon inspections using a combination of sensor technology, AI and practical experience. The project impressively demonstrates how digitalisation and Automatic Train Operation can meaningfully complement the expertise of experienced specialists – for greater efficiency and viability for the future in rail freight transport.
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