DAC+ - PJM EN

Tests of the DAC with Powerline Train Backbone & Automatic Brake Test successfully completed

As part of the FP5 TRANS4M-R project, a prototype test train has successfully tested the most important automated functions using the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC). The tests carried out with a prototype train have shown that the new Powerline PLUS communication technology can be quickly adapted. In view of these promising results, significant developments are now required to achieve a production-ready solution for the digital automatic coupler.

On board the pilot train was PJM's Automatic Brake Test, one of four automated train functions. ‘The system integrated into the PTB communication system worked perfectly. The data was transmitted via PTB and the brake tests were successfully performed using the existing PJM WaggonTracker system,’ reads the summary of the report.

The other three train functions were train composition detection, train integrity monitoring and automatic uncoupling.

Further information

Video

Photo: With courtesy taken from the video "FP5 TRANS4M-R tests and demos"

2025-04-15 12_55_04-FP5 TRANS4M-R tests and demos-PJM

General / Waggon Tracker - 04/24/2025

Tatravagónka and PJM cooperate on digital train functions

Tatravagónka, the leading freight wagon manufacturer in Europe, is integrating PJM's digital freight train functions and automated applications into its equipment range. Hence, the efficiency-enhancing monitoring and automation features are now available ex works for wagon purchasers.

Due to its extensive wagon portfolio, the Slovakian manufacturer is the largest in Europe. Wagon types for the transport of all types of products are developed and manufactured in several plants in Slovakia, including tank and bulk goods wagons, flat wagons, intermodal wagons and steel coil transport wagons. In order to make the benefits of automation and digitalization available to the sector in an efficient way, Tatravagónka is now offering the functionalities of the overall digital system WaggonTracker. The monitoring features include real-time brake analysis and brake system monitoring, real-time kingpin monitoring, IDDS derailment diagnostics paired with real-time in-train communication (direct communication with the train driver), load weight monitoring and automatic brake testing. The majority of the functions are offered exclusively by PJM, the Automatic Brake Test is the European reference system, with broad support from railway undertakings and wagon keepers. The technical applications create a number of essential benefits: lower costs, higher availability of the goods train, faster train preparation and, above all, greater safety. By ordering ex works, the PJM system is optimally integrated into the freight wagons and delivered to the customer.

‘Tatravagónka and our overall digital system complement each other perfectly: as a leading manufacturer, Tatravagónka is constantly developing innovations and optimizations. Our monitoring system, automatic brake testing and load weight monitoring are unique functions that make rail transport safer and optimize it in terms of efficiency, availability and cost-effectiveness. For wagon keepers and railway undertakings, the step towards digital train functions and the associated benefits is very simple. Tatravagónka hands over the required equipment ex works,’ says Günter Petschnig, CEO of PJ Monitoring GmbH. ‘This partnership ensures that the rail freight transport sector receives an advanced, reliable and future-proof overall solution’, says Günter Petschnig

In addition to Tatravagónka, leading wagon hire companies also offer intelligent train functions from PJM in their equipment portfolio: VTG, TRANSWAGGON and GATX equip wagons with automatic brake testing, load weight monitoring or other monitoring functions according to customer requirements.

Check out further information in the press release

General / Waggon Tracker - 04/09/2025

Polo Logistica FS: 600 intermodal wagons to be upgraded with PJM's digital train functions

Mercitalia Intermodal, a company of Polo Logistica FS, and PJM have signed a new order on further fleet equipment with smart train functionalities. Specifically, approximately 600 intermodal wagons will be equipped with PJM’s overall digital WaggonTracker system as part of maintenance work.

In addition to general wagon monitoring (speed, running direction, geofencing, wheelset performance management, last signal, last movement, etc.), the functionalities also include real-time brake monitoring, real-time kingpin monitoring and IDDS derailment detection system. A local radio system within the train set ensures direct communication in real time between the wagons and the train driver. The in-train communication is based on an encrypted, secure connection and open interfaces. The WaggonTracker system is fully compatible with a future DAC system and can be expanded with customized applications thanks to the powerful power supply. The innovative strength of the overall digital system is evidenced by multiple awards, such as the State Prize for Digitalization.

The Italian wagon keeper has been focusing on the digitalization of its intermodal fleet for several years in order to achieve the optimum in rail logistics between the conflicting priorities of cost-effectiveness, availability and safety. The smart train functions are essential as they bring improvements on several levels. Train preparation is shortened, asset management and maintenance work are optimized thanks to a predictive maintenance strategy, reliability is increased, vehicle-friendly operation is made possible and short-term resulting in cost-intensive repair work is minimized. These economic optimizations are supplemented by an increase in safety.

Sabrina De Filippis, CEO of Mercitalia Logistics, said: “Innovation and digitalization are two of the enabling factors of our 2025-2029 strategic plan, which includes investments dedicated to digitalization, also thanks to innovative projects such as the smart train. We are constantly committed to adopting cutting-edge technologies to significantly reduce the environmental impact of logistics operations, while ensuring a high-quality service. The smart train is one of the projects that will allow Mercitalia Logistics to become a European logistics player, contributing to the evolution of global logistics”.

Media release

General / Waggon Tracker - 02/14/2025

VTG relies on automation of brake testing with PJM

VTG, Europe's leading private operator of freight wagons, will offer PJM's automatic brake testing system as a project-related equipment option. VTG is thus consistently pursuing its digitalisation strategy in order to achieve further increases in efficiency in the handling of freight trains.

Automatic brake testing is a crucial factor in the preparation of freight trains, as it is obligatory to check the brakes each time a change is made to the wagon configuration or the wagon is stationary for more than 24 hours. Hence, the potential savings for railway companies in this time-consuming process are high, both in terms of human labour and costs.

Since 2017, the technology developed by PJM and SBB Cargo has been successfully tested in pilot freight trains. Based on this extensive testing, VTG will make this system available as an equipment option. The expansion of the equipment portfolio with the automatic brake test system supports the integration of the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) and represents another important step in the digitalisation strategy of both companies.

Media release

General / Waggon Tracker - 10/20/2023

Digital freight train by SBB Cargo: Pilot project was launched

SBB Cargo is a pioneer in the automation of rail transport. Now an international consortium has launched the pilot train "DAC+". On board is the automatic brake test from PJM, among many other features provided by international consortium partners.

The consortium's goal is to advance automation and digitalisation in rail freight transport and thus, among other things, single-person operation. The centrepiece is the recently launched digital pilot train "DAC+".

More on this in the media info released by SBB Cargo:

https://news.sbb.ch/medien/artikel/116233/digital-freight-train-swiss-pilot-project-launched