03. March 2025, 09:51 o'Clock
Article: Use of AI to optimise the operation of vehicle transports
DB Cargo relies on artificial intelligence (AI) to increase efficiency and sustainably optimise the operation of vehicle transports in marshalling yards
DB Cargo has set itself the goal of making rail freight transport more efficient and sustainable. A particular focus is on optimising the work processes for inspecting freight wagons in marshalling yards. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) plays a decisive role in digitally supporting the work of colleagues on site.
AI-supported image processing in marshalling yards
The first step was to implement camera gates at eight large marshalling yards in Germany. These capture up to 300,000 high-resolution images of freight wagons every day. With the help of AI, these images are processed in order to recognise irregularities at an early stage and thus supplement manual inspections in a targeted manner.
Quality assurance for car transports with AI
When transporting cars by rail in an environmentally friendly manner, the vehicles are often covered with protective film. In order to check the films on car trains and detect any irregularities at an early stage, DB Cargo has developed an AI-supported solution that is currently running successfully in trial operation. The AI processes image data from up to 400 freight wagons every day and automatically recognises damaged and loose protective films. It takes into account various challenges in the marshalling yard, such as changing light conditions, weather influences and different vehicle types. As soon as a defective film is detected, the system generates a notification so that employees can take action in good time - before the freight train moves on.
The project is part of a comprehensive strategy for digitalisation and automation at DB Cargo along the entire rail freight transport value chain. The innovation projects will advance the implementation of the vision of an 'intelligent rail freight transport system'.
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