DB Cargo has unveiled Europe’s first automated freight locomotive, marking a significant milestone in the digitalisation of rail freight transport. The modified locomotive, equipped with cutting-edge Automatic Train Operation (ATO) and Remote Train Operation (RTO) technologies, was fitted at DB Cargo’s Cologne-Gremberg facility and is set for a year-long trial on the Betuweroute in the Netherlands from October 2025.
The initiative is part of the German Federal Ministry of Transport’s “Future Rail Freight Transport” programme, which aims to accelerate the development and market introduction of innovative technologies in freight rail. The project received €18.86 million in federal funding.
The trial will test automated acceleration, running, braking and stopping under ATO, while maintaining safety with a train driver onboard, supported by a central remote monitoring and control team. The tests will involve a variety of wagons and loading conditions, from heavy bulk freight to partially filled tankers. It also marks the first time that ATO and RTO technologies will be tested in combination on open-access rail infrastructure.
Dr Sigrid Nikutta, Member of the Management Board for Freight Transport at Deutsche Bahn and Chair of the Management Board at DB Cargo, said: “Automated, self-driving locomotives make more efficient use of tracks – this creates more capacity and improves quality in rail freight transport. The debut of this automated locomotive at Cologne-Gremberg marshalling yard is a key step for the future of European rail freight.”
She added, “DB Cargo and freight rail play a vital role in the transport transition and are essential in the fight against climate change. Shifting freight to rail is the largest and most effective lever for cutting CO₂ emissions and easing road congestion.”
Patrick Schnieder, Germany’s Federal Transport Minister, commented: “Innovation is the engine of modern, intelligent and efficient rail freight. Automated operation reduces workload for staff while creating future-proof jobs. This is exactly what we need to tackle the skills shortage and demographic shifts – challenges that also affect rail freight. This project is pioneering for the entire European rail freight sector.”
The chosen Betuweroute – one of Europe’s most advanced freight corridors – offers an ideal environment for testing. The combination of ATO and RTO is expected to demonstrate how automated systems can increase capacity, boost efficiency and improve reliability on freight corridors.
DB Cargo’s efforts underline its broader strategy to digitise and automate freight operations as part of its contribution to Germany’s climate and transport goals. Automation is expected to support modal shift from road to rail, key to delivering more sustainable logistics across the continent.
The project is conducted in collaboration with the German Aerospace Centre (DLR), and technology partners Hitachi and Remoot.
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