Bosch Engineering Launches Catenary Assist System to Enhance Rail Safety and Reduce Operational Costs

Bosch Engineering Launches Catenary Assist System to Enhance Rail Safety and Reduce Operational Costs

(IN BRIEF) Bosch Engineering introduces the catenary assist system to improve the safety and reliability of rail operations. By monitoring the pantograph’s position and alerting drivers to any misalignments, the system reduces the risk of damage to the pantograph and catenary while minimizing operational disruptions and repair costs. Designed for both new locomotives and retrofitting existing fleets, the system enhances rail traffic safety and efficiency. For more advanced monitoring, Bosch also offers the rail assist suite, which integrates cutting-edge sensor technologies.

(PRESS RELEASE) ABSTATT, 21-May-2025 — /EuropaWire/ — Bosch Engineering has introduced a new catenary assist system designed to enhance the safety and efficiency of rail operations. This innovative system addresses a common problem in railway operations: damage to the pantograph and catenary caused by incorrect timing in raising or lowering the pantograph. This issue is particularly prevalent in rail vehicles with hybrid propulsion systems, which alternate between diesel or battery power on non-electrified tracks and electric power on catenary-connected sections.

The catenary assist system from Bosch monitors the position of the pantograph, alerting the train driver with both acoustic and visual warnings when the pantograph is out of position. This timely notification helps prevent accidents that can lead to dangerous electric shocks, train breakdowns, and costly repairs. “By preventing pantograph-related accidents, we contribute to safe, trouble-free rail traffic and minimize repair costs, operational disruptions, and delays,” said Heiko Mangold, Head of Rail Technology at Bosch Engineering.

Key Features:

• Reduced Risk of Damage: The system minimizes the risk of pantograph and catenary damage, enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
• Driver Alerts: Provides train drivers with warnings when the pantograph is incorrectly positioned, preventing potential hazards.
• Assistance Functions: Offers quick and simple access to various assistance functions, making it easier for train operators to manage rail traffic.
• Flexible Integration: The system is suitable as original equipment for new locomotives or can be retrofitted to existing fleets, providing a versatile solution for rail operators.

The catenary assist system is composed of a control unit, a compact sensor system, and an antenna for connectivity and navigation data. The system processes the locomotive’s position data, compares it to a stored digital track plan, and determines whether it is safe to raise the pantograph on the current track section. If any discrepancies are detected, the driver receives a warning message in the cab. The system can also transmit alerts to an external control panel for precise shunting operations.

Bosch Engineering’s catenary assist system is a standalone assistance technology that only requires a power supply to operate, making it an easy-to-integrate solution for rail operators. For customers seeking a more comprehensive system, Bosch has developed the rail assist suite, which incorporates advanced sensor technologies such as radar, LiDAR, cameras, and ultrasonic systems. This suite enables predictive monitoring and sensor-based detection, further enhancing rail vehicle safety.

Mobility is the largest Bosch Group business sector. It generated sales of 55.8 billion euros in 2024, and thus contributed around 62 percent of total sales. This makes the Bosch Group one of the leading mobility suppliers. Bosch Mobility pursues a vision of mobility that is safe, sustainable, and exciting. For its customers, the outcome is integrated mobility solutions. The business sector’s main areas of activity are electrification, software and services, semiconductors and sensors, vehicle computers, advanced driver assistance systems, systems for vehicle dynamics control, repair-shop concepts, as well as technology and services for the automotive aftermarket and fleets. Bosch is synonymous with important automotive innovations, such as electronic engine management, the ESP anti-skid system, and common-rail diesel technology.

About Bosch Engineering GmbH
Bosch Engineering GmbH is a wholly owned subsidiary of Robert Bosch GmbH and is head-quartered in Abstatt, Germany. As a systems development partner to the automotive industry since 1999, the company with its more than 3,200 associates offers development services for powertrains, safety and convenience systems, and electrical and electronic systems – from the original concept to series production. Specialized in electronics and software, it draws on Bosch’s proven large-scale series production technology to develop tailored solutions for a wide variety of applications in passenger cars, commercial vehicles, off-highway and recreational vehicles, and in rail applications, ships, and industry. Bosch Engineering GmbH also coordinates all the Bosch Group’s motorsports activities.
Additional information can be accessed at www.bosch-engineering.com.

The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. It employs roughly 418,000 associates worldwide (as of December 31, 2024). The company generated sales of 90.3 billion euros in 2024. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. With its business activities, the company aims to use technology to help shape universal trends such as automation, electrification, digitalization, connectivity, and an orientation to sustainability. In this context, Bosch’s broad diversification across regions and industries strengthens its innovativeness and robustness. Bosch uses its proven expertise in sensor technology, software, and services to offer customers cross-domain solutions from a single source. It also applies its expertise in connectivity and artificial intelligence in order to develop and manufacture user-friendly, sustainable products. With technology that is “Invented for life,” Bosch wants to help improve quality of life and conserve natural resources. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its roughly 490 subsidiary and regional companies in over 60 countries. Including sales and service partners, Bosch’s global manufacturing, engineering, and sales network covers nearly every country in the world. Bosch’s innovative strength is key to the company’s further development. At 136 locations across the globe, Bosch employs some 87,000 associates in research and development.

Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com.

Media Contact:

Joern Ebberg
Spokesperson internet of things and mobility
+49 711 811-26223
Joern.Ebberg@de.bosch.com

SOURCE: BOSCH