Winter Tests Demonstrate Strong Performance of Digital Automatic Coupling Technology as ÖBB Advances

Winter Tests Demonstrate Strong Performance of Digital Automatic Coupling Technology as ÖBB Advances

(IN BRIEF) ÖBB is advancing the modernisation of European rail freight through continued development and testing of Digital Automatic Coupling technology. Using its DAC demo train, ÖBB Rail Cargo Group has conducted extensive winter trials in Austria to evaluate how the system performs in real-world operating conditions. The tests examined mechanical coupling operations, electrical uncoupling, air systems and digital data connections while exposing the technology to temperatures as low as minus 15 degrees Celsius, snowfall and freezing rain. Preliminary results indicate strong reliability and resilience, confirming that the system can operate effectively under demanding winter conditions. Digital Automatic Coupling is expected to replace the century-old manual screw coupling system and enable automated brake testing, improved data communication and greater efficiency across freight trains, supporting Europe’s broader goals of digitalising rail operations and shifting freight transport toward more sustainable rail networks.

(PRESS RELEASE) VIENNA, 6-Mar-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — ÖBB is moving forward with the transformation of European rail freight through continued development of the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC), a technology widely seen as essential for modernising freight operations across the continent. The system replaces the traditional manual screw coupling used for more than a century and introduces an automated process that significantly reduces the physical effort and time required to connect freight wagons.

The DAC system does more than automate the mechanical connection between wagons. In addition to linking wagons mechanically and pneumatically through compressed air lines for braking systems, it also enables continuous electrical power and digital data connections along the entire freight train. These capabilities provide the technological foundation for a new generation of automated and digital rail freight services.

ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG), the freight division of ÖBB, is playing a key role in advancing this technology. Through its DAC demo train project, the company is testing the full ecosystem surrounding Digital Automatic Coupling under real operating conditions. The goal is to refine the technology, evaluate its reliability and prepare it for large-scale deployment across European rail networks. Recent winter testing in Austria demonstrated that the system performs reliably even under challenging environmental conditions.

Demo train enters practical testing phase

Following extensive technical preparations and the integration of coupling systems developed by several manufacturers, the DAC demonstration train was introduced to examine how mechanical components, electrical systems and digital data transmission operate together in real-world railway environments. The testing programme focuses on ensuring that the systems function seamlessly across different manufacturers and meet the operational requirements of European rail freight.

Beyond the mechanical connection of freight wagons, the project also evaluates the stability of power distribution and digital communication across the train. These capabilities are essential for enabling automated brake tests and supporting additional digital rail applications in the future. By establishing continuous power and data connections along the train, DAC lays the groundwork for increased automation and improved operational efficiency in freight transport.

Winter endurance tests under extreme conditions

The DAC demo train underwent an intensive three-week testing programme designed to evaluate its performance in harsh winter conditions. The tests were carried out at Schwarzach-St. Veit station in the Pongau region of Salzburg, where temperatures dropped to around minus 15 degrees Celsius and the system was exposed to freezing rain and fresh snowfall.

Engineers conducted repeated coupling operations to examine the reliability of the mechanical components while also testing electrical uncoupling functions operated via push-button controls. At the same time, the performance of the air and data connections was carefully monitored, as these systems are crucial for maintaining safe braking operations and ensuring stable data communication along the freight train.

The tests also focused on how cold weather, snow and ice might affect lubricants, seals and electrical contacts. Evaluating these factors is essential to ensuring that the technology can operate reliably throughout the year across Europe’s diverse climate conditions.

To further replicate realistic freight operations, the train was parked in Böckstein for a period of ten days to simulate extended idle times typical in rail freight services. During this time, snow was intentionally allowed to penetrate relevant components in order to identify potential weaknesses and evaluate how the system performs after prolonged exposure to winter conditions.

Encouraging preliminary results

The initial test series was designed to identify potential vulnerabilities early in the development process and address them through further engineering improvements. Preliminary results from the winter trials show that the systems tested performed reliably and demonstrated strong resilience despite the challenging weather conditions.

Bettina Castillo, CEO of ÖBB Rail Cargo Group, described the successful testing phase as an important milestone in the development of the technology. She noted that the results provide valuable insights for further improvements and confirm progress toward creating a standardised Digital Automatic Coupling system across Europe. Each new testing phase, she said, brings the industry closer to implementing a robust and practical solution for modern rail freight operations, with European cooperation playing a crucial role in achieving successful implementation.

DAC as a key project for Europe’s rail future

The rollout of Digital Automatic Coupling represents one of the most significant innovation initiatives in European rail freight transport. The technology is widely regarded as a prerequisite for the comprehensive digitalisation and automation of rail freight operations.

By enabling smarter, more efficient logistics processes, DAC supports broader European goals of shifting more freight transport onto environmentally sustainable rail networks. Through its active involvement in development and testing, ÖBB is contributing operational expertise and positioning itself as a key driver in the ongoing transformation of rail freight transport in Europe.

ÖBB