DB Cargo, Bosch, and German government collaborate on automated heavy shunter by 2028

From Yahoo Finance: 2025-03-31 12:19:00

DB Cargo partners with Bosch subsidiaries and the German government to develop an automated heavy shunter locomotive. The prototype has been tested and is set to be operational by 2028. The project is funded by the German Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport.

Bosch Engineering and ITK Engineering are collaborating with DB Cargo to create a fully automated hump shunter locomotive. The automation unit includes sensors and algorithms for autonomous shunting operations. The new machine is expected to be approved by the German Federal Railway Authority by October 2027.

CEO of DB Cargo, Sigrid Nikutta, sees the automated locomotive as a step towards digitalization and automation in rail freight transport. The new technology aims to increase profitability and quality of operations for DB Cargo, benefiting customers with faster and more flexible handling of consignments.

Frank Schmidt, CEO of ITK Engineering, highlights the importance of intelligent software in advancing automation. The partnership with Bosch aims to bring expertise in software and system development for rail vehicles, contributing to the industry’s technological progress. The new shunter is expected to revolutionize freight operations in Germany.

Read more: DB Cargo developing automated heavy shunter