DB Cargo is testing underfloor cameras, microphones, and artificial intelligence to detect potential damage to freight wagons more quickly. The system, installed at the Munich North marshalling yard, provides a complete view of the wagon – from above, from the side, and now also from below.
Photos: DB Cargo
Technical wagon handling is carried out after freight wagons have been assembled, loaded, or unloaded . Camera gantries already visually monitor the wagons as they pass through. The newly added underfloor camera complements this technology by providing a view from below.
Full digital capture
It consists of five camera modules that capture images of axles, brake linkages, and components underneath the vehicle. Simultaneously, microphones record sound to detect flat spots on wheels or other irregularities.
Below floor view
“With the underfloor camera, we can, for the first time during the trial, completely digitally record freight wagons – from all sides,” explains Vitali Rjasanzew-Frey, project manager for Digital Diagnostics on Freight Wagons (AsaG) at DB Cargo. “This additional perspective gives us more comprehensive information about the wagon's condition. In the future, this would give us a 360-degree view of freight wagons.”
Proof of Concept
during the be linked and analyzed using AI models The ASaG project is a joint initiative of DB Cargo, DB Systel, CoDiVe, DB InfraGO, and the University of Wuppertal. It is funded by the German Centre for Rail Transport Research (DZSF) as part of the "Future of Rail Freight" program.
Sensors in the track bed
“The installation of the sensors is part of a proof of concept – an important milestone on the way to targeted, data-based support for our wagon inspectors in the technical inspection of freight wagons,” said Rjasanzew-Frey.
