The question from the customer

Deutsche Bahn - Cargo (DB Cargo) operates the busiest freight train operation in Europe on the Rotterdam-Genoa Corridor. DB Cargo anticipates improvements on efficiency and throughput on the corridor by the transition towards Automatic Train Operation (ATO). In the ATO concept, the trains are operated driverless and highly automated, with remote supervision and control, if required.

To investigate the feasibility hereof, DB Cargo planned to equip two trains with ATO equipment, for which a procurement phase has started. The final goal of the DB Cargo project is to test the ATO trains for a year in operation on the Dutch part of the Rotterdam-Genoa corridor, the Betuweroute. This test phase is planned for 2024, allowing suppliers to define, design and deliver the ATO equipment required.

Our solution and added value

ADSE together with its partner Intergo were selected to join forces with DB Cargo to deliver a Set of Requirements to select a ATO and Remote Supervision & Control partner for a 1 year operational test trial. Specific activities included:

• To define the Concept of Operations for ATO operations,
• To perform an assessment on which driver tasks shall be automated and which tasks shall be transferred to the Remote Supervisory Control Centre; and
• A thorough analysis of the hazards involved was made as well as a definition of the Remote Supervision & Control centre workspace and human-machine interfaces to supervise and control the trains remotely.

DB Cargo has expressed their appreciation to ADSE B.V. and Intergo for the great discussions, ideas, concepts and exchange within the ATO Betuweroute project. It has been a real challenge to deliver all pieces in time and quality, in which ADSE and Intergo succeeded. The DB Cargo Program manager Mr. Baseliyos Jacob expressed it as follows: “The high quality deliverables designed by ADSE and Intergo formed the basis for the specifications to start the ATO Betuweroute tender phase in the first half of 2022”. ADSE and Intergo are proud to have been selected by DB Cargo to perform this activity and we are looking forward to further assist DB Cargo in the next phase of the project.