Digital Automatic Coupler

Connect Smarter,
Deliver Faster

The digital freight journey of the future

Moving freight traffic from road to rail is one of the trends that affects the traffic of tomorrow. In this context, the automation and digitalisation of connecting systems for freight train couplers is increasingly important.

Dellner is involved in the Shift2Rail program to develop a Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) for rail freight transport.

The Digital Automatic Coupler is an advanced technology designed for the railway industry to connect freight wagons. Unlike currently used traditional screw couplers, DACs are designed to improve efficiency, safety, and integration through automation and digitalisation. DACs automatically connect and disconnect freight cars, air pipes, data- and powerlines.

Benefits of DACs for rail freight

Automatic coupling and uncoupling

DACs help freight cars to connect and disconnect automatically without manual intervention. This automation speeds up the process and reduces the risk of accidents and injuries.

Enhanced safety

Automation reduces human error, leading to safer operations. DACs are equipped with sensors and digital systems that ensure secure connections and monitor the status of the coupling in real-time.

Data transmission

DACs facilitate the digital exchange of data between freight cars. This includes information on load status, maintenance needs, and operational conditions, which assists better fleet management and real-time monitoring.

Increased efficiency

By streamlining the coupling process, DACs reduce downtime and increase the overall efficiency of rail operations. This leads to faster turnaround times and improved scheduling.

Improved safety

The DAC system will enable advanced train monitoring, including integrity monitoring, thereby enhancing the safety of freight train operations.

Interoperability

DACs are designed to be compatible with other DAC freight couplers, no matter the supplier, making them a versatile solution for the European rail industry.

Dellner Digital Automatic Coupler

More than 100 000 Dellner couplers have proven their quality in train service worldwide for more than 80 years. By applying know-how from passenger transport to freight, we can enhance operational efficiency, improve safety and ensure seamless integration across various rail systems in Europe.

Seamless Freight Connectivity

Dellner has been a part of several Shift2Rail initiative’s projects since 2019. By the end of 2024, we plan to supply in total around 100 DACs for different kinds of tests done by Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking, DAC4EU consortium as well as for individual customers. The DACs are being tested with respect to functionality, interoperability and operational reliability. The technical requirements as well as the prototypes’ performance are being investigated in various test scenarios to make sure the final design perfectly meets the needs of the freight industry.

1 000 000

new DACs on freight wagons by 2032 in Europe

50%

increased operational efficiency of freight wagons

25 000 000

tons less carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gases

Dellner Hybrid Digital Automatic Coupler

The transition from screw couplers to Digital Automatic Couplers (DAC), poses challenges for operators when switching technologies. To assist, Dellner has developed hybrid couplers for locomotives, enabling easy switching between DAC and screw couplers. These hybrids offer all DAC features in DAC mode and are modular for customised, cost-efficient integration.

Main benefits of the hybrid couplers

Fully compatible with screw coupler interfaces

Fully compatible with DAC interfaces

Simplifying connecting the old and new fleets

Manual or automatic lifting device

Designed to fit existing locomotive interfaces

Enabling the future of rail freight transport, the Digital Automatic Coupler (DAC) revolutionizes connectivity, efficiency, and safety, setting a new standard for seamless operations in the industry. Dellner’s pivotal contributions to the development of the DAC underscore our commitment to leading innovation in rail technology.

Johan Åhman Product Manager Couplers

We connect, we partner – from migration to maintenance

Dellner supports migration, from planning to execution, for ultra-reliable DAC equipped fleets:

Technical support

Consultation from experienced Dellner DAC experts to find the best individual solutions
Technical assistance from our local workshops throughout Europe