Press release -
Hitachi Rail, DB Cargo, and Partners Launch Europe’s First Automated Freight Locomotive
Together with DB Cargo and other partners, Hitachi Rail is setting a new benchmark for the future of European rail freight: for the first time, a DB Cargo locomotive has been equipped with state-of-the-art ATO (Automatic Train Operation) and RTO (Remote Train Operation) technology — a milestone on the path toward an automated, connected, and high-performing freight rail system in Europe.
As the technology partner, Hitachi Rail is supplying the onboard ATO system and overseeing system integration. This underlines the company’s role as a pioneer of digital innovation in the rail sector. The aim is to test automated driving functions under real-world conditions and lay the foundation for a production-ready, marketable solution for automated freight transport — ultimately supporting one of Europe’s key transportation policy goals: shifting more freight to rail.
Trials are scheduled to begin in October 2025 on the Dutch Betuweroute, one of Europe’s most important freight corridors.
“This project exemplifies our ambition to deliver real solutions for the mobility of tomorrow through technological excellence,” says Daniel Stoll, Project Manager at Hitachi Rail in Germany. “Automation is the key to using capacity more efficiently, reducing energy consumption, and making rail freight more attractive, more powerful, and more future-ready overall.”
Launched in November 2022, the project is supported by Germany’s Federal Ministry for Digital and Transport. It forms a core part of Hitachi’s commitment to sustainable, digitally connected rail mobility in Europe — and stands as a prime example of how collaborative innovation can drive real change on the rails.
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About Hitachi Rail
Hitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport.
With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world’s best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities.
Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems.
Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €58.16bn / ¥9,7 bn.
For more information, visit hitachirail.com