These manufacturers are on board of the ÖBB demo train

DAC Tales

Fitted out as part of the Europe’s Rail FP5-TRANS4M-R project, the ÖBB demo train is packed with state-of-the-art technology that will dramatically simplify freight transport coupling. It's time to shine the spotlight on these companies!

In a recent post, we examined the design and configuration of the ÖBB DAC demo train in detail. This time, we turn our attention to the train's manufacturers, Knorr-Bremse, Voith and Dellner & Wabtec, who are equipping it with 44 digital automatic couplers (DAC), four hybrid couplers and other technical components.

Manufacturers design their couplings in accordance with the 'DAC Type 5' requirements. These include, in particular, the ability to couple automatically and, for the first time, to uncouple automatically. Alongside the automatic coupling function, manufacturers have retained the option of manual uncoupling. Emergency uncoupling is also a requirement.

Furthermore, couplings from all manufacturers must be compatible with one another. This is an absolute prerequisite for cross-border freight transport, ensuring that freight wagons can continue to be used interoperably. While there are many commonalities, there is still plenty of scope for individual priorities. You can find out what these are here:

Knorr-Bremse: Focusing on efficiency, transparency and interoperability.

The long-established company, headquartered in Munich, is a leading supplier of braking systems and subsystems for rail and commercial vehicles, employing around 30,000 people worldwide.

The ÖBB's DAC demo train is a "reality check for Knorr-Bremse, putting its latest products through rigorous practical tests. These include hybrid couplings for the locomotive, Type 5 DAC for the carriages, and an integrated digital system for automatic brake testing, train communication, data collection, and energy management."

Knorr-Bremse’s focus is on “efficiency, transparency and interoperability.” For the company, the “Digital Freight Train approach delivers measurable productivity gains for operators – whilst also ensuring seamless integration with components from other manufacturers.”

Front view of the Knorr-Bremse DAK Type 5
Rendering of the Knorr-Bremse DAK Type 5

Voith: Push-button in action

Voith is a global technology group headquartered in Heidenheim an der Brenz. With over 22,000 employees in more than 60 countries worldwide, the company serves markets in the energy, paper, raw materials, and transport sectors.

Andreas Schuhmacher, Vice President of CCE Freight Coupler at Voith, views the outfitting of the demo trains in the FP5 project as "an important step towards more efficient and digitalised freight transport processes. Testing the functionalities in operational use with different wagons is a decisive factor for further implementation, both in terms of the digital functions and the interoperability of the products in challenging environments.”

For the current phase of ÖBB’s DAC demo train, Voith is providing carriages fitted with electric couplings and coupling control systems. Automatic uncoupling is carried out laterally via a push-button located on the carriage body.

In addition, one of the Siemens Vectron locomotives has been fitted with two hybrid couplers, including electric couplers and the associated coupler control system. According to Voith, these allow for “easy switching between automatic and UIC modes.” The coupler head can be raised and lowered manually with minimal effort, so no additional drive is required.

Voith CargoFlex wagon coupler with electric coupler and coupler control system
Voith CargoFlex hybrid coupler, complete with electric coupling and associated control system.

Dellner & Wabtec: combined expertise from two companies

In February 2026, US-based Wabtec Corporation acquired Swedish company Dellner. This merger creates a stronger and more comprehensive DAC offering, combining Dellner’s in-depth expertise in automatic couplers with Wabtec’s extensive experience in freight transport and advanced system integration capabilities.

Following the merger, the companies can now offer a comprehensive portfolio of digital automatic coupling solutions that meet and exceed the DAC baseline package. These solutions range from robust mechanical systems and intermediate configurations with push-button controls to fully integrated train functions that comply with DAC Level 5.

DAC and electronic components from the manufacturer Dellner

Particular emphasis is placed on the new synergies that “seamlessly integrate the hardware developed by Dellner and Wabtec into the latter's Consist Control Unit (CCU), offering customers a fully unified system solution.” As well as providing power, CCUs enable continuous communication between connected carriages and inform the driver that all carriages are connected and that the integrity of the train is maintained.

Would you like to find out more about the DAC? In the DAC Tales series, we regularly publish articles about the latest test results and developments relating to the ÖBB's DAC demo train.

Disclaimer

EU flag with “Co-funded by the European Union” and the Europe’s Rail logo
FP5TRANS4M-R logo in green and blue with the tagline “Transforming Europe’s Rail Freight”

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.

The project is supported by the Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking and its members.