- RCG equips 11,000 freight wagons with telematics devices in cooperation with A1
- RCG and customers benefit from comprehensive transport information
- Europe wide digitisation in the rail sector is making progress
In 2019, the ÖBB Rail Cargo Group (RCG) – the freight transport division of ÖBB – launched the "SmartCargo" project in cooperation with A1 and A1 Digital: Special telematics on the RCG wagons enable new services for customers as well as significantly improved and even more efficient maintenance coordination. The 11,000 mark has now been reached for freight wagons equipped with "SmartCargo” and the target is around 12,000. SmartCargo is equipped with position detection, motion sensing and shock detection. RCG, together with A1, is gradually putting intelligent goods trains on track throughout Europe thanks to the additional development of an IT platform.
RCG Spokesman of the Board, Clemens Först emphasises: "With SmartCargo, we are taking a big step towards state-of-the-art railway logistics. The information provided by the 11,000 devices in the areas of position recognition and impact detection, among others, can be used to optimise numerous processes in international freight transport, from customer information to optimisation of deployment planning and maintenance. There will be a renaissance of rail freight transport in the 2020s and we are shaping that future."
Marcus Grausam, CEO of A1 Austria adds: "We are moving into the future of intelligent freight transport at full speed. 5G and IoT applications are revolutionising not only individual mobility but also freight mobility - A1 is already working with RCG to make freight wagons intelligent. We are pleased to be a reliable partner for this project and to provide our expertise, hardware, software and IoT platform.”
Big Data and end-to-end provision of information
More than 11,000 SmartCargo Devices have already been fitted to RCG wagons, providing comprehensive information throughout the freight journey. Live data such as location, movement data and temperature are delivered in real time to the Cumolocity platform, where all information about the freight wagons or assets can be accessed digitally in a clear and compact manner.
A position sensor provides the exact GPS coordinates of the wagon at predefined intervals. Changes in arrival times can thus be detected and predicted. Another sensor ensures reliable motion detection regardless of GPS reception, while the 3D acceleration sensor is used for shock detection and monitoring the transport of sensitive goods. In addition, the system can use geofencing to send an instant message when crossing predefined zones, such as national borders.
The position data obtained from the SmartCargo devices particularly helps to optimise maintenance and a move towards mileage-dependent maintenance intervals. In addition, damage to the freight wagon can be detected quickly and improvements regarding equipment handling can be proactively discussed with the involved parties. If there is no network coverage, the data is temporarily stored and is then sent when signal is next available. The battery of the SmartCargo Devices has an operating time of 6 years.
