2021-11-04
PJM and Voith to develop system for more efficient rail freight
- Pooling of expertise to develop a platform for digitized logistics management based on the CargoFlex coupler
- Automated train inauguration process and safe remote-controlled decoupling of freight cars
- Industry platform will allow other market participants to access the system
PJM brings to the alliance its expertise as a leading developer and supplier of automation solutions for rail freight operations. With its patented monitoring system WaggonTracker, the company is also a pioneer of digitalization in this segment. WaggonTracker combines monitoring and automation, offering a robust overall system that provides fleet operators with important real-time information about their freight cars and freight transport. This data can also be used to automate complex processes; for example, WaggonTracker also allows brake tests to be performed automatically. The platform has enabled numerous customers to significantly improve efficiency and achieve substantial cost savings.
For many years now, Voith has also been one of key innovation drivers in the rail technology segment. One example is Voith’s automatic freight coupler CargoFlex. The coupler developed by Voith has already demonstrated many times over that it can improve the competitiveness of freight transport and strengthen the market position of fleet operators. CargoFlex is the second cornerstone of the development alongside WaggonTracker.
For the new project, the two companies will pool their leading-edge capabilities in digitalization, automation and automatic couplers. The objective is to provide customers with a system solution that allows the automated use of the CargoFlex coupler, with a focus on remote-controlled decoupling processes. In combination with the solutions developed by PJM, this is intended to form the basis for highly digitized logistics management.
Alongside the technical challenges, the interoperability of the innovative system solution is a top priority for the development team and the key to marketing it on a broad basis. This is why the two companies aim to jointly manage the development of key components such as safety-related applications, communication tools or protocols. Moreover, it is planned to transfer the system into an industry platform during a subsequent project phase to make it available to other market participants.
About PJM
PJM is an internationally renowned system specialist for rail transport and has successfully realised projects in 30 countries on 6 continents. As an accredited test centre according to ISO/IEC 17025, PJ Messtechnik GmbH, worldwide carries out tests for the approval of rail vehicles worldwide. PJ Monitoring GmbH is a technology leader in the automation of rail freight transport with forward-looking comprehensive solutions.
PJM was founded in 2006. 60 employees at the Graz site ensure "100 % Made in Austria": R&D, hardware and software development, production & administration come exclusively from Austria.
About the company
The Voith Group is a global technology company. With its wide range of plants, products, services and digital applications, Voith sets standards in the markets for energy, paper, raw materials and transport & automotive. Founded in 1867, Voith today has more than 20,000 employees and earns 4.2 billion euros in sales. It has locations in over 60 countries and is one of Europe’s larger family-owned companies.
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The Group Division Voith Turbo is part of the Voith Group and a specialist for intelligent drive technology, systems as well as tailor-made services. With its innovative and smart products, Voith offers highest efficiency and reliability. Customers from highly diverse industries such as oil and gas, energy, mining and mechanical engineering, ship technology, rail and commercial vehicles rely on the advanced technologies and digital applications of Voith.
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