Voith CargoFlex
Type Scharfenberg

On May 6, 2019, SBB Cargo started regular operations with Voith's CargoFlex. Since then, 25 locomotives and around 100 cars have successfully operated with the automatic freight coupler. "The concept of the CargoFlex has proven itself so far; the traffic has been stable since its introduction, and the customers of SBB Cargo receive their goods on time. The automatic coupler has also been well received by employees because their work is faster, safer and less physically demanding," summarizes Jasmin Bigdon, Head of Asset Management and Member of the Executive Board of SBB Cargo. "On all cars equipped with the automatic coupler, the system for the automatic brake test was also installed. This will be intensively tested in 2019 and is expected to be operational by spring 2020 with all safety features in place," she adds.

Voith and SBB Cargo, pioneers in the automation of European rail freight transport, co-presented at transport logistic 2019. The latest development of the CargoFlex with energy transmission was part of the intelligent freight car "5L-next" of the Swiss freight experts. "The joint appearance of Voith and SBB Cargo was a great success and the best opportunity to demonstrate the digital, automatic coupler in its natural environment," says Christian Radewagen, Vice President Couplers at Voith. "The trade audience also showed great interest in automation and Voith's latest technology."

Voith received the Innovation Award 2018 for CargoFlex at the Hannover Fair. The coveted award from the Bahn-Media Verlag recognizes important new technical developments and innovations within the rail industry. The automatic freight coupler convinced the expert jury with its contribution to a more efficient rail transport through automation.