The Flagship Project stemming from this topic should develop the following capabilities:

Capabilities for improving European full digital freight train operations

• Enabler 1: Development of an EU-harmonized DAC, plus the necessary freight consist backbone system including a solution for both the energy supply as well as data/communication (setting the right conditions towards modular -standard interfaces- expected to be scalable, of plug & play integration, etc. solution). As needed by the demonstrator the enabler must be able to drive complete train sets. Apart from the development of a coupler solution for locomotives, this DAC shall be upgradable to Type 5. (TRL 8 by 2028). There is also the identified need for the development of the FDFT backend concept (TRL5) as the enabler to ensure communication to and from the vehicles.
• Enabler 2: Developing a train composition detection/management system, automated/automatic brake test system, on asset side DAC wagon retrofitting solutions. (TRL 8 by 2028)
• Enabler 3: Automated parking brake system, digital wagon inspection, distributed power system, electro-pneumatic brake (TRL 6-7 by 2028) and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions.

Capabilities for increasing automation in shunting operations

• Enabler 4 Development of systems and solutions for basic autonomous shunting operations. Development of solutions for yard automation including digitalization that enable automated train composition and dispatching (Automated Shunting Operations), including data exchange on wagon condition (visual recognition methodologies and AI-tools for yard automation) (TRL7 by 2028) and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions.
• Enabler 5 Achieving expected consolidation of the expected new freight capabilities, providing requirements and giving feedback to Destination 2 for new automation technology solutions for the automated driving and decision-making as well as automating functions, such as train preparation and basic automatic yard shunting (TRL8 by 2028).

Capabilities for DAC based wagon concepts incl. multi-modal transport applications

• Enabler 6 Developing DAC based wagon concepts incl. multi-modal transport applications (retrofitting needs for combined traffic T3000 kind of wagons) (TRL 7-8 by 2028). This also includes the development of innovative concepts for efficient high performing freight assets and self-propelled wagons (TRL 6 by 2028) and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions

Capabilities for Seamless Freight Corridor

• Enabler 7 Setting up the respective models and systems to test and demonstrate the destination 1 developments for integrated timetable planning on selected part of a European corridor (TRL7-8 by 2028) and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions
• Enabler 8 Develop dynamic yard/terminal management systems and test their integration with dynamic TMS based on agreed interfaces– that will be specified among destination 1 and the TMS development that will come from destination 1 (TRL 6-8 by 2028) and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions
• Enabler 9 Specify and develop intermodal monitoring and prediction systems, which shall work in combination with dynamic TMS and other resource management systems using AI based models, accuracy and computational learning functions (TRL6-8 by 2028) and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions
• Enabler 10 Specify and develop Railway Checkpoints that will automate Freight Train Transfer Inspections at borders, yards or other operational stop points, digitalising and automating processes through innovative sensors, specialised adapted video gates and handheld devices. Integrative deployment of video gates, way side check points, visual recognition methodologies and AI-Tools for yard automation (TRL 8 by 2028) in connection with Destination 3 and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions

Capabilities for Seamless Freight Multimodal and Customer

• Enabler 11 Specifications for the development of integrated multimodal transport planning, management and operational systems enabling easy access to rail-base (intermodal) services and dynamic demand responsive service offering, network planning and capacity management based on agreed interfaces with TMS – with Destination 1 – and the specific freight development to support this functionality (TRL5-8 by 2028). and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions
• Enabler 12 Analysis and coordination of requirements for seamless data exchange / data availability for the various Destination 5 developments and planned demonstrations, taking into account existing/proposed data standards (if applicable) and regulations e.g. TAF TSI. Specification and development of required processes/tools (e.g. interfaces/ converters.) (TRL 7-8 by 2028) and cover important preparatory works with higher TRL for the future set of demonstration foreseen in the Multi- annual Work programme in view of the evolutions of the solutions
• Enabler 13 Analysis and coordination of required technology upgrades of legacy/national systems to be able to provide/consume/process harmonised data from/for international (European) applications/innovations. Development of an implementation plan. (TRL 7-8 by 2028)