The current situation is as follows: A wagon inspector manually checks intermodal trains for roadworthiness and defects before departure, sometimes under great physical strain.
The 'DIMI - Digital Inspection by Machine Intelligence' project is automating document handling and transferring important sub-processes of this inspection. Using sensor technology and camera AI, relevant wagon and load parameters will be digitally recorded and made available to the inspector via an app. All data is collected automatically and made available in real-time, reducing the time it takes to carry out the safety check.
"In order to better utilise existing and new terminals, it is important to support manual processes with state-of-the-art technology and thus significantly accelerate them. Thanks to sensor technology, AI and the digitalisation of document handling, in the medium term we want to be able to carry out a wagon inspection in less than 60 minutes instead of several hours - an important step towards promoting the competitiveness of rail over road," explains Hans-Jürgen Weidemann, Chief Technology Officer at CargoBeamer.
The project is part of the Federal Government's 'Future of Rail Freight Transport' programme and is being funded by the German Federal Ministry of Digitalisation and Transport with around €1 million. With a duration of 27 months, the project is scheduled for completion in the summer of 2026. CargoBeamer is responsible for terminal construction, automation and sensor technology, while Fraunhofer IML provides expertise in artificial intelligence and software solutions. SGKV is responsible for process analysis and internal project management.
