The NGT LINK is a concept for a double-decker, interregional train that connects cities andThe NGT LINK is a concept for a double-decker, interregional train that connects cities and metropolitan areas.metropolitan areas.
Thermal mannequins representing humans sit in the train laboratory to simulate the heat barriers and emissions represented by the passengers. Air flow is visualised using fog in order to examine innovative concepts for air conditioning.
The railway was one of the most significant inventions to come out of industrialisation. It remains an abiding source of fascination, but now this world of locomotives, wagons, rails and signals is now associated with plenty of cutting-edge technology. Digitalisation, automation, new communications technologies and standards, modern materials and production engineering and the use of machine learning and artificial intelligence have the potential to make rail transport much more appealing and competitive in future. They pave the way for significantly higher capacity on the tracks and greater efficiency overall. At the same time, they promise less energy consumption and increased security, punctuality and comfort.
DLR research for future rail systems
There is a huge need for forward-looking technologies and solutions for the railways of tomorrow, and that is exactly where DLR's research into rail transport comes into play. State-of-the-art, climate-conscious and environment-friendly rail transport will play a key role in the mobility transition. Switching from private cars and short flights to trains is only possible if the available options are appealing in their own right. The same applies to shifting freight transport from the road back to the railway. With that in mind, DLR is conducting research into infrastructure and operational framework conditions, devising new, capacity-enhancing concepts for operation, infrastructure and vehicles, and devising innovative maintenance methods.
Tjark Siefkes on the challenges for rail traffic, the solutions that DLR is working on and DLR is a leader in rail research.
Video: The future of rails
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Video: The future of rails
Tjark Siefkes on the challenges for rail traffic, the solutions that DLR is working on and DLR is a leader in rail research.
Next-Generation Train – visualising and bringing together ideas and technologies
Under its flagship 'Next-Generation Train (NGT)' concept, DLR is developing a vision of future rail transport as an essential part of mobility geared towards sustainability and greater capacity. New technologies from the fields of propulsion systems, aerodynamics, lightweight construction, chassis design, crash behaviour, air conditioning, automation, control and regulation all feed into the NGT concept. All of these developments and concepts are aimed at enhancing the role of rail transport can play in the mobility transition.
A whole family of trains has been created. The NGT HST (High-Speed Train) is a double-decker, high-speed multiple-unit train that can travel at up to 400 kilometres per hour. The NGT LINK is a double-decker, interregional train that connects cities and metropolitan areas. The NGT CARGO is a fast, quiet, automatic freight train that can be assembled from individual cars and powered end cars as required. This allows goods to be transported flexibly, quickly, reliably and without expending excessive resources.
The guiding concept behind the Next Generation Train is constantly being expanded. It now includes concepts for future-forward train stations and logistics terminals. In the near future, it will incorporate ideas for autonomous and needs-based railbuses (NGT TAXI) and their role in regional mobility concepts.
How digitalisation and rail come together, what opportunities digital rails can offer and how DLR research is supporting this – all this is covered in the interview with DLR researcher Michael Meyer zu Hörst
Video: Digitalisation in rail transport
Your consent to the storage of data ('cookies') is required for the playback of this video on Quickchannel.com. You can view and change your current data storage settings at any time under privacy.
Video: Digitalisation in rail transport
How digitalisation and rail come together, what opportunities digital rails can offer and how DLR research is supporting this – all this is covered in the interview with DLR researcher Michael Meyer zu Hörst
As a founding member of the EU-Rail Horizon Europe partnership, DLR is working with European rail operators and industry players to further develop the rail system. A total of 13 DLR institutes are contributing to the project with their teams, expertise, research facilities and enthusiasm for research, development and the transfer of innovations for rail transport.
