On Monday, DB experts presented three of the digital tools that will ensure maintenance capacity even in times of skilled labour shortages. Already today, up to 20 hours of time-consuming routine work per day can be eliminated at each S-Bahn station. This frees up staff and creates more capacity for targeted maintenance of the growing vehicle fleets. Digitalisation, automation, the use of artificial intelligence and a group-wide recruitment drive are also ways in which Deutsche Bahn is tackling the looming skills shortage.
Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, DB Board Member for Digitalisation and Technology, explains: "Punctuality starts in the factory. The digitalisation of maintenance is therefore central to a successful transport turnaround. If activities can be carried out more quickly and in a more targeted manner, passengers will also benefit. Because shorter maintenance times lead to higher vehicle availability".
The digital tools work in three areas: An AI examines images taken by a camera during the train's journey for damage and irregularities on the train, the laser system measures the profile values of the wheelsets, and the robot inspects the trains from underneath. This provides a detailed overall picture of the vehicle's condition and maintenance needs. Thanks to the reports, the workers in the factory know exactly where they need to lend a hand and can concentrate on the work that needs to be done. Time-consuming routine tasks, such as inspecting train roofs, are eliminated. The visual inspection of the entire vehicle often takes several hours per train with the human eye; with the camera, it can be done in just a few minutes.
DB currently uses a total of 14 camera gates at nine locations. By the end of 2025, a further nine camera gates will be in operation. In addition, Deutsche Bahn currently uses ten automatic wheelset measuring systems. By mid-2024, a total of 14 wheelset measuring systems will be in use.
