For our colleagues at VTG Rail UK, 2024 was marked by one thing above all: their digital innovation iWagon, developed in cooperation with Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK). With VTG Connect as a gateway, a total of twelve digital innovations are incorporated at launch with the potential for further advancements, improving the safety of rail freight in the UK with increased digital capabilities.
One wagon, many features
The iWagon is the UK’s first digital freight wagon, offering real-time monitoring and innovative safety features through a combination of cutting-edge sensors, data analysis and automation.
One of the features is the patented Wheel Flat Prevention (WFP) system, which can be used to monitor the condition of the wheelsets and brakes. This not only keeps the wheelsets in good condition and extends the service life of the wagons, but also increases availability as less maintenance work is required.
Brake Condition Monitoring (BCM) is another important component that makes rail freight safer; the system constantly analyses the health of brakes of the wagon, making annual brake tests obsolete.
365 days, lots of highlights
With so much innovation, it is no wonder that the UK team was able to reap the rewards of their intensive development work this year – from successful tests and visits from key figures in the industry, to the first order and many awards:
VTG iWagon is launched at the annual Rail Freight Group Conference in London and together with development partner Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK), the first network trial of the iWagon was successfully initiated at the beginning of October. Among other things, the focus of this first test was on Wheel Flat Prevention (WFP) technology.
In Manchester, the VTG Rail UK team won the first of a total of three awards this year: for the iWagon, they received the award for “Innovation of the Year” at the Rail Business Awards.
VTG iWagon is showcased at Mendip Rail’s Merehead Rail Sidings and Torr Quarry, receiving support from the Minister of State for Rail Huw Merriman, with Rail Freight Group Director General, Maggie Simpson OBE, reinforcing the importance of collaboration and innovation in rail freight.
The team from Birmingham gains the first iWagon customer, with building materials company Heidelberg Materials UK announcing that it will retrofit its entire VTG wagon fleet with iWagon technology.
The year is drawing to a close just as good as it began. Together with partner Knorr-Bremse Rail Systems (UK), the VTG Rail UK team has won two awards for the iWagon: the Rail Freight Group Award in the category “Innovation & Talent” and the National Rail Award for “Freight & Logistics Achievement of the Year”.
CapEx approved for £21m to allow VTG Rail UK to secure an ongoing exclusive contract with Knorr-Bremse for the continued production of iWagon.
Congratulations to the VTG Rail UK team for a successful year with their iWagon!
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Markus Rieck
Congratulations VTG TEAM UK! Fundamental innovations for the conservative rail industry supported by strong partnerships, outstanding achievements and meaningful results, or, to put it in Victor Hugo's (1802 - 1885) words: "Nothing is stronger than an idea whose time has come." VTG powered by teamwork and innovation.