Hübner claims ‘world first’ with automated uncoupling rubber gangways

Berlin – German rail and bus supplier Huebner Group has launched a new solution for fully automated coupling and uncoupling of rubber gangway systems.

Exhibited during InnoTrans 2024 in Berlin, the AutoCouple system allows operators to uncouple wagons "at the push of a button," the group announced 3 Sept.

The new technology aims to make passenger train operations more flexible, enabling operators to adjust train capacities quickly and efficiently.

Currently, train capacity is managed manually by coupling wagons.

The process, according to Huebner, takes three people between 30 and 60 minutes and is done during ongoing operations in train depots.

Furthermore, for safety reasons, the entire train must also be disconnected from the power supply during this manual process.

With Huebner’s automated system, the process is completed fully automatically, improving the reliability of operations.

The system is designed for use in passenger trains, especially metro services.

The technology can be integrated into almost any new vehicle design and also be retrofitted to existing fleets.

Huebner said it is "in close contact" with the first interested operators in North America.

The company expects its production facilities in Europe, the US, India, and China to help deliver the solution to rail customers globally, said Alexander Schmidt, head of innovation and product development for Huebner Mobility Rail.