Future of Operations & Maintenance 2025

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We are excited to run the Future of Operations & Maintenance (FOM) program again in 2025!

This 100 day signature program gives startups the chance to customize and live-test their solutions to real challenges that DB is facing. What is in it for you?

Exclusive access to DB experts, data & markets
EUR 25,000 funding, no equity taken
Exclusive access to a network of selected coaching and mentoring experts

You will be supported by a dedicated DB mindbox startup manager and will have 24/7 access to our coworking space.

This is a great opportunity to lay the foundation for joint projects and successful long-term collaboration with Deutsche Bahn Group, Europe’s largest mobility and infrastructure provider.

Questions? Check out our FAQs or send an e-mail to the program manager Viviane Elhaus via dbmindbox@deutschebahn.com.

01 - Automating relay assembly processes

We are seeking innovative solutions to automate key production processes at DB's Signalwerk Wuppertal. Relays are critical components of railway infrastructure, particularly in relay interlockings, where they ensure the reliable operation of signals and switches. To keep pace with growing demand, we aim to automate labor-intensive processes involved in the assembly of relay units, including soldering and cable harness binding, both of which are currently performed manually. By streamlining these steps, we can enhance production efficiency while maintaining the high safety and quality standards required for railway operations.

Automated soldering for relay assemblies

The current manual soldering process for relay assemblies is time-consuming and significantly limits production capacity at our Signalwerk Wuppertal. Due to the precision and complexity of the soldering process, scaling with the existing workforce presents a challenge. We are looking for innovative startups in the fields of robotics and automation to help us automate the soldering process, increase production capacity, and at the same time ensure the highest safety and quality standards for relay assemblies.

Automated quality inspections

Another key challenge at Signalwerk Wuppertal is ensuring the quality of solder joints and the correct positioning of components during assembly. It is essential to develop a more efficient method for detecting defective solder joints and components at an early stage. We are looking for innovative startups that offer solutions for quality inspections during and/or after the manufacturing process. Technologies such as high-precision visual inspection systems or AI-based defect detection are of particular interest. We look forward to seeing how your solutions can optimize our quality control processes.

Automated cable harness binding for relay assemblies

An important part of the relay assembly process is the manual binding of cables into harnesses before soldering. This task is not only time-consuming but also requires a high level of precision and consistency to ensure that the cables are properly aligned and ready for soldering. We are seeking startups that provide innovative solutions to automate this cable harnessing process. Whether through robotics, intelligent tools, or other automation technologies, we are eager to see your approaches.

02 - Optimizing maintenance through digitalized circuit diagrams

Together with DB InfraGO (track division) we are looking for new solutions to improve the maintenance of switches, signals and interlocking technology. By digitizing circuit diagrams and integrating advanced tools for technical analysis, we want to reduce downtimes and improve maintenance efficiency.

Circuit diagram digitalization

Technicians currently spend too much time searching through circuit diagrams, which are currently only available on paper. Can you digitize the schematics and provide a searchable interface so that technicians can quickly find the information they need, e.g. exactly where a switch is located in the schematic? In addition, the solution should allow easy navigation through multiple schematics relating to the same circuit and provide visual aids to highlight the relevant circuit paths.

Automated circuit analysis

In addition to the simple digitisation of circuit diagrams, it is also possible to integrate automated analysis tools. Do you have a solution that can automatically analyse the circuit diagrams for potential problems or inconsistencies if a particular switch or signal is not working?

03 - Innovative solutions for digital train positioning and inventory optimization

Deutsche Bahn's maintenance depots are crucial for the maintenance and repair of the entire train and wagon fleet. With a focus on reliability, safety and efficiency, these factories ensure that rolling stock remains operational. By using new technologies, maintenance facilities aim to overcome challenges such as digital train positioning markers and efficient inventory management.

Within our 100-days proof-of-concept (PoC) will would like to test your innovative technologies that can have a lasting impact on the future of operations. Two key use cases are presented below that highlight the requirements and future visions for improved maintenance and operations.

Digital train positioning markers

At the moment train drivers rely on physical signs at stations to know exactly where to stop their trains, which can vary in length. Can you develop a system that integrates train length data with platform length to provide a precise digital stopping point, ensuring consistent and accurate positioning regardless of spontaneous platform changes?

Smart inventory management

The DB maintains large inventory of spare parts to service various train models across numerous maintenance facilities in Germany. We are looking for a system that uses advanced analytics to optimize inventory, reducing excess stock and ensuring that parts are quickly accessible where and when they are needed, ultimately improving operational efficiency.

Timeline

01. Dec. 2024 – Application deadline

Last day to apply for the program (eod).

18. Dec. 2024 – Announcement of candidates

Invitation of selected teams.

29. Jan. 2025 – Selection day

Pitch your solution live on stage to a expert jury and audience in Frankfurt am Main.

Mid February 2025 – Start of program

Start of the 100-day Proof-of-Concept (PoC) to develop and test a prototype in cooperation with DB.

May 2025 – End of program

End of 100-day Proof-of-Concept and presentation of results in May 2025 (tbc).

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Future of Operations & Maintenance 2025