{"id":109336,"date":"2026-08-17T11:44:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-17T09:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/?p=109336"},"modified":"2026-08-17T12:04:47","modified_gmt":"2026-08-17T10:04:47","slug":"project-pods4rail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/si-urban-en\/topics-urban\/cities\/project-pods4rail\/","title":{"rendered":"Project Pods4Rail"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-1 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling gradient-container-1\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-0 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-1\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-1 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-1 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-2\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-1\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a07690b9e781e607\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p>In the EU project Pods4Rail, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), together with partners from research and industry, has developed an innovative, automated mobility concept designed to link rail transport more closely with road and cable car systems.<\/p>\n<div>The Pods4Rail approach is modular: capsules for transporting passengers and freight &#8211; so-called pods &#8211; are combined with mobile undercarriages for different modes of transport, known as carrier units.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-2\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a07690b9e781e607\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div>These carrier units include the necessary components for each mode, such as the chassis, drive system, power supply, and other technical systems.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-3\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a07690b9e781e607\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<h3>Project Framework<\/h3>\n<div>The company Siemens Mobility coordinated the project, which involved a total of 15 participants from seven European countries. It received around three million euros in funding from the European Union through the &#8220;Europe\u2019s Rail&#8221; Joint Undertaking and the &#8220;Horizon Europe&#8221; research program.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-4\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a07690b9e781e607\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div>DLR was the largest research institution involved in the project.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<div>A total of five DLR institutes participated in the study, contributing DLR\u2019s expertise across the entire development chain for rail and road vehicles.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-5\"><div><\/div>\n<h3 id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a07690b9e781e607\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">Concept of Supermodality<\/h3>\n<blockquote>\n<p class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\"><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">\u201cThe goal of Pods4Rail is seamless door-to-door transportation across different modes of transport. Passengers and freight remain inside the same capsule the entire time and are transferred with it to another carrier unit as needed,\u201d explains DLR researcher <\/span><strong style=\"font-size: 16px;\">Manuel Osebek<\/strong><span style=\"font-size: 16px;\">, defining \u201csupermodality\u201d as the core idea behind Pods4Rail.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">He led the project at the DLR Institute of Vehicle Concepts.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-2 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-2 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns image-wide-container gradient-container-2\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-2 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-3\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-1749799036\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Concept<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-6\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_3d6068b3f031e39c\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div style=\"text-align: right;\">Loading capsules for transporting passengers and freight onto carrier units for rail transport.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-3 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-3 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-4\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-2113378803\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Pods4Rail.jpeg\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 moodley<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-4 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-3 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling awb-cv-auto gradient-container-3\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-4 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-5\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-5 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-5 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-6\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-7\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a052df089336d20a\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<h3>Example of Supermodality<\/h3>\n<div>A capsule could, for example, start on a road carrier unit in a rural area. At a hub, it is automatically transferred onto rail carrier units. This enables it, along with other capsules, to cover the majority of the route energy-efficiently on rails.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-8\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a052df089336d20a\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p>Whether for travelers or logistics companies, the needs of the users are at the center of the concept. This demands a high degree of flexibility, speed, innovation, and comfort &#8211; naturally combined with the high level of safety offered by rail transport.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-9\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_a052df089336d20a\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<h3>Cable Cars as Part of the Concept<\/h3>\n<div>Cities worldwide are considering cable cars to supplement their public transit networks. That is why Pods4Rail also examined this mode of transport and investigated the extent to which cable cars can be integrated into the concept.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-10\"><p>Due to its high capacity, efficiency, and climate and environmental friendliness, rail forms the backbone of Pods4Rail.<\/p>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-11\"><blockquote>\n<p>\u201cFor the study, we didn&#8217;t just look at the vehicles required for such a concept. Key aspects also included how capsules and carrier units can be connected to one another, as well as questions regarding automation. Analyses of the necessary infrastructure and ideas for digital operating concepts rounded out the work,\u201d Osebek summarizes.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<p data-path-to-node=\"7\">The EU project benefited significantly from the diverse expertise of its participants.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-6 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-4 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling fusion-equal-height-columns awb-cv-auto image-wide-container gradient-container-4\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-6 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-7\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-headline cbp-1729223068\"><div class=\"custom-si is-underline text-right\"><H3>Details:<\/H3><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-12\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_ddab8af5379b2707\" class=\"markdown markdown-main-panel md-content enable-luminous-fast-follows enable-updated-hr-color\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div style=\"text-align: right;\">The capsules for transporting passengers and freight can be combined with different carrier units &#8211; here for road transport. This principle enables seamless door-to-door transportation across different modes of transport.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-7 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-7 fusion_builder_column_5_6 5_6 fusion-five-sixth fusion-column-last gradient-column-8\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:83.333333333333%;width:calc(83.333333333333% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.83333333333333 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content-centered\"><div class=\"fusion-column-content\"><div class=\"cbp-qcustomelement- cbp-438452802\"><div class=\"custom-si-image \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/Pods4Rail-2.jpeg\" \/><div class=\"copyright\">\u00a9 moodley<\/div><\/div><\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-8 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-5 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling awb-cv-auto gradient-container-5\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-8 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-9\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-9 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-9 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-10\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-13\"><h3 id=\"model-response-message-contentr_1082f1df2a779a7a\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">User Requirements<\/h3>\n<div dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">At the start, the project team analyzed existing intermodal mobility systems and potential areas of application. In their evaluation, they paid equal attention to technical performance data, acceptance, comfort, accessibility, environmental impact, and economic feasibility.<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-14\"><div dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">To this end, DLR conducted surveys with potential user groups and evaluated existing vehicle and mobility concepts as technological benchmarks.<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-15\"><div dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<h3>Cases and Scenarios<\/h3>\n<div>Overall, the team identified more than 20 use cases and developed eight business scenarios. The potential applications range from demand-driven passenger transport on low-traffic branch lines to parcel and express logistics, as well as mobile medical facilities.<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-16\"><div dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div>These results formed the basis for deriving the technical requirements for capsules, carrier units, automated transfer systems, and mobility management.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-10 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-6 fusion-flex-container has-pattern-background has-mask-background nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling awb-cv-auto gradient-container-6\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row fusion-flex-align-items-flex-start fusion-flex-content-wrap\" style=\"max-width:1164.8px;margin-left: calc(-4% \/ 2 );margin-right: calc(-4% \/ 2 );\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-10 fusion_builder_column_1_1 1_1 fusion-flex-column gradient-column-11\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;--awb-width-large:100%;--awb-margin-top-large:0px;--awb-spacing-right-large:1.92%;--awb-margin-bottom-large:20px;--awb-spacing-left-large:1.92%;--awb-width-medium:100%;--awb-order-medium:0;--awb-spacing-right-medium:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-medium:1.92%;--awb-width-small:100%;--awb-order-small:0;--awb-spacing-right-small:1.92%;--awb-spacing-left-small:1.92%;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-justify-content-flex-start fusion-content-layout-column\"><div class=\"fusion-image-element\" style=\"--awb-caption-title-font-family:var(--h2_typography-font-family);--awb-caption-title-font-weight:var(--h2_typography-font-weight);--awb-caption-title-font-style:var(--h2_typography-font-style);--awb-caption-title-size:var(--h2_typography-font-size);--awb-caption-title-transform:var(--h2_typography-text-transform);--awb-caption-title-line-height:var(--h2_typography-line-height);--awb-caption-title-letter-spacing:var(--h2_typography-letter-spacing);\"><span class=\" fusion-imageframe imageframe-none imageframe-1 hover-type-none\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"132\" title=\"web Pods\" src=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/web-Pods.jpg\" alt class=\"img-responsive wp-image-109334\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/web-Pods-200x26.jpg 200w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/web-Pods-400x53.jpg 400w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/web-Pods-600x79.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/web-Pods-800x106.jpg 800w, https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/web-Pods.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, (max-width: 640px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-7 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling awb-cv-auto gradient-container-7\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-11 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-12\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-12 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-12 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-13\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-17\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c2a12eb14853f7e7\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<h3>Technical Feasibility<\/h3>\n<p>One of DLR&#8217;s main priorities was determining how to translate these requirements into technically feasible vehicle concepts. To this end, it examined modular and lightweight vehicle structures, energy requirements, capsule climate control, and the interfaces between the capsule and chassis.<\/p>\n<p>Additionally, requirements were defined for communication between vehicles, infrastructure, and traffic management. DLR also contributed its expertise regarding standards, authorization procedures, and safety requirements in road and rail transport.<\/p>\n<p>This resulted in high-level functional requirements for the overall system, which served as the foundation for detailing transport cabins, carrier units, locking mechanisms, and transfer systems.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-13 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-fullwidth fullwidth-box fusion-builder-row-8 nonhundred-percent-fullwidth non-hundred-percent-height-scrolling awb-cv-auto gradient-container-8\" style=\"--awb-border-radius-top-left:0px;--awb-border-radius-top-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-right:0px;--awb-border-radius-bottom-left:0px;--awb-flex-wrap:wrap;\" ><div class=\"fusion-builder-row fusion-row\"><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-13 fusion_builder_column_1_6 1_6 fusion-one-sixth fusion-column-first gradient-column-14\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:16.666666666667%;width:calc(16.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.16666666666667 ) );margin-right: 20px;\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-14 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><div class=\"fusion-layout-column fusion_builder_column fusion-builder-column-14 fusion_builder_column_2_3 2_3 fusion-two-third fusion-column-last gradient-column-15\" style=\"--awb-bg-size:cover;width:66.666666666667%;width:calc(66.666666666667% - ( ( 20px ) * 0.66666666666667 ) );\"><div class=\"fusion-column-wrapper fusion-column-has-shadow fusion-flex-column-wrapper-legacy\"><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-18\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c2a12eb14853f7e7\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<h3>The Next Stage of Development<\/h3>\n<div>Pods4Rail demonstrates how transport infrastructure can be used more flexibly and how different modes of transport can be more closely interconnected. Particularly on branch lines and in regions with fluctuating demand, the concept can enable new demand-driven services.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-19\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c2a12eb14853f7e7\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div>At the same time, larger portions of a transport chain can be shifted to energy-efficient rail without giving up the benefits of direct road connectivity.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-20\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c2a12eb14853f7e7\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<div>The results create a foundation for further developing individual components and testing them on a larger scale. This allows the next phase to address questions surrounding authorization, economic viability, and integration into existing transport networks.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-separator fusion-full-width-sep\" style=\"margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;margin-top:30px;width:100%;\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-sep-clear\"><\/div><div class=\"fusion-text fusion-text-21\"><div id=\"model-response-message-contentr_c2a12eb14853f7e7\" dir=\"ltr\" aria-busy=\"false\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/div>\n<p>To this end, the follow-up project &#8220;PREFER&#8221; (Pods and Regional Flexible Efficient Rolling Stock), led by DLR, is expected to launch later this year.<\/p>\n<\/div><style type=\"text\/css\">.fusion-builder-row .fusion-layout-column.gradient-column-15 .fusion-column-wrapper:before {content: \"\"; position: absolute; width: 100%; height: 100%; top: 0; left: 0;z-index:-1;background: -webkit-gradient(linear, left top, right top, from(), to())!important;background: -webkit-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -moz-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -ms-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;background: -o-linear-gradient(0deg, , )!important;}<\/style><div class=\"fusion-clearfix\"><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With Pods4Rail, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), alongside partners from research and industry, has designed a modular mobility concept. It is intended to seamlessly transport passengers and freight across multiple modes of transport in the future. To achieve this, standardized capsules automatically transfer between carrier units for rail, road, and cable car systems.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":109335,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_members_access_role":[],"_members_access_error":""},"categories":[187],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-109336","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-cities"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109336","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=109336"}],"version-history":[{"count":20,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109336\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":109365,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/109336\/revisions\/109365"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/109335"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=109336"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=109336"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.simagazin.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=109336"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}