It starts on the Milan-Catania Bicocca route the in-service testing of the first smart train from Fs Logistix, a company of the Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane group. This operational step marks the entry of digital technology into the heart of rail freight transport, with the aim of testing advanced control, safety, and efficiency systems under real-world conditions. the fleet update also continues: the digitized carriages have now reached 700.
The debut on the tracks
The first Fs Logistix convoy dedicated to testing the advanced features of the smart train has entered service operational phase, opening a new stage in the group's innovation journey in railway logistics. The train, managed by Mercitalia Intermodal in collaboration with Mercitalia Rail, Has commercial tests started along the Milan-Catania Bicocca route, bringing experimentation out of the laboratory and into real traffic.
It is a decisive test bench, because it allows for direct field testing of the wireless communication system between the sensors installed on the wagons and the driver. This intelligent network aims to transform train control while in transit and streamline management of the entire logistics chain.
Real-time security and control
At the heart of the project is the possibility of monitor in real time Some key parameters for freight train safety and efficiency. The technology allows for testing the continuous control of the braking system, load stability monitoring, automatic verification of train composition, and early detection of potential derailments.
The goal is shift rail freight transport towards a more responsive model, capable of immediately identifying any critical issues and intervening more quickly. From this perspective, digital innovation is not treated as mere technical support, but as an industrial lever destined to directly impact the quality and reliability of the service.
The FS Logistix strategy
“The departure of this first demo train demonstrates our desire to lead change in the sector,” said Sabrina De Filippis. “The digitalization of processes and technological innovation are not just operational updates for us, but the real drivers of our strategic plan. We are transforming the way we manage rail logistics to offer an increasingly efficient and safe service capable of responding to the challenges of a rapidly evolving market.”
Not an isolated intervention, but part of a broader strategy with which FS Logistix aims to accelerate the transition to an increasingly integrated, sustainable, and technologically advanced rail cargo ecosystem.
Updated fleet and predictive maintenance
The launch of the experiment is also supported by theprogress of the asset modernization plan. During 2025 another 180 wagons were equipped with smart train technology through the WaggonTracker digital system. This investment brings Mercitalia Intermodal's digital fleet to approximately 700 units.
The integration of these systems paves the way for a more advanced management of freight trains, improving the ability to respond immediately and introducing predictive maintenance models. The expected benefits include reduced train preparation times, increased service reliability, asset optimization, and reduced operating costs, thanks in part to the significant reduction in downtime related to extraordinary maintenance.
