{"id":8659,"date":"2022-09-21T13:23:58","date_gmt":"2022-09-21T11:23:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/news\/balancing-act-on-the-rail\/"},"modified":"2022-11-29T16:26:16","modified_gmt":"2022-11-29T15:26:16","slug":"balancing-act-on-the-rail","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/en\/balancing-act-on-the-rail\/","title":{"rendered":"Balancing act on the rail"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>At first it was just a vision. Pretty animated 3-D renderings. As is so often the case when it comes to the future and traffic. But the MonoCab has made the leap from PC to reality and onto the rails. A visit to a fascinating opportunity to reimagine mass transit of the future.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Render1.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"379\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Render1.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8631\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Render1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Render1-300x114.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Render1-768x291.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n<p>Almost reverently we stroke over the welded frame, admire components, examine the track system including improvised platform edge: Tusnelda and Hermann have actually come to life and are waiting for their wedding with the futuristic shell &#8211; but first things first &#8230;<br\/>Location D\u00f6rentrup. Industrial park. &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.begapark.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"BegaPark (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">BegaPark<\/a>&#8221; sounds a bit like how one probably imagines a large innovation center in the province. All around, however, the visitor finds rather horticulture and agriculture. Plenty of space, tranquil country life, little activity.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Titel.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"544\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Titel.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8633\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Titel.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Titel-300x163.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-Titel-768x418.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>One of the prototypes on the test track<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p>But behind the dark industrial fa\u00e7ade, an interdisciplinary team from various universities and scientific institutions in the region is tinkering, designing and researching an innovative monorail. And in the meantime, they can show not only individual components, but already rolling results. No wonder Michael Heinemann, head of <a href=\"https:\/\/www.phoenixcontact.com\/de-de\/industrien\/emobility\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Phoenix Contact E-Mobility (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Phoenix Contact E-Mobility<\/a>, was immediately on board when we reported on our planned visit: &#8220;We always have our eyes and ears open for innovative mobility concepts.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-10.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-10-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8623\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-10-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-10.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Thorsten F\u00f6rsterling<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Curious, we poke our heads through the door and are immediately greeted by <a href=\"http:\/\/www.thorsten-foersterling.de\/thorsten-foersterling.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Thorsten F&#xF6;rsterling (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Thorsten F\u00f6rsterling<\/a>. The 56-year-old graduate engineer is the brainchild, heart and soul of the MonoCab project. And at the same time also the mouthpiece to the public. A man with vision and a fair amount of stamina, because the idea for the MonoCab was already awarded the <a href=\"https:\/\/mobilitaetspreis.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Deutscher Mobilit&#xE4;tspreis (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">German Mobility Prize<\/a> in 2018. Since then, he has been rounding up sponsors, bringing together researchers from OWL&#8217;s universities and negotiating tracks and permits with public institutions.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">30 meters test track with platform edge<\/h4>\n\n<p>&#8220;I&#8217;m actually an interior designer, but I&#8217;m now often referred to as an innovation manager. That sums it up quite well,&#8221; he smiles and leads us to the track. That&#8217;s right, there are actually 30 meters of real track laid in this 680-square-meter hall. Even a wooden construction with the dimensions of a real platform was thought of, so that the right height for passengers could be determined later. On &#8220;the track&#8221;, &#8220;Hermann&#8221; is waiting for his rolling assignment, while &#8220;Tusnelda&#8221; is currently standing on the siding, completely wired up, so to speak, in order to present her railroad manners to the visitor from Blomberg. The two demonstrators are the metal product of a bold idea. Their nicknames indicate their Lippe origin.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-08.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-08-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8619\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-08-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-08-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-08.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Thorsten F\u00f6rsterling begins by explaining the idea that led to the MonoCab: &#8220;On the one hand, there is a problem with public transport in rural areas in particular. The frequency is almost always anything but optimal, so there&#8217;s hardly any way around the car. On the other hand, there are an enormous number of disused rail lines in Germany that were no longer profitable to operate. And it is precisely these two points that provide our framework. We&#8217;re developing a railroad that can get by with just one track for traffic in both directions, and at the same time we&#8217;re relying on an autonomous paternoster system that shortens the interval between two units so that it becomes lucrative for users.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">One rail is enough<\/h4>\n\n<p>One track with two rails &#8211; that normally means a locomotive or railcar and attached wagons, which by their very nature can only move in one direction. &#8220;The MonoCab is conceived quite differently. We rely on small, narrow units that roll on special wheels on just one rail. We prevent them from tipping over with special gyroscopic stabilizers, similar to Segways, only in the longitudinal direction.&#8221; The four- to five-passenger mini wagons are powered electrically, and the battery is fast-charging. The connection and charging technology, like many other components, comes from Phoenix Contact.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-03.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-03-300x200.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8609\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-03-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-03-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-03.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>30 meters of test track in a hall in D\u00f6rentrup in eastern Westphalia<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>The <a aria-label=\"Institut f&#xFC;r Energieforschung (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ife-owl.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Institute for Energy Research<\/a> (iFE) is part of the <a aria-label=\"Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.th-owl.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen<\/a> and is significantly involved in the project: Interdisciplinary research is being conducted in the topics of design, aerodynamics, control engineering, simulation, drive technology, power electronics and control software with up to six employees in the project. In many areas, students are actively involved and introduced to scientific work. In addition, the <a href=\"http:\/\/init-owl.de\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Institute for Industrial Information Technology<\/a> (IniT) and a teaching area of the interior design course are also involved at TH OWL.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Not out of balance<\/h4>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-06.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-06-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8615\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-06-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-06.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Michael Heinemann (left) with project coordinator Fabian Kottmeier<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Michael Heinemann is fascinated by the two demonstrators. Immediately, the technology-savvy top manager begins a technical exchange with the scientists who breathe their electronics-based life into the vehicles. &#8220;Our batteries so far have a capacity of 27 kWh. That should be enough for around four hours of driving time and hardly any need for recharging within a day,&#8221; explains Fabian Kottmeier, who works at the Ostwestfalen University of Applied Sciences in Lemgo and is overseeing the MonoCab project as technical project coordinator. He is assisted by Martin Griese, who has also been with the project for two years and is responsible for stabilization systems and their control. He breathes life into &#8220;Tusnelda&#8221; with a few mouse clicks: &#8220;Just a few more minutes and the two gyro stabilizers will be up and running.&#8221; The technology originates from ocean-going yachts, which use the gyroscopes to keep the wave motion and thus the stomach of their passengers in check.<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-04.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-04-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8611\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-04-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-04.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Gyro technology is also used in ocean-going yachts<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>The double gyroscope system weighs 650 kilograms. The gyroscopes each contain a flywheel that rotates in a vacuum. At around 4,800 revolutions per minute, the gyroscopes stabilize any influences such as gusts of wind or the suction of passing MonoCab capsules. The speed at which the MonoCab will travel is said to be around 60 km\/h. The gyroscopes are also equipped with electric motors. In addition, a lead weight weighing 650 kilograms, moved at lightning speed by electric motors on guide rods, provides compensation, for example, when a passenger climbs aboard and the balance changes. The two massive prototypes, which will later weigh a total of around 3,500 kilograms, are still in the test phase, so an additional support wheel will provide grip on the track during the driving tests.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">In clinch with Tusnelda<\/h4>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignleft size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-12.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"200\" height=\"300\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-12-200x300.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8627\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-12-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-12.jpg 667w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 200px) 100vw, 200px\" \/><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>A short time later, the monorail straightens up as if guided by magic. And then balances bombproof on its wheels. They, too, have their work cut out for them, albeit without any electronics: &#8220;We need a guide on the track on both sides of the wheel,&#8221; says Thorsten F\u00f6rsterling, explaining the special feature of the custom-made products developed by Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, &#8220;whereas with conventional railroad wheels, only the guide on the inside is sufficient.<\/p>\n\n<p>Meanwhile, Michael Heinemann tries to get &#8220;Tusnelda&#8221; off balance with strength and athletic drive. &#8220;No chance,&#8221; marvels the mobility expert after a few gymnastic exercises on the chassis. &#8220;The system is really convincing. And in the immediate vicinity of our location. That underlines the potential of our region.&#8221;<\/p>\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"alignright size-medium\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-11.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"300\" height=\"165\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-11-300x165.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8625\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-11-300x165.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-11-768x422.jpg 768w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-11.jpg 1000w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Please do not take a seat yet, the cover is only made of thin plywood and serves for viewing purposes<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n<p>Tusnelda and Hermann are still naked monsters. But in the back of the hall there is already a wooden model for the shell. Scientists and students from the Department of Architecture and Interior Design are working on material, form and function. Here, too, there are already futuristic-looking prototypes that will offer space for four to five passengers and be equipped for the disabled.<\/p>\n\n<p>The system does not need a driver; the MonoCab is an autonomous means of transportation. &#8220;The idea is that with the size of a car, we also offer its variable possibilities,&#8221; Thorsten F\u00f6rsterling explains the concept. &#8220;The MonoCabs are similar to a paternoster on rails. Via an app, the user can request a unit, which then rolls forward after a few minutes. Therefore, there will be a certain number of MonoCabs on the track at all times.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Innovation from OWL<\/h4>\n\n<p>The project is actually being launched by an alliance of the OWL University of Applied Sciences with its faculties in Lemgo and Detmold, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fh-bielefeld.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences<\/a>, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.iosb-ina.fraunhofer.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Fraunhofer Institut f&#xFC;r industrielle Automation (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Automation<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.landeseisenbahn-lippe.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Landeseisenbahn Lippe e.V. (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Landeseisenbahn Lippe e.V.<\/a> as initiator and idea provider. And of course Thorsten F\u00f6rsterling, who promotes the idea almost incessantly. MonoCab is sponsored by the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.umwelt.nrw.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Ministerium f&#xFC;r Umwelt, Naturschutz und Verkehr des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Transport of the State of North Rhine-Westphalia<\/a> and the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.eu-info.de\/\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Europ&#xE4;ischen Fonds f&#xFC;r regionale Entwicklung (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">European Regional Development Fund<\/a>. And, of course, from companies like Phoenix Contact, which also provides advice on technological issues.<\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-07.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-id=\"8617\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-07.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8617\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-07.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-07-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-07-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Fabian Kottmeier explains stabilization<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-05.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"667\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"8613\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-05.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8613\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-05.jpg 667w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-05-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Martin Griese is responsible for the balance of the monorail<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-02.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-id=\"8607\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-02.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8607\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-02.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-02-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-02-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>The prototypes still support themselves with an auxiliary wheel<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-01.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"667\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"8605\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-01.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8605\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-01.jpg 667w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-01-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Ideal workplace, directly at the prototype<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-16.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-id=\"8641\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-16.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8641\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-16.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-16-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-16-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Teamwork<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-15.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"667\" height=\"1000\" data-id=\"8639\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-15.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8639\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-15.jpg 667w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-15-200x300.jpg 200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 667px) 100vw, 667px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-18.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-id=\"8645\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-18.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8645\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-18.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-18-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-18-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-13.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"348\" data-id=\"8649\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-13.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8649\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-13.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-13-300x104.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-13-768x267.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-17.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-id=\"8643\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-17.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8643\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-17.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-17-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-17-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-14.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" data-id=\"8651\" src=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-14.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8651\" srcset=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-14.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-14-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/media\/2022\/09\/MonoCab-14-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/a><figcaption>Discovered &#8211; the Inlet from Phoenix Contact<\/figcaption><\/figure><\/figure>\n\n<p>The next step is to marry the drive unit to the cab before the first test runs are carried out on a section of the old Extertalbahn. However, a little patience will be needed before the MonoCab actually goes into regular operation. &#8220;If everything goes like clockwork, we could be testing the first line from Rinteln to B\u00f6singfeld in 2027,&#8221; says Thorsten F\u00f6rsterling with cautious optimism.<\/p>\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n<p><a aria-label=\"MonoCab Ostwestfalen (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"http:\/\/www.monocab-owl.de\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">MonoCab Ostwestfalen<\/a><br\/><a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=d2al1oFolWM\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"Meanwhile the prototype f&#xE4;hrt! (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"ek-link\">Meanwhile the prototype is driving!<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>At first it was just a vision. Pretty animated 3-D renderings. As is so often the case when it comes to the future and traffic. But the MonoCab has made the leap from PC to reality and onto the rails. A visit to a fascinating opportunity to reimagine mass transit of the future. Almost reverently &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":8658,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_editorskit_title_hidden":false,"_editorskit_reading_time":0,"_editorskit_is_block_options_detached":false,"_editorskit_block_options_position":"{}","footnotes":""},"categories":[324,115,330],"tags":[411,649,1400,648,1399,811,1402,1401],"class_list":["post-8659","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-infrastructure","category-mobility","category-railway","tag-e-mobility","tag-michael-heinemann-en","tag-monocab-en","tag-phoenix-contact-e-mobility-en","tag-rail-traffic","tag-research","tag-rural-depopulation","tag-single-track"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v24.6 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Balancing act on the rail - UPDATE<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Monocab is an innovative research project that aims to operate autonomous, balanced single-track vehicles on disused railroad lines\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/update.phoenixcontact.com\/en\/balancing-act-on-the-rail\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Balancing act on the rail - 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