DataHub Europe: DB unveils AI platform set to boost rail ops
Deutsche Bahn and Schwarz Digits, the IT and digital division of the Schwarz Group, have revealed a new joint venture: DataHub Europe. It’s a new platform that offers a secure infrastructure for training AI models with high-quality data, which will be key for the effective digitalisation of Germany’s rail operations.
According to DataHub Europe’s founders, the project’s primary mission is to boost Europe’s digital sovereignty and its competitiveness by fostering the development of robust, trustworthy, and compliant AI applications. DB didn’t specify the investment set to be put into the project, but similar AI platforms on such a scale usually require tens of millions of euros to get off the ground.
The high-quality data collected via the platform, coming from sectors including industry, tech, science, and media, is made available to industry partners to train AI models in a secure manner. The aim, DB says, is to quickly, securely, and beneficially implement company-specific AI solutions as “real tools” in a wide range of business applications. For the German operator, this means integrating AI into daily operations—offering tangible, legally compliant tools that can streamline processes and enhance service delivery.
DB’s social responsibility
Dr. Daniela Gerd tom Markotten, DB’s Board Member for Digital and Technology, stressed the ongoing importance of AI in the rail industry. “As a critical infrastructure and state-owned company, we have a special social responsibility and see it as our task to help shape and advance the digital sovereignty of Germany and Europe,” she said. “The DataHub Europe enables us to process data in a protected European infrastructure. This enables us to integrate AI applications into our everyday work as useful and legally compliant tools.”
“At the same time, we benefit from the data and know-how of the partners in the ecosystem and can jointly develop even more powerful AI solutions. AI makes us more efficient both in administration and in rail operations and thus makes an important contribution to our restructuring program, S3′,” she added.
DataHub Europe: strengthening digital sovereignty
A key aspect of DataHub Europe, the companies say, is its commitment to safeguarding data privacy. The platform allows businesses, public sector institutions, and scientific bodies to train AI models using high-quality data without compromising data protection regulations, such as the GDPR. This is crucial for the rail sector, where data sensitivity and operational integrity are paramount.
Schwarz Digits, already a leader in AI for supply chain optimisation and administrative functions, stressed the value of such secure data management. Christian Müller, the company’s Co-CEO, stated: “With DataHub Europe, we are using this maximum level of data sovereignty to build a European data platform for AI value creation together with Deutsche Bahn.”
AuditGPT: a first glimpse at AI in action
One of the first applications developed under DataHub Europe is AuditGPT, a tool designed to streamline audit processes. Presented at the German government’s 2024 Digital Summit to Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, AuditGPT is already being piloted at Deutsche Bahn and the Schwarz Group. It automates and standardises audit work, allowing employees to focus elsewhere. And that’s just the beginning, as the platform looks to develop further AI applications that will benefit administrative tasks, especially in the German rail sector, but also beyond.
What DataHub Europe means for rail
For the rail industry, platforms like DataHub Europe offers a slew of benefits. AI tools can automate and optimise key processes, from scheduling to maintenance, reducing operational costs and improving service reliability. And with access to a vast pool of curated data, rail companies can make better-informed decisions. The approach at DataHub Europe also means that by adhering to strict data protection laws, the integration of AI does not compromise the rights of data owners or passengers.
The platform also creates an ecosystem where companies across various sectors can collaborate, share insights, and develop AI solutions, which is one of the general problems of pushing forward the effectiveness of big data across industries.
From the real-life application of AI to the twists and turns of the continent’s most ambitious infrastructure project, come and help us shape the future of the rail sector. Find out more about the exciting programme here.
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