Kerlink, a specialist in solutions dedicated to the Internet of Things (IoT), and Europorte, France’s leading private rail freight operator and a subsidiary of the Getlink Group, unveil a major evolution of Track Value, the innovative solution for tracking and monitoring all freight activities (road, rail, air and maritime). Track Value includes embedded artificial intelligence and Edge computing to detect freight events while keeping the data’s carbon footprint close to zero.
Embedded artificial intelligence to address freight market challenges
Rail freight operators must secure their operations by rapidly detecting anomalies, ensuring wagon availability and delivery continuity, while also improving energy efficiency to reduce the environmental impact of their activities.
“Track Value was born from observing customers’ real needs, with the ambition of helping all supply-chain stakeholders progress,” says Raphaël Doutrebente, CEO of Europorte.
To meet these challenges, Track Value combines embedded AI with sensors integrated into its Mobile Hub to analyze wagon movements and identify both nominal and abnormal behavior based on periodic measurements.
The Mobile Hub automatically learns each wagon’s nominal operating mode by using qualified and labeled data. Based on this learning, it selects the most appropriate algorithmic model to determine in real time whether behavior is normal or anomalous.
Developed by Kerlink, the Mobile Hub can detect most of the behaviors on its own, eliminating the need to install additional physical sensors on each wagon or container, which are often complex to install, costly, and require maintenance. On isolated wagons, for example, it can already detect:
Brake failure (wheel lock-up)
Running gear failure (wheel flat)
Freight-mode running
Odometry drift (mileage measurement deviation)
Edge computing and satellite connectivity supporting energy efficiency
This Track Value innovation is based on an Edge-computing architecture in which data is processed locally within the Mobile Hub, without relying on remote servers or cloud infrastructure. Only useful information is transmitted to users: alarms, reports, statuary and contextual information, etc.
Local processing avoids sending and storing 90% of unused data, drastically reducing the associated energy impact. This approach also guarantees full control over data, which always remains the sole property of users.
“Kerlink teams brought their expertise in tailor‑made IoT connectivity solutions to develop Track Value and offer a truly innovative response to the challenge of more sustainable freight,” says Yannick Delibie, President of Kerlink Inc. and Chief Technology & Innovation Officer.
Track Value also benefits from global, low‑power coverage using the Kinéis nanosatellite constellation, fully operational since March 2025. The 25‑satellite constellation, the first European IoT‑dedicated network, has a carbon footprint of approximately 3 kilotonnes of CO₂e per year, compared with nearly 382 kilotonnes for 4G/5G infrastructure covering France.
As a result, rail and logistics freight can be monitored with an exceptionally low data‑related carbon footprint, perfectly aligned with the sector’s environmental‑transition objectives.
Concrete benefits for freight stakeholders
Predictive maintenance and reduction of false positives
Track Value enables rail companies to significantly reduce in‑service disruptions, particularly those caused by two major incidents: hot axle boxes (overheating axle bearings) and stuck brakes (brakes remaining applied while the wagon is moving).
With embedded AI, the solution continuously monitors wagon brake temperatures and can therefore detect potential anomalies early and trigger preventive action before an incident occurs. The result: up to 50% fewer network interruptions, representing estimated savings of €40 per wagon per year.
Optimized use of wagons and reduced losses
Track Value provides full fleet visibility: delivery tracking, alerts (e.g., in case of stationary wagons), periodic reports and operational recommendations. This operational insight helps optimize wagon use and reduce the risk of goods loss, especially for isolated wagons. Estimated savings: €500 per wagon per year.
Operational and energy efficiency value delivered by the Mobile Hub
By relying on embedded AI and integrated sensors, Track Value eliminates the need for additional specialized sensors, reducing equipment, installation and maintenance costs.
Furthermore, its low‑orbit satellite connectivity combined with optimized data processing minimizes environmental impact while maximizing energy efficiency. The Mobile Hub battery can therefore achieve up to 6 years of autonomy, compared with roughly 5 years for traditional market solutions.
Opening new markets for Kerlink
With Track Value, Kerlink expands its footprint in the transport and logistics sector, particularly in rail freight, offering an operational, innovative and sustainable response to key challenges related to safety, performance and environmental transition. The first field tests are nearing completion, paving the way for deployment and confirming Kerlink’s entry into this strategic and fast‑evolving market.
