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Technological Evolution and Safety Enhancement of Automatic Couplers in Modern Railway Systems: A Systematic Review.

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Title: Technological Evolution and Safety Enhancement of Automatic Couplers in Modern Railway Systems: A Systematic Review.
Authors: Valentino, Jean Mario1 (AUTHOR), Syaifudin, Achmad2,3 (AUTHOR) syaifudin@its.ac.id, Depari, Yohanes Pringeten Dilianto Sembiring1 (AUTHOR), Subekti4 (AUTHOR), Pramono, Agus Sigit2 (AUTHOR), Shalahuddin, Lukman1 (AUTHOR), Agustin, Helena Carolina Kis2 (AUTHOR), Uda, Muhammad Nur Afnan5 (AUTHOR), Hashim, Uda5 (AUTHOR), Khan, Sohaib Zia (AUTHOR) szkhan@iu.edu.sa
Source: Journal of Engineering (2314-4912). 3/10/2026, Vol. 2026, p1-13. 13p.
Subjects: Technological innovations, Safety, Machine design, Railroads, Conservation of energy
Abstract: The global railway industry is undergoing a significant transformation toward a safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation system, in which the automatic coupler serves as a vital component ensuring connectivity, safety, and operational reliability of train formations. Despite rapid technological advancements, existing research on automatic couplers remains fragmented, with limited integration between mechanical design, energy efficiency, and safety aspects. This study is aimed at systematically analyzing the technological evolution of automatic couplers in railway systems through a systematic literature review (SLR) approach based on the PRISMA protocol, utilizing literature indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from 2000 to 2025. The collected data were thematically analyzed to identify research trends, coupler classifications, and their contributions to operational efficiency and safety. The findings reveal a clear evolution from conventional mechanical coupling systems toward the digital automatic coupler (DAC), which integrates mechanical, electropneumatic, and digital communication functions. These innovations have proven to enhance efficiency by reducing longitudinal forces, extending fatigue life, and minimizing maintenance costs while simultaneously strengthening safety through energy absorption systems, high‐strength materials, and synchronized digital brake control. Scientifically, this study provides a novel contribution by offering a comprehensive mapping of the technological trajectory of automatic couplers and emphasizing the urgency of integrating mechanical and digital design principles to support automation and sustainability in the future of railway systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Engineering (2314-4912) is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Technological+innovations%22">Technological innovations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Safety%22">Safety</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Machine+design%22">Machine design</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Railroads%22">Railroads</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Conservation+of+energy%22">Conservation of energy</searchLink>
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  Data: The global railway industry is undergoing a significant transformation toward a safer, more efficient, and sustainable transportation system, in which the automatic coupler serves as a vital component ensuring connectivity, safety, and operational reliability of train formations. Despite rapid technological advancements, existing research on automatic couplers remains fragmented, with limited integration between mechanical design, energy efficiency, and safety aspects. This study is aimed at systematically analyzing the technological evolution of automatic couplers in railway systems through a systematic literature review (SLR) approach based on the PRISMA protocol, utilizing literature indexed in Scopus and Web of Science from 2000 to 2025. The collected data were thematically analyzed to identify research trends, coupler classifications, and their contributions to operational efficiency and safety. The findings reveal a clear evolution from conventional mechanical coupling systems toward the digital automatic coupler (DAC), which integrates mechanical, electropneumatic, and digital communication functions. These innovations have proven to enhance efficiency by reducing longitudinal forces, extending fatigue life, and minimizing maintenance costs while simultaneously strengthening safety through energy absorption systems, high‐strength materials, and synchronized digital brake control. Scientifically, this study provides a novel contribution by offering a comprehensive mapping of the technological trajectory of automatic couplers and emphasizing the urgency of integrating mechanical and digital design principles to support automation and sustainability in the future of railway systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
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  Group: Ab
  Data: <i>Copyright of Journal of Engineering (2314-4912) is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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        Value: 10.1155/je/1836829
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        Text: English
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      – SubjectFull: Safety
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      – SubjectFull: Machine design
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      – SubjectFull: Railroads
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      – SubjectFull: Conservation of energy
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              Text: 3/10/2026
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