GE’s Trip Optimizer, a product of Ecomagination, automatically controls a locomotive’s throttle, helping keep trains on schedule while minimizing fuel use. This makes the process of delivering locomotive freight more fuel-efficient and less costly.

Trip Optimizer creates an optimal trip profile that can minimize braking by automatically learning a train’s characteristics. The system calculates the most efficient way of running by considering such factors as train length, weight, grade, track conditions, weather and locomotive performance.

During the trip, a sophisticated network of onboard computers and GPS systems update the profile continuously, adjusting for changes so the train can arrive on time — and with minimum fuel use.

Click here to see a Trip Optimizer video from the Canadian Broadcasting Company