ExpleoSteffi solution offers new standard for autonomous, flexible and low-carbon footprint rail freight
Paris, France 25 June 2025 – Expleo, a global player in engineering, technology and consultancy, won the jury’s ‘Coup de Coeur’ award for its ExpleoSteffi (Smart Transportation Eco-Friendly Freight Innovation) solution at the Trophées de l’innovation ferroviaire (Rail Innovation Awards) presented at SIFER 2025 and organised by the Trans-Pole as part of the European Railway
Clusters Initiatives (ERCI) programme to honour the most innovative companies in the sector.
With this innovative on-demand rail logistics service, Expleo combines autonomy, robotisation and a reduced carbon footprint, with the aim of transforming freight transport over the long term.
ExpleoSteffi: technological innovation for tomorrow’s freight
Developed by Expleo’s innovation team, ExpleoSteffi is based on the following combination:
- An autonomous wagon: eco-designed, equipped with sensors, an onboard computer and 100% electric propulsion using lithium-ion batteries. It is capable of operating autonomously on all types of rail network, including non-electrified lines or lines with little use, while carrying very heavy loads.
- An on-board robotised ferry: this integrated system can automatically load and unload goods (up to 80 m³, from 10 to 40 feet, weighing up to 32 tonnes), with a reach of 4.5 metres, without altering the infrastructure or interrupting HGV traffic.
- A digital platform: this centralises fleet management (booking, allocation, monitoring, maintenance) to offer a flexible, on-demand service that can be controlled in real time.
At a time when environmental considerations require freight to be rethought, ExpleoSteffi offers a concrete, modular and immediately operational solution. Thanks to its autonomy and on-board artificial intelligence, the wagon can travel independently and manage its loading operations, while facilitating human intervention.
This solution is suited to the transport of complex or sensitive goods (hazardous materials, chemical products, heavy loads, land vehicles, specialised containers) and is aimed at major manufacturers, multimodal transport operators, infrastructure managers and logistics platforms.
“With ExpleoSteffi, we are bringing a real technological breakthrough to the rail freight sector. We are honoured to receive this award, which recognises an innovative solution and illustrates the commitment of Expleo’s teams to more sustainable, flexible and integrated freight transport, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal. Our teams are honoured to receive this award, which recognises an innovative solution that illustrates Expleo’s commitment to more sustainable, flexible and integrated freight transport, in line with the objectives of the European Green Deal,” said Frédéric Laffitte, VP Transport and Manufacturing Industries of Expleo.
3D illustration of ExpleoSteffi in action