Metrocargo system is modular with each module composed of: four lifting towers, one shuttle and one platform. Each element of the module has a carrying capacity of 40 tons.

In particular:

• The Lifting system consists of four independent units (towers) that identify and lift a unit load placed on the wagon train. This lifting system operates on the outside of the corner block.
   The synchronous movement of the towers allows precise positioning through the acquisition of the  locations of the 4 corner blocks for all types of cargo units (containers and swap bodies). Each  tower is equipped with independent electric panel completed of PLC, wireless communication  system, drives for engine, motors for lifting and shifting, control systems and security.
• The shuttle has two semi-shuttles moving parallel to the rail-road track. Each semi-shuttle has a mobile device transfer that moves perpendicular to the rail track. Each semi-shuttle is equipped with electrical power, distribution and full PLC control of coordination and with communication system dedicated. The semi-shuttle adapt its position automatically according to size of the unit load to be moved.
• The staking platforms are structures made of steel shaped to accommodate all types of unit load devices and equipped with fixed center and position sensors. The number of bays is a function of operations requested by the customer.

In addition to the elements of each module, the technology includes the following  auxiliary systems:

• A control room where all systems of management, control and supervision are collected together in order to monitor the plant. The system has an intuitive graphical interface that properly provides information to the operating staff.
• The scheduling system (second level control) controls dispatching and scheduling of missions.
  The optimization system, user configurable, deals scheduling tasks’ sequences to be assigned to each component (dispatching missions) with the objective to minimize handling time.
• Single components are managed by the "PLC coordination“ that, through a dedicated data transmission network, sends different commands to the system. The PLC coordinating represents an interface between the "scheduling systems“ and forms of (un)loading freight train.
• The train identification portal identifies the unit load and recognizes the ISO code through a dedicated OCR system. Train’s composition is sent to the control room where all data are processed.
• Through customized software and advanced technologies, the active safety system allows to control the operational area of the plant, in total security of the staff. Through a constant and accurate monitoring, the system intervenes in case of danger by stopping the operation.