Award Winning Performance Support for Daily Work Assistance Augmented Reality for Onboard Service at Deutsche Bahn
In modern rail travel, efficiency is everything. But how can onboard kitchen staff work safely and effectively amid technical issues and language diversity? DB Fernverkehr AG found the answer with GalleyGuide—an innovative augmented reality (AR) app that delivers real-time, on-the-job support.
With over 500 ICE and Intercity trains carrying more than 400,000 passengers daily, DB Fernverkehr AG focuses not only on service quality but also on empowering its 19,000 employees. The goal: confident, capable staff who can respond quickly and independently—no matter the situation.
The project “Next Stop: Workflow Learning in the Onboard Restaurant” aimed to equip staff with the tools they need—right at their fingertips. The GalleyGuide app was developed to help onboard teams handle routine tasks and resolve technical issues safely, regardless of the train model or equipment type.
Around 8,000 hospitality employees and train attendants were identified as the core user group, along with practical trainers and qualification managers who would embed the app into ongoing training.
Make kitchen equipment easier and more intuitive to use for all staff.
Enable faster, more efficient resolution of technical issues.
Provide direct, hands-on support to accelerate onboarding for new team members.
Position DB as an innovative and attractive employer in the rail industry.
Improve daily workflows and service performance across all trains.
With GalleyGuide, DB Fernverkehr AG has created a powerful performance support tool for onboard staff. The app combines a user-friendly interface with cutting-edge augmented reality technology. One standout feature is intelligent device recognition using image recognition software, which enables staff to access technical data and step-by-step instructions directly on their mobile devices—even without internet access.
The impact was immediate. Staff reported increased confidence in handling equipment and resolving technical issues independently. The app was especially valued for its support in daily routines and for making complex processes more accessible—particularly to a diverse, multilingual workforce.
In addition to ease of use, the app also features a sustainable, scalable architecture. Thanks to an integrated content editor, DB experts can continuously update and expand training materials to reflect new equipment, evolving workflows, or additional language versions.
Overall, the project significantly enhances daily operations, strengthens team efficiency and reliability, and improves the onboarding experience for new employees. It also reinforces DB Fernverkehr AG’s reputation as a forward-thinking and attractive employer.
The eLearning project “Next Stop: Workflow Learning in the Onboard Restaurant” showcases how augmented reality can be used effectively to support and strengthen technical and practical skills in real-time work environments.
GalleyGuide stands out for its intuitive design, robust functionality, and seamless integration into daily routines. The project’s success underscores the value of close collaboration between development teams and end users—ensuring the solution genuinely meets the needs of a dynamic, fast-paced workplace.
With ongoing updates made possible by the built-in editor, GalleyGuide is ready to evolve alongside future challenges.
In recognition of this achievement, the eLearning Journal awarded Know How! AG and DB Fernverkehr AG the eLearning AWARD 2025 in the category “Competence Development” with a focus on “Augmented Reality.” Congratulations!
Contact one of our employees or fill out the contact form.