My over all goal of the DCC controller project was to fully automate a model train layout. The DCC system is a great starting point because it allows individual control of all prime movers accessories and feed back of their status.
By breaking the track down into segments the locomotives be detected to locations on the track. If the future, I intend on adding RF ID tags to the bottom of all rolling stock. Each rolling stock item will be identified in a database with length, scale weight, misc. functions and features, and last know location. You can use this information to send a locomotive to pick up selected cars at their known location and adjust the acceleration and deceleration curves based on the scale weight.