Artificial intelligence, robotics and alternative propulsion will feature among 180 world premieres at InnoTrans 2026.
More than 3,100 exhibitors will present products and technologies at the Berlin trade fair from 22–25 September. The premieres cover all five InnoTrans segments, including Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction.
AI and Automation
For example, Downer is presenting an automated inspection system developed with Future Maintenance Technologies. The system combines drones with LiDAR, laser and optical sensors to inspect vehicles and railway infrastructure. AI and machine learning are used to identify anomalies in the collected data. The process is designed to automate the workflow from data collection through to reporting, potentially reducing the amount of manual work involved in inspections.
Infrastructure maintenance is also the focus of a new system from system7 rail holding. The company is unveiling a fully digitalised tamping robot with a dual-sleeper mode. The robot is designed for track maintenance and represents an application of automation to physical infrastructure work.
Hydrogen Train Combines with AI
CRRC is showcasing a 2,000 kW hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid locomotive at InnoTrans 2026. The locomotive combines hydrogen fuel cells with traction batteries and features an intelligent driving platform based on deep learning. Its systems include 360-degree environmental detection and multi-sensor fusion, bringing together information from multiple sensors to support the vehicle’s operation.
The locomotive is one example of how alternative propulsion and digital technologies are being developed together, with hydrogen technology intended to provide an alternative to diesel for applications where conventional electrification may not be suitable.
Energy Consumption
Meanwhile, Knorr-Bremse is using real-time operational data in its LEADER Flow driver assistance system. The system receives traffic information from trains ahead and uses it to help drivers anticipate changes in the traffic situation. The aim is to reduce unnecessary stops and improve energy efficiency. Knorr-Bremse says testing of the system achieved average energy savings of more than 10%.
Passenger-Facing Robots
Automation is not limited to railway operations and maintenance. Panarooma, developed by zweigrad in collaboration with Bucher, Siemens Mobility, Lantal and Probatec, will be presented as a concept for a future train restaurant. The concept combines autonomous service robots with passenger experience areas and AI-powered personalisation. Food would be delivered to passengers using integrated food lanes and robots. Panarooma will make its debut at InnoTrans 2026.
The 180 premieres provide an indication of where manufacturers and technology companies are directing development efforts, with AI, automation, digitalisation and alternative propulsion featuring across different parts of the railway system.
Kerstin Schulz, Director of InnoTrans said:The 180 world premieres impressively demonstrate the pace at which the rail industry is driving innovation. It is particularly exciting to see that artificial intelligence is increasingly being applied in very specific ways – from inspection and energy-efficient operation to the passenger experience. At the same time, we see the important role that digitalisation and automation play in the modernisation of rail infrastructure.
Discover more about the rolling stock on display at InnoTrans 2026 in the latest episode of All Routes Considered:
