CRRC has presented its brand-new VELLINK driverless metro train platform at InnoTrans 2026.
The vehicle, a next-generation ‘digital-intelligent’ train, and represents the company’s ambitions to move toward the use of embodied AI within mass transit.
Developed with lightweight construction in mind; the car body consists entirely of aluminium, with its roof, air duct, sound and heat insulation all directly integrated into its main structure, allowing them to serve as load-bearing elements.
With integrated carbon fibre, the train’s front panelling and frame structure are capable of being redesigned in order to provide significant weight reduction – with the configuration on display possessing an axle load of 15 tonnes and a car body length of 24.4 metres in total.
The train’s front incorporates a floor-to-ceiling circular window, and onboard seating offers a range of unique configurations in order to maximise standing room, whilst its ceilings offers a virtual skybox view of the current time of day.
Onboard operator interfaces utilise technologies such as intelligent displays, holographic projection, and biometric recognition in a bid to enable interaction whilst providing passenger information including transfers, tourism opportunities, dining and entertainment.
The train offers a maximum operating speed of up to 120 km/h, and a maximum testing speed of 132 km/h.
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