Press Release
Focus on AI and Robotics: 180 World Premieres at InnoTrans 2026
180 world premieres across all segments: The World Innovation Guide showcases the innovations at InnoTrans 2026. The spectrum ranges from AI robots to hydrogen-powered hybrid locomotives.
- Artificial intelligence, robotics, and automation are shaping the latest developments in the international rail industry
- Innovations for rolling stock, infrastructure, and maintenance
- All InnoTrans segments are represented in the World Innovation Guide
Artificial intelligence is on board, robots are taking on inspection tasks, and digital systems are helping to save energy: At InnoTrans 2026 (September 22–25), more than 3,100 exhibitors will present 180 world premieres. The World Innovation Guide, which summarizes the innovations (LINK), reveals a clear trend: automation and robotics are no longer just a vision of the future in the rail industry. They are being used in trains and workshops as well as in the maintenance of rail infrastructure and in enhancing the travel experience.
At the same time, the importance of new propulsion technologies is becoming just as evident as the growing relevance of artificial intelligence. AI no longer merely analyzes data in the background but is becoming an integral part of concrete applications and automated processes within the rail system.
“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,” says Kerstin Schulz, Director of InnoTrans. “At the same time, we see the important role that digitalization and automation play in the modernization of rail infrastructure.”
AI and Automation Are Taking Over the Field
Downer demonstrates how AI and automation can transform maintenance. In collaboration with Future Maintenance Technologies, the Australian company combines an automated tensile testing system with drones, as well as LiDAR, laser, and optical sensors. AI and machine learning help inspect vehicles and infrastructure and detect anomalies. The process from data collection to reporting is fully automated.
Knorr-Bremse, on the other hand, is relying on digital foresight to make rail operations more efficient. The LEADER Flow driver assistance system integrates real-time traffic data from trains ahead. This helps reduce unnecessary stops and conserve energy. According to the company, the system achieved average energy savings of more than 10 percent in tests.
CRRC demonstrates just how closely new propulsion technologies and intelligent systems work together. The Chinese manufacturer is showcasing a 2,000-kW hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive that combines high-performance fuel cells with traction batteries. The locomotive also features an intelligent driving platform based on deep learning, with 360-degree environmental detection and multi-sensor fusion.
The Train Restaurant of the Future and a Fully Digitalized Stuffing Robot
AI and robotics are also transforming the travel experience. The Panarooma concept, developed by zweigrad in collaboration with Bucher, Siemens Mobility, Lantal, and Probatec, envisions the train restaurant of the future. Autonomous service robots combine with experience zones tailored to passengers’ needs and AI-powered personalization. Meals are delivered directly to passengers via integrated food lanes and robots.
system7 rail holding demonstrates that automation is becoming increasingly important for the modernization of rail infrastructure. The company is unveiling the first fully digitized tamping robot with a dual-sleeper mode. This world premiere exemplifies the numerous innovations through which digital and automated technologies are increasingly finding their way into infrastructure construction and maintenance.
World Innovation Tours at InnoTrans
Most of the innovations at InnoTrans 2026 will be found in the Railway Technology segment, the largest segment of the world’s leading trade fair for transportation technology. All InnoTrans segments Interiors, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, and Tunnel Construction will be represented.
Trade visitors and media representatives will have the opportunity to discover these innovations during guided themed tours. A total of six different World Innovation Tours will be offered at InnoTrans. Booths of exhibitors listed in the World Innovation Guide will be marked with a special button.
About InnoTrans
InnoTrans is the leading international trade fair for transport technology, held every two years in Berlin. The five segments of InnoTrans comprise Railway Technology, Railway Infrastructure, Public Transport, Interiors and Tunnel Construction. InnoTrans is organised by Messe Berlin. The 15th InnoTrans will take place from 22 to 25 September 2026 at the Berlin Exhibition Grounds. Messe Berlin is organising InnoTrans Asia specifically for the Asian market from 7 to 9 September 2027 at the Singapore EXPO grounds. For more information, visit www.innotrans.de and www.innotrans-asia.com and Linkedin.
About Messe Berlin
Berlin has been a trade fair venue for over 200 years, and for many decades one of the most important worldwide. As the trade fair company owned by the capital, every year Messe Berlin conceives, markets and organises hundreds of live events. It aims to be an outstanding host for visitors to every event, to give individuals an optimum boost for their business and ensure fair conditions for everyone. This approach is reflected in the company’s slogan ‘Messe Berlin – Hosting the World’.
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