The InnoTrans 2026 exhibition in Berlin is showcasing a range of innovative rail technologies, including remote-controlled trains, hydrogen locomotives, and artificial intelligence-powered metro systems. Among the technologies on display is a train controlled from 696 kilometers away, demonstrated by Belgian technology company OTIV.
OTIV’s technology uses live onboard camera feeds and a wireless connection to control the vehicle remotely, with potential applications in depots and shunting yards. They are also developing driver-assistance and autonomous rail technologies.
Hydrogen and Battery-Powered Trains
Chinese manufacturer CRRC is unveiling its VELLINK SmartMetro platform, which incorporates AI into vehicle control and condition monitoring. This platform reduces vehicle weight by around 18% and lowers overall energy consumption by more than 10%.
CRRC is also showcasing a 2,000kW hydrogen fuel-cell hybrid locomotive, which uses a 400kW dual-stack fuel-cell system and can be refuelled with hydrogen in around 15 to 20 minutes. The locomotive’s hydrogen utilisation rate exceeds 98%, and onboard deep-learning systems provide a 360-degree view around the vehicle.
Stadler is presenting the world’s first hydrogen-powered train designed for narrow-gauge railway lines, which is particularly relevant to regions where replacing diesel trains with conventional electric units would require expensive installation of overhead wires.
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Battery-Electric Trains and Robotics
Spanish manufacturer CAF is showing a production Civity battery-electric Class 557, which travelled 273 kilometers exclusively on battery power during tests in August. The train uses standard production lithium-titanate traction batteries and can draw electricity normally on electrified sections.
InnoTrans is also highlighting robotics in railway maintenance and infrastructure, including an automated continuous-action tamping system designed to work on two sleepers simultaneously. Other exhibitors are showing autonomous rail taxis, unmanned vehicles, and AI-based infrastructure inspection systems.
The technologies on display suggest that the future of rail will involve significant changes in how trains are powered, controlled, monitored, and maintained. Several of the systems on display are already moving beyond the prototype stage, with potential applications in real passenger and freight operations.
As the rail industry continues to evolve, it is likely that new innovative technologies will emerge, building on the developments showcased at InnoTrans 2026.
