The world’s largest rail-transport trade show opened in Berlin on Tuesday. The spotlight is on artificial intelligence and cleaner fuels as railways draw attention as a low-carbon transport option.
More than 2,900 companies from almost 60 countries and territories are taking part in InnoTrans 2024.
Swiss train maker Stadler Rail showcased a locomotive powered by hydrogen and batteries. It sees a market in areas lacking overhead cabling for electric trains.
The world’s biggest train maker, China’s CRRC, also displayed a hydrogen-powered engine that it says can run at least 1,000 kilometers.
Japan’s Hitachi offered a maintenance system that the company says uses AI to assess the condition of train components. It uses onboard cameras and software developed by US computer-chip giant Nvidia.
Hitachi says the technology provides proactive alerts on parts that need replacing and improves fuel efficiency.
The new technology on show in Berlin reflects the increasing competition among railway manufacturers. This is happening as emerging economies expand transportation networks to boost growth, while trying to reduce carbon emissions.