Innotrans 2024 - Why does the rail industry get so excited?
Andrew Stephens
Senior Account Manager @ Bentley APS | Driving transformational outcomes in transport
InnoTrans, the world’s leading trade fair for transport technology, has always been a critical event for showcasing the latest innovations and trends in the rail and transport industries. Each edition of the biennial event reflects the sector's dynamic shifts, driven by technological advancements, sustainability imperatives, and digital transformation. In this article, we will compare InnoTrans 2024 with its predecessor, InnoTrans 2022, focusing on how the industry's priorities and innovations have evolved over the past two years.
InnoTrans 2024: A Focus on Digitalisation and AI Integration
InnoTrans 2024, scheduled from September 24 to 27, is poised to be a pivotal moment for the industry, especially with the introduction of groundbreaking technologies to make transport safer, more efficient, and more sustainable. This year’s event brings together over 2,900 exhibitors from 59 countries, covering a vast area of 200,000 square meters across 42 halls, with a dedicated Outdoor Display featuring more than 110 vehicles(
A significant highlight of InnoTrans 2024 is the increased emphasis on digitalisation and artificial intelligence (AI). The new AI Mobility Lab in Hall 7.1a is a considerable draw. It is expected to host over 30 exhibitors, including major players like Google Cloud and Next Generation Robotics, who will showcase how AI is being applied to make rail systems more efficient and reliable. This includes advancements in predictive maintenance, multimodal logistics solutions, and AI-driven inspection technologies(
The introduction of AI-guided tours at the event reflects the industry’s shift toward digitalisation. These tours focus on helping attendees navigate the fair and connect with the right exhibitors, supplementing the more traditional World Innovation Tours, which are concentrated on railway technology, public transport, tunnel construction, and more(
Sustainability also remains at the core of InnoTrans 2024. Exhibitors like Siemens Mobility, Alstom, and Stadler are showcasing a range of zero-emission trains, hybrid locomotives, and fuel-cell-powered trams, reinforcing the sector’s commitment to reducing its carbon footprint(
InnoTrans 2022: A Strong Emphasis on Post-Pandemic Recovery and Sustainability
InnoTrans 2022, held from September 20 to 23, marked the industry’s return to large-scale exhibitions following the disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The event welcomed over 2,800 exhibitors from 56 countries, slightly fewer than in 2024, but it was nonetheless a pivotal moment for the industry to regroup and showcase post-pandemic recovery strategies(
One of the main themes of InnoTrans 2022 was sustainability, with a strong focus on electrification and decarbonisation efforts in rail transport. In response to growing regulatory and societal pressures, many exhibitors showcased solutions to reduce emissions and improve energy efficiency. Companies like Siemens and Alstom introduced new electric and hydrogen-powered trains, while others focused on infrastructure developments that support sustainable rail transport(
Additionally, infrastructure modernisation was a key focus in 2022, with significant developments in innovative rail systems, including intelligent signalling and autonomous train technologies. However, digitalisation did not take as central a role as it did in 2024. The integration of AI into rail systems, for example, was still in its infancy, and the digital transformation of rail was primarily discussed in terms of data analytics and automated systems(
AI and Digitalisation: The Key Differences Between 2022 and 2024
The shift between 2022 and 2024 is most apparent in the industry's approach to digitalisation and AI. While InnoTrans 2022 laid the groundwork for the application of digital technologies, InnoTrans 2024 builds on that foundation with more tangible applications of AI and robotics. The new AI Mobility Lab is emblematic of this shift, focusing on real-world AI applications that enhance the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of rail transport(
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In 2022, digitalisation was primarily discussed in the context of data-driven decision-making and predictive maintenance. Exhibitors highlighted the role of data in optimising rail operations and improving reliability, but AI’s role was more conceptual. In contrast, the 2024 edition demonstrates how AI has moved from concept to application, with exhibitors showcasing autonomous systems for train inspections, AI-driven traffic management systems, and robotic maintenance solutions(
Moreover, the AI-guided tours in 2024 reflect how digitalisation is not just transforming rail systems but also how trade fairs themselves operate. These tours help visitors engage with the most relevant innovations and exhibitors, a significant upgrade from the traditional tour formats seen in 2022(
Sustainability: A Consistent Priority Across Both Editions
While the focus on digitalisation and AI has grown, sustainability has remained a consistent theme across both InnoTrans 2022 and InnoTrans 2024. In 2022, the industry placed significant emphasis on hydrogen trains, electric locomotives, and energy-efficient solutions for rail infrastructure. Siemens Mobility, for example, introduced hydrogen-powered trains that were seen as a significant step toward reducing the rail industry’s reliance on fossil fuels(
By 2024, sustainability efforts will have expanded further. Exhibitors now present a more comprehensive range of zero-emission solutions, including battery-electric trains, hybrid locomotives, and fuel-cell-powered vehicles. Stadler’s RS ZERO and Alstom’s Coradia Max are prime examples of how companies are responding to the growing demand for sustainable transport solutions(
In 2024, there is also a greater emphasis on how digitalisation can support sustainability goals. AI systems are being used to optimise energy use in trains and stations, and new intelligent technologies are helping to reduce waste and inefficiencies across the rail network(
Conclusion: A More Digital and Sustainable Future for Rail Transport
InnoTrans 2024 marks a significant evolution from the 2022 edition, reflecting broader shifts in the rail and transport industries. The event highlights how digitalisation, mainly through AI and robotics, is now playing a more central role in shaping the future of rail transport. While sustainability remains a core focus, integrating AI-driven technologies is helping the industry become greener, more efficient, and safer.
As the rail industry evolves, InnoTrans will likely remain a vital platform for companies to showcase the next generation of transport technologies. Whether it's zero-emission trains, AI-powered maintenance systems, or advanced automation, InnoTrans 2024 illustrates that the future of mobility is increasingly digital and sustainable(