Press release #12 – Europe’s Rail brings railway innovation to life with physical and virtual demonstrations at InnoTrans 2026

Berlin, 22 September 2026 — Europe’s Rail will bring research and innovation to life at InnoTrans 2026 through a programme of physical and virtual demonstrations showcasing technologies developed to address some of the railway sector’s most pressing challenges.

From advanced manufacturing and digital asset management to automated inspection and data-driven maintenance, the demonstrations will give visitors a practical insight into how research is helping shape the railway of the future.

The programme includes physical demonstrations presented by Europe’s Rail projects and partners throughout the exhibition, complemented by a series of virtual demonstrations available at the Europe’s Rail stand.

Physical innovation

The physical demonstration programme will showcase a range of technologies addressing different aspects of railway operations and asset management.

These include 3D printing and additive manufacturing, demonstrating how advanced manufacturing can support the production and repair of railway components and spare parts.

An augmented reality system supporting railway maintenance operations will illustrate how AR technologies can provide digital information and assistance directly within maintenance activities, while a virtual reality solution supporting civil infrastructure asset management will demonstrate the potential of immersive technologies for managing and interacting with infrastructure assets.

Together with other demonstrations addressing maintenance, climate adaptation, digitalisation and railway operations, these solutions show the diversity of innovation emerging from Europe’s Rail research.

Several virtual demonstrations

The virtual programme will offer visitors several additional perspectives on the digital railway, , such as:

• Blockchain technology for the traceability, authenticity and management of railway infrastructure certifications.
• The IAMS Platform for wayside monitoring and TMS optimisation.
• Automatic track visual inspection using unmanned means, including drones.
• BIM models supporting communication with and population of Station Asset Management Systems.
• Prescriptive maintenance for railway infrastructure.

These demonstrations highlight how digital information, monitoring, modelling and intelligent maintenance approaches are increasingly becoming essential elements of railway asset management.

The physical and virtual demonstrations form part of the wider Europe’s Rail programme at InnoTrans 2026, alongside the Innovation Tours and other activities at the Europe’s Rail stand in Hall 4.2, Stand 260.