Branchenmesse Innotrans: KI soll Bahnreisen effizienter und zuverlässiger machen

The Innotrans industry fair in Berlin showcased numerous innovations focused on artificial intelligence (AI), with Siemens Mobility's CEO Michael Peter emphasizing the technology's role in making train schedules more efficient and reliable. Siemens' competitor Alstom introduced its AI assistant "Talk to my train," designed to assist maintenance teams in quickly identifying and repairing issues with trains.

The AI system leverages historical data from trains, signaling systems, and infrastructure to optimize repair processes and get trains back on the rails faster.

Alstom's new CEO, Martin Sion, highlighted during a pre-fair press conference that digitalization would transform trains into a "golden era," enabling more trains to operate on existing infrastructure while enhancing reliability. Despite these technological advancements, German passengers currently experience little to no improvement in their travel experience, according to Federal Minister of Transport Steffen Bilger.

Overdue maintenance of the aging rail network and recurring problems during corridor renovations have exacerbated the issue.

Bahn chief Evelyn Palla addressed the new strategic direction for the company at a conference, emphasizing the motto "DB 2035" to ensure employees and passengers feel proud of the railway. While immediate changes will focus on safety and cleanliness, she stressed that infrastructure upgrades will require years of investment with no shortcuts.

Alstom's Ukrainian president Oleksandr Pertsovskyi warned of the growing threat of Russian drone attacks targeting trains, resulting in civilian casualties. The Ukrainian railway now monitors airspace through underground command centers, successfully evading attacks in 99 percent of cases. The Ukrainian experience demonstrates that preventing drone strikes on moving trains is now technologically feasible.

However, the challenges of cross-border train travel remain, with EU Commissioner Apostolos Tzitzikostas advocating for unified rail tickets to facilitate seamless journeys across Europe. This would simplify traveling between multiple train operators and encourage more passengers to explore intercity connections.