InnoTrans is one of the most important international forums in the field of railway and transport technologies. Experts from industry, research and the transport sector come together to discuss the latest developments and solutions for the mobility of the future.
The AIT Austrian Institute of Technology will be exhibiting at InnoTrans 2026, demonstrating how research, technology and innovation can help make transport systems safer, more efficient, more sustainable and more capable. The focus of the exhibition stand will be on smart solutions for rail infrastructure, innovative lightweight design and manufacturing technologies, as well as new approaches to batteries, propulsion systems and the safety of components and technical systems.
Smart solutions for a reliable rail infrastructure
An efficient and reliable infrastructure is a key prerequisite for the mobility of the future. AIT develops technologies that enable the condition of transport infrastructure to be recorded, monitored and assessed with greater precision.
At InnoTrans, AIT is bringing this area of research to life through a realistic model railway demonstrator. This demonstrates how modern monitoring technologies can be used to oversee railway infrastructure, thereby supporting data-driven asset management.
Another demonstrator focuses on noise protection. Using virtual reality, visitors can experience real and simulated noise abatement measures on the railway both acoustically and visually. This clearly illustrates how digital technologies can support the planning, assessment and communication of measures in the transport sector.
Lightweight design for safe and efficient mobility
Alongside the digitalisation and monitoring of transport infrastructure, the further development of materials and manufacturing processes plays a key role in the mobility of the future. Lighter components can help to reduce weight, use resources efficiently and improve the energy efficiency of technical systems.
At InnoTrans, the AIT is showcasing the latest light-metal and manufacturing solutions for weight-optimised and safe mobility components. On display are, amongst other things, components made from fire-resistant magnesium alloys for safety-critical applications, as well as additively manufactured components.
One example is a 3D-printed mounting plate for semi-trailer couplings, in which a solid steel plate has been replaced by a topology-optimised structure, achieving a weight reduction of 59 per cent. Further demonstrators showcase new possibilities for the manufacture of complex magnesium components, innovative solutions for liquid hydrogen tanks, and data-driven methods for integrating data analysis and machine learning into industrial processes.
Rethinking battery technologies
Another forward-looking topic at the AIT’s exhibition stand is structural batteries. These combine energy storage and mechanical function within a single component: batteries are no longer viewed solely as standalone energy storage devices, but can be integrated into load-bearing structures.
This approach opens up new possibilities for utilising installation space and weight more efficiently and for integrating technical systems more closely. At InnoTrans, the AIT is showcasing a demonstrator that illustrates how mechanical load-bearing capacity and electrical energy storage can be combined within a multifunctional structure.
The development of structural batteries forms part of the AIT’s comprehensive research activities in the field of new storage technologies. The aim is to further develop innovative concepts, from material and technology development right through to application.
Ensuring the reliability of components and systems
To enable innovative technologies to find their way into practical applications, components and systems must be tested and validated under realistic conditions. AIT brings extensive expertise in environmental and stress testing to this process.
At InnoTrans, AIT is showcasing its expertise in the testing and validation of technical components and systems. The aim is to systematically assess reliability and performance right from the development stage, thereby bringing innovative technologies into practical application more quickly and safely.
Research and innovation for the mobility of the future
“Research and innovation are crucial to making tomorrow’s mobility safe, sustainable and efficient. Particularly in light of the major technological and societal challenges we face, we need new ideas, sound scientific knowledge and the courage to put innovative solutions into practice”, emphasises Dr Christian Chimani, Head of Center for Transport Technologies at the AIT Austrian Institute of Technology. “AIT combines excellent research with practical technology development and works alongside industry and public sector clients to put new solutions for transport infrastructure, lightweight construction, batteries and propulsion technologies into practice. InnoTrans offers us an excellent platform to showcase these developments and engage in dialogue with international partners about the mobility of the future.”
AIT warmly invites anyone interested to come and see the demonstrators and research findings at InnoTrans 2026 and to discuss current challenges and future mobility solutions with AIT’s experts.
AIT at InnoTrans 2026
22 to 25 September 2026
CityCube Berlin
Hall A, Stand 750
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