CRRC unveils world's first embodied AI metro train at Berlin InnoTrans expo
At the 15th InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, China's CRRC Corporation unveiled the world's first metro train with embodied AI, the VELLINK digital-intelligent metro, alongside a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive and an intelligent flatcar. The VELLINK train uses over 600 sensors for real-time obstacle recognition and fault prediction, achieving 18% weight reduction and over 10% lower energy consumption. CRRC also introduced a modular new energy locomotive platform targeting replacement of 9,700 aging diesel locomotives in China by 2035.
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China Showcases New Energy Locomotives and Smart Subway at Berlin Rail Transit Expo
At the 15th InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, China's CRRC Corporation unveiled a new energy locomotive platform and the VELLINK digital subway train, targeting global markets. The locomotive platform features modular design with three power options (diesel-battery hybrid, pure battery, hydrogen fuel cell), aiming to replace aging fleets in mining, ports, and industrial settings. CRRC Dalian executives highlighted a shift from custom builds to standardized platforms, enabling faster delivery and lifecycle services. The hydrogen hybrid locomotive on display achieves 98% hydrogen utilization and zero emissions. Separately, CRRC Changchun presented the VELLINK digital subway, China's first with embodied AI capabilities for perception, decision-making, and interaction. It uses lightweight materials and efficient systems to reduce weight by 18%, energy use by 10%, and lifecycle carbon emissions by 15%. The article notes China's policy push to phase out 9,700 old diesel locomotives by 2035, creating a near-trillion-yuan market. Executives emphasized a combination of platform products, scenario-specific solutions, financing, and lifecycle services to overcome challenges like fragmented customers and infrastructure gaps.
Read sourceChinese Intelligent Metro Train Attracts Crowds at Berlin Rail Technology Expo
At the 15th InnoTrans (Berlin International Trade Fair for Transport Technology), over 200 Chinese companies presented new rail products and technologies, including intelligent metro trains, high-speed trains reaching 450 km/h, and digital solutions. China's CRRC Corporation unveiled three new vehicles: the 'VELLINK' digital-intelligent metro train, a hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive, and an intelligent flatcar. The VELLINK train, a global debut, applies 'embodied intelligence' technology with over 600 sensors, cameras, and radar to perceive its environment and detect anomalies. CRRC technical expert Liang Shiguo stated that green, low-carbon development and artificial intelligence are two key trends in global rail, and future trains will evolve into intelligent agents capable of autonomous operation and decision-making. The hydrogen fuel cell locomotive, with over 98% hydrogen utilization and a 15-20 minute refueling time, targets non-electrified rail lines and shunting, offering a low-carbon alternative. The expo highlighted intelligence and green technology as major industry directions.
China Showcases New Energy Locomotives and Smart Metro at Berlin Rail Fair
At the 15th InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, China's CRRC Corporation unveiled a new energy locomotive platform and a smart metro train, highlighting its push into global rail markets. The locomotive platform features modular, 'Lego-like' design with three power options: internal combustion plus battery, hydrogen fuel cell, and pure battery, covering multiple power levels. CRRC Dalian's designer Yang Wanlu explained the shift from custom 'one-design-per-order' to standardized platform selection, enabling full lifecycle services. Sun Chuanqing, CRRC Dalian's vice general manager, noted the platform targets replacement of 9,700 aging locomotives in China, driven by 2027-2035 phase-out policies, and offers advantages over foreign competitors through complete product spectrum and modularity. Separately, CRRC Changchun exhibited the VELLINK digital metro, China's first with 'embodied AI' capabilities, featuring smart sensing, cloud-edge architecture, and a 15% lifecycle carbon reduction. The article attributes forecasts of a near-trillion-yuan industrial chain from locomotive replacement and notes challenges including customer fragmentation and uneven hydrogen/charging infrastructure.
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CRRC Unveils Three Green Smart Rail Vehicles at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin
At the 15th InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, CRRC Corporation launched three real vehicles under the theme 'Co-building Future Transport Multi-value Creation Capability.' The models include the VELLINK digital-intelligent metro train, the VELFORCE 2000 kW hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive, and the MAGIX intelligent flat car. All three products emphasize green and smart technology. CRRC also introduced the 'VELLINK' urban rail vehicle brand for global commuter markets. The VELLINK train uses embodied intelligence with multi-source sensors for real-time obstacle recognition and fault prediction, reducing maintenance costs. It achieves an 18% weight reduction and over 10% lower energy consumption through lightweight materials and system integration. The VELFORCE locomotive features dual-stack hydrogen fuel cells, a 15-20 minute refueling time, and 360-degree environmental awareness with autonomous decision-making, offering a zero-emission rail solution. CRRC stated it is focusing on green, digital, integrated, and unified development to build a full-speed intelligent product matrix.
Read sourceWorld's First Metro Train with Embodied AI Technology Unveiled in Berlin
At the 15th Berlin Innotrans trade fair on September 22, 2024, China's CRRC unveiled the world's first metro train equipped with embodied AI technology. The 'green-digital' train, developed on the VELLINK platform, uses multi-source sensors and an autonomous perception system to identify road conditions, detect anomalies, and predict faults in real time. Compared to traditional trains, it reduces weight by 18% and energy consumption by over 10%. Frank Schöpper, Senior Vice President of TÜV Rheinland's Railway Division, noted that AI is a key direction for rail technology, accelerating R&D and system integration, but stressed that safety assessment becomes more critical as AI enters vehicle perception and decision-making. CRRC also unveiled a 2000 kW hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive (VELFORCE) and the MAGIX intelligent flat car. Abdul Karim Al-Karbat of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority emphasized that innovation now extends beyond vehicles to digital technology, automation, AI, and sustainability, requiring integrated solutions for evolving urban and passenger needs. Over 200 Chinese companies, including CRRC, China State Railway Group, and Huawei, participated in the expo.
Read sourceWorld's First Metro Train with Embodied AI Technology Unveiled by CRRC in Berlin
At the 15th InnoTrans trade fair in Berlin on September 22, 2024, CRRC Corporation unveiled the world's first metro train equipped with embodied AI technology. The 'green-digital' train, developed on the VELLINK urban rail platform, uses multi-source sensors and an autonomous perception system to identify road conditions, detect anomalies, and predict faults in real time. Compared to conventional trains, it achieves an 18% weight reduction and over 10% lower energy consumption through lightweight materials and system integration. CRRC also launched a 2000 kW hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive (VELFORCE) with 98% hydrogen utilization and a 15-20 minute refueling time, and the MAGIX intelligent flatcar for shunting and intermodal transport. Frank Schöpper, Senior Vice President of TÜV Rheinland's rail division, noted that AI is a key technology direction for rail, accelerating R&D and system integration, but stressed that safety assessment becomes more critical as AI enters vehicle perception and decision-making. Abdul Kalbat of Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority emphasized that innovation now extends beyond vehicles to digital technology, automation, AI, and sustainability, requiring collaborative solutions for evolving urban needs. Over 200 Chinese companies, including CRRC, China State Railway Group, and Huawei, participated in the expo.