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CRRC unveils world's first metro train with embodied AI technology in Berlin
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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.
Source report
Berlin, September 22 (China News Service) — A next-generation digital metro train integrating embodied artificial intelligence (AI) technology was unveiled in Berlin on Sunday, marking what CRRC Corporation describes as the world's first application of embodied AI in metro rolling stock.
Green and Smart Digital Metro Train
The launch took place at the opening of the 15th Berlin International Trade Fair for Rail Transportation Technology (InnoTrans). CRRC presented the new "green and smart" digital metro train, developed on the company's "VELLINK" urban rail vehicle platform.
Key features of the train include:
- Multi-source sensors deployed across the vehicle, forming an autonomous perception system
- Real-time road condition recognition, anomaly detection, and fault warning capabilities
- Lightweight materials and multi-system integration, resulting in approximately 18% weight reduction and over 10% lower comprehensive energy consumption compared to conventional urban rail vehicles
CRRC stated that the train's debut represents a significant technological breakthrough in China's urban rail transit equipment sector.
Industry Perspectives on AI in Rail
Frank Schöppel, Senior Vice President of the Railway Division at TÜV Rheinland, noted during an interview that his company has maintained long-term cooperation with Chinese partners and is impressed by their global development.
"Artificial intelligence is one of the key technological directions for the railway industry," Schöppel said. "It is expected to accelerate R&D processes and promote further integration between different systems. As AI becomes more involved in vehicle perception and decision-making, safety assessment also becomes increasingly important."
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Locomotive and Smart Flat Car
CRRC also unveiled two additional vehicles at the expo:
- "VELFORCE" 2000 kW Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid Locomotive: Features dual-stack parallel hydrogen fuel cell technology, requires only 15–20 minutes for refueling, and achieves over 98% hydrogen utilization. It is the first locomotive of its kind globally to disclose full lifecycle environmental performance, targeting green traction applications in railway operations.
- MAGIX Smart Flat Car: Designed with lightweight construction to reduce energy consumption at the source, primarily for shunting and multimodal transport scenarios.
Global Collaboration and Future Outlook
Abdul Karim Al Kalbat, Head of the Rail Department at Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority, commented at the launch event that innovation in rail transit has expanded beyond the vehicles themselves to encompass digital technology, automation, AI, and sustainable development.
"The key to future industry development lies in joint efforts by all parties to provide comprehensive solutions that meet the evolving needs of cities and passengers," he said.
About InnoTrans 2024
InnoTrans, held biennially, is the world's leading trade fair for rail transport technology. This year's edition has attracted more than 3,100 exhibitors globally, including over 200 Chinese companies such as CRRC Corporation, China State Railway Group, and Huawei — representing an expanded presence compared to the previous edition.
Source
中国新闻网Eastern
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CRRC unveils world's first embodied AI metro train at Berlin InnoTrans expo