CRRC unveils VELLINK intelligent metro train at Berlin InnoTrans
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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.
Source report
At the recently opened 15th Berlin International Rail Technology Exhibition (InnoTrans 2024), over 200 Chinese enterprises showcased their latest rail transit products and technologies, covering vehicle equipment, communication signals, infrastructure, and digital solutions.
New Vehicle Launches by CRRC
At the exhibition, CRRC Corporation Limited (hereinafter referred to as "CRRC") unveiled three new real vehicles:
- Next-generation digital-intelligent integrated metro train
- Hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive
- Intelligent flat wagon
These vehicles cover different application scenarios including urban rail, mainline railways, and freight transport. Features such as panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows, starry sky ceilings, and intelligent interactive designs attracted long queues of visitors.
World Premiere of "Embodied Intelligence" Metro Train
The new-generation digital-intelligent integrated metro train from China made its global debut at the exhibition, marking the first application of "embodied intelligence" technology in rail transit scenarios. This became one of the focal points at the event.
According to Liang Shiguo, a technical expert from CRRC, the "VELLINK" digital-intelligent integrated metro train employs embodied intelligence technology, equipped with over 600 sensors. Combined with cameras, radar, and onboard computing platforms, the train can:
- Real-time acquisition of line environment and vehicle status
- AI-assisted identification of anomalies
- Early warning of faults
Additionally, lightweight materials and multi-system integration help reduce energy consumption.
Green and Intelligent Trends
Liang Shiguo noted that green, low-carbon development and artificial intelligence are becoming two major trends in the global rail transit industry. He stated that future rail vehicles will no longer be limited to passively receiving operational commands but will evolve into intelligent agents capable of autonomous operation, decision-making, and scheduling.
Hydrogen Fuel Cell Hybrid Locomotive
Complementing the intelligent technologies, China's hydrogen fuel cell hybrid locomotive also made its debut at the exhibition. Key specifications include:
- Power source: Hydrogen fuel cell
- Hydrogen utilization rate: Over 98%
- Refueling time: Approximately 15 to 20 minutes
The locomotive can be applied to railway lines that have not yet been electrified, as well as shunting operations within stations, providing a new power option for low-carbon railway transformation.
Global Exchange and Future Outlook
From artificial intelligence to hydrogen energy, China's rail transit equipment is exploring smarter and greener application methods. At this year's Berlin InnoTrans, intelligence and green development have become key focuses for the global rail transit industry. Chinese enterprises are using this international platform to exchange new technologies and solutions with industry professionals from around the world.
(Sources: Xinhua News Agency, CCTV)
Source
北京日报客户端Eastern
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CRRC unveils world's first embodied AI metro train at Berlin InnoTrans expo