New technologies and innovations form the basis for the rail industry in its efforts to improve its competitiveness and its ability to meet the challenges of the future. Research and development have an important part to play in this context, and are the driving force behind efficient, safe and ecologically sound rail transport for the future. From 18 to 21 September numerous international research facilities will be presenting the results of their latest studies, new concepts and user-oriented solutions for mobility and transport at InnoTrans 2012.
Among the exhibitors will be the Railway Technical Research Institute from Japan, the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education and the China Academy of Railway Sciences. The Technical University (TU) Berlin is also represented at the fair, where it is featuring a number of research projects including a plug-in control cabin and a new system for monitoring the condition of freight wagons. The German Aerospace Centre will be using a full-scale mock up at InnoTrans to demonstrate innovative construction methods for double deck rail vehicles.
InnoTrans displays user oriented solutions for the rail sector
Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is Europe’s largest applied research organisation and nine of its institutes will be featured on the Berlin Exhibition Grounds at InnoTrans. Joining them is Fraunhofer-Allianz Verkehr which, in the words of its chairman Prof. Dr. Uwe Clausen, has been set up with the aim of presenting innovative solutions that meet the specific needs of the manufacturers of rail vehicles, railway companies, infrastructure operators and the providers of logistical services.
And what sort of information can international trade visitors expect to find at InnoTrans? Clausen: "Fraunhofer-Allianz Verkehr is presenting the results of thermographic examinations of wheels and the use of a clearance profile scanner to measure and monitor rail track, as well as logistical and IT solutions for rail freight traffic. We will also be showing how we work together with our customers to apply these solutions in practice."
