15. September 2026, 11:20 o'Clock
Berlin
Article: InnoTrans 2026: DB Cargo provides insights into future trends in European rail freight transport
From ETCS and DAK to carbon capture and AI-supported maintenance: Experts from DB Cargo provide insights into current developments in rail freight transport.
From 22 to 25 September 2026, the international rail and logistics industry will gather for InnoTrans in Berlin. At the DB stand, the focus will be on professional dialogue regarding current challenges and developments in rail freight transport. DB Cargo will contribute to the programme with four presentations, addressing topics that will occupy the industry in the coming years.
DB Cargo’s presentations at the DB stand
22 September 2026 | 11.30 am
European Large-Scale Retrofits – Integrated Migration Planning in Rail Freight Transport. Three in One Go: How to Fit ETCS, DAK and FRMCS onto the Same Locomotive with Andreas Lipka (Head of Digital Automatic Coupling Migration, DB Cargo AG) and Stefan Hofstetter (CTO, European Lokpool)
23 September 2026 | 10.00 am
Rail-based CO₂ logistics as the key to carbon capture in Europe with Andreas Schulze (Development & Excellence) and Stephan Bude (Dangerous Goods Officer), both from Liquids & Bulk at DB Cargo AG,
23. September 2026 | 10:30 am
Distributed Power System: How distributed radio-controlled traction enables heavier freight trains with Niels Weigelt (DPS Project Manager, DB Cargo AG), Maximilian Hoff (Sales, Voestalpine, DB Cargo AG) and Markus Schinko (Managing Director, LogServ & CargoServ)
24. September 2026 | 04:00 pm
Smart Maintenance: What if every freight wagon could tell its own story? How continuous monitoring and AI are transforming freight wagon maintenance with Elisa Sengle (AI Project Manager for Digital Freight Wagon Diagnostics) and Vitali Rjasanzew-Frey (Maintenance Ordering Wagons), both from DB Cargo AG
The four specialist presentations provide insights into the latest developments in vehicle technology, operations and logistics, and outline concrete solutions to the challenges facing rail freight transport. Visitors to InnoTrans are invited to attend the events at the DB stand and to engage in discussion with the speakers.
The outdoor vehicle exhibition is one of the defining features of InnoTrans. For many years, DB Cargo has been responsible for the logistics involved in providing and transporting the rail vehicles.
Behind the scenes at InnoTrans: logistics for the outdoor exhibition area
As well as the specialist presentations, DB Cargo is also active behind the scenes at InnoTrans. For many years, the company has been responsible for delivering the rail vehicles for the outdoor exhibition.
Before the trade fair, the rolling stock is gathered at Wustermark marshalling yard, sorted and prepared for entry. DB Cargo then transports the exhibits to the exhibition grounds, where they are positioned according to the stand plan. Once the trade fair has ended, the rolling stock is returned for further use or transported to manufacturers and test facilities.
Vehicles that are still undergoing testing or have special technical features present particular challenges. Depending on the vehicle configuration, additional equipment such as brake vans or a coupling adapter is required for transport. Amongst other things, dual-power locomotives are used; these are now in regular service throughout Germany with DB Cargo and also handle numerous transport operations in the Berlin area.
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