Siemens to Present AutomatedTrain at InnoTrans 2026

Why It Matters

The demo proves that fully driverless, sensor‑rich trains can operate safely in depot environments, accelerating Europe’s shift toward digital rail networks and reducing operating costs.

Key Takeaways

• Siemens will showcase GoA4 autonomous Mireo at InnoTrans 2026
• Project funded with €42.6m (~$46m) from Germany and EU
• AutomatedTrain includes ETCS, ATO, obstacle detection, digital map, localisation
• Partners include Deutsche Bahn, Bosch, Red Hat, TU Dresden
• RemODtrAIn adds AI remote control, backed by €17m (~$18.5m)

Pulse Analysis

InnoTrans, the world’s premier rail exhibition, will host Siemens Mobility’s AutomatedTrain showcase, highlighting a Mireo trainset capable of GoA4 unattended operation. The prototype integrates an ETCS onboard unit, advanced train control management, and a suite of intelligent sensors that feed a digital map and real‑time localisation engine. By automating pre‑movement checks and communicating departure readiness to the operational control centre, the system demonstrates a practical pathway to driverless depot manoeuvres, a critical step before full‑line automation.

The project’s €42.6 million (≈$46 million) funding reflects strong governmental and EU commitment to the Digital Schiene Deutschland initiative, which aims to modernise Germany’s rail infrastructure through digital technologies. For operators like Deutsche Bahn, autonomous train positioning promises tighter scheduling, lower labor costs, and enhanced safety through obstacle‑detection AI. Competitors across Europe are watching closely, as the ability to run trains without on‑board staff could become a differentiator in a market increasingly focused on sustainability and efficiency.

Looking ahead, Siemens is leveraging the AutomatedTrain platform to expand its RemODtrAIn programme, a €17 million (≈$18.5 million) effort that adds AI‑driven remote control for depot movements. The convergence of these technologies suggests a future where rail yards operate as fully automated hubs, feeding data into broader network‑wide traffic management systems. While regulatory approval and public acceptance remain hurdles, the InnoTrans demonstration signals that driverless rail is moving from pilot projects to commercial reality, positioning Siemens as a key player in the next generation of European rail transport.