Rail operators and infrastructure owners are under constant pressure to maintain safety, availability and compliance while working with long‑life assets, mixed technologies and established standards.
Across Great Britain, rail vehicles typically remain in service for 30 years or more, with the average passenger fleet now over 16 years old and some fleets significantly older. Improving performance increasingly means finding ways to modernise existing systems without disruption, wholesale replacement or unnecessary risk.
That challenge is why Rail LIVE brings together rolling stock and infrastructure professionals in a live operational environment, enabling practical discussion around how the railway performs in the real world. Knorr‑Bremse reflects that same whole‑system perspective, combining global rail expertise with a detailed understanding of how the UK network operates in practice.
At Rail LIVE, Knorr‑Bremse is showcasing technologies designed to support the safe, efficient and sustainable operation of rail systems, shaped by real‑world operating conditions, standards and performance expectations.
Technologies on display
The Knorr‑Bremse stand focuses on four complementary technology areas relevant to both vehicles and infrastructure, and applicable across new‑build programmes and asset modernisation projects:
- Signalling solutions from KB Signaling and Zelisko, providing innovative signaling solutions, dedicated to enhancing safety, efficiency and reliability across critical infrastructure networks.
- Embedded electronics from Selectron, including TCMS components and train backbone networking, enabling robust, scalable control and communications architectures
- Power & Grid: from Microelettrica Scientifica, featuring high‑voltage contactors, high speed circuit breakers and power components engineered for demanding rail applications
- Digital solutions, including platform screen door condition‑based monitoring, track low‑adhesion monitoring and intelligent freight braking, demonstrating how operational data can support safer operation, targeted maintenance and continuous improvement
Together, these technologies show how proven global platforms can be applied flexibly to meet specific operational, technical and regulatory requirements.
Supporting performance across the asset life cycle
In the current UK operating environment, many organisations are balancing day‑to‑day reliability with longer‑term investment planning. Knorr‑Bremse solutions are designed to support incremental upgrades, system integration and long‑term scalability, allowing customers to enhance existing assets while retaining flexibility for future development.
While core on‑train systems are not being physically displayed, Knorr‑Bremse specialists will be available to discuss how established braking and on‑train technologies integrate with the signalling, electronics, power and digital solutions on show — and how these can be supported throughout their service life.
Rail LIVE’s outdoor, live‑demonstration format provides the ideal setting for open, practical and engineering‑led discussion.
Visit Knorr‑Bremse at Rail LIVE to explore how carefully applied technology and life‑cycle thinking can support safer, more resilient and future‑ready rail systems.