This year’s InnoTrans was a very special one. The world’s leading trade fair for transport technology celebrated its 30th anniversary, bringing together rail experts, customers and innovators from around the globe once again in Berlin.
Of course, I couldn't miss this milestone event! So, I, Knorrbert, packed my suitcase, boarded a train and headed to Berlin to visit my good friend Knorrberta. Together, we explored everything that Knorr-Bremse had to offer during an exciting week at InnoTrans 2026.
With a 1,350 m² main booth in Hall 1.2, a dedicated Embedded Electronics booth in Hall 27, and an impressive outdoor exhibition area, there was plenty for me to discover.
Let me take you along on my journey!
Monday, Sept. 21, 2026 – Off to Berlin!
Berlin, Berlin, here I come! After arriving at Berlin Central Station, I made my way to my hotel and got settled in for an exciting week ahead. Everywhere I looked, I could already feel the anticipation building for InnoTrans 2026. It was amazing to think that for three decades, InnoTrans had brought together the global rail community in Berlin.
Later, I finally caught up with Knorrberta after two years. Well... at least briefly! She was busy making final preparations for the opening day. The exhibition halls were filled with exhibitors putting the finishing touches on their stands, testing exhibits and preparing for the busy days ahead.
Seeing all the activity behind the scenes made me even more excited for what was to come. Tomorrow, the doors would finally open!
Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2026 – InnoTrans opens its doors
The wait was finally over!
Today at 9 a.m., InnoTrans 2026 officially opened its doors, and Knorr-Bremse's exhibition booths were ready to welcome visitors from around the world. After yesterday's preparations, the halls were buzzing with activity as the first guests arrived.
Together with Knorrberta, we started the first day in hall 27, home to Knorr-Bremse's dedicated Embedded Electronics booth. Although it was smaller than our main booth in hall 1.2, there was certainly no shortage of innovation. We explored exciting technologies, ranging from high-performance computing platforms and control solutions to secure communication and networking technologies. These solutions help manufacturers, operators, and system integrators develop modular and future-ready vehicle architectures while making rail transportation safer, smarter, and more connected.
Throughout the day, conversations were taking place across the exhibition grounds. Experts, customers, partners and decision-makers came together to exchange ideas and discuss how the rail industry could continue to innovate and grow.
As the first day came to an end, I took one last walk through the exhibition halls before heading back to the hotel.
At 6 p.m., the doors closed on an exciting opening day. My head was already full of impressions, but with three more exhibition days ahead, I knew there was still plenty waiting to be discovered.
Wednesday, Sept. 23, 2026 – A Busy Day at the Heart of Action
Today, I finally got to spend more time at Knorr-Bremse's impressive main booth in Hall 1.2. Covering 1,350 square meters across two levels, there was certainly a lot for Knorrberta and me to discover.
We explored a wide range of exhibits, from advanced brake technologies and air supply systems to sanitary solutions and digital innovations. Everywhere we went, interesting conversations were taking place.
The atmosphere became even more exciting as several high-level visitors and international delegations stopped by the stand throughout the day. Watching industry leaders, customers and partners connect and discuss the future of rail mobility reminded me what InnoTrans was really about: bringing people and ideas together.
Another exciting part of this year's InnoTrans was Europe's Rail Joint Undertaking. As a founding member, Knorr-Bremse is involved in this European initiative and its research and innovation activities for the rail sector. It was great to see European collaboration and the future of rail getting so much attention during the trade fair.
I especially want to thank all the colleagues who made our InnoTrans presence possible. Everywhere I looked, people were working hard, whether they were welcoming visitors at the info counter, presenting our technologies or making sure everything ran smoothly behind the scenes.
By the time the exhibition halls closed, it felt as if the day had flown by. Knorrberta and I had collected plenty of new impressions, and with another full day ahead of us, our InnoTrans adventure was far from over.
Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026 – Innovation Takes Center Stage
Today was all about innovation. One of the highlights was learning more about the EM-Brake, Knorr-Bremse's innovative electromechanical braking technology. Throughout the day, experts discussed how brake-by-wire technology could improve rail transportation.
I also heard exciting conversations about the future of digital freight train operations. The DAC Basic Package demonstration at the HVLE site in Berlin-Spandau showcased how the digital automatic coupler and other automation functions could help transform rail freight transport by improving efficiency, automation and interoperability across Europe.
What impressed me most was how many of these innovations were the result of collaboration between different stakeholders of the rail industry.
After another exciting day full of discussions, demonstrations and new discoveries, I made my way back to the hotel feeling inspired by everything I had seen.
Friday, Sept. 25, 2026 – Time to say goodbye
It was hard to believe that the final day of InnoTrans had already arrived.
Before heading home, Knorrberta and I took one last walk around the exhibition grounds. This time, we visited the outdoor display area, where a CRRC train was equipped with our Knorr-Bremse DAC. After spending the week exploring technologies across both Knorr-Bremse booths, it was great to see one of our solutions integrated into a real vehicle.
As our time at InnoTrans 2026 came to an end, Knorrberta and I stopped for a few final photos before saying goodbye to Berlin.
Looking back, this year's InnoTrans was truly one to remember. A big thank you to everyone who made this anniversary edition so special – colleagues, customers, partners and visitors alike. And most importantly, thank you, Knorrberta, for showing me around, sharing this adventure with me and helping me discover everything InnoTrans 2026 had to offer.
Although the week had been busy and I was quite tired after five days at the exhibition, I boarded my train home with a smile on my face and was already looking forward to the next InnoTrans in two years' time.
Until next time, Berlin!
Your Knorrbert
