HÜBNER at InnoTrans 2026: Global rail expertise and local capability for India’s Next-Gen Mobility

In its 80th anniversary year, the HÜBNER Group will present a broad spectrum of solutions for the rail industry at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, Germany. From aerodynamic gangway systems and automated coupling to intelligent passenger information and locally manufactured solutions: In Hall 1.2, Booth 120, HÜBNER will show how efficiency, safety and reliability come together in its high-performance product portfolio.

This focus on high-performance solutions also shapes HÜBNER’s activities in India, where local proximity is combined with the Group’s long-standing global expertise to support the development of rail solutions for the Indian market and contribute to the objectives of “Make in India”.

HÜBNER Fairing & EcoTex: Reducing energy use through aerodynamics and materials

Aerodynamics and material selection are two important levers for reducing the environmental impact of rail vehicles. The patented HÜBNER Fairing with its rectangular bellows configuration optimises aerodynamics between rail cars – particularly at high speeds. Equipped with this enclosing solution, gangway systems integrate seamlessly into the overall train contour, eliminating air turbulence and significantly reducing aerodynamic drag. The result: energy savings of up to 4%.

For operators, the benefits also extend to the reliable protection of components between rail cars from external influences. By shielding cables, lines and end walls from external influences, the fairing, increases availability in daily operations. An alternative from HÜBNER with similar effects on aerodynamics are wind deflection profiles. These components made of EPDM or silicone are mounted on the wagon bodies and thus reduce the space for air turbulence between the rail cars.

EcoTex extends this approach to the gangway system’s material footprint. The innovative bellows fabric is made entirely from recycled nylon sourced from fishing nets as well as sustainable raw materials based on cellulose and viscose. Its solvent-free production process reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 45%, while maintaining the robustness, durability and safety required for rail applications.

HÜBNER AutoCouple system as a pilot project

Another highlight is the HÜBNER AutoCouple system – an innovative solution for fully automated coupling of gangway systems in passenger trains. It enables operators to adjust train capacities more quickly and flexibly in response to fluctuations in demand, reducing downtimes and lowering staffing costs. HÜBNER will be giving operators and manufacturers to break new ground by implementing the AutoCouple system for the first time as part of a pilot project.

Articulation and bogie components for the full lifecycle

HÜBNER’s FXpro lower articulation systems stand for long service life, low lifecycle costs and improved resource efficiency. Their eco-design allows the reuse of up to 98 percent of all metal parts installed. HEMSCHEIDT Rail complements the portfolio with upper articulation systems for different vehicle dynamics requirements. Yaw, pitch, yaw-roll and yaw-roll-pitch joints help guide vehicle segments through tight curves and accommodate acceleration, braking and changing loads.

Hydraulic stabilisers, special dampers and anti-roll bars from HEMSCHEIDT Rail provide noticeably greater ride comfort and a stable, smooth vehicle running operation. The HEAS Auto Shimming System optimises wheel-load distribution, enables semi-automatic adjustment of spring shims and can therefore reduce maintenance effort and downtimes.Together, these solutions show how the HÜBNER Group combines complementary engineering capabilities across the vehicle lifecycle.

Next-generation passenger information and safety

Together with ZEISS Microoptics, HÜBNER will present enhanced transparent holographic displays for window systems in rail vehicles. HOLO IQ transforms windows into information displays, showing arrival times, safety and route information directly in passengers’ field of vision without obstructing their view outside. The technology is space-saving, energy-efficient and can be retrofitted. Pilot applications are currently running under real operating conditions with leading transport companies in various European countries.

HÜBNER and ZEISS Microoptics recently received a “special recognition” in the CNA InnovationsPreis (Innovation Award) 2026 for the technology.While HOLO IQ enhances passenger information, HÜBNER’s SensIQ family focuses on safety at vehicle doors. SensIQ contact combines intelligent anti-trap protection with system monitoring to protect passengers when boarding and exiting. SensIQ signal complements the system with light-based guidance, clearly indicating when doors are opening and closing.

State-of-the-art GRP manufacturing technologies

In the ready-to-install HEFES module, HEMSCHEIDT Rail brings together protection and design requirements in a fully integrated front-end system for trams, street cars and light rail vehicles. Manufactured from glass-fibre-reinforced plastic (GRP) or polyurethane, HEFES front-end modules meet the highest safety requirements and can be integrated into new vehicles or be used to modernize existing fleets.

Through its affiliated company Gummi-Welz Poland (GWP), the HÜBNER Group provides comprehensive GRP-expertise – from the initial design concept to painting, assembly and final finishing. OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can access a broad range extensive technological capabilities as well the necessary certifications from a single source.

HÜBNER India: Customer proximity put into practice

HUBNER Interface Systems India Pvt. Ltd. designs gangway systems and manufactures them at the “Namma Factory” near Bengaluru. Since the site was commissioned in 2023, its capacities for the India-Asia market have steadily expanded; its workforce has grown from 125 to more than 175 employees. HÜBNER built the energy-efficient “Namma Factory” in collaboration with local partners, using resource-conserving materials and adhering to the highest sustainability standards, earning the facility a Platinum Green Building certification.

The site has already produced 800 gangway systems for the Mumbai Metro – one of the largest orders in the history of the HÜBNER Group. HÜBNER has also supported the Delhi Metro, the Bhopal-Indore Metro project and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). This combination of local production and global expertise contributes to the objectives of “Make in India”.

From specialist technologies to integrated rail solutions

Across these solutions, HÜBNER is pursuing one consistent objective: helping customers operate rail vehicles that are more efficient, more available and safer for passengers and staff. The Group combines specialist technologies with global engineering, manufacturing and service capabilities, supporting projects from initial concept and integration through to fleet modernisation and long-term operation.

For India’s rapidly developing rail market, this means access to technologies that can be adapted to different vehicle concepts, operating conditions and lifecycle requirements. It also means a partner that combines international experience with a clear commitment to customer proximity and local capability. The InnoTrans slogan “Making Mobility Happen – Today. Tomorrow. Together.” therefore reflects what the HÜBNER Group stands for.

Find out more at: https://www.hubner-group.com/en/innotrans/