Hyundai Rotem Unveils Next-Generation High-Speed Train and Autonomous Tram at InnoTrans in Germany

First Reveal of Next-Generation High-Speed Train Developed with Hyundai Motor Group

Introduction of Autonomous Tram Featuring Physical AI

Real EMU-320 Model, the Base for KTX-Cheongnyong, on Display

Hyundai Rotem is showcasing next-generation high-speed train vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI)-based autonomous hydrogen electric trams, among other future rail technologies, in Berlin, Germany.

A panoramic view of Hyundai Rotem's booth at the InnoTrans exhibition, showcasing the next-generation high-speed train concept model collaboratively developed by Hyundai Rotem and Hyundai Motor Company. Hyundai Rotem

On September 23, Hyundai Rotem announced that it will participate in the 15th Berlin International Railway Vehicle and Transport Technology Exhibition (InnoTrans 2026), which will be held in Berlin, Germany, from September 22 to 25 (local time).

InnoTrans is the world’s largest railway exhibition, held biennially since 1996. The 2024 event featured more than 2,900 companies from 59 countries and attracted approximately 169,000 visitors.

At this year’s exhibition, Hyundai Rotem unveiled its next-generation high-speed train concept model for the first time. Developed in collaboration with the Hyundai Design Center at Hyundai Motor Group’s Namyang Research Center, the model incorporates an aerodynamic design based on biomimicry in its exterior.

The interior reflects Korea’s “restrained beauty” and curved aesthetics. The cross-section of the passenger compartment has been optimized to expand the space in front of the seats (legroom) and shelf space, and an ergonomic design has been applied, taking into account the posture and movement of passengers.

In the outdoor exhibition area, Hyundai Rotem displayed a real EMU-320, a distributed-power high-speed train with a maximum operating speed of 320 km/h. The EMU-320 serves as the base model for the KTX-Cheongnyong, which operates in Korea.

For the first time, the company also introduced a diorama (scale model) of a hydrogen electric tram equipped with self-driving technology based on Physical AI. The model demonstrates AI support throughout rail operations, from pre-operation inspections to autonomous driving and maintenance.

If the AI closed-circuit TV inside the vehicle detects an emergency, it sends a warning message to the control system, which then analyzes the situation in real time and responds accordingly.

This year, Hyundai Rotem also applied its independently developed Advanced Driver Assistance System (ADAS) for rail vehicles to its trams. This technology enables the vehicle to recognize its surroundings, including people and structures, and detect hazardous situations. It was developed in consideration of the environment in which trams share roads with automobiles, pedestrians, and bicycles. The company plans to continue developing technology toward the future commercialization of fully autonomous hydrogen electric trams.

In addition, Hyundai Rotem displayed a real hydrogen fuel cell module, hydrogen electric locomotives, hydrogen electric powered cars, and low-floor hydrogen electric vehicles, demonstrating a wide range of hydrogen mobility technologies.

A Hyundai Rotem official stated, “Recently, the global railway market tends to evaluate not only design and manufacturing capabilities, but also business sustainability and autonomous driving capabilities. Through next-generation high-speed vehicles and autonomous driving technology, we will present the direction that future rail transport should pursue.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.