At InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin, Germany, on Tuesday, 22nd September, Hitachi Rail demonstrated its latest innovative ‘Enhanced by HMAX’ digital asset management platform.

This latest version extends Hitachi’s digital asset management to all of the company’s products, including rolling stock, signalling, infrastructure, and operations, and harmonises data from them into a single, unified system. It is also a significant move towards embedding advanced AI and data capabilities into the heart of Global railway systems and operations.

HMAX was originally launched at InnoTrans in 2024, and the technology has since been installed in approximately 2,500 trains worldwide, with another 1,000 trains yet to be fitted with the system.

From next year, Hitachi Rail will incorporate HMAX sensor technology in all new rolling stock, including trains such as the ETR1000 high-speed train. In use, HMAX sensors capture data in real time from critical systems, allowing operators to continuously monitor the performance of rolling stock, identify potential issues, and optimise maintenance and operations.

The HMAX platform transforms the management of railway systems by making use of advanced AI and real-time processing from partners such as NVIDIA to move away from reactive decision-making to a predictive, data-driven approach.

When rolling stock incorporates HMAX technology, the total cost of ownership is reduced since asset life is extended, and there is a reduction in unnecessary maintenance. Maintenance and energy are responsible for approximately 50% of railway costs, and it is in these areas which benefit most from HMAX, with customers reporting a15% reduction in both maintenance costs and energy consumption.

“As part of today’s launch, our commitment to install HMAX on all new rolling stock from next year demonstrates how critical digital asset management has become to the performance, reliability and efficiency of modern rail fleets. ‘Enhanced by HMAX’ represents the next step in our mission to deliver the digital mobility transition, embedding AI and real-time intelligence into every part of the railway system. By connecting rolling stock, infrastructure and operations through a single data platform, we are enabling our customers to unlock greater value from their assets and operations.”

Giuseppe Marino, CEO, Hitachi Rail