Join IMI Industrial Automation at InnoTrans 2026

Supporting rail performance throughout the vehicle lifecycle

Reliability doesn't depend on a single component. Every rail vehicle relies on multiple interconnected systems working consistently in demanding operating conditions. Door systems, braking systems, pantographs, suspension controls, compressed air systems and auxiliary functions all play a role in keeping services moving safely and efficiently.

When one system underperforms, the effects can be felt across vehicle availability, maintenance workloads and operating costs.

Our dedicated rail teams work with customers throughout the lifecycle of these systems, from new vehicle development programmes through to maintenance, refurbishment, retrofit and obsolescence management. This practical experience helps us understand not only how systems are designed, but how they perform in real-world rail environments.

Engineering expertise where it matters most

At InnoTrans, we'll be focusing on the applications and operational challenges that matter most to rail operators, maintainers and OEMs.

Door and step systems

Passenger access systems are expected to operate reliably day after day in varied environmental conditions. Maintaining performance while simplifying maintenance and supporting long service life remains a key focus for rail engineers.

We'll be discussing how pneumatic and electric control technologies can support the design and operation of both interior and exterior door systems, as well as step applications across a wide range of rolling stock platforms.

Air preparation and compressed air systems

Compressed air remains fundamental to many critical rail functions.

Effective air preparation helps protect downstream equipment and supports reliable performance across multiple pneumatic applications. We'll be sharing insights into the role of filtration, air drying and system design in helping operators improve reliability and reduce maintenance requirements.

Pantograph, braking and suspension applications

Performance expectations continue to increase across rail networks, placing greater emphasis on the reliability of control systems.

From pantograph control to braking and suspension functions, operators need technologies that can perform consistently over long operating lifecycles while supporting safety and maintainability requirements.

Water and auxiliary systems

Many of the systems passengers never see have a significant impact on operational reliability.

Applications such as water management, vacuum toilet systems and other auxiliary functions all require dependable control technologies capable of performing in demanding rail environments. We'll be discussing how application-specific engineering can help improve reliability and long-term performance across these vital systems.

Looking beyond products

A common theme across today's rail industry is the need to maximise value from existing assets while preparing for future requirements.

For some operators, that means extending asset life through retrofit programmes. For others, it means solving obsolescence challenges, improving maintainability or supporting the introduction of new technologies into existing fleets.

These challenges rarely have off-the-shelf answers.

That's why we take an application-led approach, working closely with customers to understand operational requirements, maintenance considerations and performance objectives before recommending a solution.

The result is a collaborative engineering process focused on solving real-world rail challenges rather than simply selecting components.

Let's talk rail

With decades of rail experience and expertise spanning pneumatic control, electric actuation and fluid control technologies, our teams support customers across a broad range of rail applications and operating environments.

Whether you're developing a new rolling stock platform, planning a fleet upgrade, addressing an obsolescence challenge or looking for ways to improve operational reliability, we'd welcome the opportunity to discuss your objectives.

Visit IMI Industrial Automation at Hall 10.2, Stand 210 during InnoTrans 2026 and speak with our rail specialists about the engineering challenges shaping the future of rail transportation.