Bombardier Transportation has opened a new 1 million-euro 1,140m² high-tech laboratory in Mannheim, where the company will develop and test pioneering electronics systems for train control and signalling control systems.

Both are key elements in the digitisation strategy of the German federal government and the rail industry. The new IT laboratory houses some 40 employees.

Transport Minister Winfried Hermann said: “The laboratory for vehicle control and signalling technology will help make the rail transport of the future safer and more efficient.

“In Germany, we are at the precipice of a dramatic technological revolution — including in railways. Digitisation of railways will allow us to respond to the automation of road transport and to secure competitiveness within
Europe.”

During the inauguration, visitors were also able to learn more about Mannheim’s contribution to Bombardier’s new battery-powered train.

The battery components for the Bombardier Talent 3-type train come from Mannheim.

This train, which can run quietly and cleanly on non-electrified sections of track, is the first battery-powered train to be developed in Europe for more than 60 years; it will go into operation in 2019, with the testing phase beginning this month.