FS Group at InnoTrans 2026: new European connections, trains and technologies for rail mobility

Developing European rail connections and improving service quality through investment in safety, maintenance and innovation.

These are the priorities outlined by FS Group at InnoTrans 2026, the international trade fair for rail technology and mobility that brings together operators, industry and institutions in Berlin.

At the opening of the event, Gianpiero Strisciuglio, CEO and General Manager of FS Group, announced that a new business plan, focused on passengers and rail operations, will be finalised by the end of the year. “The plan puts passengers and service quality at its core, with investments in innovation to support maintenance processes and a strong focus on the Group’s international development,” Strisciuglio said.

FS International and expansion in European markets

The Group’s international reach is embodied by FS International, headed by Luigi Corradi, which operates in six markets: France, Germany, Greece, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Spain.

Its scope includes high-speed rail, regulated and regional rail services, urban mobility and specialist consultancy. Its companies include Trenitalia France, iryo, Netinera Deutschland, Hellenic Train, Qbuzz and FS Advisory.

FS International brings together operational and strategic expertise to develop mobility services and support public authorities, operators and industrial partners, from project planning to implementation.

Frecciarossa services between Italy, Germany and Austria to launch in summer 2027

In summer 2027, Trenitalia, in cooperation with Deutsche Bahn and ÖBB, will launch Frecciarossa services on the Milan-Munich and Rome-Munich routes, following completion of the approval process for the new trains. Test runs are already under way on the German and Austrian networks.

The initial offer will comprise four services, with journey times of approximately six and a half hours between Milan and Munich and eight and a half hours between Rome and Munich. From December 2028, a total of ten services are planned between Italy and Germany, with extensions to Naples and Berlin.

“The connections to Munich represent another step forward in the international growth of Trenitalia and the entire FS Group, and confirm our commitment to bringing European passengers the know-how and experience we have developed in Italy in the high-speed rail sector” said Simone Gorini, General Manager of Trenitalia.

Following France and Spain, the introduction of Frecciarossa services in Germany and Austria expands the Group’s international network and strengthens cooperation among operators to connect Europe’s major cities.

The new Intercity 200 unveiled with Alstom

At InnoTrans, Trenitalia and Alstom unveiled the new Intercity 200, developed on the Coradia Stream platform for medium- and long-distance journeys.

Capable of reaching 200 km/h, the train offers 403 seats, three spaces for passengers with reduced mobility and eight bicycle spaces. It delivers energy savings of up to 30% compared with previous models and is up to 94% recyclable.

On-board digital systems enable continuous monitoring and support predictive maintenance, helping to improve service reliability. The new model is part of Trenitalia’s overall investment of approximately €500 million, financed through Italy’s National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP), for the purchase of 38 new Intercity trains.

Innovations showcased at InnoTrans 2026

FS Group is showcasing solutions that address needs shared across the international rail sector: developing workforce skills, automating operations and using data to improve infrastructure maintenance and management.

Trenitalia, with the contribution of FS Technology and in collaboration with Leonardo, has developed a next-generation simulator that uses virtual reality to recreate the driver’s cab and rail environment. The pilot project enables train drivers to practise safely, including how to deal with faults and complex situations, with scenarios that can be adapted to different trains and routes. The same technology also allows visitors to experience driving a train, guided by multilingual virtual instructors.

FS Logistix is presenting the Digital Automatic Coupling (DAC) system and the Smart Train. DAC automates the coupling of rail vehicles and enables power and data exchange along the train, supporting functions such as automated brake testing. Smart Train uses sensors and wireless communications to monitor wagons and support predictive maintenance. The fleet has reached approximately 750 digitalised wagons, with operational trials also being conducted on the international Verona-Cologne route and activities carried out within the research programmes of Europe’s Rail Joint Undertaking.

FS Engineering operates a fleet of 20 drones equipped with advanced sensors for surveying, inspection and monitoring of construction sites and infrastructure. The collected data are integrated into digital models of the assets and into the Digital Control Room, the operations centre dedicated to monitoring major construction sites, supporting design, works supervision and operational decision-making.

Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI) is presenting TINO (Train for INspection Of railway lines), a prototype autonomous rail vehicle designed to inspect high-speed lines before the first train of the day passes. It combines automation, computer vision and artificial intelligence algorithms to identify specific infrastructure anomalies. Equipped with hybrid traction, it has a range of 400 kilometres and a maximum speed of 200 km/h, and can operate autonomously or by remote control.