Hitachi Rail and Tobu Railway Co., Ltd. have announced a new strategic partnership to introduce HMAX, Hitachi’s next-generation digital asset management platform, on Tobu Railway’s fleet. The collaboration marks a major step in advancing the digital transformation of railway maintenance across Japan.
The co-creation initiative will focus on three core priorities:
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Automating vehicle inspections
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Optimising manual operations
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Enhancing on-site maintenance capabilities through digital tools
By applying AI-driven analytics and connected data platforms, Hitachi and Tobu aim to improve reliability, reduce lifecycle costs, and support the creation of more sustainable railways.
Giuseppe Marino, Group CEO of Hitachi Rail, said: “Our HMAX technology is harnessing AI and data to power the digital transformation of rail, achieving greater reliability and efficiency across systems. Through partnerships, such as the co-creation announced today with Tobu Railway, we are leveraging our digital expertise to contribute to enhancing performance, sustainability and passenger experience.”
Driving Japan’s railway digital transformation
The initiative builds on a long-standing relationship between Hitachi and Tobu Railway, which has seen Hitachi supply rolling stock, design systems and provide onboard electronic equipment over several decades. This new phase extends that collaboration into the digital domain.
Mitsuo Iwasaki, Head of Japan Business at Hitachi Rail, said: “This co-creation marks a key milestone in transforming railway maintenance in Japan. We’re honoured to begin co-creation with Tobu Railway and feel a strong sense of responsibility as we advance digitalisation in this field. Hitachi will continue driving innovation to be an essential partner for Japan’s railway operators.”
Takao Suzuki, Director, Managing Executive Officer and Head of the Railway Business Division at Tobu Railway, added: “Hitachi has been responsible for the design and manufacturing of our rolling stock and onboard electronic equipment. With their extensive expertise in rolling stock maintenance, we believe that by implementing DX aligned with our maintenance methods, we can address challenges such as the labour shortage we will face in the future. The HMAX solution not only improves efficiency but also contributes to enhancing employee skills and engagement. By promoting co-creation with Hitachi, we aim to establish a sustainable railway business.”
AI and edge computing at the heart of HMAX
Launched in 2024, HMAX uses advanced AI and machine learning to optimise maintenance planning, improve asset availability and extend the life of rolling stock. Developed with NVIDIA’s computing technology, the platform integrates predictive analytics, sensor data, and real-time performance monitoring into a single digital ecosystem.
Hitachi Rail was recently named the first global transport company to adopt NVIDIA’s IGX Thor platform, which enables real-time processing at the edge for faster diagnostics and safer, more autonomous operations.
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