ALTPRO at InnoTrans 2026: From next-generation signalling to hydrogen-powered mobility
ALTPRO, one of the world’s leading companies in railway signalling systems for infrastructure and rolling stock, will participate in InnoTrans 2026 for the 11th time. From 22 to 25 September, the world’s leading trade fair for railway technology in Berlin will provide the setting for the company to present its latest solutions in infrastructure signalling, on-board signalling and, for the first time, hydrogen technologies.
ALTPRO will exhibit at stand 660 in Hub 27 and, for the first time, will also be present in the outdoor display area at position T10/45. The company’s exhibition programme reflects the variety of its expertise, from proven train detection and automatic train protection technologies to integrated on-board systems and emerging hydrogen solutions for railway vehicles.
With more than 200 employees and products exported to over 55 countries, ALTPRO has developed an extensive international project portfolio and a network of partners that supports its activities across global railway markets. At InnoTrans 2026, the company will focus on solutions designed to address both today’s operational requirements and the evolving needs of railway transport.
APAX: a new generation of axle counting
A key highlight of ALTPRO’s infrastructure signalling portfolio will be APAX, the company’s new generation of axle counters. The certified solution brings together nearly three decades of experience gained through railway projects worldwide.
APAX is an IoT-based axle counter system designed for a wide range of train detection applications. It consists of an indoor evaluation unit and the reliable and proven ZK24 family of sensors. Its architecture follows a “customer first” philosophy, providing a high degree of flexibility and configurability during operation and enabling the system to be adapted to different railway applications.
The development of APAX builds on ALTPRO’s extensive experience in train detection while introducing an architecture designed for the demands of modern railway infrastructure. The system can be applied across different operating environments, supporting railway operators and infrastructure managers in implementing dependable train detection as part of their signalling systems.
At InnoTrans, the company will also showcase its level crossing protection systems implemented in 15 countries around the world and solutions for detecting different types of railway vehicles, demonstrating its ability to combine individual technologies into integrated infrastructure solutions.This system-level expertise is complemented by ALTPRO’s own power supply subsystem and SCADA solution for infrastructure monitoring. ALTPRO’s infrastructure capabilities extend beyond individual signalling products. Through its integration projects, the company has established a comprehensive competence centre covering planning, construction, signalling system integration, technical protection and telecommunications.
RAS90: flexible ATP for modern rolling stock
For rolling stock applications, ALTPRO will present RAS90, its Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system based on the proven INDUSI PZB90 technology.
A key advantage of the platform is its ability to integrate with other railway systems. RAS90 supports interoperability with ETCS, TCMS and JRU systems, allowing it to be incorporated into different vehicle architectures and signalling configurations. This makes the system suitable for projects where existing and new technologies need to operate together within a modern onboard environment. ALTPRO already has extensive experience in integrating its solutions with ETCS, TCMS and JRU systems which arises from concrete projects in Europe.
At InnoTrans 2026, ALTPRO will also introduce RAS90DB, a dedicated version developed specifically for the German, Austrian and Swiss markets. The solution is designed to comply with the technical and operational requirements of these markets, further extending the application of the RAS90 platform.
ALTPRO’s rolling stock offering is based on an integrated, turnkey approach. In addition to individual products, the company has the capability to integrate complete on-board signalling systems and works in partnership with leading players in the railway industry. Its portfolio also includes tools for preventive and corrective maintenance of ATP systems, supporting customers throughout the operational lifecycle of their equipment.
HERMES: bringing hydrogen power to existing railway vehicles
In a new direction for ALTPRO, InnoTrans 2026 will also mark the first public presentation of the company’s HERMES project, entering the field of hydrogen technologies.
HERMES is a containerized hydrogen power generation system designed to supply traction power to existing electric locomotives. The system integrates hydrogen storage, fuel-cell energy conversion and onboard energy management into a single modular platform installed on a standard railway wagon.
The concept addresses one of the key challenges facing railway operators: how to extend the operational flexibility of existing rolling stock without extensive modifications to the locomotive itself. HERMES enables electrified locomotives to operate on non-electrified railway lines without modification of the locomotive traction system, creating new possibilities for the use of existing electric rolling stock beyond electrified sections of the network.
The modular platform can also support different railway applications. These include enabling electric-powered rolling stock to operate under different types of electrification, as well as providing hydrogen-powered traction for diesel locomotives through optional integration of a pantograph on the HERMES platform. Where overhead line energy is available, this configuration can enable its use alongside the hydrogen-based power supply.
Another potential application is the conversion of diesel-powered rolling stock towards hydrogen propulsion using HERMES technology. The system can therefore serve as a platform for exploring lower-emission alternatives while making use of existing railway vehicles.
HERMES also addresses infrastructure-related requirements. Its application can contribute to reducing axle load, potentially enabling the use of railway lines with lower permissible axle loads. This opens additional opportunities for deploying traction solutions on routes where conventional rolling stock configurations may face infrastructure limitations.
By combining hydrogen storage, fuel-cell technology and energy management in a railway-compatible modular system, HERMES represents a new technological direction for ALTPRO and complements the company’s established expertise in railway signalling and vehicle integration.
Technology designed for the railway of tomorrow
ALTPRO’s presence at InnoTrans 2026 brings together three areas that reflect the changing requirements of the railway sector. APAX represents the next generation of infrastructure train detection, RAS90 and RAS90DB demonstrate the company’s approach to integrated and interoperable on-board signalling, while HERMES expands its portfolio into hydrogen-based power generation for railway vehicles.
The common denominator is a focus on technologies that can be integrated into real railway environments and adapted to specific operational requirements. Whether the challenge is reliable train detection, the integration of multiple onboard signalling systems or the deployment of alternative power on non-electrified routes, ALTPRO is developing solutions with practical railway applications in mind.
With almost three decades of experience and projects in more than 55 countries, ALTPRO continues to expand its technological capabilities while building on its established signalling expertise. InnoTrans 2026 will offer visitors an opportunity to explore this evolution firsthand at stand 660 in Hub 27 and at outdoor position T10/45.
For ALTPRO, the next generation of railway technology is not defined by a single solution. It lies in the integration of reliable signalling, intelligent systems and new energy technologies to create safer, more flexible and more adaptable railway operations.
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