HÜBNER highlights at InnoTrans
- Enhanced Aerodynamics with HÜBNER Fairing and EcoTex gangway bellows material for enhanced sustainability
- HÜBNER AutoCouple System for efficient operations management
- Articulation systems: Strong solutions from across the Group
- HOLO IQ – Holographic displays for window systems
- HEFES fully integrated front-end modules for trams and LRVs and Glass fiber-reinforced plastic expertise in GRP product solutions
- HEAS Automatic Shimming Unit an bogie components by HEMSCHEIDT Rail
- SensIQ door safety systems
“For 80 years, our components and systems have been setting technological benchmarks in the rail industry,” says Kai Mentel, Managing Director of the HÜBNER Group and responsible for the Mobility Rail division.“We have pioneered the gangway system from its inception to the present day and continue to be the global market leader because we are driven by the ambition to continuously improve and shape the technologies of the future. Our promise: To bring together performance, safety and reliability in energy-efficient and sustainable product and system solutions.”
HÜBNER’s slogan for InnoTrans “Making Mobility Happen – Today. Tomorrow. Together.” reflects the broad set of products and solutions that will be on display at the exhibition. The Group’s online presentation for InnoTrans 2026 can be found at www.hubner-group.com/innotrans.
The Original – Gangways backed by unmatched experience
Central to HÜBNER’s InnoTrans presentation are new developments in connection with “The Original” – the gangway system solutions that feature the HÜBNER Group’s unique expertise and experience. In 1951, HÜBNER manufactured the first folding bellows and rubber tubing connections for the Deutsche Bundesbahn – the beginning of a strong partnership that continues to this day. For more than 70 years, HÜBNER gangway systems have been connecting train cars around the world.
The patented HÜBNER Fairing with its rectangular bellows configuration optimizes the aerodynamics between rail cars – particularly at high speeds. Equipped with this solution, gangway systems integrates seamlessly into the overall train contour, eliminating air turbulence and significantly reducing aerodynamic drag. This results in energy savings of up to 4 percent. At the same time, the fairing system provides reliable protection from external influences for components between the cars – including cables, lines, and end walls – for lower vehicle wear and increased vehicle availability.
EcoTex bellows fabric – Setting high material standards
HÜBNER’s commitment to sustainability is also reflected in its choice of materials. The innovative EcoTex bellows material is made from fully recycled nylon recovered from fishing nets, together with sustainable cellulose- and viscose-based raw materials.
The EcoTex manufacturing process reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 45 percent and is completely solvent-free. At the same time, EcoTex makes no performance compromises with its robustness, durability and safety.
HÜBNER AutoCouple System: Breaking new ground with a pilot project
Another InnoTrans highlight is the HÜBNER AutoCouple System – an innovative solution for the fully automated coupling of gangway systems in passenger trains. The new system makes it possible for operators to adjust train capacity more quickly and flexibly in response to fluctuations in demand, reducing downtime and lowering staffing costs. In the future, the system should also enable integrated power and data transmission from car to car.
“We will be giving our customers the opportunity to break new ground by implementing the HÜBNER AutoCouple System for the first time as part of a pilot project,” says Kai Mentel. “We are strongly convinced of the potential of this new development and are aiming to work together with customers to take the next step from a functional prototype to real-world application of the system.”
Articulation systems: Strong solutions from across the Group
The HÜBNER Group will also be presenting solutions from across its various Group companies that improve connections and interactions between vehicle segments. HÜBNER’s lower articulation systems for trams in the FXpro series offer a long service life, low life cycle costs and a resource-efficient eco-design that allows up to 98 percent of all installed metal parts to be reused.
The upper articulation systems are developed and manufactured by the HÜBNER Group company HEMSCHEIDT Rail. Yaw, pitch, yaw-roll and yaw-roll-pitch articulation systems connect vehicle segments safely and flexibly – even on tight curves, under frequent acceleration, and with varying loads. “Our traction rods guide the wheelsets and transmit tensile and compressive forces within the bogie, while the anti-roll bars stabilize the carbody when cornering and reduce vehicle roll,” explains Christopher Sames, Managing Director of HEMSCHEIDT Rail. “This provides noticeably improved riding comfort for passengers as well as stable and smooth vehicle operation.”
Hydraulic solutions round out HEMSCHEIDT Rail’s portfolio for bogie dynamics and maintenance solutions. The HEAS Auto Shimming System for wheel wear compensation optimizes wheel load distribution, enables semi-automatic suspension height adjustment, and can help reduce maintenance requirements and downtime.
Special distinction: Passenger information using holographic displays
Together with ZEISS Microoptics, HÜBNER will be presenting its enhanced transparent holographic displays for window systems. HOLO IQ transforms windows in trains and buses into information display panes. The system is currently being tested under real operating conditions by leading transport operators in several European countries.
“With ‘HOLO IQ’, we are able to bring information such as arrival times route updates, and safety informtion directly into passengers’ field of vision – without obstructing their view through the window. The technology is space-saving, energy-efficient and can be retrofitted,” explains Konrad Brimo, Vice President Global Sales Material Solutions at the HÜBNER Group. HÜBNER and ZEISS Microoptics recently received a “special distinction” for the holographic display technology at the CNA Innovation Awards 2026.
Integrated front-end modules – combining protection and design
All in one: front-end shell, kinematics, energy absorption and sensor technology. In the ready-to-install HEFES module, HEMSCHEIDT Rail brings together protection and design requirements in a fully integrated front-end system for trams, street cars and light rail vehicles.
“Our HEFES system incorporates 30 years of experience in bumper systems as well as proven expertise in front-end shell design, damping and system integration,” says Christopher Sames. Manufactured from glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) or polyurethane, HEFES front-end modules meet the highest safety requirements and can be integrated into new vehicles or be used to modernize existing fleets.
Glass fiber-reinforced plastic: Expertise from a single source
Comprehensive expertise in glass fiber-reinforced plastic (GRP) – this provides the HÜBNER Group from the initial design concept to painting, assembly and final finishing. Through the affiliated company Gummi-Welz Poland (GWP), OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers can access comprehensive GRP solutions from a single source.
With a wide range of modern GRP manufacturing technologies, GWP offers extensive technological capabilities as well the necessary certifications. “GRP combines the advantages of glass fibers and plastic: The material is lightweight, corrosion-resistant and capable of withstanding high loads. This makes it an excellent solution for the mobility sector,” explains Konrad Brimo. “Our customers can benefit from a wide-ranging portfolio for different vehicle areas.”
SensIQ: New safety standards for passenger boarding and exiting
With the SensIQ product family, HÜBNER is setting new standards for door safety systems in public transport. The innovative sensor technology prevents passengers from getting caught in vehicle doors, protecting them during boarding and exiting and thereby reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.
SensIQ contact uses an intelligent anti-trap protection system with system monitoring to protect passengers during boarding and exiting. SensIQ signal complements this system with light-based guidance for passengers. Using flexibly configurable signal colors, the light-based guidance system provides passengers with clear and effective information on when doors are opening and closing.
A strong partner – Diverse expertise from across the Group
“Fast and reliable for strong partnerships: Our unique global network with more than 25 locations delivers service and engineering expertise to where our customers need them – directly at the site of their operations,” emphasizes Managing Director Kai Mentel. “We are there as a strong partner for our customers throughout the entire product life cycle, also helping in their efforts to reduce their environmental footprint.”
In this way, HÜBNER supports its customers not only with product development and integration but also in operating their vehicle fleets efficiently and reliably over the long term. Find out more about the HÜBNER Group’s activities at InnoTrans 2026 online at: www.hubner-group.com/innotrans
