Hitachi Rail

Speakers' Corner Agenda - InnoTrans 2026

Join us at Speakers’ Corner, the live theatre on the Hitachi Rail stand, where customers, operators and technology leaders share real-world insights on the future of rail.

Across four days, discover how digital innovation, AI and strong partnerships are delivering more seamless, sustainable and efficient transportation networks.

📍 Hall 4.2, Booth 430

Day 1 - HMAX

Tuesday 22nd September

13:00 – 14:00

What's Next for HMAX by Hitachi?

Speakers: Rio Kurokawa (Hitachi); Ryuji Uchikado (Hitachi Rail); Chloe Jackson (Hitachi Rail, Moderator)

Abstract: An overview of HMAX, Hitachi Rail's digital asset management platform, reflecting on key milestones since launch and how it continues to evolve to meet customer and industry

Tuesday 22nd September

14:00 – 15:00

HMAX in Action: Urban Case Study — Milan Metro

Speakers: Paolo Marchetti (ATM Milano); Federico Papa (Hitachi Rail); Chloe Jackson (Hitachi Rail, Moderator)

Abstract: How ATM Milano uses HMAX to connect asset data, apply AI-driven insights, optimize maintenance, reduce costs and improve operational performance across its railway network.

Tuesday 22nd September

15:00 – 16:00

HMAX in Action: Mainline Case Study  — First Group

Speakers: Clive Burrows (First Group); Koji Agatsuma (Hitachi Rail); Chloe Jackson (Hitachi Rail, Moderator)

Abstract: How First Group leverages HMAX to unify data, improve maintenance decision-making, reduce total cost of ownership and scale operational efficiencies across its network.

Tuesday 22nd September

16:00 - 17:00

Enhanced by HMAX: New Innovations for the AI Era

Speakers: Steffi Grois (NVIDIA); Nadia Mazzino (Hitachi Rail); Takahiro Yasui (Hitachi)

Abstract: Discover how HMAX integrates AI, advanced analytics and asset intelligence across signaling, operations, rolling stock and infrastructure, powered by innovations from Hitachi, Hitachi Digital and NVIDIA.

Day 2 - Digital Ecosystem & Physical AI

Wednesday 23rd September

10:00 – 11:00

Focus on Physical AI: Making AI Useful in the Real World

Speakers:  Brandon Barbello (Archetype); Massimiliano Moruzzi (XABA); Mariella Guerricchio (Hitachi Rail); Debroop Sengupta (Hitachi Digital); Mike Scott (Hitachi Rail, Moderator)

Abstract: What is Physical AI and why does it matter? Explore how forecasting asset behavior helps rail operators move from monitoring to prediction and unlock greater operational value.

Wednesday 23rd September

11:00 – 12:00

Driving Digital Engineering Transformation: The Role of AI in Mission-Critical Manufacturing and Operations Environments

Speakers: Kiran Srirama (Google); Gabriele Bodda (PTC); Ganesh Bukka (Hitachi Digital);  Amaury Jourdan (Hitachi Rail); Gianfranco Messina (Hitachi Rail, Moderator)

Abstract: How data, AI and digital engineering are transforming design, manufacturing and operations to enable secure, intelligent deployment of AI in mission-critical environments.

Wednesday 23rd September

13:00 – 14:00

From Frontier AI to Frontline Operations: Unlocking the Next Era of Industrial Intelligence

Speakers: Christian Ryan (Anthropic); Hiro Koiwa (Hitachi Digital); Ryuji Uchikado (Hitachi Rail); Chloe Jackson (Hitachi Rail, Moderator)

Abstract: Exploring how frontier AI, operational expertise and trusted data come together to accelerate engineering, cybersecurity and increasingly autonomous operations.

Wednesday 23rd September

14:00 – 15:00

How to Power-Up Rail: How AI can Address Complexity in the Railway “System of Systems”

Speakers: Frank Antonysamy (Hitachi, Moderator); Jason Durst (Hitachi Energy); Dayan Rodriguez (Microsoft); Alan Ross (Network Rail)

Abstract: Microsoft, Network Rail and Hitachi share how they are building the foundations for enterprise-wide digital adoption through data, cloud, cyber and AI.

Wednesday 23rd September

15:00 – 16:00

Meet Hitachi's AI-Assisted Autonomous Tram

Speakers: Mariella Guerricchio (Hitachi Rail, Moderator); Gianluca Mando (Hitachi Rail); Debroop Sengupta (Hitachi Digital); Steffi Grois (NVIDIA)

Abstract: From data foundations to Physical AI, this keynote explores how rail can responsibly harness rapid AI innovation while maintaining resilience and long-term asset performance.

Wednesday 23rd September

16:00 – 17:00

Mobility Reimagined: How AI is Transforming Rail — from Engineering to Orchestration

Speakers: Christopher Bach (Hitachi Rail, Moderator); Giuseppe Marino (Hitachi Rail); Dayan Rodriguez (Microsoft); Irfan Ali (NVIDIA); Neil Barua (PTC)

Abstract: Industry leaders discuss how AI is reshaping design, engineering, operations and maintenance, accelerating the shift to connected, autonomous mobility.

Day 3 - Beyond ESG

Thursday 24th September

10:00 – 11:00

Next Gen Green CBTC: Transforming Urban Rail Through Intelligent, Energy-Optimized CBTC

Speakers: Meryem El Morjani (Hitachi Rail, Moderator); Ziad Rizk (Hitachi Rail); Sergius Lau Kheng Tuan (SMRT, Singapore Metro)

Abstract: Learn how AI-powered optimization within SelTrac™ Green CBTC reduces traction energy consumption and delivers measurable sustainability benefits without new infrastructure.

Thursday 24th September

11:00 – 12:00

Beyond ESG: How Sustainability is Driving Railway Innovation

Speakers: Dr. Maiya Shibasaki (Hitachi Rail, Moderator); Nicola Sandri (McKinsey); Nicolas Furio (Europe's Rail); Alessandro Zoratti (FS International); Chet Shah (Metrolinx); Mariella Guerricchio (Hitachi Rail)

Abstract: How rail operators can balance sustainability goals, operational efficiency and resilience, with digitalization, data and AI playing a critical role.

Thursday 24th September

13:00 – 14:00

Hitachi Rail's Pioneering GreenSpeed Driver Advisory System (DAS Evolution — Next Generation Energy Advisory: From the Driver to the Grid)

Speakers: Koji Agatsuma (Hitachi Rail); Clive Burrows (First Group); Mike Scott (Hitachi Rail, Moderator)

Abstract: Discover how Next-Generation Driver Advisory Systems and Battery-DAS reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs and support battery and hybrid fleets without changing the driver experience.

Thursday 24th September

14:00 – 15:00

From Tracks to Transformation: How Metro Systems Shape Cities and Lives

Speakers: Christos Fafoutis (Thessaloniki Metro); Mohamed Mezghani (UITP), Dr. Maiya Shibasaki (Hitachi Rail)

Abstract: A discussion with global metro operators on how metro systems drive long-term social, economic and urban development, creating lasting value for cities and communities.

Thursday 24th September

15:00 – 15:30

Fast Forward to Sustainable Rail: Transformers, The Silent Power Behind Electric Mobility

Speakers: Paolo Castangia (Hitachi Energy)

Abstract: From metros and suburban railways to high-capacity transit corridors and high-speed trains, transformers are among the unsung enablers of electric mobility. Explore the critical role of transformers in supporting reliable, resilient and sustainable electrified rail networks and rolling stock.

Thursday 24th September

15:30 - 16:00

Fast Forward to Sustainable Rail — Cast aluminium bogie frame – Lighter, faster and 40% more efficient.   

Speakers: Lorenzo Lavorini (Hitachi Rail), Kimiyasu Yoshimura (Hitachi R&D)

Abstract: Introducing Hitachi’s innovative new cast aluminium bogie frame for the Caravaggio platform. The monobloc design reduces frame mass by approximately 40%, shortens manufacturing lead time and enables targeted quality inspection. Supported by structural & manufacturing simulations, material testing and a railway approval pathway from bench to on-track test, the innovation demonstrates how lightweight design can reduce energy consumption and CO₂ emissions while improving vehicle and infrastructure sustainability.

Day 4 - People & Talent

Friday 25th September

10:00 - 11:00

What does it take to lead innovation in one of the world's most dynamic industries? 

Speakers: Rob Luijten, Sarah Withmore, Isabel Vollers, Magdalena Heisler

Abstract: How AI, digital skills and systems thinking are creating new opportunities for students and graduates to shape the future of sustainable mobility.

Friday 25th September

11:00 – 12:00

From AI to future skills, explore how Hitachi Rail is transforming mobility and preparing people for the careers of tomorrow

Speakers: Rob Luijten, Sarah Withmore, Filipe Valsassina, Milan Radovic, Magdalena Heisler

Abstract: This session explores how Hitachi Rail is shaping the future of transportation and how the next generation of talent can help build smarter, more connected and more sustainable mobility systems.

Friday 25th September

13:00 – 14:00

Ready to invent the future of mobility?

Speakers: Adam El Rafey, Sarah Withmore, Jose Pereira, Magdalena Heisler

Abstract: Hear perspectives from across regions and disciplines as industry professionals share their journeys, insights and advice for the next generation of rail talent.