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

Tue 22 Sept

13:00 – 14:00

What's Next for HMAX by Hitachi?

Speakers: Rio Kurokawa (Hitachi); Uchikado-san (Hitachi Rail); Chloe Jackson (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

Tue 22 Sept

14:00 – 15:00

HMAX in Action: Urban Case Study  — Milan Metro

Speakers: Federico Papa (Hitachi Rail) + ATM Milano (Paolo Marchetti), Chloe Jackson (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.

Tue 22 Sept

15:00 – 16:00

HMAX in Action: Mainline Case Study  — First Group

Speakers: Jim Brewin (Hitachi Rail); Clive Burrows (First Group); Chloe Jackson (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.

Tue 22 Sept

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

Wed 23 Sept

10:00 – 11:00

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

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

Wed 23 Sept

11:00 – 12:00

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

Speakers: Kiran Srirama (Google); Rio Kurokawa (Hitachi Digital);  Amaury Jourdan (Hitachi Rail) Gianfranco Messina (Moderator);

Abstract: How data, AI and digital engineering are transforming manufacturing, operations and cybersecurity, enabling secure, intelligent decision-making at scale.

Wed 23 Sept

13:00 – 14:00

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

Speakers: Ryuji Uchikado / Mika Nakamura (Hitachi Rail, MC); Christian Ryan (Anthropic); Rio Kurokawa (Hitachi Digital); Gianfranco Messina (Hitachi Rail)

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

Wed 23 Sept

14:00 – 15:00

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

Speakers: Frank Antonysamy (Hitachi Digital MC); 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.

Wed 23 Sept

15:00 – 16:00

Meet Hitachi's AI-Powered 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.

Wed 23 Sept

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

Thu 24 Sept

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.

Thu 24 Sept

11:00 – 12:00

Beyond ESG: How Sustainability is Driving Railway Innovation

Speakers: Maiya Shibasaki (Moderator); Nicola Sandri (McKinsey); Europe's Rail (TBC); Alessandro Zoratti (CFO & Head of Sustainability, FS International); Chet Shah (Head of Programme Delivery, Metrolinx); Mariella Guerricchio (CTO, Hitachi Rail)

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

Thu 24 Sept

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 (CTO, Hitachi Rail Vehicles); Clive Burrows (First Group); Mike / Chloe (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.

Thu 24 Sept

14:00 – 15:00

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

Speakers: Maiya Shibasaki (Chief Sustainability & Diversity Officer, Hitachi); Christos Fafoutis (Thessaloniki); Sergius Lau Kheng Tuan (SMRT): Daria Kuzmina (UITP)

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.

Thu 24 Sept

15:00 – 15:30

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

Speakers: Paolo Castangia (Global Segment Manager for Railways, Transformers Business Marketing & Sales, 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.

Thu 24 Sept

15:30 - 16:00

Fast Forward to Sustainable Rail — Talk: Bogie Deep Dive 

Speakers: Lorenzo Lavorini (Hitachi Rail)

Abstract: How can rail vehicles be lighter, more sustainable and more efficient? This session explores next-generation bogie design, combining aluminium structures and 3D printing to reduce weight, improve performance and deliver up to 40% greater efficiency. Discover how advanced manufacturing is accelerating innovation in sustainable rail.

Day 4 - People & Talent

Fri 25 Sept

10:00 - 11:00

Why Your Career Is the Next Big Rail Innovation

Speakers: Meet the German AI Graduate Team

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

Fri 25 Sept

11:00 – 12:00

Mobility is Being Reinvented: How to Shape the Future of Transportation with Hitachi Rail

Speakers: Hitachi Rail

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.

Fri 25 Sept

13:00 – 14:00

The Future of Rail Careers Speaks for Itself — East, West, and Everywhere

Speakers: Hitachi Rail 

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