Press release

From 22 to 25 September 2026, the rail industry will present its latest innovations for the 15th time at InnoTrans, the international trade fair for transport technology in Berlin. Industry visitors will be able to discover the latest developments across over 116,000 m² of exhibition space. Plasser & Theurer will be there too.

Networked maintenance for greater availability and capacity

The railway system is a central component of sustainable mobility. As demand increases, so do the requirements for the availability of railway infrastructure. Mechanization, digitalization, and automation are significantly boosting productivity in track construction and maintenance as network usage increases. An integrated end-to-end process with condition-based planning, digital work preparation, and highly automated construction helps create a better balance between maintenance and availability, and make more efficient use of capacities.

As in the previous seven decades, Plasser & Theurer will be there with its latest solutions. The increasing complexity of digital and automated systems requires support from manufacturers. Customers can benefit from full-service offers covering everything from regular updates and maintenance to system adjustments. As a result, Plasser & Theurer is transforming from a classic supplier to a continuous partner in the operation and continued development of machinery.

Standards for nation clusters in Europe

The technology leader will present two machines from its new portfolio on the tracks in the outdoor display area. These are the Plasser BallastMaster 410 ballast profiling machine and the UnimatExpress 2X-4x4 Dynamic continuous 2-sleeper tamping machine. These new machines were specifically designed for the strict normative requirements of the European market, such as the fitting of ETCS.

The new UnimatExpress series offers planning reliability, regardless of the expected utilization. Companies in various markets have already recognized the potential of this versatile all-rounder. The new BallastMaster 410 combines all functions on board to deliver efficient and economical ballast management.

From pioneering achievement to innovative standard: 10 years of E³

In 2015, Plasser & Theurer set the course for E³. Looking back today, this stands out as a pioneering achievement. The decision for alternative drive systems for track construction and maintenance machines was made with three objectives in mind: “Economic, Ecologic, and Ergonomic” - which is what E³ stands for. The technological edge from ten years of experience began with highly customized individual solutions and transformed into a scalable offering for emission-free track maintenance. Krebs Gleisbau has been successfully using a Unimat 09-32/4S Dynamic E³ in Switzerland since InnoTrans 2016.

Electrification is an important tool for reducing noise and CO₂ emissions, but it is not the only one. Choosing the right machine and making best use of it can unlock significant ecological and economic benefits. Plasser & Theurer supplies the necessary tools, machinery, and expertise.

Autonomous track maintenance machines: safe and efficient technology for the future

Automated track construction and maintenance machines are already boosting precision, efficiency, and reliability, while also reducing errors and workload for staff. Modern tamping machines are developing into intelligent, data-based systems that support the entire maintenance process. The aim is to create a connected, autonomous overall system that integrates and documents all maintenance tasks, as well as performing them in a way that minimizes staff workload. The vision of a fully autonomous track maintenance machine is part of Plasser & Theurer’s holistic approach to making track construction and maintenance safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.

From research to market-ready technology

A combination of comprehensive fundamental research and a structured development process led to Plasser TampingControl. This system uses sensor-based real-time measurement, automatic tamping parameter adjustment, and continuous quality control of the ballast condition to optimize the tamping cycle.

The technology increases the track position quality, reduces workload for operators, and allows for targeted track maintenance measures. After successful national and international trials, the system is in operation today on over 30 tamping machines around the world.

Retrofit brings older machines up to date

Even machines that have been in operation for 30 years can still offer enormous value. At a time when the market is booming, it is sensible to make use of capacity reserves in a fleet. The key to this is the original retrofit from Plasser & Theurer, which can extend the service life of a machine by up to 15 years. The upgrades in this retrofit also make the machine suitable for more demanding requirements. By not breaching the authorization specifications, the machines can be put back into operation immediately after retrofit.

Rethinking wear for longer service lives and greater efficiency

Components on ballast cleaning machines that carry ballast, such as the excavating chains and conveying channels, are subjected to extreme mechanical loads. Using necessary wear parts made from modern materials can significantly reduce life cycle costs. Together with the sets for wear plates, this can unlock new economic options.

Plasser & Theurer offers a refurbishment in OEM quality to extend the service life of the excavating chains. Here, bushes are inserted in the intermediate links, and the highly stressed areas of the plates are armoured. The result is a significantly extended service life of the excavating chain, leading to a considerable reduction in costs and CO₂ emissions.

Our experts will be on hand at InnoTrans in Hall 26 (Stand 270) and on the outdoor display south (02/50, T2/50, T3/55). We look forward to seeing you there!