14 May 2024
IT-TRANs has opened
How intelligent technologies are revolutionising the transport sector
Today, Federal Transport Minister Dr Volker Wissing and Winfried Hermann, Transport Minister of the State of Baden-Württemberg, opened IT-TRANS, the leading international exhibition and conference for digitalisation in local public transport. The event, organised by Messe Karlsruhe and the international public transport association UITP, will be the stage for mobility solutions of the future for two more days.
One of the exciting technologies shaping this future is artificial intelligence. In her keynote speech, AI scientist and tech pioneer Inma Martinez explained to what extent and with what efficiency AI could advance life - especially in the transport sector. The fact is that energy consumption is at its limit - oxygen is also an important resource, especially in mega cities. "The future of smart cities will depend on how public transport becomes a smart industry that can guarantee quality of life, safety, and logistical intelligence to assure human-centric urban centres," said Inma Martinez.
Federal Transport Minister Wissing opened his welcome address with the words "There is no progress without trust and no trust without role models - and the IT-TRANS is the platform where these role models can be found." He explained how political decisions have changed the industry. The Deutschlandticket is the best example of this and one of the most important transport projects in federal politics.
State Transport Minister Winfried Hermann explained: "Baden-Württemberg is driving forward digitalisation in transport with numerous pioneering projects. In particular, we are focusing on automation to increase efficiency in public transport, on autonomous driving for shuttle services and on better control of transport as a whole."
Together with KVV CEO Prof. Alexander Pischon and UITP Deputy President Brieuc De Meeûs, Exhibition Director Britta Wirtz discussed how digitalisation is driving the industry forward - both in the Karlsruhe region and worldwide. Britta Wirtz concluded with a look ahead to IT-TRANS 2026, which will take place from 3 to 5 March and will then be organised solely by Messe Karlsruhe with a completely new event concept.