Visit the Railway Operations Laboratory in Switzerland

The UEEIV had planned a presentation of the Railway Operation Laboratory in Switzerland on 25 March. However, due to a change of plans we will offer a visit of the Laboratory in autumn instead of an online presentation in March.

The Railway Operations Laboratory offers a unique platform for:

• research and development in the railway sector – whether operational processes, interlocking technology, maintenance processes, planning, BIM;
• the testing and inspecting of safety-relevant components and processes in the rail transport;
• training and further education of various professional groups in the rail sector;
  the development, inspection and testing of software in various areas of public transportation, including cyber security;
• raising public awareness of the functioning and complexity of public transport;
• attracting experts, as all professional groups found in the public transportation sector can be shown and experienced.

The dates and further information will be communicated shortly.

Check out more information on the Railway Operations Laboratory here:

12th RAILWAY TALK

19 February 2026

17:00 CET

Higlights of the 11th Railway Talk on Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

UEEIV Webinar | 9 December 2025

On 9 December 2025, the Union of European Railway Engineer Associations (UEEIV) hosted the 11th Railway Talk webinar, bringing together railway professionals from across Europe to discuss how Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) are transforming railway operations.

Moderated by Marco Corradini (EURAIL Ing.), the webinar featured two complementary presentations that combined practical experience with broader reflections on digital transformation in the rail sector.

From Innovation to Practice

In the first presentation, Dr. Eng. Luca Gioiello (Mercitalia Rail / University of Campania “L. Vanvitelli”) illustrated how VR, AR and AI are already being applied in day-to-day railway activities. VR is increasingly used for immersive and safe training, AR supports frontline staff with real-time operational guidance, and AI enables predictive maintenance and advanced defect detection. A key message was that technology should support, not replace, human expertise, within a strong safety and Just Culture framework.

Technology and Transformation

The second presentation, by Markus Bolli (Suprexa AG, Switzerland), took a broader perspective, questioning whether VR and AI are a curse or a blessing. He highlighted the growing gap between rapid technological development and slower organisational adaptation, stressing the need for systemic, end-to-end approaches and open data ecosystems to fully unlock the potential of new technologies.

Key Takeaway

The 11th Railway Talk confirmed that digital technologies are becoming essential for safer, more efficient and resilient railways. However, their success ultimately depends on people, culture and collaboration as much as on the technologies themselves.

Download the presentations and view the video

The speakers’ presentations are available in the event archive, so participants can dive deeper into the technical solutions and case studies shared during the session.

Review: Railway Forum Napoli – Slab Track Expertise in a Welcoming Setting

The Railway Forum Napoli 2025, held at the historic Pietrarsa Railway Museum, brought together railway professionals from across Europe for two days of focused discussion on slab track systems. Surrounded by historic locomotives and the Bay of Naples, the venue offered a relaxed and inspiring backdrop that helped shape the event’s friendly and familiar atmosphere.

Strong Technical Content, Centered on Slab Track

This year’s programme looked closely at the challenges and opportunities around modern slab track solutions. Topics included:

• noise and vibration control

• behaviour in transition zones

• applications in metro, tram, and railway environments

• maintenance and renewal during short possession windows

• long-term performance and life-cycle considerations

Participants appreciated the clear, practical insights and the mix of academic perspectives with real-world experience. For many, the forum provided a valuable update on how slab track technology is evolving and where the industry is heading.

A Comfortable and Collaborative Atmosphere

While the technical content was strong, what many attendees highlighted afterwards was the pleasant atmosphere. The setting naturally encouraged conversation — during the breaks, at the conference dinner, and while exploring the museum. People found it easy to connect, share experiences, and exchange ideas.

Several participants noted that the event felt unusually comfortable and collegial, making it simple to meet new professionals and reconnect with familiar faces. The networking felt genuine, not forced, and many left with new contacts and a sense of community.

Looking Forward

The positive experience has already sparked enthusiasm for next year’s edition in Krakow. Participants expressed interest in returning not only for the technical discussions but also for the enjoyable and welcoming environment that characterized the Naples forum.

Final Thoughts

Railway Forum Napoli successfully combined high-quality slab track expertise with a warm, familiar setting that encouraged meaningful conversations. It served as a reminder that the best professional events are not just informative — they create spaces where people can learn, connect, and enjoy being part of the railway community.

Download the presentations and view the video

The speakers’ presentations are available in the event archive, so participants can dive deeper into the technical solutions and case studies shared during the conference.

Highlights from the 10th Railway Talk: The Future of Track Maintenance

On 25 June 2025, UEEIV hosted the 10th edition of its Railway Talk series, this time focused on one of the biggest challenges facing Europe’s rail networks: how to maintain track infrastructure efficiently as traffic continues to grow and maintenance windows shrink.

Two expert perspectives

The webinar featured two presentations that looked at how automation and robotics are reshaping maintenance:

• Dr Fabian Hansmann (Plasser & Theurer) discussed how digital tools, automated tamping systems and integrated measurement technologies are improving quality, reducing human error and increasing safety.

• Dr Michael Reiter (Robel Rail Automation) showcased robotic solutions for rail and switch maintenance, highlighting how automated welding and repair processes can reduce disruption and extend component life.

Key messages

Across both talks, several common themes emerged:

• Automation and digital workflows are becoming essential for keeping infrastructure reliable.

• Better data — before, during and after maintenance — leads to better planning and lower lifecycle costs.

• Robotics can significantly reduce time on track, which is critical as networks aim to increase capacity.

• For these technologies to deliver full value, procurement and contract frameworks must evolve accordingly.

Download the presentations and view the video

The speakers’ presentations are available in the event archive, so participants can dive deeper into the technical solutions and case studies shared during the session.