From 22 to 25 September 2026, the SOGECLAIR TRAINING & SIMULATION teams were in Berlin for InnoTrans, the leading international event for the railway sector.
Over four days, the exhibition provided an opportunity to showcase our expertise, highlight several of our projects and, above all, engage with industry professionals on the current and future challenges of railway training.
Simulation to prepare for real-world operations
The railway sector is evolving in an increasingly complex environment. Growing network capacity, maintaining high safety standards and changing operating conditions require operators to develop skills that are increasingly aligned with real-world situations.
In this context, simulation is a particularly relevant tool for preparing teams. It makes it possible to recreate realistic operational environments and situations in a controlled setting, giving drivers the opportunity to train, develop their reflexes and gain experience before facing these situations in actual operations.
However, designing an effective training environment is not only about technology. It first requires a thorough understanding of the jobs involved, operating conditions and the situations operators will actually have to face.
It is this approach, at the intersection of railway expertise, simulation and training, that the SOGECLAIR TRAINING & SIMULATION teams were able to share with visitors at the exhibition.
The CDG Express simulator showcased in Berlin
Among the solutions presented at the stand was the driving simulator developed for CDG Express.
Delivered ahead of the line’s commercial launch planned for 2027, the simulator enables future drivers to familiarise themselves with the route, its environment and operating conditions before the first commercial journeys even take place.
This anticipation provides a concrete example of how simulation can support the preparation of a new railway service.
“For a service designed to connect Paris city centre and Charles de Gaulle Airport in just 20 minutes, every minute matters. By delivering the CDG Express simulator ahead of the line's launch, we are helping drivers build familiarity, confidence and expertise before the first commercial journey.” Elfi Moisset
Beyond showcasing a solution, the CDG Express simulator demonstrates the ability of the teams to support operators through key stages of their development, particularly when preparing for the launch of a new infrastructure or route.
Bringing operational experience into the training environment
The discussions held throughout the exhibition also provided an opportunity to explore an essential aspect of training: exposing trainees to realistic situations.
Simulation provides an environment in which operators can practise, repeat and improve, while experiencing situations they may encounter during their professional activities.
“ Effective training is about more than learning procedures. It is about giving operators the opportunity to experience realistic situations, develop the right reflexes and build confidence before they encounter them in service. Simulation plays an important role in making that possible. ” Xavier Doll
This approach goes beyond simply transferring knowledge and helps develop practical operational experience. It complements traditional training methods and can support operators throughout their professional careers.
Four days of discussions with the railway ecosystem
Participation in InnoTrans was not limited to showcasing our solutions. The four days of the exhibition were above all marked by meetings and discussions with railway industry stakeholders.
These exchanges provided an opportunity to understand the expectations and challenges faced by industry professionals, while also sharing our vision of how training and simulation needs are evolving.
They highlighted several key challenges for the years ahead: safety, operational efficiency, skills development and the ability to prepare teams for changes in networks and professional roles.
A participation opening up new perspectives
This edition of InnoTrans provided another opportunity to showcase the expertise of SOGECLAIR TRAINING & SIMULATION and strengthen relationships with the international railway ecosystem.
Through concrete projects such as the CDG Express simulator, our teams are helping make simulation a genuine tool for operational preparation: enabling professionals to train in realistic conditions so that they are better prepared when they face real-world situations.
Thank you to all the teams involved before and during the exhibition, as well as to all the visitors and partners who came to meet us and share their perspectives in Berlin.
A successful edition of InnoTrans that now continues through the projects and collaborations ahead.
