KNORR-BREMSE SYSTEME FUR SCHIENENFAHRZEUGE GMBH

Their core work

Knorr-Bremse is the world's leading manufacturer of braking systems and critical subsystems for rail vehicles, headquartered in Munich. In H2020, they contribute deep engineering expertise in traction systems, braking technology, running gear, HVAC, and door/entrance systems for both passenger trains and freight wagons. Their work spans the full vehicle — from SiC (silicon carbide) power electronics for next-generation traction drives to condition-based maintenance and autonomous train operation technologies. They are a core industrial partner in the Shift2Rail Joint Undertaking, Europe's flagship public-private partnership for rail innovation.

What they specialise in

How they've shifted over time

In the early phase (2015–2018), Knorr-Bremse focused heavily on core component R&D: SiC traction development, brake adhesion modelling, noise reduction, and smart maintenance — the fundamental building blocks of next-generation rolling stock. From 2019 onward, their portfolio broadened significantly into vehicle-level integration (carbody shells, modular interiors, HVAC), freight digitalization (automatic coupling, telematics), and autonomous operation (ATO, ADAS, environment perception). This shift signals a company moving from component supplier toward systems integrator for the digitalized, automated railway of the future.

Knorr-Bremse is expanding from pure component expertise into autonomous train operation and digital railway architectures — a strong signal for anyone building consortia around rail automation or smart freight.

How they like to work

Knorr-Bremse operates exclusively as a participant, never as coordinator — consistent with a large industrial company that brings domain expertise and testing infrastructure to research consortia led by others. With 106 unique partners across 14 countries in just 13 projects, they sit in very large Shift2Rail consortia and are well-connected across the European rail ecosystem. They are a reliable, repeat contributor — their sequential participation in PINTA/PINTA2/PINTA3 and FR8RAIL/FR8RAIL II/FR8RAIL IV shows long-term commitment to multi-phase research programmes.

Connected to 106 distinct consortium partners across 14 countries, almost entirely through the Shift2Rail framework. This gives them one of the densest partner networks in European rail research, with strong ties to rail operators, OEMs, and research centres across Western and Central Europe.

What sets them apart

Knorr-Bremse is not just another rail component supplier — they are the global market leader in rail braking systems, giving their H2020 contributions direct industrial weight and a fast path to market. Their breadth across brakes, traction, doors, HVAC, and TCMS means they can contribute to virtually any rolling stock innovation project. Few organizations combine this depth of rail subsystem expertise with active involvement in both freight digitalization and autonomous passenger train operation.

Highlights from their portfolio

• PIVOT2
  Largest single EC contribution (EUR 1.95M) covering the widest scope — carbody, running gear, brakes, doors, interiors, and HVAC in one integrated vehicle improvement programme.
• TAURO
  Marks Knorr-Bremse's entry into autonomous rail operation — ATO, ADAS, and environment perception — a significant strategic pivot for a traditional component manufacturer.
• PINTA3
  The culmination of a three-phase traction and HVAC programme, demonstrating SiC traction systems on actual trains — the closest to real-world deployment in their portfolio.