Innovative mobility projects from Karlsruhe
URBANE – Innovative urban logistics solutions
The Horizon Europe project URBANE (2022–2026) aims to develop sustainable, efficient, and socially acceptable solutions for the last mile in urban supply chains. The focus is on ecological aspects as well as safety, resilience, and effectiveness. Four Lighthouse Living Labs in Helsinki, Bologna, Valladolid, and Thessaloniki tested innovative concepts that combine green, automated vehicles with models for the shared use of traffic and delivery areas. A key element was the use of digital twins and data-driven tools to analyze and optimize the efficiency and scalability of the solutions. We in Karlsruhe completed our contributions and test runs at the end of 2025 and are looking forward to sharing our results with the public. URBANE is thus making an important contribution to the transformation of urban logistics towards sustainable, safe, and technologically advanced solutions that can also be replicated in other cities.
regioKArgoTramTrain – Innovative rail transport for cities and logistics
The regioKArgoTramTrain project addresses the growing demand for mobility and logistics solutions in urban areas, which is being exacerbated by increasing urbanization and e-commerce. The aim is to make efficient use of rail infrastructure and vehicles for the combined transport of passengers and freight. Modern technologies such as AI-supported automatic stop and start systems are being integrated at stops to optimize operations and increase flexibility. The project is also investigating ways to relieve congestion in urban areas through the intelligent use of existing rail connections while promoting environmentally friendly mobility options. A real-world laboratory for the developed system is planned for 2027. regioKArgoTramTrain is thus promoting innovative approaches to sustainable, digital, and automated rail mobility that can be tested and implemented in several cities in the future.
Future Mobility Award – Driving forward visionary mobility
The Future Mobility Award recognizes sustainable and forward-looking solutions in the transport sector. The aim is to offer start-ups a platform to showcase their innovative ideas, promote exchange between players in the mobility industry, and establish a regular competition that continuously provides new impetus for the mobility of tomorrow.
The award is presented by Messe Karlsruhe, aen – automotive. engineering. network e.V. and NahverkehrsPraxis/Fachverlag Dr. H. Arnold GmbH and is sponsored by Winfried Hermann, Minister of Transport for Baden-Württemberg.
The finalists for 2026 present exciting and forward-looking solutions:
- Autonomous Systems – Software for autonomous vehicles that enables safe and efficient control
- Digitransit Community – Independent open-source platform for better networking of traffic data
- Electric Oasis SAS – Quickly deployable charging stations for electric vehicles that offer flexibility, especially in urban areas
- Futurail SAS – AI-based hardware and software solutions that enable autonomous train operation
- Novality – Vandalism-proof parking solutions for bicycles and e-scooters that ensure urban micromobility
- Stadt.Land.Netz | SLN GmbH – Optimization of transport processes through data-driven solutions
- Zaubar – Innovative combination of AR and AI for new mobility experiences
The award ceremony for the finalists will take place on March 4, 2026, at 3:15 p.m. at IT-TRANS, Congress Area B. The award thus offers an outstanding opportunity to learn about forward-looking ideas, discuss innovative technologies, and actively shape the mobility of tomorrow.
Image source:
- URBANE robot: Paul Gärtner
- VR regioKArgo: Paul Gärtner
- FMA award ceremony: TRK / Artis Uli Deck