CRRC Changchun unveils VELLINK metro train with embodied AI at InnoTrans

From September 22 to 25, the 15th InnoTrans trade fair took place in Berlin. CRRC Changchun officially unveiled VELLINK, a green and smart digital metro train developed on China's standard metro technology platform. The train is said to be the world's first to incorporate embodied AI technology, marking a new step in intelligent urban rail transit.

According to Yin Hang, the train's design manager, VELLINK uses a full-domain sensor network, self-developed AI algorithms and high-speed communication, along with AI-assisted driving, to enable intelligent perception, decision-making and interaction. A multimodal perception large model allows real-time monitoring of the line environment, while an onboard edge computing platform combined with CRRC's "Zhuolun" large model supports intelligent running strategies. The train also features a smart interaction system for passengers.

The train adopts a cloud-edge-device collaborative architecture, integrating operation, passenger service and real-time monitoring systems, reducing control hosts by 50% and wiring by 30%. The use of lightweight materials such as carbon fiber and magnesium-aluminum alloy cuts total weight by about 18%, while permanent magnet traction and silicon carbide converters contribute to an overall energy saving of over 10% and a 15% reduction in lifecycle carbon emissions.

Developed by CRRC Changchun together with Chengdu Rail Transit Group and other partners, VELLINK combines embodied AI, integrated reconfiguration, digital twin and low-carbon technologies, offering a new solution for the green and intelligent transformation of global rail transit.