JumpStartFund’s Hyperloop Transportation Technologies (HTT) announced on Friday it has formed a partnership with Deutsche Bahn to create an “Innovation Train,” which is described as a conventional train that will use new technologies being developed by HTT that increases efficiency and to bring a modern digital presence to today’s train transportation.
According to HTT, the project is set to kick off next week and will utilize its crowdsourcing and community collaboration while implementations will be financed by Deutsche Bahn. The project has notably been broken down into phases, research, usage scenarios, design concepts, design finalization, and implementation.
The company also revealed its Hyperloop system has led to the development of additional technologies such as augmented reality windows and a digital ecosystem through its community. These developments will supplement the train technology Deutsche Bahn is known for building around the world. The partnership is part of HTT’s goals of making transportation enjoyable and profitable again by implementing more forward-thinking technologies into traditional ones.
Dirk Ahlborn, HTT CEO, stated:
“One of the biggest issues in public transportation is the need for public subsidies. New technologies and new ideas, can create a better passenger experience while solving these issues through new monetization strategies and business models, with the Hyperloop and all other forms of transportation.”
Christoph Kraller, managing director, commented:
“We have combined our strong development capabilities for digital technology with Hyperloop Transportation Technologies in order to integrate new ideas and innovative prototypes into our local passenger train service. The creation of a digital travel companion in cooperation with Hyperloop continues our steady progress forward.”
HTT chairman, Bibop Gresta, added:
“We see this partnership as a validation of the technology we’re developing and as proof that the nature of our business model is working. Our company structure lends itself to more collaborative partnerships that are attractive to forward-thinking organizations like Deutsche Bahn.”
HTT also reported that the train will be ready for passengers to test the new technologies by the beginning of next year. Check out a video about the company’s augmented reality windows below.