Regards companies like Schaeffler as pioneers with respect to Mobility 4.0 – Federal Minister Alexander Dobrindt (left) talking to Schaeffler representatives during his opening tour at InnoTrans (from right): Dr. Stefan Spindler, Member of the Executive Board of Schaeffler AG and CEO Industrial, Hans-Christian Maass, Head of Governmental Relations, Prof. Dr. Rainer Lindner, CEO Central and Eastern Europe, and Dr. Michael Holzapfel, Director Business Unit Rail Europe. Schaeffler develops solutions for "Mobility for tomorrow" in many sectors. At InnoTrans in Berlin, Federal Minister Alexander Dobrindt has found out at first-hand about Schaeffler's innovations to make rail transport sustainable throughout the world. “Modern companies like Schaeffler demonstrate that Germany is a pioneer with regard to Mobility 4.0. InnoTrans 2016 is impressive proof of the innovative strength, which our companies possess”, said Dobrindt. At InnoTrans 2016, the leading international trade fair for railway technology in Berlin, Schaeffler is presenting its comprehensive and expert knowledge of drive technology for the next generations of trains as well as concepts for their digital monitoring and maintenance. Alexander Dobrindt, Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure gained an insight into Schaeffler's innovations for rail technology during his opening tour. At Schaeffler's booth, Dr. Stefan Spindler, Member of the Executive Board of Schaeffler AG and CEO Industrial, and Dr. Michael Holzapfel, Director Business Unit Rail Europe at Schaeffler, explained the latest products and services available from Schaeffler. As the head of digital infrastructure, Federal Minister Dobrindt was particularly interested in Schaeffler's new digital services as well as the conventional drive systems. “Modern companies like Schaeffler demonstrate that Germany is a pioneer with regard to Mobility 4.0. InnoTrans 2016 is impressive proof of the innovative strength, which our companies possess”, explained Dobrindt during his tour. Schaeffler is presenting a monitoring concept which uses intelligent software with connections to the Cloud to monitor passenger train bogies. In the future, operators will be able to monitor the condition of individual axlebox bearings, drives or complete wheel sets and bogies via the Internet. Dr. Spindler explains the possibilities created by Schaeffler's monitoring concept: "Our objective is to generate higher average speeds, greater operational performance and longer maintenance intervals for future generations of trains whilst improving operational safety." Rail is just one of many sectors in which Schaeffler is using rolling bearings with sensors to offer new digital services via data collection, Cloud connections and Big Data analysis. Bearing supports are a vital drive component in machines, equipment and vehicles and they have a decisive role to play not only in terms of functionality but also quality, safety and comfort. Data, which provide information on the current condition as well as the future behavior of components, form an important basis for operational planning, maintenance and utilization. For example, stationary or mobile drive systems networked via the Schaeffler Cloud would allow predictive planning of any necessary maintenance procedures in the future. This increases availability significantly whilst improving operational safety at the same time. Innovative solutions for "Mobility for tomorrow" are a strategic focus for Schaeffler and the rail sector has a key role to play here. Schaeffler has over 100 years of experience to draw on as well as comprehensive systems expertise in this area. The innovations focus on improved mechanical components as well as mechatronic systems and new digital services. According to Dr. Holzapfel, "We offer many solutions which actively help to shape the further development of rail transport, not only for high-speed travel but also for goods transport and local transport systems. We are set up for the global growth markets and offer local advice, engineering support and production facilities in all relevant markets where the customer needs us."