We have written before about how Auracast is needed on trains. Now, that is taking a step forward thanks to German passenger information and operational systems provider cn-mobility.
Public transport can be difficult for people with hearing issues. If you cannot hear announcements, you run the risk of missing a train, a flight, or an important safety announcement.
Indeed, we encountered this problem while on a journey to Brighton for the launch of its Auracast system. The train stopped at a station, and everybody got off. Why? The announcement wasn’t clear enough for us to hear so we just followed the crowds.
Had Auracast been available, it would have been possible to hear what the driver was saying.
Similarly, we have experienced issues when waiting to board an aeroplane and welcome the recent expansion of Sittig Technologies’ Auracast system to Munich Airport, meaning passengers at certain gates can easily tune in to Auracast announcements.
What is cn-mobility planning?
Since 1997, cn-mobility has been developing IT solutions for railways. It aims to ensure that staff and passengers are well informed by receiving up-to-date information in real time.
The added complication for moving trains is that they are constantly travelling along the tracks. Anyone who has tried to use Wi-Fi while on a train will know the problem of dropped signals.
Its solutions include DiLoc systems, which can provide staff with information while on the go, taking into account timetable data, and connection information across fleets. Its on-board system provides passenger information including updates on journeys using real-time information data.
This can be via LED and TFT displays at stations and on trains.
The company is now upgrading its capabilities to include Auracast. It manufactures public transport hardware and software solutions under its InnoScreen and InnoCom brands.
A news article on its website states its rationale: “Passengers expect information that is clear, reliable and accessible – regardless of background noise, hearing ability or language.
“Auracast, based on Bluetooth LE Audio, delivers announcements directly to compatible hearing aids, smartphones and headphones. It improves speech intelligibility, enables multilingual audio streams and significantly enhances accessibility.
“For cn-mobility, Auracast is more than a new interface – it is the next generation of passenger audio.”
Austrian train passengers may be among the first to experience Auracast as cn-mobility establishes a commercial sales partnership with mpX – Solution to distribute its passenger information and communication hardware across Austria.
The commercial distribution agreement sees mpX – Solution act as the regional representative for the company’s entire station and onboard vehicle hardware portfolio. This includes the InnoCom product family and its dedicated ELA and Ethernet Auracast gateways, paving the way for Austrian transport operators and rail infrastructure providers to deploy modern wireless assistive listening.
Christian Neumann, CEO, cn-mobility GmbH, said: “Austria is an important market for us with significant potential in public transport and passenger information.
“With mpX – Solution, we have gained an experienced and well-connected partner who shares our values and commitment to quality. Together, we aim to support customers across Austria and contribute to the future development of modern passenger information systems.”
It is not the first company to announce plans to install Auracast on trains. Munich S-Bahn has ordered 90 new trains from Siemens Mobility and Deutsche Bahn. They will enter service in 2028, and due to their size, can replace up to 1,500 cards during rush hours.
Among the enhancements will be a new passenger information system, located above doors inside and outside. Auracast will be available as standard in every carriage.
Having cn-mobility offer an alternative solution is a great step forward as competition will encourage innovation.
Replacing physical hearing loops with Bluetooth LE Audio
Traditional onboard assistive listening relies on physical induction loops installed throughout vehicle floors or walls, which can be costly and complex to integrate into rolling stock.
By adopting Auracast, cn-mobility enables passengers to receive clear announcements directly to their own Bluetooth LE Audio-enabled hearing aids, Cochlear implants, or headphones without requiring onboard wiring.
Audio broadcasts can originate from the onboard automated passenger information system, the train driver, or directly from a central control centre.
Dedicated Auracast hardware gateways for transit operators
To support both new fleet builds and existing train retrofits, cn-mobility has introduced two core Auracast hardware gateway products:
- InnoCom ELA to Auracast Gateway: Designed specifically for fast retrofitting, this unit integrates directly into existing electroacoustic (ELA) public address systems without requiring software modifications to the vehicle.
- InnoCom Ethernet Auracast Gateway: A flexible onboard solution designed for new vehicle deployments. It features decentralised I/O data capture, ambient noise detection via external microphones, and automatic volume adjustment to maintain high speech intelligibility.
Integrated intercoms and modular design
cn-mobility has also built Auracast capabilities directly into its InnoCom passenger intercoms and ELA multifunctional devices. These units feature advanced echo, noise, and interference cancellation, alongside a 16kHz speaker output transmission rate designed to ensure speech clarity in noisy train environments.
All hardware components are developed and manufactured in-house in Germany, adhering to modular design standards to allow easy servicing and component replacement.
This is an exciting development and shows how seriously companies are taking Auracast as a way to help make journeys easier to manage.
The company will be exhibiting at InnoTrans, which takes place from September 22-25 in Berlin. Among the items it will be demonstrating is its Auracast range.
It notes: “Our live demonstration showcases how existing public address systems can be enhanced with digital audio broadcasting, opening up new possibilities for train manufacturers and operators – from fleet modernisation and passenger information to future-ready digital and accessible services.”
It will be in Hall 2.1, Booth 620/720.
More details on the company’s product line can be found on the official cn-mobility website.
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