Hitachi Rail has completed the acquisition of New York-based Clever Devices, an intelligent transportation technology provider, to extend the Japanese company’s footprint across public mobility while strengthening its North American business.

The deal should help Hitachi bring AI to multimodal transportation networks, and create more capability alongside its HMax for Rail digital asset management platform.

Clever Devices is recognised for technology that enhances the fleet management, passenger experience and operational efficiency for mass transit agencies. The company has offices across the USA, Europe and South America.

The acquisition of a company with deep digital expertise and projected 2026 revenues of over $220m enables Hitachi Rail to reflect the increasing demand for more integrated transportation systems. With completion of the transaction, Hitachi Rail extends its footprint beyond rail into multimodal mobility.

With 600 employees and a customer base that includes eight of the ten largest North American transit agencies, Clever Devices has a track record of innovation and delivery. Its intelligent transport system (ITS) enables increased public transport use, improving the accuracy of information and boosting service punctuality. Its products are deployed across public mobility systems, including buses and railways. In addition to its strong North American presence, Clever Devices has achieved growth in Brazil and Chile, as well as in Europe, notably in Italy.

Clever Devices portfolio of onboard and centralised data offerings augments Hitachi’s HMax Mobility suite of physical AI, bringing enhanced functionality and benefits for public transport systems globally.

HMax for Rail sits as part of HMax Mobility and is Hitachi Rail’s digital asset management platform that optimises railway performance by connecting data from fleets of trains, signalling assets and infrastructure to create an operational twin of rail systems. It combines sensor technology, rail expertise, AI and edge computing to increase performance, extend asset life and optimise costs.

“This is a key step in advancing our strategy to drive the digital transformation of public transport,” said Giuseppe Marino, group CEO of Hitachi Rail. “We are combining Clever Devices’ strong capabilities in intelligent transportation systems with our global reach and the HMax Mobility suite. With this acquisition, we are broadening our scope beyond rail, strengthening our footprint in North America, and laying the platform to help cities develop more integrated, sustainable and efficient transportation networks.”

Frank Antonysamy, CEO of Clever Devices (www.cleverdevices.com), added: “As part of Hitachi Rail, we are well positioned to leverage Hitachi’s investments in HMax and more than 115 years of OT expertise, to accelerate innovation, expand our global reach and deliver enhanced value to transit agencies and passengers through our advanced digital mobility.”

Hitachi Rail’s growing footprint in North America is underlined by recent investments including the $110m opening of its digital factory in Hagerstown, Maryland, and a $30m investment in a new Canadian headquarters.

Hitachi Rail (hitachirail.com), famous for Japan’s iconic high-speed train, leverages the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group (www.hitachi.com) companies to accelerate innovation and develop technologies.