Hitachi Rail completes acquisition of Clever Devices

Hitachi Rail has finalized its acquisition of Clever Devices, a U.S.-based specialist in smart transportation systems, to broaden its portfolio into multimodal public transit solutions. The move allows Hitachi to expand beyond its traditional rail focus by integrating digital technologies for bus fleets and urban transit networks. This acquisition is a strategic step in strengthening Hitachi’s North American footprint and advancing its digital transformation goals through artificial intelligence and integrated mobility platforms.

Hitachi Rail has officially completed the acquisition of Clever Devices, a provider of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) that serves eight of the top ten public transit agencies in North America. Effective July 1, 2026, the company will join the Hitachi Group, bringing with it more than 600 employees and an estimated 2026 revenue exceeding $220 million. Clever Devices operates across the United States, Europe, and South America, with a notable presence in Brazil, Chile, and Italy. The company’s core offerings focus on fleet management, passenger information systems, and operational optimization for both bus and rail transportation.

The acquisition is central to Hitachi Rail’s strategy to scale its digital and artificial intelligence applications across the public transportation sector. Clever Devices’ onboard data solutions and centralized systems will be integrated into Hitachi’s HMAX Mobility suite, a digital platform that utilizes AI, edge computing, and sensors to manage transit assets. While Hitachi already utilizes HMAX for Rail to manage train fleets and signaling infrastructure, the addition of Clever Devices allows these capabilities to extend to multimodal networks. This integration aims to improve punctuality, increase passenger information accuracy, and optimize fleet operations across diverse transit modes.

Following the transaction, Frank Antonysamy, formerly the Chief Growth Officer at Hitachi Digital, has been appointed as the CEO of Clever Devices. Hitachi Rail CEO Giuseppe Marino noted that the deal creates a platform for cities to develop more sustainable and efficient transportation networks by combining Clever Devices’ ITS expertise with Hitachi’s global reach. This move follows significant regional investments, including a $110 million digital factory in Maryland and a $30 million Canadian headquarters. The integration was supported by Hitachi’s Social Innovation Business (SSIB) unit and is expected to foster further collaboration with Hitachi Digital, GlobalLogic, and Hitachi Digital Services.