WAGNER Switzerland AG
WWW.LOGISTICSINNOVATION.ORG
The online magazine for Switzerland, the EU and the rest of the world
Staffing needs almost halved
The US cooperative Associated Wholesale Grocers keeps 54,600 dry goods, fresh produce, and frozen food items in stock for its 1,100 members using a highly automated, full-range logistics center . The facility is designed for a daily picking capacity of more than 460,000 retail units.
Knowledge transfer in the Seychelles
Natural hazards are increasingly occurring worldwide in the form of floods, landslides, forest fires, storms, earthquakes, and rockfalls. Acute crisis management is required, but so are long-term strategies for transportation routes, where Gasser Felstechnik provides assistance in the Seychelles.
German Design Award for Traigo-i
Following the Red Dot Design Award 2025, Toyota Material Handling's new 48-volt counterbalance forklift, Traigo_i, has now also received the German Design Award 2026 in the Excellent Product Design – Industry category. The focus: the complete integration of lithium-ion technology.
Long-term contracts at SBB Cargo
Numerous SBB Cargo Switzerland transport customers, such as Migros, have signed new single wagonload (EWLV) contracts with terms of up to ten years. New contracts have also reportedly been concluded with fenaco, Stahl Gerlafingen, and the Swiss saltworks.
Cooperation with Capra Robotics
Frei Fördertechnik announces its future collaboration with the Danish robotics specialist Capra. "This expands our portfolio to include mobile robot platforms that bring even greater flexibility and efficiency to production and logistics," says Michael Schüpbach, Head of Automation & Robotics. The AMRs are versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications.
SSI subsidiary continues to consistently rely on SAP
Since 2021, the software specialists at SWAN have been part of the SSI Schäfer Group, responsible for the SAP projects of the globally active intralogistics experts and supporting companies in implementing future-proof solutions – from highly automated distribution centers to integrated production logistics. The course is right.
Arne Sturm will be the new CEO in Hirschthal
Jungheinrich Switzerland will have a new managing director as of January 1, 2026. Arne Sturm will succeed Martin Weber, who is leaving the company after 18 years – eleven of them as managing director – at his own request to pursue new topics and challenges.
Another 50 million for new TGW headquarters
TGW Logistics is currently investing €100 million in expanding its production capacity at its headquarters in Austria. Now, with an expansion of the existing office building at the site, a five-story office building with 14,000 m² of usable space is being constructed for around €50 million, with completion expected by the second half of 2028.
AutoStore for Belgian hospitals
AutoStore system for Maria Middelares, a non-profit medical organization in Belgium, and Aalter in East Flanders, about 60 km west of Brussels.
Reliable data instead of empty phrases.
The Basel Logistics Cluster of the Basel Chamber of Commerce (HKBB), together with the cantons of Basel-Stadt and Basel-Landschaft, industry associations, and infrastructure operators, has published a guide to sustainable logistics in the Basel region. Supply chain expert Daniel Bubendorf explains why such a guide is needed.
Mobile robots on the construction site
Mobile robots on the construction site
Construction site logistics with a difference: The Austrian scale-up "Baubot" has developed a system that relieves the burden on workers and also increases precision and safety on construction sites. Mobile robotic systems from Kuka can automate monotonous tasks such as drilling thousands of holes in tunnels or production halls.
A so-called "Baubot Robotics" combines the reliability and performance of robots with intelligent functions specifically developed for use on construction sites. Although the mobile robotic systems are controlled by humans, they handle repetitive and physically demanding work independently. Thanks to a "KR Iontec," recurring tasks can be completed faster and more cleanly than with conventional methods. The combination of digital construction plans and fully automated processes makes it possible to optimize construction site processes and minimize rework.
Nothing matters on the shelf
"All Baubot mobile robotics systems are always controlled by a single operator, the so-called Baubot Operator. Humans are completely relieved of repetitive and strenuous tasks – the machine takes care of that," explains Simone Opocensky, CCO of Baubot GmbH.
The enthusiastic construction site expert, who has managed international construction projects for years, emphasizes the importance of modern technologies: "With our mobile robotics systems, we not only want to make work easier, but also significantly improve precision and safety on construction sites." By using fully automated Baubot robotics and integrating a digital construction plan, users can almost completely automate construction site processes and thus significantly increase productivity. Simone Opocensky explains: "Thanks to the complete simulation of drilling processes on site, rework and delays can be reduced to a minimum."
Between 20 and 70 kg load capacity
The KR Iontec series robots offer a payload of between 20 and 70 kg and operate efficiently even in challenging environments. Reinhard Nagler, CEO of Kuka CEE: "Baubot shows that robotics on construction sites is both feasible and practical. This collaboration demonstrates the potential of automation in the construction industry." Furthermore, the versatile application possibilities of the robots allow them to be adapted to various construction projects, from tunnel construction to production halls. The high resilience and durability of the robots will contribute to the long-term transformation of the construction industry.
A core component of Baubot's mobile robotics systems is the specially developed software. The Baubot Planning and Simulation Environment (PSE) enables the planning of mission positions and paths in a virtual environment. Data from BIM files, 3D CAD models, or 2D drawings can be directly imported to simulate and optimize work processes. The machines are also equipped with a variety of safety precautions.
Photos: Kuka
"As soon as a human enters the danger zone, the automatic system reduces the speed of movement," says Simone Opocensky. Especially in confined work environments and wherever humans are still actively involved, it is important to ensure that the machine does not pose a danger. Therefore, every Baubot mobile robotic system is equipped with sensors that create a safety zone around the entire system to detect unauthorized entry into the robot's workspace.
Whether in tunnel, bridge, road, or civil engineering, as well as in production halls and many other possible fields of application, one thing is certain: Only the collaborative work of all components and the creative freedom of the developers will determine the success of the project. "We are proud to be part of the solution on the construction sites of the future, together with Kuka," the Baubot expert concludes enthusiastically.
