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“Best of Intralogistics” in the test camp
As part of the Test Camp Intralogistics and the International Forklift of the Year (IFOY) competition, the preliminary certificates for 2026 were presented today in Dortmund by Jan Drömer, Chairman of the VDMA Materials Handling and Intralogistics Section, to the 17 nominees who will now go into the final round.
SVTL meets in a historic setting
The general assembly of the Swiss Association for Temperature-Controlled Logistics at Lenzburg Castle on May 8th will address, in addition to the usual agenda items, personnel management, modern advertising for skilled workers on social media and the question of whether humanoid robots will one day be helpful .
MAGA in the approach path
German technology remains highly regarded when it comes to rapid material handling, the elimination of weaknesses, and service quality. Following successful projects in Oklahoma and Texas, the steel trader " Steel and Pipe Supply " (SPS) in Kansas City once again relied on Kasto saws and storage systems.
Rent warehouse equipment instead of buying it
Bito is launching an offensive with an economical alternative for companies that want to re-equip, expand, or temporarily supplement their warehouse and production areas, but don't want to tie up their capital long-term: renting instead of buying is the motto. The advantages – especially in " dynamic times " – are obvious.
«Kanpai» with sake on the pharmaceutical chain
Logistics provider Yusen is presenting an expanded global platform for the healthcare sector at LogiPharma in Vienna, where companies such as Novartis, Bayer, Takeda, and hospital supplier UCB are currently participating. The platform focuses on the professional delivery of specialized healthcare solutions.
Streamlined logistics
Coop's own rail connection for urban logistics in Zurich, streamlined logistics vehicles and the outsourcing of all operating room logistics in a cooperation between the Seeschau Clinic and the Swiss Post are the projects that are entering the final sprint for this year's Swiss Logistics Award from GS1.
Vacuum technology makes mobility possible
Compressed air has traditionally been used primarily for fixed installations. Schmalz's vacuum grippers also mainly operate with lines that often have to run across halls and facilities. However, mobile robotics increasingly requires flexible solutions – a need that Schmalz now intends to address more effectively.
A foray into drive technology
Safelog, the specialists for software for controlling intralogistics processes, have entered into a cooperation with the drive experts from SEW Eurodrive at LogiMAT in order to jointly develop a high-performance software for controlling mobile and stationary processes in intralogistics.
Networking with perspectives
“Never walk alone” could be the motto of a networking event hosted by the consulting experts from “Adnovum”, where the Digital Product Passport (DPP), cybersecurity and IT opportunities with Petra Merino (GS1 Switzerland) and security expert Andreas Achterholt are on the agenda on May 7th in Zurich.
Maintenance in Austria
With a new workshop in Obersiebenbrunn near Vienna, rail manufacturer Stadler is expanding its capacity for the commissioning, approval, and servicing of modern rail vehicles in Austria. The workshop has been used to maintain Westbahn's high-speed trains since March 2026.
Another gorilla for London
Another gorilla for London
Photos: DHL
London has been home to many a high-ranking official whose hairstyle and mannerisms bear little resemblance to those of humans' closest relatives, the primates. But now, a special breed of lowland gorilla has found its way to the London Zoo via DHL. The right number, in the right place. A rare triumph for the Human Resources department.
As part of an international breeding program for endangered species, the 18-year-old kiburi traveled over 3,000 km from Loro Parque Zoo in Tenerife to London in a specially built crate. A dedicated team of zookeepers, aircraft engineers, shipping agents, security personnel, pilots, and drivers provided him with VIP care. The 193 kg, 1.63 m tall silverback was served a meal of nutritious leafy greens during his first-class flight, along with leeks, a banana, and a refreshing cold fruit tea as additional snacks.
Since he arrived in London late on Friday, November 18th, Kiburi spent the night at Heathrow Airport and reached the zoo at 8:00 a.m. the following day. A team of veterinarians and zookeepers received the special delivery at London Zoo. After a thorough examination, Kiburi was able to move into his new home in the "Gorilla Kingdom," the zoo's gorilla enclosure.
“I felt it was a great privilege to help Kiburi with his move to London. The logistical effort involved in his transport was immense,” says Roy Hughes, EVP Network Operations & Aviation Europe at DHL Express. “Our team of experts, in collaboration with ZSL London Zoo and Loro Parque, did everything possible to ensure he had a safe and comfortable journey. Animal welfare is of utmost importance to all of us at DHL.”
Neat hairstyle, well-groomed appearance: Kiburi in London
Kiburi is intended to become the leader of the current gorilla group at the world-famous zoo. This group consists of the two females Mjukuu and Effie, as well as the youngsters Alika and Gernot. It is hoped that the matchmaking will be successful and lead to an increase in the gorilla population.
The gorilla's relocation was four years in the making: After Kumbuka, the silverback at ZSL London Zoo, died in 2018, the zoo, in collaboration with the European Endangered Species Breeding Programme (EEP), searched for a suitable successor. The coordinator for western lowland gorillas facilitated contact thanks to the detailed data the program maintains on each gorilla.
In the coming weeks, Kiburi will be able to explore the rest of his new home. The "Gorilla Kingdom" includes an island with lush vegetation and hidden caves, a huge jungle area for climbing and exploring, and a river. He will also gradually get to know his new group – just in time for his first Christmas with his family.
“We are grateful to DHL for their first-class service,” said gorilla keeper Glynn Hennessy. “As with any blended family, we need to take things slowly when introducing the newcomers. Therefore, we are observing the group closely and giving each animal the time it needs to become familiar with the new arrival.”
Dan Simmonds, Zoological Operations Manager at ZSL London Zoo, who oversaw the move, said: “The population of western lowland gorillas in the wild of Central and West Africa is sadly declining and threatened by poaching, disease, deforestation, and climate change. London Zoo is participating in this vital global breeding program to help protect the species living in zoos. ZSL’s world-leading Institute of Zoology also studies wildlife diseases and works with local partners to promote wildlife conservation and monitoring, and to support local communities in combating wildlife crime. We hope to soon hear the patter of little gorilla feet again in the ‘Gorilla Kingdom’ and thus help bolster the dwindling population of this critically endangered species.”
