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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 " once again relied on saws and storage systems from the Rhine Valley in Kansas City.
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.
Idealworks pushes into the US market
Idealworks, part of the Munich-based Agile Robots Group, with more than 1,700 AMRs and AGVs worldwide and one of the pioneers in industrial automation through AI in robot-controlled logistics processes, has founded a US company headquartered in Greenville, South Carolina.
New chain belt sorting
At LogiMAT, conveyor technology provider Interroll attracted attention with a new chain-belt sorting system developed after the acquisition of Sortteq. Together with MCP Play, this creates a material flow ecosystem that combines single-item transport with intelligent sorting.
FAA gives green light for air taxis
FAA gives green light for air taxis
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued regulations mid-week for the qualification and training of pilots who will be allowed to fly air taxis in the future. It is described as "the first completely new category since the introduction of the helicopter in the 1940s.".
Motorized transport aircraft operating under the umbrella of Advanced Air Mobility ( AAM) include air taxis, such as the German Volocopter, cargo transport aircraft, and a wide range of missions in urban and rural areas. The authority created this regulation to subject instructors and pilots to a uniform set of rules, enabling them to operate aircraft of this category—"motorized transport aircraft"—within its jurisdiction. These aircraft exhibit characteristics of both airplanes and helicopters. The regulation also addresses operational requirements, including minimum safe flight altitudes and required visual range.
The US authority is considered an important body in this matter. Generally, aviation authorities in most countries follow the recommendations of US experts. This regulation is seen as the final piece of the puzzle for the safe introduction of these aircraft in the near future.
The potential uses range from transporting passengers in urban areas and short-haul missions such as air ambulance services and cargo operations to the potential provisioning of services to smaller communities over time. The FAA is considered the global benchmark for measures affecting air traffic safety and is also responsible for aircraft accident investigations.
"The FAA will continue to prioritize the safety of our system as we work to seamlessly integrate innovative technologies and procedures. This final ruling provides the necessary framework to enable the safe operation of powered takeoff and landing (PTO) aircraft in our airspace," said FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.
Vibration tests at the DLR
“Powered takeoff and landing aircraft are the first new aircraft category in almost 80 years, and this historic regulation will pave the way for future large-scale Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) operations.” The German Aerospace Center (DLR) also recently conducted tests on the vibration behavior of such copters to ensure maximum safety for flights over urban areas.
The FAA had decided it could certify powered takeoff and landing (AAM) aircraft using existing regulations and update other regulations to allow air taxis to operate commercially. Last year, the agency released a draft regulation for the operation of powered takeoff and landing vehicles, which is now a key element in the further development of the overall AAM concept.
Existing rules adapted
A new pilot training and qualification regulation was needed because existing regulations did not account for this new aircraft category, which can take off and land vertically like a helicopter and cruise like an airplane. The regulation provides a comprehensive framework for the certification of the first cadre of instructors and pilots.
It modifies numerous existing regulations and establishes a Special Federal Aviation Regulation (SFAR) with new requirements to facilitate the certification and training of instructors and pilots.
Photos: Volocopter / DLR
It also adapts operational requirements for helicopters to some flight phases of the new type of aircraft and allows pilots to train with a single set of control instruments in the powered lift range; older rules still require two flight controls – one for the student and one for the instructor.
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