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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 " (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.
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.
Focus more on rail
Focus more on rail
Photo: DB Cargo
“We don’t need to reinvent the wheel in Germany,” says Rouven Kötter (SPD), First Deputy of the Frankfurt Rhine-Main Regional Association, “to get more freight traffic onto the rails.” But a little more assertiveness seems to be needed. That’s why there are now “rail coaches.”.
At the end of November, 20 rail freight experts from various parts of Germany met in Frankfurt at the initiative of the regional association and the Baden-Württemberg public transport company. The aim was to exchange information on rail freight, utilize existing expertise, and improve networking. "We can learn from each other," said Rouven Kötter.
The "rail trainers" help interested parties with initial assessments of whether a rail siding is worthwhile for the shipping company, or whether goods should be handled via a transshipment facility, and how to find a suitable transport company. Municipalities use the service to assess the feasibility of a stop for their local rail network, which often serves multiple companies. It also plays a role in the reactivation of railway lines.
Photo: LKZ Prien
The concept of "rail coaches" originated in Salzburg, Austria, in 2008 and subsequently spread to Germany. The Frankfurt Rhine-Main Regional Association has had a regional rail coach since 2020: Michael Roggenkamp advises municipalities and companies on a wide range of issues related to rail transport. Rail coaches have also been established in other German states and regions. The participants aim to foster the exchange of experiences to advance the strategic development of their respective regional rail infrastructure in collaboration with local municipalities and industry.
The network currently includes, among others, the German GVZ Society, the Association of German Transport Companies (VDV), the Logistics Competence Center (LKZ) Prien, consulting firms such as "AnschlussBahnProfis Ingenieurbüro GmbH", regional councils, senate administrations, ministries in Saxony, and various local transport companies.
