WAGNER Switzerland AG
WWW.LOGISTICSINNOVATION.ORG
The online magazine for Switzerland, the EU and the rest of the world
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.
Train protection at Rochers-de-Naye
Train protection at Rochers-de-Naye
Transports Montreux-Vevey-Riviera (MVR) is modernizing its rail infrastructure on the route connecting Montreux with Rochers-de-Naye, which offers spectacular views of the Vaud Alps and Lake Geneva, using Stadler's CBTC signaling technology.
The equipping of the Montreux – Les Rochers-de-Naye railway line with the innovative Nova Pro signaling system marks another important milestone on the path to a modern, safe, and automated railway operation. It complements the acquisition of new trains announced in May and underscores the line's consistent modernization efforts.
The project includes equipping the approximately 11 km long single-track line, the eight main stations along the route, and the future new depot. The CBTC system will be installed in both the new trains and the service locomotives. The system is based on onboard technology and handles the automatic train protection (ATP) functions . This enables continuous monitoring of train speeds and can intervene if limits are exceeded by warning the driver and, if necessary, automatically initiating an emergency stop.
Automatic Train Supervision
Furthermore, the system controls operations via traffic management (ATS – Automatic Train Supervision). It monitors and coordinates train traffic and can also contribute to increasing train frequency on a route.
Furthermore, the system handles automation tasks (ATO – Automatic Train Operation). This technology controls, among other things, the automated acceleration and braking of a train , ensuring smooth and energy-efficient operation. For Stadler, this is already the second order for Nova Pro in Switzerland on a rack railway line – following the pioneering project of the Appenzell Railways.
The system is based on proven industrial standard components that have already been successfully used in recent signaling projects, including those of the Montreux Oberland Bernois (MOB) . "With the introduction of Nova Pro, we are taking a decisive technological step forward. This modern signaling system enables us to operate our mountain line safely and reliably. This means we are ideally positioned to guarantee our passengers flexible and efficient mobility in the long term," says Ronald Doppler, project manager for infrastructure at Rochers-de-Naye.
“By choosing our CBTC system Nova Pro, MVR becomes the third transport company in Switzerland to introduce this pioneering technology. MVR is thus taking a decisive step for the future operation of its Montreux – Les Rochers-de-Naye mountain railway line. We are convinced that this project will further boost the innovative strength of meter-gauge railways in Switzerland,” said Marc Trippel, EVP Stadler Signalling.
As Stadler and MVR announced in May 2025, Stadler will deliver eight cogwheel trains with large panoramic windows for the Rochers-de-Naye route starting in 2029. By also installing the signaling technology, Stadler will create synergies between the trains and the line's train control systems.
CBTC stands for "Communication-Based Train Control." It is an advanced train control system that uses wireless communication to precisely determine the position of trains at all times. Thanks to real-time information about the position and speed of trains, they can be operated more accurately, safely, and efficiently.
