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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.
IML is researching battery logistics
IML is researching battery logistics
Photo: R. Tajiki
Electromobility is on the rise. But many questions remain regarding the safe storage, reuse, and recycling of end-of-life lithium-ion batteries. In five projects, an "Innovation Lab for Battery Logistics" at the Fraunhofer Institute for Material Flow and Logistics (IML) is supporting companies in closing gaps in their logistics.
The projects started in May, and initial results are expected in the fall. "The logistics surrounding the combustion engine didn't develop overnight, but rather step by step as a result of a combination of technological progress, economic needs, and societal changes. The challenge of developing the propulsion systems of the future is significantly greater, given our commitments to combating climate change: we need to be faster," explains Arkadius Schier, project manager of the innovation lab and deputy head of the Software & Information Engineering department at IML. " Therefore, it's encouraging to see that many small and medium-sized enterprises have already recognized the opportunities that battery logistics offers them. "
Photo: VdS
The four transfer projects:
- - Unlike electric cars, the production of electrified semi-trailers for trucks is still in its infancy: A guide to the production environment of eTrailers is intended to illustrate enormous advantages, e.g. resource efficiency and sustainability aspects.
- In another project, the researchers are working on an open-source solution for an EU battery passport, so that every vehicle battery will be equipped with logistics-relevant information from 2027 onwards. The researchers are also testing an imaging technique for 3D X-ray examination to assess the condition of batteries and lay the foundation for automated quality control.
- Another issue concerns sealed battery casings that are opened for reuse or recycling. The current mechanical separation process is to be replaced by a more sustainable laser cutting process , which should not only increase employee safety but also the economic efficiency of waste disposal companies.
Gas detector. Photo: Monilog
- Results are already available from another project: Researchers at the innovation lab supported a global provider of electronics solutions in further developing a gas sensor for detecting critical battery conditions. The sensor, trained using artificial intelligence, now recognizes gas compositions and is able to detect thermal runaway in a critical lithium-ion battery with damage to its outer casing up to 30 minutes before it occurs.
- The Battery Logistics Innovation Lab is being funded with a total of €5.2 million by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF). Partners include the Fraunhofer Heinrich Hertz Institute (HHI), the University of Leipzig, Mercedes-Benz Energy, Remondis, Rhenus Logistics, and VdS. The aim is to develop a concept for the logistics of lithium-ion batteries that covers the entire supply chain.
