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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.
Electric power from the trailer axle
Electric power from the trailer axle
Photo: BPW
Thermo King, the specialist for temperature-controlled transport, recently put three new refrigerated trailers equipped with the Advancer "AxlePower" energy recovery system from Bergische Achsen KG (BPW) into operation in the Netherlands. The trailers are operating for the country's largest supermarket chain.
“Through the knowledge exchange with BPW and the TIP Group, we can deliver a new technology that allows transport companies to convert the energy normally lost in a trailer during transport into clean electricity for refrigeration units,” says Laurent Debias, Product Management and EMEA Marketing Manager at Thermo King in Europe. “This helps fleets achieve practical sustainability goals, transport goods in an environmentally friendly way, and meet lower emission limits set by regulators.”
Photo: TIP
«“Emissions and noise are reduced, while ongoing operating costs drop immediately – a significant advantage, especially in times of high energy prices,” adds Thore Bakker, General Manager Trailer Solutions and Mobility Services at BPW. “This comes at just the right time, as the pressure on the industry has never been greater.”.
«The all-battery-powered solution is already available, and this trial with the energy axle configuration will last a maximum of twelve months. "The initial results are very promising," explains Rogier Laan, Vice President at TIP. "We firmly believe that temperature-controlled diesel trailers can be quickly replaced by fully electric trailers, and we want to promote and support this transition."
Fig.: BPW
Developed in collaboration with BPW, Advancer AxlePower is a fully integrated, tractor-independent system that combines BPW's ePower axle with Thermo King's refrigeration and energy management technologies. The trailers used by Albert Heijn are equipped with the Thermo King Advancer A-500 Whisper-Pro, PIEK-certified refrigeration units, and BPW ePower axles. AxlePower's intelligent energy recovery system provides the energy required to operate the trailer refrigeration unit by recovering energy generated by the trailer's axle during normal driving.
The system stores the energy generated when the vehicle rolls or brakes in a high-voltage battery and uses it to power the refrigeration unit.
High potential: AxlePower
The battery pack, which is charged while the trailer is in motion, also autonomously powers the refrigeration unit when the trailer is stationary. The system features intelligent energy management that controls the switching on and off of the generators, minimizes resistance at the tractor unit, and displays the battery charge status in real time to the driver and fleet manager to prevent "charging anxiety".
With quiet operation and no CO2 emissions from the refrigeration unit when operating via the battery pack, long-distance transport and deliveries in city centers, including in ultra-low emission zones (ULEZs), are possible.
