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The online magazine for Switzerland, the EU and the rest of the world


October 30, 2025

As feared, the US tariffs are causing a collapse in tech exports. According to Swissmem, the resulting negative effects took full effect within seven weeks in the third quarter. Exports from the Swiss tech industry to the US plummeted by 14.2% compared to the same quarter of the previous year .

October 29, 2025

Numerous visitors, friends and the entire crew of the new Swiss Logistics Campus of the Swiss Association for Vocational Training in Logistics, Swiss Logistics by SVBL ASFL, found their way to the official opening of the impressive new location in Zofingen over the weekend.

October 29, 2025

the International Federation of Robotics' (IFR) annual report "World Robotics 2025 - Service Robots," approximately 102,900 robots for transport and logistics tasks were sold worldwide in 2024. Sales increased by 14 percent in 2024. More than three-quarters came from Asia, and 11 percent from Europe.

October 29, 2025

High-tech and products processed from natural ingredients are not mutually exclusive. "Organic" does n't mean everything is done manually, but rather that it adheres to high ecological standards. This is also true for the organic wholesaler Weiling, where an AutoStore system has recently enabled peak logistical performance.

October 28, 2025

Founded in Xuzhou in 1943, the Xuzhou Construction Machinery Group (XCMG) generates approximately €13 billion in revenue with 13,000 employees worldwide. Its portfolio includes construction machinery, cranes, commercial vehicles, and a growing range of material handling equipment and port handling machinery.

October 28, 2025

Warehouse robotics specialist Geekplus is launching its new picking station "Geek+ Brain," ushering in a new era of warehouses operating entirely without human workers. CEO Yong Zheng " a major step from partial automation to full process intelligence . "

October 28, 2025

Applications for the IFOY Award 2026 are still open. The submission period is now in its submit products and systems for the prestigious award until October 30th

October 24, 2025

Revenue of the intralogistics specialist TGW, which plans, builds, and maintains highly automated logistics centers, slightly exceeded the previous year's all-time high of €1.07 billion in the 2024/2025 fiscal year . Order intake reached €1.5 billion, and the number of employees rose to 4,645.

October 24, 2025

Robotics provider German Bionic is presenting a new AI-assisted exoskeleton called "Exia" at this year's A+A – the world's leading trade fair for occupational health, safety, and ergonomics. According to the company, this is the world's first exoskeleton controlled by augmented AI with high levels of comprehension.

October 23, 2025

Transports Montreux-Vevey-Riviera (MVR) is modernizing its railway infrastructure on the line connecting Montreux to Rochers-de-Naye, offering spectacular views of the Vaud Alps and Lake Geneva, using Stadler's CBTC signaling technology.



Stadlerrail in “Kiwi” mode


WAGNER Switzerland AG





Stadlerrail in “Kiwi” mode

February 28, 2024

Kiwi is the name of the bird that can't fly, but also of the fruit that is now sought after worldwide for its high vitamin content. New Zealand calls its own national railway " KiwiRail " And it is now receiving nine more ETCS-capable mainline locomotives and 24 diesel-hybrid shunting locomotives from Switzerland.

To ensure smooth operations on the North Island, the contract with Stadler includes the delivery of nine mainline locomotives equipped with ETCS (European Train Control System). The second contract provides for the delivery of 24 innovative battery-diesel hybrid shunting locomotives, as well as spare parts, special tools, and technical services.

ETCS-capable mainline locomotive

Stadler is currently manufacturing the 57 DM-class narrow-gauge locomotives ordered by KiwiRail in 2021, primarily for long-distance service on the South Island. As part of the new agreement, both companies have now expanded their commitment to include the additional order. They will be equipped with ETCS for use on the North Island rail network.
ETCS enables the safe and seamless operation of the DM locomotives in the Auckland Metro area, which is equipped with the ETCS Level 1 trackside train control system. The initiative will also equip the locomotives for safe operation in the Wellington Metro area once the trackside signaling system has been upgraded to ETCS.

Hybrid shunting locomotive

Under the second agreement, Stadler will supply 24 hybrid battery-diesel narrow-gauge shunting locomotives with a center-cab layout and a maximum axle load of 16 t. The new shunting locomotives are specifically designed for use in all of KiwiRail's shunting areas. Thanks to the built-in battery module, the locomotives will operate primarily as zero-emission vehicles, significantly contributing to reducing the carbon footprint of shunting operations. The comprehensive contract also includes spare parts, specialized tools, and technical services. The shunting locomotives will be designed to be operated from outside the driver's cab within the confines of the shunting yard using a safe and robust remote control system.

Photos: KiwiRail (courtesy of)

Adele Wilson, KiwiRail's Chief Customer and Growth Officer, praised the new locomotives as part of a $1.7 billion investment in rolling stock, which will enable KiwiRail to provide better service to its customers and further improve the New Zealand freight market's access to low-carbon transport. The locomotives will also be used on tourism routes.

The Co-Co locomotives are powered by a low-emission 3,000 kW diesel engine that complies with the latest European emissions standards (Stage V), ensuring not only a significant reduction in pollutant emissions but also optimized combustion. The locomotives are designed for the use of HVO biofuels. Two external walkways connect the two driver's cabs and provide direct access to key equipment for maintenance purposes.

Electrification on the main line.

The Bo-Bo shunting locomotives are designed to combine the high performance and efficiency of AC propulsion with the flexibility and environmental friendliness of hybrid propulsion. The locomotives are designed for both indoor and outdoor operation and feature a remote control system that increases their versatility. Like the DM-class mainline locomotives, they are also equipped with an Automatic Engine Start-Stop System (AESS) to minimize fuel consumption, noise, and emissions, as well as a remote diagnostic and condition monitoring system.

www.stadlerrail.com