Schilthorn: AURO-System - Sessellift Winteregg Relies On Artificial Intelligence

At the start of the winter season 2025/2026, the Winteregg chairlift in the Mürren-Schilthorn area will be equipped with the latest AURO technology. The AI-based operating system of Doppelmayr-Garaventa promises increased personal safety and savings in personnel costs through the autonomous operation of chairlifts.

A larger digitization project of Schilthornbahn AG is currently being implemented at the Winteregg: At the start of the upcoming winter season, the chairlift will be equipped with the latest AURO technology from Doppelmayr-Garaventa. The so-called Autonomus Ropeway Operation - CLD uses AI-supported image processing. With its software, the uncomplicated control system is able to analyze, evaluate and automatically derive image and video data in real time. Two camera columns plus a camera on the building, tread mats and various shift doors detect dangerous situations in the exit area at the mountain station in a fraction of a second. The system decides independently and situationally whether the system can continue to run, slow it down or is switched off. Finally, the troubleshooting is carried out by a person from the Ropeway Operation Center (ROC) at the valley station. Via video transmission, it can determine the cause of the event and, after the fault has been fixed, restart the system manually.

Increased personal security and reduced personnel costs

Through the constant attention and reaction speed of the AI-trained system, increased safety is achieved. At the same time, thanks to the one-man operation, a savings in personnel costs of around one third can be expected. "Initially, especially during the holidays, we will deploy an additional person at the mountain station who will visually monitor the system," plans Christoph Egger, Director of Schilthornbahn AG. "As soon as the operation runs smoothly, only one person will work on the plant. This saving in personnel resources also helps us, among other things, to solve the growing risk of a shortage of skilled workers," Egger looks ahead.

Young, emerging technology

The autonomous operation for cabin lifts was already used in 2020. After two intensive years of testing at two plants in Switzerland and Austria, the Federal Office of Transport also granted autonomous operation for chairlifts at the start of the 2023/24 winter season. The system is seamlessly integrated into the existing system. The costs for the conversion, including new installations and adaptations to the station of the Winteregg chairlift, amount to around 350,000 francs. Construction work began in August 2025.