REWE Expands Autonomous Delivery Robot Service in Hamburg

German retailer REWE has launched the next phase of its autonomous delivery program in Hamburg, introducing an upgraded fleet of self-driving delivery robots under the banner REWE Lieferbot 2.0. The initiative follows a six-month pilot in Eimsbüttel last year, which tested both the technical feasibility and public response to the service.

The new phase is being deployed in Barmbek, where residents living near the REWE store on Holsteinischer Kamp can order groceries online through a dedicated app and receive deliveries to their doorstep. The compact, wheeled robots will operate Monday to Saturday between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m., serving an area of up to two kilometers around the store.

Each robot weighs around 35 kilograms, travels at walking speed, and can carry about 32 liters of groceries. They navigate sidewalks using a combination of 360-degree cameras, sensors, and artificial intelligence, stopping automatically when detecting pedestrians, cyclists, or obstacles. A single charge powers them for up to 18 hours, and according to REWE, the energy consumption for an average delivery is roughly equivalent to that needed to boil water for a cup of tea. Deliveries are typically completed within an hour of ordering, although some items — such as frozen foods, fresh meat, or alcohol — are excluded due to temperature and safety constraints.

The technology comes from Starship Technologies, an Estonian firm specializing in short-range delivery robots that are already in use in cities such as Milton Keynes, Tallinn, and Helsinki. All robots are TÜV-certified and monitored remotely by human operators to ensure safety and reliability.

Hamburg’s Senator for Economic Affairs, Labour and Innovation, Melanie Leonhard, described the project as a positive example of how cities can foster responsible innovation. She noted that Hamburg has become a testing ground for autonomous transport systems, from delivery robots to driverless buses.

REWE’s innovation manager, Dana Eisler, said that the second-generation rollout aims to make shopping more convenient while cutting traffic emissions and reducing reliance on car deliveries. She emphasized that automation can complement rather than replace existing logistics networks, offering a sustainable and efficient way to serve local customers.

With this pilot, REWE continues to build on its investment in digital retail and last-mile delivery. The company reported turnover of €31.6 billion in 2024 and employs more than 170,000 people nationwide. If the Barmbek rollout proves successful, similar autonomous delivery services could be introduced in other parts of Hamburg and across Germany.

Fact-checking confirms that the specifications and claims align with Starship Technologies’ existing operational data. The robots’ range, energy use, and safety certification are consistent with deployments elsewhere in Europe. While still in early stages, the initiative represents a meaningful shift toward cleaner, smaller-scale urban logistics that blend technology with environmental responsibility.

Source: REWE

Ten Climate Technologies Identified as Catalysts for a Healthier Planet

A new global report highlights ten technologies that could reshape how societies produce food, generate energy, manage water, and build cities in response to climate change. The study, published by the World Economic Forum in partnership with scientific publisher Frontiers, calls for rapid scaling of existing innovations that could help stabilize environmental systems and support sustainable growth.

The 10 Emerging Technology Solutions for Planetary Health report draws on expert research and data modelling to identify technologies that can both reduce emissions and strengthen ecosystems. The list includes carbon-storing concrete, precision fermentation for food production, and next-generation desalination for water-scarce regions.

According to the authors, these solutions already exist but remain underused due to financial, regulatory, and infrastructure hurdles. They argue that combining technology with political commitment and cross-sector cooperation could help address several of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

New Technologies, Old Challenges

Among the highlighted innovations is regenerative desalination, which uses renewable energy to turn seawater into drinking water with much lower energy consumption than traditional methods. Early pilot projects in Europe and North America suggest the approach could be vital for arid regions such as the Middle East.

Another promising field is modular geothermal power, designed to deliver constant renewable electricity using compact, factory-built units. Unlike wind or solar power, geothermal plants provide round-the-clock energy, offering stability to national grids.

In agriculture, soil health technologies—ranging from AI-based sensors to microbial soil treatments—aim to restore fertility and increase carbon storage. Meanwhile, methane capture systems are being developed to detect and convert leaks from farms and landfills, offering one of the fastest ways to slow global warming.

In construction, carbon-locking concrete could significantly lower emissions from the world’s most widely used building material by using recycled aggregates and trapping CO₂ permanently within the material.

Combining Innovation with Governance

The report stresses that technological progress alone will not deliver planetary stability. It points to the need for long-term investment, supportive policy, and open data-sharing among governments, industry, and academia. Without coordination, the authors warn, even the most promising technologies could stall at the pilot stage.

The analysis also shows how digital monitoring tools, such as advanced satellites and real-time Earth observation systems, are enabling faster detection of floods, droughts, and deforestation, improving disaster preparedness.

Jeremy Jurgens, Managing Director at the World Economic Forum, said the findings are meant to help global leaders “see what’s already within reach” and act decisively before environmental thresholds are crossed. Frederick Fenter, Chief Executive Editor at Frontiers, emphasized the importance of open scientific collaboration, describing innovation as a “collective exercise in planetary repair.”

A Broader Shift in Climate Strategy

The report’s release coincided with the Forum’s Annual Meeting of the Global Future Councils in Dubai, which gathered over 500 leaders to discuss how emerging technologies can be deployed responsibly. The authors note that these ten innovations, while diverse in scope, share a unifying goal: to replace extractive models with regenerative systems that benefit both people and planet.

The document serves as both a call to action and a roadmap—arguing that innovation, if scaled wisely, can still reverse some of the damage already done. The next phase, it concludes, depends not on invention but on the world’s willingness to act.

Source: WEF

HSF System Completes Multifunctional Hall and Office Building for TESLA KARLÍN in Prague

Construction company HSF System, a member of the PURPOSIA Group, has completed a new multifunctional hall and administrative building for TESLA KARLÍN, a.s. in Prague’s Hostivař district. The project, valued at around CZK 94 million, provides new storage, assembly, and office facilities to support the company’s operations.

The main structure is a single-storey industrial hall with a two-storey extension, designed to house assembly and logistics areas, as well as offices and staff facilities. The hall’s reinforced concrete frame and sandwich-panel façade combine durability with thermal efficiency. Grey-white cladding with blue accents reflects TESLA KARLÍN’s corporate identity, while glazed window strips on the north and south sides ensure natural lighting.

According to Tomáš Hess, Commercial Director of HSF System, the project demonstrates the company’s ongoing focus on functional and energy-efficient industrial buildings. “The modern design allows for flexibility and operational efficiency to meet the client’s long-term needs,” he said.

The project also included the installation of engineering networks, retention tanks, service roads, and paved areas within the Hostivař site. TESLA KARLÍN’s Vladimír Kurka, a member of the board of directors, noted that the new facilities would expand production and logistics capacity while providing better working conditions for employees.

In addition to the hall, HSF System delivered a three-storey administrative building with space for up to 77 employees. The building measures approximately 24.7 × 12.7 metres and offers a total usable area of 816 m². Interior layouts are designed for flexibility, featuring plasterboard and glass partitions that can be adapted for different tenants. The structure incorporates external insulation and strip windows with opening and tilting sashes to improve light and ventilation.

The project reinforces HSF System’s role as a consistent contractor in industrial and administrative developments across the Czech Republic, combining technical precision with adaptable design for long-term use.

Police Target Rising Cases of Forced Labour with New National Awareness Drive

Czech authorities are stepping up efforts to address a growing number of cases involving forced labour and human exploitation. Investigators from the National Headquarters Against Organized Crime (NCOZ) report that both foreign workers and vulnerable Czech citizens are increasingly being drawn into exploitative work arrangements resembling modern slavery.

According to senior officials, offenders often avoid direct violence, instead maintaining control through debt, withheld wages, or the confiscation of personal documents. Many victims live in employer-provided accommodation and depend entirely on their exploiters for food and basic needs. Such dependency, combined with a lack of awareness of rights, makes it difficult for victims to seek help.

The problem is particularly visible in construction, agriculture, cleaning services, and domestic work, where informal recruitment agencies and intermediaries operate in low-regulation environments. Victims are frequently promised legal employment but end up working long hours for little or no pay. Some are citizens living in poverty, while others are foreign workers from Ukraine, Romania, or Bulgaria who are deceived or pressured into illegal arrangements after arrival.

Police statistics record only a few dozen confirmed cases each year, but investigators believe the true scale is much larger. Each major investigation typically involves several perpetrators and dozens of victims. Experts say that while the Czech Republic’s laws prohibit human trafficking and forced labour, enforcement remains difficult because many victims are afraid to report abuse or do not recognize themselves as being exploited.

To increase awareness, the NCOZ has launched a new information campaign titled “Work in Chains.” The initiative aims to help the public and potential victims identify signs of forced labour and know where to seek assistance. Educational videos, produced in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior and the NGO La Strada Czech Republic, are available in several languages including Czech, English, Ukrainian, Romanian, Bulgarian, and Russian.

La Strada will act as a partner organization, offering confidential support and a 24-hour helpline for victims. The campaign also includes training for police officers, social workers, and municipal staff to better recognize cases of labour exploitation during inspections and routine contact with the public.

Czechia remains both a destination and transit country for exploited labour. International studies, including the Global Slavery Index, estimate that tens of thousands of people in the country may be working under coercive or exploitative conditions. The Council of Europe’s GRETA monitoring body has urged stronger prevention and better victim identification, noting that most detected cases involve foreign nationals in low-wage sectors.

NCOZ Director Jiří Mazánek said that the campaign’s purpose is not only to inform but also to build trust. Many victims, particularly from abroad, hesitate to approach the police due to experiences of corruption or indifference in their home countries. “We want to show people that they can turn to Czech officials directly and receive help without fear,” he said.

The police emphasize that forced labour does not always involve physical abuse. It often hides behind everyday workplaces—on construction sites, in kitchens, or in private homes—where people may appear to work voluntarily but in reality have no freedom to leave. Through its new campaign, law enforcement hopes to make those invisible forms of exploitation visible.

Essen Office Market Faces Slowdown as Leasing Volumes Fall Below Average

Essen’s office property market continued to show subdued activity through the third quarter of 2025, with leasing momentum easing after a stronger start to the year. Total take-up by the end of September reached roughly 45,000 square metres, marking a decline compared to the same period last year and falling well below the city’s long-term average, according to market research from BNP Paribas Real Estate and corroborated by analysts at JLL and Colliers.

The slowdown is largely due to a lack of medium-sized transactions, traditionally a key driver of the market. While smaller leases under 500 square metres and a few large-scale lettings have helped sustain activity, the absence of deals in the 2,000–5,000 square metre range has weighed heavily on overall results. The City of Essen itself accounted for several of the largest agreements this year, including a notable 13,000-square-metre lease in the Weststadt district — the most active submarket to date.

Average rents have continued to edge upward despite weaker leasing volumes, reflecting the limited availability of modern, high-quality space. Prime rents currently stand just below €19 per square metre, with the Southern Quarter achieving the highest rates. Average rents across the city are reported to have climbed toward €15 per square metre, supported by rising fit-out standards and a shortage of new completions.

Public institutions remain a dominant source of demand, representing about half of total leasing activity so far this year — significantly above long-term averages. The private services sector follows, though with fewer large commitments than in previous years.

Vacancy across the Essen office market has risen modestly, now estimated at around 8%, though availability of modern, ESG-compliant offices remains limited. Only a small share of the existing vacant stock meets current standards, while ongoing projects under construction are already largely pre-let. New development activity has declined sharply, with construction pipelines down by more than a third year-on-year.

Market observers expect a mild improvement in the final quarter, encouraged by stabilising sentiment in the wider German economy. However, the full-year leasing total is unlikely to reach last year’s levels unless several large transactions are concluded before December.

Despite short-term headwinds, analysts suggest Essen’s fundamentals remain intact. The city’s transformation from a traditional industrial hub to a diversified service and administrative centre continues, supported by steady public-sector demand and gradual modernisation of its office stock.

Corruption and Financial Crime Still Among the Main Challenges for Czech Law Enforcement

Corruption remains one of the most persistent forms of organized crime in the Czech Republic, with investigations continuing to focus on the misuse of public funds, manipulation of contracts, and financial misconduct within state institutions and the private sector. According to the latest findings from the National Headquarters Against Organized Crime (NCOZ), economic and corruption-related offences once again represented the majority of serious cases handled last year.

The NCOZ’s newly released annual report shows a continued rise in complex investigations, particularly those involving tax and customs fraud, international financial networks, and investment scams. In 2024, the unit opened dozens of new cases and referred more than fifty for prosecution. Over one hundred of its ongoing investigations were classified as economic or corruption-related, reflecting a steady trend from previous years.

Officials noted that corruption remains especially entrenched in sectors linked to large public budgets—such as construction, healthcare, and information technology—where public tenders and procurement processes are often vulnerable to manipulation. In some regional administrations, NCOZ investigators say they repeatedly uncover similar offences every few years, suggesting that preventive measures have not been fully effective.

The report also highlights the growing sophistication of criminal activity. Organized networks now frequently combine corruption with financial or cyber elements, using complex ownership structures, shell companies, and digital channels to obscure money flows. Investigators say that international cooperation has become increasingly necessary, as many schemes cross borders through intermediaries and offshore accounts.

Although the Czech Republic does not stand out in Europe for the overall level of corruption, the persistence of such offences underscores structural weaknesses in oversight and public accountability. Data from Transparency International’s most recent corruption perception index place the country mid-table within the European Union, with only modest progress in recent years.

Meanwhile, NCOZ investigators secured billions of crowns in seized assets last year, a record figure for the unit. Yet experts caution that the volume of recovered funds still covers less than half of the total losses caused by economic crime. Officials admit that while enforcement capacity has improved, systemic prevention and transparency reforms remain essential to reduce opportunities for graft.

Real estate transactions and property ownership were not listed as a separate crime category in the 2024 report, though officials note that property assets frequently appear in corruption and money-laundering cases. In particular, real estate is often used to conceal or reinvest illicit profits rather than as the direct focus of fraud itself.

Overall, the NCOZ’s work reflects a growing emphasis on tracing financial flows and uncovering the networks that link corrupt public contracts to private enrichment. As one senior officer summarized, the forms of crime may evolve, but the underlying motives — profit, influence, and access to public resources — remain much the same.

CEVA Logistics Expands Digital Capabilities with Manhattan Cloud Systems

CEVA Logistics has started a phased global rollout of Manhattan Associates’ warehouse and order management software as part of its plan to modernize contract logistics operations. The initiative will introduce Manhattan Active® Warehouse Management (WMS) and Order Management (OMS) systems into CEVA’s technology ecosystem, which currently supports around 800 sites and 11 million square metres of warehouse space worldwide, including in Poland.

The project marks the next stage in CEVA’s broader innovation programme, focused on automation, artificial intelligence, and data-driven process efficiency. The Manhattan tools will be integrated with CEVA Matrix®, the company’s in-house warehouse management platform, creating a unified structure that allows logistics operations to be scaled or adapted more quickly for individual customers.

According to Chris Walton, Senior Vice President for Global Contract Logistics at CEVA, the company’s strategy is to enhance flexibility and operational responsiveness through technology. He said the use of connected systems such as wearables, robotics, and AI-based analytics is expected to increase productivity and improve customer visibility into warehouse performance.

The new software, built on a cloud-native SaaS platform, offers continuous uptime and is designed to handle large transaction volumes across multiple regions. It will support faster onboarding of new clients and the setup of additional facilities while maintaining service continuity. Customers will also gain access to detailed performance dashboards through CEVA’s MyCEVA portal.

The initial implementation will take place at selected sites in North America and Europe, followed by a gradual expansion to other global markets. Once complete, the Manhattan platform will operate in more than half of CEVA’s contract logistics facilities, with the rest continuing to use CEVA Matrix®.

Eric Clark, Chief Executive Officer of Manhattan Associates, said both companies share a focus on using technology to improve customer outcomes. He noted that the collaboration is intended to provide CEVA with a resilient foundation for responding to market shifts and managing supply chain disruptions more effectively.

The deployment of Manhattan’s cloud solutions forms part of CEVA’s longer-term digital transformation programme, which aims to streamline global logistics operations and prepare the company for the next phase of growth in contract logistics.

New Chapter for Bratislava Skyline: Ister Tower Project Moves Forward

Bratislava’s evolving downtown district is preparing for another major addition to its skyline as the Ister Tower development receives final approval for construction. The project, positioned on Landererova Street near the city’s modern riverfront, has cleared its last administrative hurdle after years of preparation and review. The newly granted building permit allows work to start once the decision becomes legally effective, provided construction begins within two years of that date.

Developed by The Galata Group with financial backing from DRFG Investment Group, the complex is expected to break ground soon. Both parties have indicated that planning for the initial construction phase is already under way, signaling that visible progress could come in the near term.

The design calls for a tall central tower supported by two smaller residential buildings, forming a unified ensemble intended to reflect contemporary urban living. The main tower is expected to rise around one hundred meters, positioning it among the tallest residential structures in Slovakia. Across the development, approximately five hundred apartments will be built, ranging from compact one-bedroom units to larger duplexes and penthouses. Many of these will feature private terraces, rooftop gardens, and landscaped green courtyards designed to soften the project’s vertical profile and bring natural elements into the urban setting.

Residents will have access to shared facilities such as wellness and fitness areas, private lounges, and underground parking, while the ground level will host retail and leisure spaces to create an active streetscape. The project aims to combine comfort and exclusivity with easy access to the city center, aligning with the broader transformation of Bratislava’s new downtown into a high-density, mixed-use neighborhood.

The idea for Ister Tower first surfaced several years ago, completing environmental assessments in 2019 and receiving zoning consent in 2022. With the construction permit now in place, the development is positioned to become a new benchmark for residential high-rises in the city. If construction begins as anticipated, the project could soon join Eurovea Tower and Klingerka as part of the defining skyline of a capital that is increasingly looking upward.

Historic Szombierki Power Plant in Bytom to Undergo €115 Million Revitalisation with EU Support

The long-abandoned Szombierki Heat and Power Plant in Bytom, one of Upper Silesia’s most iconic industrial monuments, is set to be transformed into a major cultural, leisure, and business complex. The project, led by Arche S.A., has been awarded EU funding under the Just Transition Fund and will breathe new life into the century-old site while preserving its historic character.

According to official data from the Silesian Voivodeship and Bytom City Hall, the total investment value is estimated at PLN 505 million, of which approximately PLN 84 million (€19 million) will be financed through EU grants. The funds come from the programme Fundusze Europejskie dla Śląskiego 2021–2027, designed to support post-industrial regions transitioning away from coal-based economies.

The project will convert the former power plant — which ceased operation in 2011 — into a multi-functional destination for sport, recreation, hospitality, and cultural events. Plans include a pool complex, squash and badminton courts, an outdoor gym, and accessible facilities for people with disabilities. The wider complex will feature a 200-room hotel, gastronomic and retail zones, a conference and exhibition centre, and flexible spaces for concerts, fairs, and business meetings.

Local authorities say the redevelopment will create at least 150 new jobs within the complex and additional employment in supporting services such as hospitality, logistics, and crafts. “The revitalisation of Szombierki will not only preserve one of Upper Silesia’s architectural landmarks but also open new opportunities for sustainable tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange,” said Bytom Mayor Mariusz Wołosz when announcing the EU grant.

Developer Arche S.A., known for repurposing historic sites across Poland, confirmed that the project will combine heritage conservation with modern, energy-efficient design principles. The company’s EU funding disclosure states that the redevelopment will include environmental and digital innovation measures, such as improved energy efficiency, re-use of materials, and the application of smart management technologies. The architectural concept was prepared by Bulak Studio.

A dedicated sub-project titled “Creation of Public Sports and Recreation Infrastructure as Part of the Revitalisation of the Szombierki Power Plant Complex in Bytom” received a separate EU grant of PLN 46.4 million, according to Arche’s official EU project register.

While the EU funding decision confirms the project’s selection for support, Arche S.A. notes that the formal financing agreement is still being finalised before disbursement begins. Construction works are expected to start following the signing, with phased implementation over the next several years.

The revitalisation is expected to position the Szombierki complex as a new landmark for Upper Silesia, combining industrial heritage, sustainable redevelopment, and community-focused facilities.

Last Apartments and Penthouses Now Available at Radimova Residence in Prague 6

The final phase of sales is underway at Radimova Residence, a residential development by Geosan Development located in Prague 6–Břevnov. The project, known for its architectural quality and panoramic views across the city including Prague Castle, now offers only a few remaining properties — two penthouses and one large apartment.

“We designed the penthouses at Rezidence Radimova for clients seeking generous living spaces with lasting design and quality craftsmanship,” said Eliška Koderová, Head of Sales at Geosan Development. “They have drawn interest particularly from families looking for functional and refined urban homes.”

The two remaining penthouses, Elegant and Majesty, each feature distinct layouts. Penthouse Elegant includes five rooms, three bedrooms, a study, three bathrooms, and a loggia connected to a terrace accessible from all main rooms. Penthouse Majesty is designed around a large outdoor terrace suitable for a pergola, jacuzzi, and garden area, offering extensive views over Prague’s historic centre. Both units include underfloor heating, air conditioning, heat recovery systems, outdoor blinds, and connections to winter gardens or terraces. Each comes with two parking spaces and a storage unit.

One additional luxury apartment, finished and ready for immediate move-in, is also part of the offer. It features multi-layer oak flooring, large-format Taj Mahal stone in the bathrooms, and Laufen sanitary fittings. The apartment was showcased at this year’s LeadingRE Global Symposium in Prague as an example of high-quality urban living.

Geosan Development provides buyers with optional financing and interior design services through selected partners. “This allows clients to adapt their homes to their preferences from the very beginning,” Koderová noted.

Located in Prague 6 – Břevnov, the Radimova Residence benefits from a quiet residential setting combined with full urban amenities. Nearby parks such as Kajetánka and Ladronka, as well as schools, shops, and sports facilities, contribute to the area’s appeal. The city centre and Ruzyně Airport are both easily accessible.

“Radimova Residence stands out for its location and scale,” added Koderová. “Apartments of this size with panoramic city views are rare in Prague, making this a limited opportunity within the premium segment.”

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