AURO stands for Autonomous Ropeway Operation. In the case of the new 10-passenger gondola lift in Zermatt (CHE), both the bottom and top stations are unmanned – while one ropeway operative in the intermediate station has a full overview of the installation. This installation is cutting edge and impresses with intelligent integrated technology as well as the highest levels of safety. AURO is pointing the way for the future of rope-propelled mobility.

Both the operating company, Zermatt Bergbahnen, and Doppelmayr/Garaventa were delighted to see the opening of the first AURO ropeway. The new Kumme 10-passenger gondola lift boasts plenty of special features and technical highlights. Three stations, the 3,192 m line and the 56 cabins are equipped with the very latest ropeway technology from Doppelmayr/Garaventa. What is exceptional about this installation: It is operated by just one person. Both the bottom and top stations are unmanned. The Ropeway Operation Center (ROC) is located in the intermediate station. From here, one ropeway operative has an overview of the complete installation at all times via CCTV in all the stations. Most fault elimination can be performed from this point. If necessary, another ropeway operative, who acts as a stand-in and performs a wide range of tasks in the ski resort, can be rapidly deployed.

Information banners above the station platforms indicate, among other things, autonomous operation. An emergency stop button and an intercom system for passengers are installed at each platform gate to enable direct communication with the ropeway operative in the ROC, should the need arise.

Cabin boarding is barrier-free as the geometry of the cabin steps on the 56 OMEGA V carriers is designed for level walk-in from the platform. For enhanced comfort when boarding, passengers simply take their skis with them into the spacious cabins and stow them in the TWISTIN ski rack system embedded in the cabin floor.

Thanks to the new gondola lift and the installation of new snowmaking equipment, Zermatt Bergbahnen are looking forward to a massive upgrade of the entire winter sports resort in terms of transport and ski trail quality.

“The first weeks since the opening of this engineering masterstroke and the positive development of the frequencies have proven the massive upgrade of the ski resort below the Rothorn. We are confident that this ropeway project will pave the way for technical innovation above and beyond the Zermatt destination,” says Markus Hasler, CEO of Zermatt Bergbahnen AG.

Unmanned operation is the hallmark of AURO ropeways from Doppelmayr/Garaventa. They are cutting edge and impress with intelligent integrated technology as well as the highest safety levels. Cameras and sensors monitor the installation – particularly cabin loading and unloading. The system independently identifies situations that deviate from “normal operation”.

If, for instance, a passenger’s ski boot becomes caught in the cabin door, the system reacts immediately and the installation automatically shuts down. It is restarted by a ropeway operative who has an overview of operations from the Ropeway Operation Center (ROC). The perfect synergy of human and cutting-edge technology results in high availability for AURO ropeways.

Autonomous ropeways are pointing the way for the future of rope-propelled mobility. AURO installations bring passengers safely, reliably and autonomously to their destinations in tourist regions or in cities.