Mobility & Automation

where new ideas take flight

Schaffhausen's mobility and automation ecosystem encompasses a broad range firms, all developing core and applied technologies. In addition, Schaffhausen offers infrastructure and networks intended to facilitate the testing and application of new tech - including autonomous vehicles, drones and UAVs, and smart farming applications.

Drone and UAV testing on Schmerlat Airfield

The local non-commercial airfield "Schmerlat" offers the opportunity to test UAVs in natural environmental conditions. Located in the Klettgau region approximately 10 minutes from the city of Schaffhausen, Schmerlat offers a safe and low-traffic test area with a variety of weather conditions. Additional protocols, such as drone deployment over water and in forests, can be evaluated and approved on a case-by-case basis.

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A major advantage of Switzerland for innovators in mobility is the close connection with regional and federal authorities. The Economic Promotion of the Canton of Schaffhausen can help you connect with the Swiss Federal Office of Aviation to discuss your test case or project.

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Swiss Transit Lab: Network and platform for autonomous vehicles

The Swiss Transit Lab (STL) is a nonprofit network for intelligent mobility in Switzerland. STL was founded by private companies and the Schaffhausen public transportation authorities in 2017. The organization aims to bring together diverse stakeholders to research, test, and implement smart mobility technologies. STL provides network development and project management services. Since its inception, STL has led three pilot projects in Canton Schaffhausen and anticipates a fourth in Canton Zurich. Two of these (Line 12 and Line 13) involved the first autonomous vehicles on a Swiss public road, integrating self-driving buses into Schaffhausen's existing public transit lines.


Swiss Transit Lab has been supported by the Canton of Schaffhausen and the federal New Regional Policy (NRP).

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AgTech: Mobility in the field

Schaffhausen's agricultural sector has historically been strong, especially in viticulture. Much like the canton's industrial sector, agriculture in Schaffhausen has embraced a digital transformation. Major industry players AGCO and GVS Agrar support the Swiss Future Farm, which provides opportunities to test and evaluate field robots and software. Federal entity Agroscope and industry advisory center AGRIDEA lead the Experimental Station for Smart Technologies in Agriculture in Schaffhausen.

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As a "One-Stop-Shop", we are the central point of contact for smart mobility projects in Schaffhausen.

Robin Sticher

Your contact

There's more

Schaffhausen is the European Champion with the Fastest Fiber Optic Network

By Gina Ochsner • July 18, 2024
With 2.5 gigabits per second, Schaffhausen's cable network operator sasag Kabelkommunikation AG sets new standards in comprehensive internet supply across Europe. Both businesses and private users benefit from this technological advancement.

Swiss Transit Lab: One year of automated driving on line 13 in Schaffhausen

By Gina Ochsner • June 7, 2024
Swiss Transit Lab Line 13 has been in operation in the city of Schaffhausen since April 2023. The STL Line 13 has not only attracted the attention of Schaffhausen residents, but has also attracted international attention. This is because the self-driving bus “Ryder” is revolutionizing automated driving.

New viticulture innovation base "Stokarberg"

By Gina Ochsner • July 20, 2023
The new Stokarberg innovation centre in Schaffhausen has opened. Together with GVS Schachenmann AG, the tenant and manager of the site is gaining new experience in viticulture through the use of new smart farming technologies. With this innovation base, the canton of Schaffhausen is triumphing in the field of smart farming.

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