Mantis Ropeway Technologies
Category: Computer Vision
An ETH Zurich spin-off developing AI-driven computer vision systems for the automation and safety of ropeway transport systems, including chairlifts and cable cars. Mantis Ropeway Technologies was founded in 2022. The company is led by Joël Bachmann. Based in Rotkreuz, Switzerland. Team size: 11-50. Total funding raised: Undisclosed. Latest round: Seed. Key investors include ETH Zurich, jFund, Venture Kick.
- Founded
- 2022
- Headquarters
- Rotkreuz, Switzerland
- Team size
- 11-50
- Total funding
- Undisclosed
Value proposition
Enhances operational safety and efficiency by using AI to automate the monitoring of boarding and deboarding areas, reducing the need for manual supervision and enabling autonomous lift operations.
Products and solutions
MANTIS AUTONOMY (Autonomous chairlift control and monitoring), MANTIS SAFETY (AI-based visual danger detection for passenger transport), MANTIS ANALYTICS (Data insights on passenger flow and lift utilization), Urban & Material Transport Solutions (Adapted AI monitoring for non-tourism ropeways)
Unique value
The first AI system to achieve the reliability required for autonomous chairlift operations, effectively replacing or augmenting human 'eyes' in high-risk boarding zones.
Target customer
Ski resort operators, mountain lift companies, urban cable car authorities, and industrial material transport providers.
Industries served
Mountain Tourism & Ski Resorts, Urban Public Transportation, Industrial Logistics (Material Ropeways), Smart Infrastructure
Technology advantage
Leverages proprietary deep learning models optimized for harsh alpine environments (snow, glare, and heavy clothing) and integrates directly into existing ropeway control systems for real-time emergency braking.
How they differentiate
Mantis differentiates through a hardware-agnostic, AI-driven computer vision system that can be retrofitted to existing ropeways. Unlike manufacturer-specific solutions (like AURO), Mantis focuses specifically on 'visual danger detection' using deep learning to replace or assist human supervisors in boarding areas.
Main competitors
Doppelmayr (AURO - Autonomous Ropeway Operation), Leitner-Poma (Skadii / i-Line), Sunkid (Safety Systems)
Key partnerships
ETH Zurich (Research and IP foundation), Zermatt Bergbahnen (Early adopter and pilot partner), Engadin St. Moritz (Implementation partner), Seilbahnen Schweiz / Swiss Cableways Association, jFund (Seed investor)
Notable customers
Zermatt Bergbahnen, Engadin St. Moritz Mountains, Arosa Lenzerheide, Davos Klosters Bergbahnen
Major milestones
Winner of the Swiss Mountain Award 2025 for 'MANTIS AUTONOMY', Successful deployment of the first autonomous chairlift monitoring system in Zermatt, Expansion of product portfolio to include MANTIS ANALYTICS and Urban Transport solutions in 2024, Official ETH Zurich Spin-off designation
Growth metrics
Transitioned from R&D to commercial deployment in 2023; currently operating in multiple Tier-1 Swiss ski resorts.
Market positioning
Specialized AI-safety and autonomy provider for the global ropeway and mountain tourism industry.
Geographic focus
Primary focus on the DACH region (Switzerland, Austria, Germany), with active expansion into France, Italy, and North America.
Patents and IP
Proprietary computer vision algorithms and hardware-software integration protocols (IP managed as an ETH Zurich spin-off).
About Joël Bachmann
Co-founder and CEO of Mantis Ropeway Technologies; previously a Project Manager at ETH juniors (2019-2021); holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from ETH Zurich.
Official website: https://mantisropewaytechnologies.com/