Emerson’s next-generation of industrial PCs for AI-enabled automation
New PACSystems IPCs combine latest generation of industrial-rated processors with optimised cooling and pre-loaded software to simplify advanced computing and integration. Emerson has the PACSystems IPC 6010, IPC 7010, and IPC 8010 industrial computing platforms. This new line expands Emerson’s family of high-performance industrial personal computer (IPC) models for demanding […]
Supercharging battery manufacturing in Australia
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has opened the $500 million Battery Breakthrough Initiative (BBI) to support and grow battery manufacturing in Australia. BBI will provide clean energy manufacturing opportunities for Australia’s workforce and allow Australia to leverage its expertise in battery energy storage. ARENA CEO Darren Miller said batteries […]
AI meets rugged reliability
Getac Technology Corporation (Getac), a leading provider of rugged computing and mobile video solutions and a manufacturer with advanced in-house capabilities, has announced the launch of two highly versatile new field devices: the F120, the world’s first fully rugged Copilot+ PC in a tablet form factor; and the V120, an AI-ready fully […]
From riverbeds to flood zones: new sonar tech puts Australia on the map
An Australian designed and built sonar sensor capable of operating in shallow water and coastal environments has been developed by Macquarie and University of Wollongong researchers. The Smart sonar and accessible hydrography project has progressed the local manufacturing of state-of-the-art transducers for high-sensitivity sonar systems, proving Australia need not rely so heavily […]
Deakin REACH and Samsara Eco unite to transform textile recycling with world-leading enzyme technology
Australia’s war on waste has a powerful new ally, Deakin University’s Recycling and Clean Energy Commercialisation Hub (REACH). REACH has joined forces with Samsara Eco to fast-track world-first technology that could recycle plastics and textiles, previously considered unrecyclable, that would take centuries to eliminate from the environment. Textile waste is one of […]
Australia’s competitiveness hits 13-year high
Australia rose to 13th from 19th place out of 67 nations for competitiveness, according to the Swiss-based IMD World Competitiveness Yearbook 2024. It was Australia’s highest ranking in 13 years. The improved ranking is the result of Australia’s stronger business and government investment, population growth and budget positions. Australia’s stable […]
After the Idea: What It Really Takes to Create and Scale a Startup
by Julia Austin Entrepreneurship expert Julia Austin shares battle-tested strategies to help founders and startup joiners build their venture from the ground up in this masterclass in intentional entrepreneurship. So you want to start a company. Or you were crazy enough to join a startup. You had a great idea, […]
Tapway expands into Indonesia
Tapway Sdn. Bhd., an emerging Vision AI platform developer, has announced the appointment of three prominent Indonesian companies — PT Innovation Cloud Services (ICS Compute), PT Metrodata Electronics, Tbk (Metrodata), and PT Syspex Multitech — as its official channel partners. The appointments were formalized through the signing of Memoranda of […]
A global treaty to limit plastic pollution is within reach
Winnie Courtene-Jones, Lecturer in Marine Pollution, Bangor University. Representatives from 175 countries will gather in Geneva, Switzerland, in August for the final round of negotiations on a legally binding UN treaty to end plastic pollution. Non-governmental organisations, academics and industry lobbyists will also be in the room. They will all […]
BLT’s 2024 ESG Highlights: Advancing Low-Carbon Manufacturing with Additive Innovation
As ESG principles continue to reshape the global manufacturing landscape, Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) stands out as a long-time practitioner of sustainable innovation. In its newly released 2024 ESG Highlights, BLT details the progress it has made in integrating environmental responsibility, social impact, and strong governance across its operations. From […]
The Genius Myth: A Curious History of a Dangerous Idea
Unsettling, amusing, and prescient; a much-needed audit of a consuming idea. This is a study of how the measurement and indulgence of “genius” has changed over time. Over the past couple of centuries, the boundaries of genius have been used to justify eugenics, consolidate power, and excuse eccentric and even […]
Powering remanufacturing with AI
Companies are accelerating remanufacturing as a way to mitigate supply chain shortages, reach new customers through affordability, and implement high-margin alternatives for parts. However, those looking to build or optimise their remanufacturing operations face unique challenges, such as pricing a long tail of SKUs and undertaking accurate core forecasting—that is, predicting […]
SMB manufacturers are cutting costs without cutting corners
Andrew Mamonitis, Vice President – APAC, Manufacturing Division, ECI Solutions In today’s volatile business landscape, small and mid-sized manufacturers (SMBs) are navigating a minefield of cost pressures. Inflation may be easing, however supply chains remain erratic, and the modern workforce demands greater flexibility. Many SMBs, desperate to stay afloat, are tempted by aggressive cost-cutting. Yet experts warn blunt force cuts can do more harm than good. For many SMBs, the question isn’t whether to modernise operations – but how fast. Leading SMBs are adopting modern precision strategies – leveraging real-time data, automation, and smarter planning tools – to trim waste without jeopardising growth. Eight key strategies they are embracing are: Making data-driven decisions: Modern enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems have transformed how SMBs uncover inefficiencies. With integrated analytics, businesses can now detect underperforming products, costly customers, and process bottlenecks that erode profits. Consider the case of a building supply firm. By analysing inventory data, they discovered specialty mouldings (long considered essential), were costly and slow-moving. By shifting these to a special-order model and doubling down on core items, they cut inventory costs while improving customer satisfaction. Inventory as a Strategic Asset: Many manufacturers still treat inventory as a necessary evil, overstocking to avoid shortages or running lean to conserve cash. But modern inventory management systems offer a better path. With AI-powered forecasting and unified inventory views, companies can optimise stock across multiple locations. One distributor, plagued by stockouts in one warehouse and excess in another, solved the issue by synchronising inventory across five sites. The result was lower overall stock levels and higher availability. Production planning that plays in harmony: Inefficient production planning is among the costliest problems for SMBs. A reactive approach (scrambling to meet yesterday’s demand) leads to overtime, delays, and wasted resources. A homebuilder suffering from poor […]