Developments

Robotic bird helps uncover the mysteries of flight turbulence

A live kestrel and it’s robotic counterpart. A bio-inspired robotic bird capable of mimicking the key movements of kestrels is helping researchers unravel the mysteries behind the species’ exceptional hovering capabilities. With atmospheric turbulence expected to worsen due to climate change, understanding how birds naturally cope with rough air could help engineers design small unmanned aerial vehicles (sUAVs) that are safer, more efficient and fly more smoothly. sUAVs are commonly used for applications including aerial photography, search and rescue, agricultural monitoring and package delivery but are often grounded in turbulent conditions. The research, published across two papers in the Journal of the Royal Society Interface, is part of a multi-year collaboration between RMIT University and the University of Bristol, and has delivered significant outcomes in the field of bio-inspired flight and turbulence mitigation. Learning from the best Among the most stable fliers in the avian world is the nankeen kestrel, whose movements in gusty and turbulent conditions were tracked by researchers using motion capture technology in RMIT’s Industrial Wind Tunnel facility – one of the largest of its kind in Australia. RMIT researcher Matt Penn, who led part of the research into how birds handle turbulence, said birds have a range of strategies for enduring rough air, allowing them to fly in complex conditions that would typically ground sUAVs. “Birds don’t rely on a single response to wind gusts,” he said. “They constantly adjust their wings and tails to stay balanced, while the natural flexibility of their feathers and joints helps absorb sudden changes in airflow. They can also sense disruptions very quickly, which allows them to respond almost instantly and maintain control.” The robotic replica A robotic replica capable of imitating the movements most crucial to kestrels’ remarkably stable flight, has enabled further investigation into the subtle wing and body […]

AI startups drive manufacturing transformation with automation and sustainability solutions

The global manufacturing sector is undergoing rapid transformation with artificial intelligence (AI) driving factory automation across the value chain, including product development, operations, process optimisation, and quality control. AI-focused startups are leading this shift with technologies such as AI-powered collaborative robots (cobots), real-time production simulations, generative design, predictive analytics, and intelligent systems. These innovations boost efficiency, flexibility, and precision while advancing sustainability goals across the manufacturing industry. “AI in Manufacturing: Startups Driving Factory 4.0,” spotlights the key startups transforming the sector, highlighting how their AI-powered solutions are driving smart factory innovations, reducing downtime, and enhancing productivity and precision across the entire value chain. Tejal Hartalkar, Senior Disruptive Tech Analyst says “As AI-driven innovations continue to evolve, the manufacturing sector is assured to benefit from enhanced production, reduced waste, and more sustainable production practices. Startup-led innovations are not only streamlining manufacturing processes but also improving operational decision-making with AI-powered insights. “By reducing turnaround time, ensuring quality control, and accelerating design processes, startups are creating the foundation for smarter and more effective factories.” The innovative technologies from startups in the AI manufacturing space are reshaping the traditional production environment. Some of the key startups offering AI-driven solutions across various aspects of the production environment include: Product development Vention, a Canadian startup, offers a cloud-based manufacturing automation platform that allows users to design, automate, and deploy factory equipment within a single environment. Its platform integrates AI-powered 3D machine builder software, enabling engineers to design and assemble custom equipment. Cognitive Design Systems, a French startup, is engaged in the development of an AI-powered platform that offers 3D modeling and numerical simulation to form, sketch, structure, plan, conceptualize, and create. Operations Bright Machines, a US-based startup, specialises in modular, software-defined micro-factories that combine robotics, computer vision, and machine learning (ML) to automate assembly and inspection […]

Computational “time machine” shows solar and wind on track for 2°C target but not for 1.5°C

Wind and solar power have grown faster than almost anyone predicted but projecting their future expansion remains surprisingly difficult. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden, have developed what they call a computational “time machine” – a model that outperforms existing projection methods by using AI techniques to analyse historical growth patterns across countries. Their central projection shows that onshore wind is likely to supply around 25 per cent of global electricity by 2050, with solar reaching about 20 per cent. This is consistent with the 2°C target, but falls short of what is required for 1.5°C. Predicting the future is particularly challenging for technologies like wind and solar, where rapid cost declines are offset by growing barriers such as public opposition, infrastructure constraints and policy shifts. “Existing models are very good at identifying what needs to happen to reach climate targets, but they can’t tell us which developments are most likely. That’s the gap we wanted to fill”, says Jessica Jewell, Professor at Chalmers University of Technology. Across more than 200 countries, the researchers identified a recurring pattern in how wind and solar power grow: long periods of relatively steady expansion punctuated by sudden growth spurts often triggered by policy shifts. “Most models assume a smooth S-shaped growth curve, but that’s not how it actually looks in the real world. Growth often comes in bursts, and if you ignore that, you can misjudge how fast technologies will expand,” says Avi Jakhmola, PhD Student at Chalmers University of Technology and first author of the paper published in Nature Energy. 13,000 virtual worlds for the future So, with the goal of improving the predictions, Jakhmola created a model built on 13,000 virtual worlds. In each of these worlds, solar and wind power develop in different ways – from the fastest possible expansion to the […]

Quanta Computer selects Siemens Xcelerator to advance manufacturing innovation

Image courtesy of Quanta Computer Quanta Computer Inc., a global leader in consumer electronics OEM/ODM manufacturing, is using the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio of industry software to advance its global digital transformation to shorten development cycles and enhance responsiveness to market demand. The initiative establishes an integrated, collaborative environment that connects product design with manufacturing execution, enabling greater speed, consistency and scalability across operations. Amid intensifying global competition and increasing product complexity, Quanta Computer is accelerating its transformation. As a strategic technology provider, Siemens supports Quanta in building a unified digital thread across its research & development centers and distributed manufacturing network. This end-to-end connectivity is expected to significantly improve operational efficiency, with projected reductions of 20 to 25 percent in NPI timelines, helping teams collaborate on one digital twin so decisions move earlier, and scaling across factory operations become more predictable. “In a fast-evolving market, optimising our global operational footprint is critical. Siemens has the toolset that will allow us to achieve our ambitious goals,” said Terrisa Chung, Vice President, Quanta Computer. “Siemens brings deep expertise in high-tech electronics and a comprehensive software portfolio that supports our key objectives – from reducing commissioning time to improving data accuracy and cross-site collaboration. “Quanta Computer’s adoption of Siemens Xcelerator underscores the value of a connected digital thread in bringing together complex engineering and manufacturing data,” said Bas Kuper, senior vice president and managing director for Asia Pacific, Siemens Digital Industries Software. “By enabling greater transparency, traceability and collaboration, we are helping Quanta scale global operations with increased agility and precision.” Image courtesy of Quanta Computer To achieve these results, Quanta Computer is adopting an integrated suite of Siemens’ software, including: Application and product lifecycle management: With the adoption of Siemens’ Polarion™ for software application lifecycle management (ALM) […]

Making digital leaps with ISO STEP standards

Industry collaboration between Sandvik Coromant and partners helps accelerate digital manufacturing Sandvik Coromant has participated in a successful research project for the Standard for the Exchange of Product (STEP) data. Together with GKN Aerospace Engine Systems, Chalmers University of Technology and Fraunhofer Chalmers Research Centre for Industrial Mathematics, the working group has developed a collaboration environment and applied it for the maintenance and repair operations (MRO) process for complex metal parts. The results demonstrate how ISO standards for digital manufacturing offer a foundation for interoperable, model-based data exchange and execution across the entire repair value chain. Repairing a damaged turbine blade is almost always a unique situation. No two damages are alike, tolerances are extremely tight and the work requires specialist knowledge across multiple domains. Traditionally, images, PDFs, screenshots and native CAD/CAM files need to be shared back and forth between companies and software systems to enable repairs – a time-consuming process that increases the risk of errors. Through the Dig4ReMan project, funded by Vinnova and the Advanced Digitalization program, the team applied STEP Application Protocols AP242 and AP238 standards to create a neutral, model-based language for 3D geometry, PMI, machining instructions and tool data. Much like a shared cloud document, everyone involved can view and update the same model without losing information. The result is a fully connected digital thread running through the repair process – from inspection of a damaged part, to material removal and additive manufacturing planning, simulation, CAM programming, and final machining and verification. GKN Aerospace estimates that a refurbished component can save up to 95% in material, energy and CO₂ emissions compared to a new spare part, and cost is radically lower. Researchers from Chalmers and Fraunhofer Chalmers Centre contributed advanced models that predict deformation, tolerances and thermal behaviour. Sandvik Coromant contributed cutting tool expertise […]

Fishbowl launches cloud-based AI operations platform to drive manufacturing productivity

Featuring embedded AI assistant Juno, the new cloud-based platform reduces manual workload for manufacturing businesses to drive sustainable growth. Fishbowl, the manufacturing and inventory management software for Xero and QuickBooks users, has launched its new cloud-based AI operations platform in APAC. Introducing AI operations assistant ‘Juno’, the platform debuts AI Manufacturing, which prepares jobs by checking materials, flagging shortages and generating work orders, as the first release in a broader AI rollout aimed at supporting SMB growth. Designed for small and mid-sized businesses using Xero and Intuit QuickBooks, the new AI operations platform delivers intelligent automation to manufacturing teams, reducing manual processes to drive sustainable scale. The launch marks the release of Fishbowl’s cloud-based platform in APAC, which connects inventory, purchasing, warehousing, and production into one intelligent, optimised system that is built from the ground up with AI at its core. “We previously looked at Fishbowl Advanced legacy software and, while it was feature-rich, we wanted a cloud-based solution,” said Amanda Morcom, General Manager, Offroad Industries. “We are now implementing Fishbowl’s new cloud inventory with the Juno AI agent and are excited to see how these tools will add efficiency to our day and business overall.” “APAC businesses are under pressure to operate leaner while delivering faster and more reliably,” said Simon Jupe, Managing Director, APAC at Fishbowl. “This launch marks a significant shift. We’ve built a cloud-based, AI-native platform that supports daily operations, whether it’s turning sales orders into work orders or generating complex bills of materials. It’s about moving from reactive management to intelligent execution and scalable operational growth.” Far more than just a typical AI chat interface, Juno acts as an autonomous operations specialist, doing the work that planners, buyers, and production leads typically handle for manufacturing jobs. Unlike traditional systems, Fishbowl’s AI-native operations platform continuously evaluates crucial manufacturing workflow data such as vendor […]

Tech race shifts corporate spending from personnel to digital infrastructure

Layoff discussions among the influencers on the “X” platform signal a surging moment where workforce budgets are being diverted into massive digital infrastructure for staying ahead in the tech race. This structural shift suggests a permanent move in how organisations spend their money, as capital flows away from traditional resources to fund the infrastructure of the intelligence age. Influencers warn that this transformation means the standard corporate career is no longer a guaranteed path to stability, but has instead become a variable cost subject to the rapid growth of automated systems. Shreyasee Majumder, Social Media Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Influencer sentiment regarding the recent wave of job cuts highlights a growing suspicion of corporate narratives, with many observers labeling the trend as AI washing. For the broader market, this represents a disruptive shift where investors now reward smaller workforces as a symbol of innovation, which pressures even stable organizations to automate roles before the technology is fully ready.” Structural shift toward lean design Influencers are of the opinion that traditional corporate hierarchies are becoming obsolete burdens that hinder rapid decision making. Many organizations are aggressively flattening their structures by removing middle management and replacing manual coordination with autonomous software agents. This shift signifies a permanent rotation of capital where money previously spent on human capital is now being diverted to fund massive data center and computing infrastructure. “We’re already seeing that the intelligence tools we’re creating and using, paired with smaller and flatter teams, are enabling a new way of working which fundamentally changes what it means to build and run a company. and that’s accelerating rapidly….” – Chandra R. Srikanth, Executive Editor at Moneycontrol.com Industry impact and the consumption crisis Influencers are highlighting a systemic “AI Layoff Trap” where corporations risk bankrupting their own future by automating away the purchasing […]

Astrolight wins Startup World Cup regional, heading to Silicon Valley to compete for $1M investment

Astrolight was announced as the winner of the Lithuanian regional competition for the Startup World Cup. Source: Astrolight. Astrolight will compete in the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco as laser communication becomes a core technology for next-generation satellite networks. Vilnius, Lithuania. Astrolight, a Lithuanian space and defense company developing laser communication solutions for space, ground, and maritime applications, has won the Lithuanian regional competition of the Startup World Cup, the world’s leading startup pitch contest. The company will head to the Startup World Cup Grand Finale in San Francisco on November 6, 2026, and compete with finalists from around the world for the title of global champion and a US$1 million investment prize. Earlier, Astrolight secured contracts and partnerships with the European Space Agency (ESA), industry primes, and leading satellite manufacturers. The company has launched three of its ATLAS-1 laser terminals into orbit for testing, joined a Kepler Communications-led team developing ESA’s HydRON optical multi-orbit transport network, and is working with ESA to build the first Arctic optical ground station in Greenland. “Representing Lithuania at the Startup World Cup Grand Finale is an important milestone for Astrolight as we enter our next stage of growth,” said Laurynas Mačiulis, CEO of Astrolight. “Laser communication is becoming critical for the space economy, and our focus on integrated systems for both space and ground gives us a strong position in a market expected to reach billions of dollars over the coming decade.” Novaspace, the leading space market research firm, projects global revenues for space laser communication terminals will reach $12.9 billion through 2035, driven by the industry’s structural shift away from radio-frequency (RF) communications as operators face mounting RF spectrum constraints: regulatory scrutiny, licensing delays, and interference bottlenecks. Similar pressure is now reaching AI infrastructure. As land-based datacenters run into limits around […]

3d rendering humanoid robot with ai text in ciucuit pattern

The next decade belongs to builders

A small set of repeatable, AI- enabled business-building plays is emerging as the fastest path to growth for industrial and energy leaders. Companies that treat venture building as a repeatable capability consistently outperform, achieving faster time to market, lower capital intensity, and higher success rates. AI is the catalyst. AI is accelerating everything from product design to model testing to customer engagement, reducing the barriers that have long made industrial innovation slow, expensive, and talent intensive. The macro environment is becoming more favourable to business creation. Higher capital costs are pushing companies toward faster payback models and recurring revenue. At the same time, valuation corrections have opened a window for strategic M&A—particularly acqui-hires, data assets, and early-stage ventures that can accelerate internal builds. Recurring-revenue models Transforming one-time sales into service offerings is shifting industrial economics as companies turn one-off equipment sales into new, service-led businesses. By bundling maintenance, analytics, and guaranteed outcomes into long-term contracts, companies can smooth cash flows while helping customers reduce downtime and risk. Demand for these models is growing. Supply chain shocks and geopolitical uncertainty have made reliability a board-level issue, and service contracts provide the resilience buyers are seeking. Investors also are rewarding recurring revenue: Companies with embedded service streams and stickier customer relationships are commanding higher valuations and attracting private equity interest. On top of that, sustainability pressures are adding momentum. Extending product life cycles and reducing waste align directly with net-zero goals, allowing manufacturers to differentiate while embedding environmental responsibility into profitable business models. For industrial incumbents, recurring-revenue models are often the fastest path for translating existing assets into new ventures. Actions to take Monetise existing strengths.Identify capabilities, such as maintenance, logistics, and analytics, that can be packaged into customer-facing service offerings. Shift to outcome-based models.Build contracts tied to uptime, efficiency, or performance […]

Rockwell Automation: State of Manufacturing Report

95% of Asia Pacific Manufacturers Say Digital Transformation is Now Essential, as AI Adoption and Cyber Risks Accelerate 2026 State of Smart Manufacturing Report shows Asia Pacific manufacturers scaling AI, strengthening cyber defences and targeting measurable operational outcomes Rockwell Automation, Inc the world’s largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, has released its 11th annual “State of Smart Manufacturing” report. The global study highlights insights from more than 1,500 manufacturers across 17 countries, including dedicated insights for Asia Pacific (APAC). The 2026 report highlights the transition from early-stage adoption to broader implementation: 95% of APAC manufacturers say digital transformation is essential to their competitiveness, ahead of the 90% global average, reflecting the region’s heightened urgency. Additionally, 71% of APAC organizations plan to increase artificial intelligence (AI) use and machine learning in the next 12 months. “This year’s findings show a region accelerating execution through scaling AI, hardening cyber defences and building the workforce capabilities needed to sustain growth,” said Scott Wooldridge, Regional President, Asia Pacific, Rockwell Automation. “What stands out is both the ambition and the realism. Across the region, manufacturers understand that digital transformation is the critical operating standard.” The report highlights six key perspectives that Asian manufacturers are focused on: technology investment, internal and external challenges, data utilisation, security, the workforce, and competitiveness. Key Asia Pacific (APAC) findings include: Smart Manufacturing Technology Within the context of smart manufacturing, generative AI is emerging as a central driver of transformation. 40% of manufacturers cite its impact on workforce challenges and 39% on long-term competitiveness, positioning AI as a core foundation of modern industrial operations. Respondents also note cybersecurity platforms (37%) and generative or causal AI (32%) have delivered the highest return on investment over the past 12 months. Data and AI AI adoption continues to accelerate across the region, with 71% of manufacturers planning to increase AI and machine learning usage in the next 12 months. AI augmentation is expected to grow […]

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