Business News

Aerotech’s expanded Scan Head Line brings industry-leading performance to more applications

The new AGV-CPO laser scan head perfectly balances performance and value for the widest range of laser applications. As the entry point for our high-performance 2-axis laser scan heads, the AGV-CPO includes all the CORE performance capabilities of our AGV-HPO and AGV-XPO scanners – plus 22-bit resolution, excellent dynamics and ultra-low thermal drift. Aerotech, a global leader in precision motion control and automation, announces the launch of its AGV-CPO CORE Performance 2-Axis Laser Scan Head. Designed to suit a wide range of laser applications, the AGV-CPO combines dynamics and precision with value. Because the AGV-CPO shares performance capabilities and control hardware with Aerotech’s other premier 2-axis laser scan heads, users get Aerotech’s hallmark precision – and can scale without sacrificing performance or incurring additional control hardware costs. “Historically, Aerotech’s AGV scanners have been users’ first choice for the most demanding laser applications. The AGV-CPO blends our signature high resolution and advanced controls with flexibility and value – enabling users in a wider range of laser applications to scale their processes with minimal effort and cost,” said Bryan Germann, optomechatronics lead at Aerotech. The AGV-CPO’s CORE performance capabilities include: Single Controller Architecture – Seamlessly control up to 32 servo and galvo axes with Automation1, Aerotech’s powerful, unified programming environment that simplifies system integration, enables data visualization and produces sophisticated, coordinated motion paths. Features include RS-274 compliant G-code programming, motion lookahead and C-transformations. Precision and Dynamics – All Aerotech AGV scanners use digital optical encoders and advanced materials to enable industry-leading resolution and dynamics for the most demanding laser applications. Infinite Field of View (IFOV) – With IFOV, scanner motion seamlessly integrates with servo stages, expanding the effective working area and eliminating stitching errors or complex part repositioning. This improves accuracy and cycle times. Position Synchronized Output (PSO) – PSO allows for highly accurate laser […]

What does EU and India free trade agreement mean for global trade?

The “mother of all deals”: that’s how European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the new free trade agreement between the European Union and India, announced on Tuesday after about two decades of negotiations. The deal will affect a combined population of 2 billion people across economies representing about a quarter of global GDP. Speaking in New Delhi, von der Leyen characterised the agreement as a “tale of two giants” who “choose partnership, in a true win-win fashion”. So, what have both sides agreed to – and why does it matter so much for global trade? What has been agreed Under this agreement, tariffs on 96.6% of EU goods exported to India will be eliminated or reduced. This will reportedly mean savings of approximately €4 billion (about A$6.8 billion) annually in customs duties on European products. The automotive sector is the big winner. European carmakers – including Volkswagen, BMW, Mercedes-Benz and Renault – will see tariffs on their vehicles gradually reduced from the current punitive rate of 110% to as little as 10%. The reduced tariffs will apply to an annual quota of 250,000 vehicles, which is six times larger than the quota the UK received in its deal with India. To protect India’s domestic manufacturers, European cars priced below €15,000 (A$25,500) will face higher tariffs, while electric vehicles get a five-year grace period. European carmakers stand to benefit from the agreement. Matthias Schrader/AP India will almost entirely eliminate tariffs on machinery (which previously faced rates up to 44%), chemicals (22%) and pharmaceuticals (11%). Wine is particularly notable – tariffs are being slashed from 150% to between 20–30% for medium and premium varieties. Spirits face cuts from 150% to 40%. In return, the EU is also opening up its market. It will reduce tariffs on 99.5% of goods imported from India. EU tariffs on Indian marine products […]

Southeast Asia identified as most attractive region for Advanced Manufacturing Investment

Eurogroup Consulting has released a new whitepaper, “Rising Tides in the East: How is Southeast Asia Transforming into the Global Hub of Advanced Manufacturing?”, revealing that Southeast Asia is now the most attractive region in the world for advanced manufacturing investment. As global supply chains diversify and Industry 4.0 technologies accelerate, ASEAN has emerged as a highly competitive destination—surpassing regions such as North America, Europe, and East Asia in cost-efficiency, scalability, and industrial momentum. The whitepaper examines six key ASEAN markets and highlights how government policies, rapid digitalisation, and strong multinational investment are accelerating the region’s transformation into a global manufacturing hub, with key findings including: ASEAN ranks first globally in advanced manufacturing investment attractiveness, supported by competitive labor, robust FDI inflows, and fast-expanding industrial zones. Europe leads slightly in readiness, but Southeast Asia already ranks second worldwide and is rapidly closing the gap due to strong automation and digital transformation efforts. More than US$55 billion in new manufacturing investments from OECD-headquartered companies shifted into ASEAN in 2022–2023, over twice the amount redirected into China, signaling a major restructuring of global supply chains . Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam have emerged as regional leaders for advanced manufacturing, each offering unique capabilities such as high-tech R&D, automation, electronics assembly, and component production. Indonesia and the Philippines are strengthening their long-term competitiveness through workforce development, industrial expansion, and Industry 4.0 adoption. ASEAN’s youthful and growing workforce—with more than two-thirds of its 650 million citizens of working age—provides a major demographic advantage for companies seeking scalable production capacity . A Defining Moment for ASEAN’s Industrial Future As global manufacturing shifts toward sustainability, automation, and digital operations, Southeast Asia is becoming the epicenter of the next industrial revolution. With cost advantages, strong policy support, and a rapidly modernising workforce, ASEAN is now the most […]

snc-new-digital-native-factory-nanjing-10

Siemens’ AI powered Nanjing facility named World Economic Forum Global Lighthouse Factory

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has named Siemens’ Nanjing factory in China as a Lighthouse Factory, adding it to the WEF’s Global Lighthouse Network of the most advanced operational sites in the world. Distinguished in the productivity category, the WEF recognised the Nanjing factory for achieving exceptional performance in cost and quality through digital twins and continuous AI-driven transformation. The award highlights improvements in asset utilisation, worker enablement and resource management. The Siemens plant in Nanjing is the fifth Siemens manufacturing site to be named Lighthouse Factory by the WEF, following Amberg, Erlangen and Fürth in Germany, and Chengdu in China. “We call our Nanjing facility a ‘digital-native factory.’ It was designed, tested, and optimised entirely in the virtual world before a single brick was laid. This approach not only enabled us to construct the factory faster and with outstanding cost-efficiency but also to build it under the toughest pandemic conditions. By combining our global manufacturing expertise with local insight and a digital-first mindset, we continuously optimise every part of the operation, making it one of the most efficient and flexible factories in the world,” said Cedrik Neike, Member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG and CEO Digital Industries. The WEF jury was convinced by the continuous digital transformation of the production site and the cutting-edge implementation of AI applications. The factory overhauled its production processes in response to mounting operational pressures. The production site was facing increasingly varied customer orders requiring production line reconfiguration every four weeks. Another challenge was that delivery windows had shrunk from 45 days to 10 while market demand was fluctuating. To address these challenges in its high-variety, low-volume manufacturing operations, Siemens implemented a digital excellence strategy, deploying end-to-end digital twins, modular automation, manufacturing operations management systems, and more than 50 artificial intelligence […]

How CTEM, AI, and access control redefine OT security in 2026

By Carlos Buenano, Field CTO for OT, Armis As we step into 2026, AI-driven adversaries, supply chain fragility, and relentless digitisation are forcing Operational Technology (OT) security to mature into a force to be reckoned with. Here’s what 2026 looks like: AI-Powered adversaries demand autonomous defence AI is no longer an abstract threat vector; it’s an operational force multiplier that attackers are leveraging with frightening results. We’re witnessing adversaries use autonomous agents to probe networks, map exposed devices, and launch dynamic exploitation campaigns that run continuously. In 2026, those systems will act autonomously: isolating compromised segments, or enforcing multifactor re-authentication for operators under suspicious conditions. In OT, where minutes can mean millions, automation will be the only meaningful defence. CTEM becomes the operational centre of gravity A few years ago, “CTEM” was just another Gartner acronym. In 2026, it’s the organising principle for any serious OT security program. CTEM represents a shift from periodic vulnerability management to continuous, risk-based exposure assessment and management across hardware, firmware, network paths, and even supply-chain dependencies. But the key difference this year is context. We’re aligning exposures with what actually matters; the physical process, the human safety implications, and the potential operational impact. The cybersecurity landscape in 2026 is clearly set for a strong and necessary integration where vendors leverage the strengths of CTEM to directly inform actionable firewall enforcements, workflows, and reporting. This narrative is driven by the final “Mobilisation” step of the CTEM cycle, which demands that validated, confirmed high-priority exposures leads to an immediate, automated remediation. Specifically for firewalls, this means a CTEM platform will no longer just issue a general alert but will use its deep, risk-based context to trigger a Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR) playbook that instantly pushes a micro-segmentation policy or a temporary block rule to […]

MAF801 Expandable Edge AI Computer from IBASE

High-Flexibility Architecture Accelerates Industrial Edge AI Deployment IBASE Technology Inc. has launched the MAF801, a next-generation Edge AI system engineered with a highly expandable architecture to support complex AI inference workloads at the network edge. Designed for industrial automation, machine vision, intelligent robotics, and high-density AIoT deployments, the MAF801 integrates high-performance 14th/13th/12th Gen Intel® Core™ processors with dedicated GPU expansion slots to meet the rising computational demands of modern AI applications. The system incorporates PCIe x16 and PCIe x4 expansion slots that allow system integrators to install a wide range of GPU accelerators, significantly increasing compute throughput for demanding AI workloads. This configuration enables the MAF801 to efficiently process high-resolution camera inputs, perform real-time decision-making at the edge, and reduce dependency on cloud resources. With its GPU expandability and industrial-grade durability, the platform empowers enterprises to deploy advanced AI applications faster and more efficiently. The MAF801 supports NVMe and SSD storage, isolated COM ports, multiple LAN interfaces, and optional communication modules. It offers expansion options for WiFi, LTE, and 5G connectivity, enabling flexible deployment in both wired and wireless infrastructures. The system features a rugged enclosure and a long product lifecycle, making it suitable for mission-critical industrial applications. It is optimized for uninterrupted 24/7 operation with extended lifecycle components that ensure dependable performance in edge AI applications such as machine vision inspection, robotics control, and real-time analytics. Key Highlights of MAF801: High-Performance x86 Core: Supports 14th/13th/12th Gen Intel Core processors, covering a wide range of computing requirements from standard workloads to intensive AI processing. GPU Expansion Capability: Supports PCIe GPU cards to enable powerful AI inference and deep learning acceleration for high-compute edge workloads. Flexible Expandable Architecture: Offers expansion for storage (SSD and NVMe), I/O ports, and communication modules, providing scalable infrastructure for evolving AIoT and edge AI applications. Accelerated AI Deployment at […]

AI hype is fueling a bubble in humanoid robotics

Humanoid robot (Source: Canva) Humanoid robotics companies backed by investors face fundamental challenges with cost and reliability that will not be solved any time soon, a report by CB Insights shows. According to investors, VCs especially now should embrace a revenue-first philosophy. Recent venture capital (VC) reports from KPMG and PitchBook confirm that AI remains in the lead, accounting for more than half of all investments this year. Data from CB Insights shows that investors’ attention inside the AI market is shifting toward industrial humanoid robotics. As a result, investors argue the flood of AI capital is pushing robotics toward a speculative zone, with too many startups promising breakthroughs without commercial evidence. Last quarter, industrial humanoid robotics captured 17 deals – the most of any category. AI was still the primary destination for investors, split into several categories, such as coding AI agents and copilots (14 deals), end-to-end software development AI agents (12), and others. Rapid growth of the sector has already sparked fears of a bubble from the Chinese leading economic planning industry, which said that the humanoid robotics industry needs to “balance the speed against the risks of bubbles,” Bloomberg reported. Investors’ appetite for humanoid robots is largely driven by AI, because AI gives humanoids a commercial potential that was previously not possible. According to Daiva Rakauskaitė, partner and manager of Aneli Capital, a company that manages a €35 million fund for early-stage Central and Eastern European startups, there are strong similarities between today’s AI-driven investment boom and the dotcom bubble in the early 2000s, leaving many startups exposed. She expects an AI bubble burst in 2-3 years. “Many AI startups that can’t yet generate revenue will fail, but we’re reaching a consensus on that in the market. While the same risks persist in humanoid robotics, many investors tend to […]

DI19-rockwell-automation-software-highlight1-1100x715-1

The Next Phase of Manufacturing in Asia: Predictive, Connected and Human-Centric

In 2026, Southeast Asia’s manufacturing landscape will be shaped by a decisive shift toward smarter, more connected, and more resilient operations. From the rise of predictive, data-driven production to the growing importance of edge intelligence, manufacturers across ASEAN are rethinking how they design, manage, and scale their facilities. At the same time, workforce pressures and sustainability demands are accelerating the adoption of technologies that enhance human capability and optimise resource use. The insights below illustrate how these forces are converging, and what they signal for manufacturers preparing for 2026. Predictive Manufacturing Moves From Concept to Core One of the clearest transitions underway in Southeast Asia is the shift toward predictive, data-driven manufacturing. In high-precision environments—semiconductors, pharmaceuticals, and advanced materials—where even the smallest variances affect yield, AI-powered simulations, digital twins, and predictive analytics are enabling manufacturers to move from reactive troubleshooting to proactive optimisation. Across Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, companies are already applying digital twins to test production scenarios, reduce unplanned downtime, and optimise energy use amid rising operational costs. For manufacturers operating multiple facilities across ASEAN, these predictive capabilities are becoming crucial in standardising performance, even as supply chains and workforce capacity differ from market to market. Edge Intelligence Enables Faster, More Connected Operations As regional trade frameworks like RCEP and shifting global supply chains accelerate cross-border manufacturing, companies are building capacity in Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Thailand. This distributed footprint demands real-time visibility and consistent performance across all plants. Intelligence at the edge is now central to achieving this. AI-driven anomaly detection, automated quality checks, and real-time process analytics deployed on the production floor help teams respond faster and reduce operating costs. Cloud-to-edge integration synchronises data across geographies, enabling unified decision-making and consistent quality standards. APAC’s rapid adoption of predictive maintenance is a strong indicator of this trend, as […]

Valmet’s solution for improved waste management and resource efficiency at South Korean incineration facility

Valmet is to deliver an automation system to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The order was placed by GS E&C Corp., the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor for the facility. By leveraging intelligent automation, the plant will optimize energy production, minimise emissions, and deliver efficient, consistent performance throughout its entire lifecycle. The solution will also give operators complete visibility and control over every stage of the waste-to-energy process. “We are proud to deliver Valmet’s automation solutions to Seongnam’s incineration facility. With our strong presence in South Korea’s waste-to-energy sector and experience in many local projects, we help the customer improve energy efficiency, advance local waste management, and support decarbonization by producing renewable energy,” says Wanmo Yoon, Sales Manager, APAC, Automation Solutions business area, Valmet. Valmet is to deliver a Valmet Distributed Control System (DCS) to Seongnam City’s incineration facility currently under construction in Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The Seongnam incineration facility is designed to improve local waste management and produce renewable energy. Equipped with two incineration lines with stoker-type boilers, the facility will be able to process up to 500 tonnes of municipal waste per day and generate up to 9.9 megawatts of clean electricity. Commercial operation is scheduled to begin early 2028. The order was included in Valmet’s orders received of the third quarter 2025. The value of the order will not be disclosed. The delivery will be taken over by the customer at the end of 2027. Valmet’s delivery includes a Valmet Distributed Control System (DCS) and an information management system to control two stoker-type boilers, along with the web-pased Valmet DNAe User Interface in the control room. The scope also covers the balance of plant (BOP) for the new incineration facility, including engineering, design, commissioning, and supervision services. Valmet provides comprehensive waste-to-energy solutions that enhance waste incineration performance and support the energy transition. About […]

IBASE_2026_Taiwan_Excellence_Silver_banner_300dpi

IBASE receives its first Taiwan Excellence Silver Award

IBASE Technology Inc. , a leading provider of rugged embedded and edge AI computing platforms, announced that its MPT-3100V rugged in-vehicle AI edge computer has been honored with the Silver Award at the 2026 Taiwan Excellence Awards. Limited to only 20 products each year, the Silver Award highlights IBASE’s exceptional strengths in innovation, R&D, and product design. Selected from more than one thousand entries, the MPT-3100V impressed international judges with its advanced design and engineering. The system is certified to ITxPT and E-Mark standards and powered by the Intel® Atom™ x7000RE processor with a Hailo-8 AI accelerator, enabling high-performance in-vehicle AI processing, multi-angle obstacle detection, and intelligent analysis using PoE cameras. It features an innovative E-Fuse electronic fuse and a supercapacitor that eliminates the need for traditional fuse or battery replacement. The system also meets MIL-STD-810H shock and vibration standards, supports -40°C to 70°C operation, and offers wide-range 9V to 36V DC input with waterproof M12 and automotive FAKRA connectors for deployment in harsh vehicle environments such as public transportation, smart fleet management, and mobile AI applications. “Following the nine Taiwan Excellence Awards we received this year, the MPT-3100V once again demonstrates IBASE’s innovation and engineering strength by earning high praise from international judges and securing our first Silver Award since joining the Taiwan Excellence competition in 2010,” said Albert Lee, President of IBASE Technology. “I would like to express gratitude to our team for their dedication in product development and design, which made this achievement possible. IBASE will continue to advance its capabilities and deliver intelligent computing solutions that combine innovative design, high reliability, and sustainable value to create greater benefits for customers worldwide.”

1 2 3 4 ›»

News Ticker

Business News