Smart Manufacturing

Tanaka commences operation of H2 Nexus

Leveraging expertise in hydrogen technologies to advance the transition to a hydrogen society and accelerate decarbonisation “Tanaka H2 Nexus”, one of Japan’s largest 500 kW pure hydrogen fuel cell power generation facilities, began operation on July 8, 2026, at the Tanaka Shonan Fuel Cell Power Plant in Hiratsuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. The facility demonstrates Tanaka’s commitment to support the transition to a hydrogen society not only as a material supplier of hydrogen technologies, but also as a user of hydrogen energy. It serves as an operational platform for hydrogen utilization, enabling the company to gain practical operational expertise that will support future technology development and business initiatives. A ceremony commemorating the commencement of operations was also held on July 8, 2026. The facility also demonstrates Tanaka’s commitment not only as a material supplier of hydrogen technologies but also as a user of hydrogen energy. Through the practical operation of the fuel cell power plant, Tanaka will accumulate knowledge and operational expertise related to hydrogen utilization and apply these insights to future technology development and business expansion, while supporting the broader adoption of hydrogen energy. Tanaka Shonan Fuel Cell Power Plant: Fuel Cell Power Generation Facility “Tanaka H2 Nexus”Background and Purpose of the Facility Installation Since the 1980s, Tanaka has conducted research and development in the fields of fuel cells and hydrogen-related technologies based on its precious metal processing technologies. Currently, it has a world-leading supply record for precious metal catalysts for fuel cells. The company also develops and manufactures a broad range of technologies supporting the realization of a hydrogen society, including water electrolysis catalysts, gas reforming catalysts, precious metal-plated electrodes, and hydrogen permeable membranes. The installation of this facility is intended to further advance Tanaka’s fuel cell technologies developed over decades, while leveraging the insights gained through the practical […]

NTU Singapore scientists develop cleaner way to recycle mixed plastic packaging

Scientists from Nanyang Technological University, Singapore (NTU Singapore) have developed a new method to recycle mixed plastic packaging without using harmful chemical solvents – an approach that could make one of the world’s most difficult waste streams significantly easier to handle. The research team from NTU Singapore’s School of Materials Science and Engineering and Nanyang Environment and Water Research Institute (NEWRI) has introduced a process called depolymerisation-induced polymer separation, or DIPS. The method selectively breaks down one type of plastic in mixed plastic packaging while leaving the other plastics intact, allowing each material to be recovered and reused. Addressing a global recycling challenge Mixed plastic packaging, commonly used to wrap snacks, instant noodles and other food products, is designed to be tough and airtight. The packaging is made up of several different plastics bonded tightly together, making it challenging to recycle. Even if recycled, the material is often of low quality and has little commercial value. As a result, most multilayer packaging ends up in landfills or incinerators, adding to a fast-growing waste burden. Global plastic production is projected to reach 736 million tonnes[1] by 2040. Lead investigator Professor Hu Xiao, who is also the Programme Director for Sustainable Chemistry and Materials at NEWRI, said: “We’re seeing more mixed plastic packaging used in everyday food products, but recycling it safely and efficiently is still a major challenge. Our team set out to tackle this by developing a practical, scalable way to separate these materials without using harmful solvents.” Study co-author Dr Liang Yen Nan, who is also Senior Research Fellow, NEWRI, said: “One of the biggest hurdles in plastic recycling today is the lack of a viable way to deal with mixed plastics. This project was driven by that challenge, and our goal is to help move the industry closer to a solution that works in the real world.” A […]

India engages Monash University to optimise rail maintenance in Dedicated Rail Freight Corridors

Image: Mr Parmod Kumar, Chief Vigilance Officer, DFCCIL, Mr Amol Pandey, Director – Trade & Investment, Austrade, Mr Praveen Kumar, Managing Director, DFCCIL, Mr Nathan Davis, Trade & Investment Commissioner, Austrade, Professor Ravi Ravitharan, Dire The Monash Institute of Railway Technology (Monash IRT) and the Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited (DFCCIL) have signed an agreement to commence their first project following the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2025 to advance heavy haul railway engineering in India. The Monash IRT, internationally renowned for its experience in solving wheel-rail interface related issues for leading heavy haul operators globally, will support the DFCCIL to optimise the wheel-rail interface on two critical Eastern and Western freight corridors in India, the largest heavy haul network in the world. Speaking from the signing ceremony in New Delhi India, the Director of Monash IRT Professor Ravi Ravitharan, said this all-important collaboration with the DFCCIL with focus on improving wheel-rail interface, support safety and long term sustainability for India’s heavy haul railways, reduce maintenance costs and extend the asset life for advancing India’s expanding freight rail network. “Monash IRT has a long standing relationship and has collaborated with DFCCIL since 2016. Through this project our team will work closely with DFCCIL engineers and technical staff to transfer knowledge and to advance heavy haul railway engineering in India,” Professor Ravitharan said. “Monash IRT and the DFCCIL will continue to explore further collaborative projects as part of this broader partnership and continue to strengthen freight rail performance and innovation across both countries.” Deputy Vice-Chancellor (International) and Senior Vice-President at Monash University, Professor Craig Jeffrey said Monash IRT’s expertise in railway engineering is internationally recognised. “This collaboration reflects the Institute’s proven capability in solving complex rail engineering problems, with outcomes that have been successfully adopted internationally,” Professor Jeffrey said. The Managing […]

DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect 2026 forTechnology Leaders, AI Innovators, and Business Decision-Makers

The event will take place from 25-27 November 2026 at Hall 7-8, IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand. With a focus on helping businesses navigate today’s economic challenges and rapid technological shifts, this year’s event has expanded its exhibition space. It will showcase a comprehensive range of digital and AI solutions aimed at driving business growth and promoting sustainability across various industries. Attendees will discover how to leverage tech to reduce costs, boost efficiency, and keep pace with the fast-evolving business landscape. This year’s event is expected to attract over 400 leading global tech brands and companies—catering to enterprises, mid-sized businesses, and SMEs alike—and welcome more than 12,000 tech buyers and visitors. The event serves as a direct bridge connecting tech providers with high-potential buyers. The exhibition will across six key technology sectors which are Business Software, Cybersecurity, E-commerce & Digital Marketing, Data & Cloud, Smart Solutions & IoT, and Artificial Intelligence (AI). Visitors can stay ahead of the curve with technology trend updates and practical business workshops led by industry experts at the Global Tech Stage and The Future of AI Stage. The event will also feature face-to-face product demonstrations, allowing attendees to experience solutions firsthand and see how they work in real-world business scenarios. In addition, a pre-arranged Business Matching Program will be available to help drive digital transformation and create opportunities for targeted strategic partnerships. DigiTech ASEAN Thailand & AI Connect reflects the continuously rising demand for digital and AI solutions as businesses look to stay competitive in a volatile economy. IMPACT is dedicated to making this event a powerful regional business and knowledge hub. It offers tech providers of all sizes the chance to connect face-to-face and strengthens Thailand’s position as a vital digital and AI hub for ASEAN. This landmark event is proudly supported […]

Rigaku Solutions Center Osaka to strengthen global semiconductor metrology service

Hands-on training using the TXRF-V310 at RSC-Osaka Rigaku Corporation, a global solution partner in X-ray analytical systems and a group company of Rigaku Holdings Corporation at its Osaka Plant. The new facility centralises and expands practical training for field service engineers supporting semiconductor metrology systems, strengthening Rigaku’s global service capabilities. As semiconductor manufacturing processes continue to advance toward finer geometries, higher layer counts, and more complex three-dimensional structures, semiconductor metrology systems require ever greater precision and operational stability. X-ray analytical technologies play an increasingly important role in meeting these demands through highly accurate, non-destructive measurements. As Rigaku’s shipments of semiconductor metrology systems continue to grow, the need for highly skilled field service engineers is also increasing. Practical, hands-on training is essential to maximize instrument performance and minimize customer downtime. To address this need, Rigaku opened the RSC-Osaka, a dedicated training facility for semiconductor metrology systems. The newly constructed cleanroom within the Osaka Plant houses multiple semiconductor metrology systems, allowing trainees to gain hands-on experience in equipment disassembly and assembly, system adjustment, and performance verification. This enables service engineers to develop advanced maintenance and troubleshooting skills under conditions that closely replicate those encountered in the field. “Our customers rely on Rigaku systems in some of the world’s most demanding semiconductor manufacturing environments,” said Markus Kuhn, Executive Officer and General Manager of the Semiconductor Metrology Division of Rigaku. “By bringing multiple training systems together at RSC-Osaka, we can provide more efficient and flexible training tailored to different skill levels and technical needs. The facility provides practical, hands-on learning opportunities for service engineers and distribution partners from around the world, helping strengthen technical expertise and standardize service practices across our global network. Its location within the Osaka Plant also enables us to train more engineers and further enhance the high-quality support we provide […]

Drive down total cost of ownership with data-driven insights

Managing plant operations is a complex task, with countless moving parts that need to work in harmony. For fleet managers overseeing large fleets, keeping track of the operational details for each individual truck can be challenging. Even when all components are functioning correctly, inefficiencies in a single process or piece of equipment can significantly impact overall uptime and business output. Additionally, ensuring that operators comply with health and safety regulations is crucial, in order to avoid injuries and costly fines. Modern telematics and fleet management tools provide lift truck owners with the ability to precisely monitor and measure truck data, enabling informed operational decisions that improve maintenance efficiency, reduce energy costs, and maximize operator productivity—ultimately leading to a lower total cost of ownership. Comprehensive Insight into Fleet Performance An active fleet of lift trucks represents a substantial investment that must be safeguarded against misuse, neglect, or unauthorised operation. Beyond basic reporting on vehicle usage and performance, fleet managers are increasingly tasked with delivering actionable insights on workforce productivity, operational efficiency, and regulatory compliance. Telemetry, the process of remotely capturing specific measurements and other meaningful data in a given application, plays a crucial role of providing useful insights. In addition to tracking, recording, and reporting data, a telemetry system allows managers to remotely command or otherwise exert real-time control over the equipped machinery. This capability enables fleet managers to monitor and optimise their operations from anywhere. Balancing fleet efficiency with operator performance is more manageable when the right data is accessible. Understanding the total cost of operation—covering contract costs, maintenance, acquisition, labour, and more—enables fleet managers to optimize fleet size and structure for peak productivity. To effectively track and analyse these critical data points over time, lift truck fleets need to be equipped with comprehensive and reliable telemetry systems. Optimise Your […]

Murata expands product information management API service

Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. now covers all 73 product categories in its Product Information Management (PIM) API Service. By using this API service, engineers, developers, and procurement specialists can retrieve up-to-date product information, enabling prompt responses to product status changes and reducing the risk of component obsolescence. As digital transformation accelerates in the manufacturing industry, a wide variety of systems and platforms are being used across the entire workflow – from design and component selection through to procurement. Previously, Murata’s PIM API Service covered only surface-mount and leaded ceramic capacitors and inductors. This narrow service coverage required users to manually retrieve and update information for all other products. This not only placed a burden on users but also raised concerns that changes to product specifications or status might not be captured in real time, potentially impacting development and component supply. In response, Murata has expanded the service to cover all 73 product categories listed on its product database. Users can now automatically retrieve the latest product information, such as specifications, status, S-parameters, and SPICE Netlists, for a much wider range of products through their external systems and platforms by incorporating an update program into their existing system or platform*. This supports greater efficiency in design, component selection, and procurement, while also helping users quickly identify alternative components when product status changes, thereby reducing the risk of component obsolescence. Going forward, Murata will continue to enhance its Digital Services and strengthen integration with external systems to further improve user experience.

ThaiNamthip completes Asia’s first installation of Sidel’s Hydra Ultrasonic, boosting sustainability and excellence

ThaiNamthip Corporation Public Company Limited, a bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company in Bangkok, Thailand since 1959, has installed Sidel’s new Hydra Ultrasonic bottle washer at one of its manufacturing plants. This milestone marks the first-ever installation of Sidel’s Hydra Ultrasonic technology in Asia, supporting ThaiNamthip’s goals of greater sustainability and higher line performance. Launched officially by Sidel in 2024, Hydra Ultrasonic combines traditional washing with ultrasonic technology to achieve unprecedented cleaning performance, while significantly reducing water, energy and chemical consumption. A decision driven by sustainability goals In Thailand, as like many other countries across the region, returnable glass bottles play a significant role in the beverage value chain. Washing quality is therefore a critical factor to ensure consumer safety and experience, while also extending bottle lifetime and supporting circular economy models. “Returnable glass bottles make up a significant portion of the diverse packaging mix we offer to suit the needs of our customers and consumers. Cleanliness and safety of the bottles are our top priority. We are delighted to be the first Coca-Cola bottler in Asia to utilise Sidel’s Hydra Ultrasonic bottle washer in our operation,” said Nicholas Nixon, Vice President of Manufacturing at ThaiNamthip Corporation PLC. “The Hydra Ultrasonic washer has been installed at our Pathumthani Plant, which serves as our centre of excellence for returnable glass bottles production. Not only does the washer offer superior cleaning performance, but it also supports us in our sustainability efforts to improve water use efficiency and energy efficiency within our operation, in line with our sustainability strategy, ‘Our Choice, Our Future!’. As a leader in Thailand’s beverage industry, we are proud to make the right choices and actions that bring benefits to our communities and our planet, while also ensuring optimum efficiency.” Do more with less With Sidel’s Hydra Ultrasonic, ThaiNamthip […]

Applied Materials Tampines Campus in Singapore

Applied Materials expands Singapore manufacturing to support AI chip demand

Applied Materials has expanded its manufacturing and R&D operations in Singapore to support the global build-out of AI infrastructure. The new US$500 million (S$600 million) Tampines Campus more than doubles Applied’s advanced cleanroom capacity in Singapore and strengthens the company’s global manufacturing footprint, which also includes facilities in the United States, Europe, Israel and Taiwan. The new facility, already operating at volume production, is focused on serving chipmakers that are expanding production to meet increasing AI-driven demand. “AI is transforming every industry, creating unprecedented demand for advanced semiconductors,” said Gary Dickerson, President and CEO of Applied Materials. “Our expanded manufacturing operations in Singapore strengthen Applied’s ability to deliver semiconductor manufacturing equipment that chipmakers need to bring next-generation chips to market faster.” The Tampines Campus marks a major milestone in Applied’s Singapore 2030 plan to strengthen the company’s global manufacturing and R&D capabilities, broaden technology ecosystem partnerships and promote local workforce development. The campus features an expansive manufacturing cleanroom and production capacity along with R&D facilities to support global and regional customers. With the expansion, Applied anticipates adding approximately 1,000 new local jobs over the next few years to support industry growth and technology commercialization. “Singapore has been a strategic hub of Applied Materials’ global operations for 35 years, and our expansion here is a testament to the world-class semiconductor ecosystem, infrastructure and talent this country has built,” said KC Ong, Group Vice President of Worldwide Manufacturing at Applied Materials. “Our new AI-enabled, automation-ready facility represents the next era of advanced manufacturing optimized for speed, precision and quality.” Intelligent manufacturing and sustainable operations The Tampines Campus sets a new global benchmark for sustainable, intelligent semiconductor equipment production. The facility deploys Autonomous Mobile Robots, autonomous assembly and testing systems, and AI-assisted quality inspection—deepening integration between manufacturing, R&D and ecosystem partners to accelerate time-to-market for […]

MattenPlant expands into Pharmaceutical Water Solutions with SEA’s first locally manufactured Cold WFI system

MattenPlant, a Singapore-based specialist in industrial and municipal water and wastewater treatment, announces the launch of its Pharmaceutical Water for Injection (Cold WFI) initiative, bringing Southeast Asia’s first membrane technology-based Cold WFI system to market. The launch marks Matten’s strategic expansion into pharmaceutical water systems, building on its established track record of serving the F&B and pharmaceutical sectors, where hygienic system design and GMP compliance are baseline requirements. It comes as pharmaceutical manufacturing investments continue to grow across Southeast Asia, driving demand for compliant water infrastructure that can be deployed, serviced, and upgraded closer to the point of use. The initiative enables pharmaceutical manufacturers to access locally assembled Cold WFI systems backed by regional engineering and service support. A game-changer for pharmaceutical manufacturers Matten’s Pharma initiative enables the company to deliver complete pharmaceutical water systems designed, engineered, and assembled locally in Southeast Asia. The offering covers the full production cycle; from pre-treatment, high purity water generation, and distribution through to post-use treatment, providing pharmaceutical manufacturers with a complete integrated solution supported within the region. At the core of the offering is Cold WFI technology, which provides an energy-efficient alternative to traditional thermal distillation while meeting internationally recognised pharmacopoeial standards, including Ph. Eur. and USP. By eliminating continuous steam generation and hot water storage, Cold WFI systems can reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and support sustainability objectives through reduced carbon emissions. Built for the region, backed by local expertise As a qualified manufacturer with direct presence across more than six countries in Southeast Asia and production facilities in the region, Matten offers pharmaceutical clients a responsive, on-the-ground partner throughout the system’s lifecycle, from design and commissioning through to aftermarket servicing and upgrades. Matten’s local presence means the company can respond quickly to customers’ evolving requirements. Victor Lim, CEO, MattenPlant, said: […]

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