Industry &amp; Manufacturing

US power firms scramble for transformers and turbines as data centres strain supply

US power companies are facing significant delays in obtaining critical electrical equipment like transformers, turbines, and switchgear due to increased demand driven by AI data centers and other sectors. Lead times for large transformers have extended from months to several years, causing project delays and cancellations. The shortage is attributed to limited production capacity, supply chain constraints, and high demand from data centers and electrification efforts.

2026-07-09

Business & Enterprise

India scraps import duties on electronics and battery inputs to boost local manufacturing

India has eliminated import duties on a range of machinery and components used in electronics manufacturing, including lithium-ion battery cell production and certain smartphone parts, to encourage domestic production and reduce reliance on China. This targeted duty exemption, effective immediately and valid until March 2029, aims to lower costs for local manufacturers and has been positively received by electronics manufacturing firms. The policy focuses on specific inputs and equipment rather

2026-07-09

Wyoming tightens wastewater rules after Meta datacenter contractor flushed contaminated water

A contractor for Meta discharged bacteria-contaminated wastewater into public sewers during construction of a new AI datacenter in Cheyenne, Wyoming. This led local authorities to impose stricter wastewater disposal regulations and revoke Meta's permission to discharge waste into city treatment facilities. The contamination involved a rare bacterium not affecting drinking water, and Meta has committed to cooperating with officials to prevent future incidents.

2026-07-08

Robotics

Former OpenAI exec Kevin Weil is now on the board of Stoke Space

Kevin Weil, a former executive at OpenAI and other tech companies, has joined the board of Stoke Space, a Seattle-based startup developing fully reusable rockets to compete with SpaceX. Weil has been an early investor and advisor, helping Stoke raise significant funding, including a $510 million Series D round in 2025. Stoke aims to build the Nova rocket, which can be flown multiple times, a feat not yet achieved by others in the industry.

2026-07-08

Quaise raises $134M to drill superhot rock with microwaves

Quaise Energy has secured $134 million in funding to develop a novel geothermal drilling technology that uses microwaves instead of traditional drill bits to reach superhot rock deep underground, aiming to produce more efficient and cost-effective geothermal energy. The company plans to build the world's first commercial superhot geothermal plant in Oregon, targeting power generation by 2030, with significant demand driven by AI data centers. While the technology is still unproven at commercial,

AI data centres are driving up power bills at America’s Rust Belt factories

Electricity costs for manufacturers in the US Rust Belt, such as the Belden Brick Company, have surged significantly due to rising capacity charges linked to the rapid growth of AI data centres in the region. These data centres consume vast amounts of power, straining the regional grid managed by PJM Interconnection and causing industrial electricity prices to increase faster than residential rates. The situation highlights challenges in grid capacity and the need for infrastructure upgrades to,

Automotive

Automotive requirements management in 2026: 7 solutions compared

The article compares seven automotive requirements management tools, highlighting their suitability for various supplier and OEM needs in managing complex, safety-critical vehicle development requirements. It emphasizes the importance of traceability, compliance with standards like ISO 26262 and ASPICE, and interoperability across diverse supply chain toolchains. Each tool is recommended based on factors such as budget, integration capabilities, software focus, and team size.

Machine Learning

Luffy AI raises £8.1M to put self-tuning AI inside the world’s electric motors

Luffy AI, a UK startup, has secured £8.1 million in Series A funding to develop neuroplastic AI technology for real-time control of physical machines, focusing initially on electric motors. Their approach uses efficient, self-tuning neural networks that operate on-device without relying on large datasets or cloud connectivity, aiming to improve energy efficiency and performance in industrial motor applications.

Beyond wires and batteries: Voltify’s new model for freight rail electrification

Voltify proposes a new approach to freight rail electrification that avoids the high costs of full network electrification and the range limits of battery-only locomotives. Their model uses a combination of battery-electric locomotives and strategically placed high-power charging segments along the tracks to recharge trains in motion, supplemented by static depot charging. This method aims to reduce emissions and operational challenges without rebuilding the entire rail infrastructure.

2026-07-06

Solstice and Element Solutions weigh a $27bn merger of materials makers

Solstice Advanced Materials and Element Solutions are reportedly in discussions to merge in a deal valued at approximately $27 billion, aiming to form a specialty materials company focused on electronic and industrial materials. The merger would combine Solstice's expertise in refrigerants and specialty materials with Element Solutions' established presence in electronics assembly chemicals, potentially enhancing their market position amid growing demand in chip manufacturing and thermal cooling

2026-07-06

The other Dyson empire, measured in acres

Dyson, widely known for its vacuum cleaners and household gadgets, also operates one of Britain's largest farming businesses, Dyson Farming, managing around 36,000 acres across several counties. The company applies its engineering expertise in robotics and digital motors to agriculture, using automated systems like robotic strawberry pickers and UV light treatments to optimize farming processes. This integration reflects founder Sir James Dyson's vision of owning and innovating across entire, un

2026-07-03

Military

A rocket motor blew up at Anduril’s Mississippi test site. The defence darling says it’s routine

Anduril experienced a solid rocket motor explosion during a test at its Mississippi facility, which the company described as a routine setback with no injuries and manageable damage. However, sources indicate such explosions are rare and the incident may delay production schedules and revenue generation. The event highlights challenges in missile manufacturing and the importance of solid rocket motors in national defense.

2026-07-03

Finance

3,000% bonuses but a growing wealth divide: South Korea grapples with its AI chip boom

South Korea is experiencing a significant wealth increase driven by the booming AI chip industry, led by Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix. While employees in these companies receive unprecedented bonuses, the wealth gains are concentrated among a small segment of the population, raising concerns about economic inequality and calls for broader profit sharing or taxation. The surge in chip profits has also contributed to record highs in South Korea's stock market and increased luxury spending in a

2026-07-03

Machine Learning

Alva Industries raises €16M to scale its ultra-compact electric motors

Alva Industries, a Trondheim-based deep-tech company, has secured €16 million in funding to expand production of its ultra-compact electric motors that utilize a patented FiberPrinting process. These motors are lighter and more efficient than traditional designs, making them suitable for applications in robotics, aerospace, medical devices, and defense. The new investment will support increased manufacturing capacity, product development, and international growth.

2026-07-02

China and US risks leave Europe’s chip sector facing a bleak future, report warns

A recent report by EUISS and Institut Montaigne highlights significant challenges facing Europe's semiconductor industry due to Chinese export restrictions and increasing reliance on US technology and policies. The study emphasizes risks from China's control over critical materials and potential Taiwan Strait conflicts, alongside US legislative measures that could impact European chipmakers like ASML. It suggests Europe focus on leveraging existing strengths rather than pursuing broad chip self-

2026-07-02

Samsung details $90bn plan for South Korea’s Chungcheong region

Samsung Group announced a $90 billion investment plan over the next decade to expand manufacturing in South Korea's Chungcheong region, focusing on displays, memory chips, batteries, and chip-packaging materials. The investment includes significant expansions in OLED production, high-bandwidth memory, next-generation battery technology, and AI server chip components, aiming to consolidate a supply chain for AI-related industries within the region. Samsung's leadership emphasized the strategic, "

2026-07-02

Thieves Are Absolutely Loving All of These New Data Center Projects

The rapid expansion of AI data centers has led to increased cargo theft targeting valuable materials like copper wire and electronics during transit. Recent incidents include coordinated thefts of trailers carrying millions of dollars worth of data center supplies across various U.S. states, highlighting a growing and sophisticated criminal activity exploiting the surge in demand for such infrastructure. This rise in cargo theft poses significant financial losses and security challenges amid the

2026-07-01

Realta Fusion lights bulbs straight from its reactor, a commercial first

Realta Fusion has achieved a commercial milestone by directly powering light bulbs from its fusion reactor, marking a significant step in fusion energy application. This development demonstrates the reactor's capability to generate usable electrical power without intermediate conversion steps. It represents progress toward practical fusion energy solutions for commercial use.

2026-07-01

Building AI Infrastructure Responsibly: ER Steel on the Evolving Demands of Data Center Expansion

ER Steel discusses the challenges and considerations involved in expanding data center infrastructure to support growing AI workloads. The company emphasizes the importance of responsible construction practices to meet the increasing demand for AI computing power while addressing sustainability and efficiency.

2026-07-01

Blue Origin still does not know why New Glenn exploded but plans to fly again this year

Blue Origin has not yet determined the cause of the New Glenn rocket explosion but intends to conduct another flight within the current year. The company continues its investigation while preparing for future launches.

2026-06-30