Smart factory Stories

Global Stories

Smart factory stories

Fujitsu joins FANUC, Yaskawa & Kawasaki on physical AI

Labour shortages and an ageing workforce are pushing Japanese manufacturers to test AI-controlled robots in factories, logistics and hospitals.

By Sean Mitchell • 6 min read • Last week

Digital Transformation

UK manufacturers see security tech as productivity aid

Rising costs are pushing UK factory bosses to use cameras and other security tools to spot inefficiencies, not just prevent incidents.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • This month

Software-as-a-Service

HERE partners Prinzhorn on factory digital workspace

Factory staff could save time on routine tasks as Prinzhorn rolls out a single digital workspace across sites, starting at Hamburger Containerboard.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Data centers

SiTime launches Chorus 2 clock generators for AI systems

Timing in AI and networking boards is getting simpler, as the new devices can replace up to 12 oscillators and cut power use.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Last month

Edge Computing

Rockwell launches FactoryTalk ResilientEdge for factories

The software is designed to keep production running and cut integration complexity for manufacturers even if network links fail.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last month

Manufacturing

Iveda upgrades tracking system with 10cm Bluetooth sensors

Hospitals, factories and warehouses could cut losses and delays as the upgraded system pinpoints people and equipment to within 10 centimetres.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Last month

Robotics

Smart manufacturing gains speed in automotive plants

Measured gains from AI and automation are pushing automotive plants to cut downtime, lift output and close a widening performance gap.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Last month

Manufacturing

Manufacturers turn to AI as maintenance know-how fades

Rising downtime costs are pushing factories to use AI to capture veteran technicians' know-how before retiring staff take it with them.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 5 min read • Last month

Robotics

Global wire harness market set to hit USD $173.9bn

Electrified vehicles, factory automation and renewable projects are expected to lift demand for organised wiring assemblies to USD $173.9 billion by 2036.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Last month

Digital Transformation

Advantech expands NVIDIA tie-up with AI factory brain

Pilot trials suggest the setup could cut factory energy use by 10% and lift assembly-line productivity by 12%.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Last month

Digital Transformation

Argon & Co joins QAD Redzone in global factory tie-up

Factories facing labour shortages and rising costs are set to get a new execution tool, as the firms pair consulting with frontline software.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Fri, 15th May 2026

Edge Computing

Red Hat & Panasonic preload edge software on TOUGHBOOK

Users in manufacturing and defence will get faster deployment of rugged edge devices as Panasonic bundles Red Hat software on TOUGHBOOKs.

By Mark Tarre • 3 min read • Tue, 12th May 2026

Manufacturing

Schneider Electric joins Forum's Lighthouse OS board

The move gives the manufacturing group a role in shaping an open-source framework aimed at helping factories scale digital change beyond pilot projects.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Mon, 11th May 2026