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  • Renault makes impact at the Paris Motor Show

    Renault makes impact at the Paris Motor Show

    Alongside its stand in Hall 6, at the Paris Motor Show, Renault will have another stand in Hall 5, dedicated to Renault 4 and these new means of e-mobility. For the first time, Renault is presenting Renault 4 with its mini-caravan, plane, motorbike and water bike, inspiring visitors to dream of adventures on land, sea and in the air.

    Open on all sides for access from all four points of the compass, the stand reveals Renault 4 E-Tech electric and  four means of e-mobility for use in all four seasons.  

    Each of the objects making up the 4 movements features Cloud Blue, the colour of the first Renault 4 on its reveal in 1962. They also all include denim-effect upholstery and a headlamp design inspired directly by Renault 4. 

    Designed as a truly immersive experience with cutting-edge design and premium materials , the stand occupied by Renault 4 and the 4 movements gives visitors an insight into the mobility of the future. The clean lines and plays of light create a futuristic feel to showcase the successful alliance between Renault and its start-up partners.  

    Partnerships for the future  

    “4 movements” is part of Renault’s ambition to work with the French firms inventing tomorrow’s mobility to create a new sustainable ecosystem. This launch is a key stage in Renault’s plans to transform the way we get around, through eco-friendly solutions and a smarter approach to mobility that is also more fun.  

    These four means of mobility will be available for pre-order at the Paris Motor Show, and are intended for small-scale production. They will be available from next spring, like Renault 4.

  • The First Release of Artificial Intelligence: A Historic Milestone in Technology

    The First Release of Artificial Intelligence: A Historic Milestone in Technology

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

    The concept of artificial intelligence (AI) has fascinated scientists, researchers, and technologists for decades, but the journey from theoretical discussions to practical applications began with the first release of AI systems.

    This moment marked a pivotal milestone in technological evolution, paving the way for the intelligent systems we rely on today.

    In this article, we’ll explore the early days of AI, the development of foundational systems, and the tools that help us manage modern AI innovations, including AI detector free systems, which are crucial for understanding and managing AI-generated content. (more…)

  • ABB Robotics’ new energy efficiency service cuts power usage by ‘30 percent’

    ABB Robotics’ new energy efficiency service cuts power usage by ‘30 percent’

    ABB Robotics has launched an “Energy Efficiency Service” providing manufacturers with a package of consultation, analysis and tools to increase the energy efficiency of their robots.

    The service offers up to 30 percent energy savings, addressing the high energy costs that hinder the competitiveness of 58 percent of surveyed global manufacturers, according to a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.

    Michael Hose, managing director ABB Robotics customer service business line, says: “Reducing energy consumption is a priority for manufacturers, with over 93 percent surveyed stating they will invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next three years to reduce costs and demonstrate progress towards more sustainable operations. (more…)

    ABB Robotics has launched an “Energy Efficiency Service” providing manufacturers with a package of consultation, analysis and tools to increase the energy efficiency of their robots.

    The service offers up to 30 percent energy savings, addressing the high energy costs that hinder the competitiveness of 58 percent of surveyed global manufacturers, according to a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.

    Michael Hose, managing director ABB Robotics customer service business line, says: “Reducing energy consumption is a priority for manufacturers, with over 93 percent surveyed stating they will invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next three years to reduce costs and demonstrate progress towards more sustainable operations. (more…)

    ABB Robotics has launched an “Energy Efficiency Service” providing manufacturers with a package of consultation, analysis and tools to increase the energy efficiency of their robots.

    The service offers up to 30 percent energy savings, addressing the high energy costs that hinder the competitiveness of 58 percent of surveyed global manufacturers, according to a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.

    Michael Hose, managing director ABB Robotics customer service business line, says: “Reducing energy consumption is a priority for manufacturers, with over 93 percent surveyed stating they will invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next three years to reduce costs and demonstrate progress towards more sustainable operations. (more…)

    ABB Robotics has launched an “Energy Efficiency Service” providing manufacturers with a package of consultation, analysis and tools to increase the energy efficiency of their robots.

    The service offers up to 30 percent energy savings, addressing the high energy costs that hinder the competitiveness of 58 percent of surveyed global manufacturers, according to a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.

    Michael Hose, managing director ABB Robotics customer service business line, says: “Reducing energy consumption is a priority for manufacturers, with over 93 percent surveyed stating they will invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next three years to reduce costs and demonstrate progress towards more sustainable operations. (more…)

    ABB Robotics has launched an “Energy Efficiency Service” providing manufacturers with a package of consultation, analysis and tools to increase the energy efficiency of their robots.

    The service offers up to 30 percent energy savings, addressing the high energy costs that hinder the competitiveness of 58 percent of surveyed global manufacturers, according to a recent Energy Efficiency Movement report.

    Michael Hose, managing director ABB Robotics customer service business line, says: “Reducing energy consumption is a priority for manufacturers, with over 93 percent surveyed stating they will invest in energy efficiency improvements in the next three years to reduce costs and demonstrate progress towards more sustainable operations. (more…)

  • Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Since founding AST Networks in 1992, Darling has guided the company from a small start-up with just two employees, to a global leader in hybrid satellite communications. In discussing AST Networks origins, Darling reflects on the moment the idea for the company took shape, whilst operating a gardline vessel in West Africa.

    Facing unreliable communication methods, he saw the need for faster, more efficient satellite-based solutions – an idea that became AST Networks.

    Reflecting on AST Networks’ pioneering achievements, Gregory Darling stated, “One of my proudest achievements is seeing AST Networks lead the way with innovative solutions, such as installing satellite payphones on ships and integrating advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technologies. We are constantly pushing boundaries, and it’s this pioneering spirit that has helped us thrive in a competitive, and ever-evolving, market.”

    AST Networks has constantly pushed the boundaries of satellite communication, providing advanced solutions for sectors such as maritime, oil and gas, and defence. One of the company’s flagship systems, the AST reygar platform, has transformed fleet management by providing rea-time remote monitoring and vessel tracking.

    This technology has improved operational efficiency and safety for customers, reducing downtime and cutting costs through predictive maintenance and enhanced crew connectivity.

    In addition to its software-driven services, AST Networks hybrid communication solutions, which combine VSAT and LEO technologies, have become the gold standard for reliable global coverage. A notable success story involved a large shipping company facing connectivity challenges in remote waters.

    After implementing AST Networks’ hybrid system, the company reported near-constant connectivity, improving both fleet operations and crew welfare, whilst significantly reducing communication costs.

    AST Networks continues to innovate, the company is also placing a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity, ensuring its customers data is protected in a rapidly increasing digital landscape. With a commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each industry, AST Networks remains at the forefront of satellite communications, helping businesses stay connected, secure, and efficient.

    Looking toward the future, Darling highlights the company’s commitment to leveraging software-driven solutions, artificial intelligence, and automation to further improve operations efficiency for its customers. AST Networks is poised for significant growth in 2025, with continued investments in LEO technology and digital services, ensuring customers remain seamlessly connected, no matter where they are in the world.

  • Ifm launches advanced flexible LED strips

    Ifm launches advanced flexible LED strips

    Ifm is excited to announce the launch of its innovative flexible LED strips, available in RGB and white. These advanced LED strips are designed to enhance illumination and provide versatile signalling solutions for a wide range of industrial applications. The new LED strips offer both bright illumination and coloured signalling, making them ideal for various industrial environments such as manufacturing plants, warehouses, and complex machinery setups.

    With powerful RGB and white LEDs, these strips can produce multiple colours, including red, yellow, green, blue, cyan, and purple. Pure white light is also available, thanks to pulse-width modulation (PWM) control, ensuring precise and consistent light output.

    Fully potted with a protection rating of IP68, these LED strips are built to withstand harsh conditions, dirt, and moisture, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. This makes them a reliable choice for environments that experience extreme temperatures, dust, or water exposure.

    The LED strips can be bent or installed straight, offering flexibility in application and allowing for creative and practical installations tailored to specific needs. Optional aluminium profiles ensure secure and shadow-free installation even in difficult-to-reach areas, providing additional protection and stability.

    Featuring powerful LEDs, these strips deliver high luminous flux for maximum visibility and effectiveness, making them perfect for settings where bright and clear illumination is crucial.

    Furthermore, the advanced design of these LED strips ensures energy efficiency, reducing power consumption while maintaining high performance. This not only lowers operational costs but also supports sustainable practices.

    With easy installation and robust durability, ifm electronic’s flexible LED strips are set to revolutionise industrial lighting and signalling, offering a versatile solution that meets the demands of modern industrial environments.

  • US has 70 percent more data centers than next 10 largest markets combined

    US has 70 percent more data centers than next 10 largest markets combined

    The widespread adoption of cloud computing has transformed the data center landscape. Although it significantly cut the number of organizations operating their own data centers, it has also fueled a surge in the global data center count. Still, no market is even close to the United States when it comes to the total number of data centers.

    According to data presented by Stocklytics.com, the United States counts 5,388 data, or 70 percent more than the next ten largest markets combined. (more…)

  • Trio of northern businesses collaborate to make sustainable ‘zero waste’ fashion a reality

    Trio of northern businesses collaborate to make sustainable ‘zero waste’ fashion a reality

    The UK’s leading textile recycling specialist, iinouiio, part of the Camira Group, has partnered with award-winning apparel brand, Superlove Merino, and knitwear designer and manufacturer, OUBAS, to create a recycled merino wool yarn made from cutting waste that would otherwise be destined for landfill.

    The premium-quality recycled merino wool yarn, ReMerino is produced using offcuts generated from the garment manufacturing process at Superlove Merino’s solar-powered factory in the Lake District. Using iinouiio’s state-of-the-art textile recycling technology, based at Camira Yarns in Birkby, West Yorkshire, the first development of recycled ReMerino yarn was developed in summer 2024, and will be used to create a limited run of luxury women’s knitwear in collaboration with Kate Stalker of OUBAS, an award-winning knitwear designer and manufacturer based in Ulverston, Cumbria.

    Founder of iinouiio, Dr. John Parkinson, commented: “Some people call discarded or unwanted textiles ‘waste’, but to us it’s just a raw material – too often limited only by imagination and skill. We’re incredibly proud to have been able to support two fantastic like-minded northern businesses, who share a passion for textiles and sustainability, to transform their cutting room floor waste into beautiful luxury merino wool knitwear.”

    The exclusive collection of women’s knitwear, be available to buy via superlovemerino.com from 27th September 2024.

    Director of Superlove Merino, Becky Sayer added: “We are thrilled to see this transformation of our cutting room waste into such beautifully crafted pieces. We are known for our timeless, wearable designs, so we wanted this recycled knitwear to align with that too. We hope, on seeing what even small indie brands can do with innovative collaborations like this, others will be inspired to tackle the serious waste issues associated with the textiles industry.”

    Founded in 2019 by Dr John Parkinson and his wife, Linda, whose family heritage lies in the ‘shoddy and mungo’ textile recycling mills that thrived in West Yorkshire throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, iinouiio is the UK’s leading wool recycler with unique knowledge in mechanical recycling methods. In 2022 IINOUIIO became part of the Camira Textiles group and now offers a service to fashion brands and textile manufacturers to help them convert what would ordinarily be deemed ‘unusable materials’ or waste, into beautiful new yarns and fabrics for re-use.
    To find out more about iinouiio visit the website.

  • Global fabric manufacturer introduces textile industry’s first AI reverse image search tool in the UK

    Global fabric manufacturer introduces textile industry’s first AI reverse image search tool in the UK

    Leading International designer and manufacturer of commercial textiles, Camira, has launched the sector’s first AI-powered image search tool in the UK to streamline the specification process for architects and design professionals.

    In partnership with material search platform, Stylib, Camira has integrated the new technology into its existing website which launched earlier this year. Powered by artificial intelligence, the dynamic search tool allows users to upload images of furniture, fabric, room settings or pantone colour references, to find relevant Camira fabrics for their projects.

    Commenting on the AI search tool, head of digital at Camira, Sam Birkhead said: “We’re incredibly excited to be able to offer our customers this new and intuitive tool which enables architects and designers to quickly find precise products that meet their specifications, reducing the time spent on research and increasing the accuracy of their selections.

    “There are very few B2B companies in the world that operate image search – a technology that until today has been reserved for giants like Ikea, Wayfair and fashion retailers. These advancements lead to faster and more confident specification processes, allowing for more efficient project timelines and improved overall design quality. Ultimately, AI’s integration is transforming the architectural landscape, paving the way for smarter, more sustainable, and innovative built environments.””

    Noam Naveh, CEO at Stylib added: “It’s great to see industry leaders like Camira adopting advanced solutions that support the specifying community’s work. Beyond the immediate benefits of faster and more confident specification processes, AI in the architectural products industry has broader implications for sustainability, innovation, and collaboration. AI’s ability to analyze vast datasets allows for the identification of eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient solutions, promoting sustainable design practices. Additionally, AI fosters innovation by providing architects with insights into emerging trends and new technologies, enabling them to push creative boundaries.”

  • AI delivers ‘new era of global innovation’, research finds

    AI delivers ‘new era of global innovation’, research finds

    The sixth annual International Innovation Barometer has published revealing that the advent of AI has already prompted a seismic shift in how innovation is being carried out around the world.

    The report by innovation consultancy Ayming finds that more than four-in-five (84 percent) businesses believe AI is having a positive impact on innovation – both in terms of output and process.

    Whilst the debate is typically framed around the future – but as yet unrealised – transformative potential of AI, this research indicates that tangible value is already being extracted by businesses when it comes to innovation.
    In fact, a significant 41 percent of businesses have already restructured their R&D teams to accommodate wider use of AI in the innovation process, which rises to more than half (52 percent) among large companies.

    The hyperfocus on AI has been translated into business’ shifting priorities, where the implementation of AI ranks as the second highest innovation priority with 29 percent of respondents selecting it as a priority, second only to the broader adoption of technology, which 32 percent of businesses see as their first concern.

    Technology and innovation have always been indivisibly coupled but the overlap between the two is now so great that the terms have become broadly interchangeable – largely catalysed by AI models that have provided businesses of all sizes with access to a new form of technology.

    This widening intersection is reflected in the allocation of innovation budgets. A notable 47 percent of businesses are allocating between 6 and 20 percent of their innovation budget to R&D in AI, while nearly a quarter (22 percent) are devoting more than 20 percent.

    Njy Rios, Director of R&D Incentives at Ayming UK comments, “The development of AI has been driven – and dominated – by mega-cap tech giants like Microsoft and Google but the launch of accessible models like ChatGPT have partly served to democractise access to AI.

    “The barrier to entry has been lowered and now businesses of all sizes can integrate AI into their operations without developing their own systems from scratch – which they likely neither have the financial nor human resources to contemplate.

    “Instead, as AI models are commoditised, we can expect to see competitive advantage shift from those that own AI technology towards those applying it most effectively.”

    AI is not only being used to automate processes, which frees up critical time for researchers to focus on higher-value strategic activity, but increasingly more businesses are using the technology to generate ideas and to conduct broader analysis.

    In fact, 53 percent of businesses are using AI to analyse data to support innovation, 43 percent are using it to predict new trends and 39 percent to generate new ideas, compared to just 26 percent using it for automation.

    The research suggests that businesses are starting to recognise AI as a catalyst for collaboration and creativity, rather than simply as an automation tool.

    Rios continues, “The future of AI will be shaped by hybrid models where human creativity and original thinking is optimised by AI’s analytical power, the latter enhancing rather than replacing the former. In fact, the way that generative AI has been built makes it incapable, at least for now, of producing original thoughts, which means it won’t ever be able to ‘innovate’ without human creative input.

    “It’s clear from this year’s research that AI has already changed the game and what we expect to see next is the timescale of the innovation lifecycle – from ideation to output – begin to radically reduce. What we should be left with is a process where innovation can be done faster, and investment can go further.”

    In June 2024, Ayming surveyed 1,227 R&D and innovation directors, Chief Financial Officers, Chief Executive Officers and Chief Technology Officers. Respondents were sourced from the following 17 countries: Belgium, Canada, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Hungary, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Singapore, Slovakia, Spain, United Kingdom, United States. Respondents were split evenly between seven sectors: automotive, construction, finance, manufacturing, finance, pharma and technology, and reflect an equal representation of large and small businesses.

    Further data and insights can be found in the full report: The International Innovation Barometer 2025.

  • Global semiconductor industry plans to invest $400 billion in 300 mm fab equipment over next three years

    Global semiconductor industry plans to invest $400 billion in 300 mm fab equipment over next three years

    semiconductor photoGlobal spending on 300 mm fab equipment is expected to reach a record $400 billion from 2025 to 2027, SEMI highlighted in its quarterly 300 mm Fab Outlook Report to 2027 report.

    The robust spending is being driven by the regionalization of semiconductor fabs and the increasing demand for artificial intelligence (AI) chips used in data centers and edge devices.

    Worldwide, 300 mm fab equipment spending is projected to grow by 4 percent to $99.3 billion in 2024, and further increase by 24 percent to $123.2 billion in 2025, surpassing the $100 billion level for the first time.  (more…)