WASHINGTON, D.C.— In October 2023 the Biden Administration announced thirty-one Tech Hubs across the country. These Tech Hubs were made possible by the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act led to passage by Leader Schumer and Senate Democrats and signed by President Biden. These Tech Hubs will drive job creation, bring manufacturing back from overseas, and boost American competitiveness in communities across the country.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Commission on the American Workforce Act aims to bridge this information gap and overcome the labor shortage crisis undermining America’s economy by creating a commission to investigate what has caused these significant changes in the workforce and develop potential solutions that Congress can consider in the future.

TORRANCE, CA—Divergent Technologies, known for its comprehensive digital industrial production system, announced the successful completion of a $230 million Series D equity financing round. The financing was spearheaded by a substantial $100 million investment from Hexagon AB and saw participation from a mix of new and existing institutional and family office investors.

Rapid advances in artificial intelligence and automation emerged in 2023, creating new opportunities for agencies and advertisers alike to “tech-enable” their businesses. But many faced challenges in implementing concrete strategies for harnessing these tools. Read how advertisers will use AI and automation in 2024.

DETROIT, MI—The co-founders of Propel Bikes and Vela Bikes announced Monday the creation of Bloom, a vertical integration partner for light electric vehicles, with its first manufacturing location in the Motor City. Leading Bloom will be Propel's Chris Nolte and Vela's Justin Kosmides, who will collaborate with micromobility strategic partners to provide domestic contract manufacturing, assembly, delivery, and servicing. 

WASHINGTON, D.C.—President Joe Biden’s campaign aired a new ad blasting former President Donald Trump’s record on manufacturing.

CORVALLIS, OR—Agility Robotics, creator of the groundbreaking bipedal robot Digit, announced that Amazon will begin testing Digit for use in their operations. Digit will first be tested at Amazon’s robotics research and development facility just south of Seattle.

Specifically developed to further improve quality and productivity on the aircraft assembly line, while also reducing instances of operator injury, Atlas Copco Tools and Industrial Assembly Solutions has introduced an electric drill for the aerospace sector.

A few weeks ago, Amazon.com announced introducing an array of new artificial intelligence and robotics capabilities into its warehouse operations that will reduce delivery times and help identify inventory more quickly. The revamp will change the way Amazon moves products through its fulfillment centers with new AI-equipped sortation machines and robotic arms. It is also set to alter how many of the company’s vast army of workers do their jobs.

CHICAGO, IL— Ford agreed to invest $400 million in the Chicago Assembly Plant and another $30 million in the Chicago Stamping Plant as part of the tentative four-year contract United Auto Workers members are considering now. Calumet Region Ford workers will vote on the proposed contract on Nov. 6 and 7.