CHICAGO—Last year, robot sales in the United States hit a new peak of almost 38,000 units, setting a record for the eighth year in a row.

KARLSRUHE, Germany—A group of engineers at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology are using artificial intelligence (AI) technology to develop an agile production system that can autonomously adapt to changing product specifications.

SAARBRUCKEN, Germany—Engineers at Saarland University have developed an ultrathin, flexible film that can act as a sensor and can be integrated within a glove.

STAMFORD, CT—More manufacturers are investing in digital twin technology. In fact, a recent survey conducted by Gartner Inc. claims that 75 percent of organizations implementing Industry 4.0 initiatives already use digital twins or plan to within a year.

GLOUCESTERSHIRE, UK—Printed circuit supplier Trackwise has produced an 85-foot-long multilayer flexible circuit—said to be the world’s longest—for distributing power and control signals across the wings of a solar-powered drone.

WEST PALM BEACH, FL—Sikorsky Aircraft has announced that the maiden flights of two of its fully assembled HH-60W combat rescue helicopters are expected to happen before June at its development flight center here.

QINGDAO, China—Airbus Helicopters recently opened a final-assembly plant here for the H135 helicopter.

EVERETT, WA—Although Boeing has delayed the public reveal of its new 777X-9 airplane out of respect for the families of victims of two recent 737 MAX 8 crashes, last month the company invited staff to come in and view close-up Boeing's new flagship aircraft.

GREENBELT, MD—Engineers at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center here are using additive manufacturing technology to create printed sensors.

MIAMISBURG, OH—Allite Inc., a materials supplier specializing in lightweight products, has partnered with Weis Manufacturing to codevelop the first racing bicycle frame made entirely from the magnesium.