The first low-beam headlights appeared on automobiles 100 years ago. Today, engineers are scrambling to develop a new generation of smart headlights that will soon make traditional products as obsolete as kerosene lanterns.
ELY, UK—British systems integrator GB Innomech has built an automated assembly system that uses vision-guided robots to produce spools of film ribbons for security and identity cards.
SMITHFIELD, PA—Boeing will expand its factory here, where the company makes complex electronic assemblies. Boeing expects to add 168 new jobs over the next three years, doubling the facility’s workforce.
OAKLAND, NJ—Amerlux, a manufacturer of energy-efficient lighting, has relocated to a new 200,000-square-foot assembly plant here. The company plans to boost its workforce by 40 percent.
ARMONK, NY—IBM has dealt its chip manufacturing division to Globalfoundaries Inc. In an unusual move, IBM will pay Globalfoundaries $1.5 billion over the next three years to take over the division. As part of the deal, Globalfoundaries will also own and operate IBM's manufacturing facilities in East Fishkill, NY, and Burlington, VT.