For the last 100 years, dryers, ovens, refrigerators, washing machines and other household appliances have performed the same basic functions, such as keeping food hot or cold and getting clothes wet and dry. But, a new breed of “smart” appliances is emerging, thanks to advanced sensor technology and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Wearable electronics initially trickled into the market with Dick Tracy-inspired watches and healthcare bracelets. They quickly gained momentum, however, and it wasn’t long before the wearables market exploded.

MBX Systems has had a clearly defined relationship with its independent software vendor (ISV) customers since the day the company opened for business in 1995. For more than 20 years, MBX has focused on designing and manufacturing custom hardware—so the ISVs can focus on developing and selling their software for mass or niche markets. The setup has benefitted both parties.

SANTA CLARA, CA—Andy Grove, the brilliant Hungarian-born former chief executive and chairman of chip-making colossus Intel, and one of Silicon Valley's most revered business leaders, died Monday at the age of 79.

CHIPPEWA FALLS, WI—Cray Inc. plans to invest more than $20 million to build a new assembly plant here.

CUPERTINO, CA—Apple Inc. has developed a large-scale robotic line to disassemble returned iPhones. The line’s 29 free-standing robotic arms remove SIM card trays, screws, batteries, cameras and other parts for recycling.

WIXOM, MI—Acromag Inc., a manufacturer of electronic monitoring and control products, has formed a new electronics manufacturing services division here.

TEL AVIV, Israel—Researchers at Tel Aviv University are developing a new 3D printing technology that can create electronic circuits using nickel nanoparticles.

Tier 2 suppliers may be less well-known than Tier 1 suppliers and OEMs, but that doesn’t mean their role in the manufacturing chain is any less important.

Throughout its 107-year history, Cornell Dubilier Electronics Inc. (CDE) has placed great importance on manufacturing quality power capacitors, which are passive electrical components that temporarily store electrical energy in an electric field.