TOKYO—Japan will face a labor shortage next year when new overtime regulations for truck drivers come into force. This is being called the “2024 problem,” and the country’s manufacturers are hoping robots and automation can alleviate the issue.

CHICAGO—A new display of Industry 4.0 innovations at MxD is showcasing how state-of-the-art tools can improve efficiency and productivity.

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN—Engineers at Purdue University are developing new types of adhesives that are sustainable. They’re turning to nature for inspiration.

HARTFORD, CT—The 2023 Travelers Risk Index claims that 25 percent of manufacturers have been the victim of a data breach or cyber event.

The UAW touts "record" deals from the Detroit Three automakers, but ratification of the new contracts was no slam dunk.

WASHINGTON, D.C.— On November 2, 2023, U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH) announced that the Senate unanimously passed his bipartisan All-American Flag Act. This bill would require the federal government to only buy flags completely produced and manufactured in the United States.

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.

According to the International Federation of Robotics (IFR), 553,052 industrial robots were installed in factories last year, a 5 percent increase over 2021.

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.