APEX, NC—ATI Industrial Automation, a provider of robotic tooling and sensing technology, has announced that its multiaxis force and torque (F/T) sensors are now compatible with FANUC’s robots and force control software. This collaboration opens up new possibilities for advanced automation and precision control in robotic applications.

TAINAN, Taiwan—Taiwanese private companies are pivoting into the defense sector and making weapons, and U.S. defense contractors are exploring ways to manufacture and design noncore components of their weapons systems in Taiwan.

QUEBEC CITY—Flexpipe, a manufacturer and distributor of modular steel framing structures and material handling systems, has launched Lean Maker Academy, a free online certification program designed to teach workers to assemble modular system equipment for lean manufacturing.

LOUISVILLE, KY—UAW is applying pressure on the Detroit Three automakers, which include General Motors, Ford and Stellantis—which owns the Jeep, Ram, Chrysler, Dodge and Fiat brands—by hosting a nationwide strike authorization vote.

ALBUQUERQUE—Singapore-based Maxeon Solar Technologies Ltd. is investing more than $1 billion to build a new 3-gigawatt (GW) solar panel assembly plant here, its first expansion into the United States.

KERNERSVILLE, NC—Deere & Co. will build a 115,000-square-foot assembly plant here to increase production of its Kreisel Electric brand of batteries and charging equipment electric tractors and off-road vehicles.

SAN FRANCISCO—Pico MES, a software company that is enabling digital transformation for small to medium-sized American factories, has received $12.35 million in investment from multiple venture capital firms, including Bosch Ventures, Counterpart Ventures and Momenta. 

TEMPE, AZ—First Solar Inc. is investing up to $1.1 billion to construct its fifth manufacturing facility in the USA, further expanding America’s capacity to produce its own photovoltaic (PV) solar modules.

WAUKESHA, WI—Husco International, a manufacturer of hydraulic and electromechanical control systems for automotive and off-highway applications, has received a Human Resources Award from the Milwaukee Business Journal.

CORBETTA, Italy—A lightweight urethane developed by global automotive supplier Marelli Europe S.p.A. has received a 2023 Enlighten Award from software company Altair Engineering Inc. and the Center for Automotive Research.