KARIYA, Japan—Automotive supplier DENSO Corp. and United Semiconductor Japan Co. Ltd. (USJC) have agreed to collaborate on the production of power semiconductors at USJC’s 300-millimeter fab to serve growing demand in the automotive market.

VIENNA—Researchers at the Technical University Wien (TU Wien) here have developed multiphysics software that can simulate the ability of dynamic beam lasers from Civan Advanced Technologies Ltd. to weld various materials.

STUTTGART, Germany—Mercedes-Benz is increasingly integrating recycled and sustainable materials into its vehicles.

FRANKFURT/TOKYO—Data recently published by the International Federation of Robotics indicates that Japan is delivering 45 percent of the global supply of industrial robots, making it number one in the world.

MINNEAPOLIS—Banner Engineering has begun integrating its sensors, LED lighting, machine safety, connectivity technologies, and industrial wireless products into the web-based EPLAN data portal.

HOLLAND, MI—LG Energy Solution has announced that it is investing $1.7 billion at its plant here to increase production of lithium-ion polymer battery cells and packs for EVs by fivefold. The expansion will create more than 1,200 new jobs.

BOONVILLE, MO—Kawasaki Motors has opened a new assembly plant here. The plant currently has one assembly line, but expects to add a second in July and two more next fall. Even with one assembly line, the plant employs some 80 people and turns out 1,200 engines for lawnmowers and other equipment per day.

GILBERT, AZ—Northrop Grumman has completed expansion of its satellite assembly plant here to help meet growing demand for spacecraft.

WASHINGTON—The Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy is opening Stage 2 of the “Conductivity-Enhanced Materials for Affordable, Breakthrough Leapfrog Electric and Thermal Applications Conductor” Manufacturing Prize. This three-stage competition will award up to $4.5 million to accelerate the development of affordable, manufacturable materials that conduct electricity more efficiently than existing materials.