LOS ALAMITOS, CA—Epson Robots has introduced a new series of high-precision six-axis robots. 

KINGSBORO, NC—Natron Energy Inc., a manufacturer of sodium-ion batteries, is investing $1.4 billion to build a new “gigafactory” here.

The innovation has practical applications in a variety of industries, including aerospace and automotive manufacturing.

Some 93 percent of manufacturers recently surveyed have added new AI initiatives within the last 12 months, while another 6 percent are preparing to launch such initiatives.

The enhanced expressiveness and agility of the machine may pave the way for improving human-robot interaction on assembly lines, enabling humanoids to safely operate alongside operators.

According to a recent study conducted by the XR Association, 81 percent of manufacturers believe that immersive technology is important, and more than one-third of respondents claim that XR technology can help address workforce skill gaps.

REDWOOD CITY, CA—To help small and midsized manufacturers take advantage of digital transformation, software supplier Pico MES has announced that all manufacturers will be able to use its digital work instruction suite of tools for free. 

CHICAGO—Ford Motor Co.’s Chicago Assembly Plant officially celebrated its centennial yesterday with a big birthday bash and an open house.

ARLINGTON, TX—General Motors’ assembly plant here celebrated its 70th anniversary last week and assembled its 13 millionth vehicle. The milestone vehicle is a 2024 Cadillac Escalade-V powered by a 682-horsepower supercharged V8 engine.

AUBURN, MA—PI’s new N-332 nanometer-precision linear stage family is designed for high-end applications in semiconductors, fiber-optics, microscopy, nanobiotechnology, metrology, and research on beamlines and lasers.