Smart factory Stories

Global Stories

Smart factory stories

Seeing Machines wins robotics contract for factory use

The deal could open a new industrial revenue stream as the group tests whether its human-monitoring technology works in factory robotics.

By Mark Tarre • 4 min read • Fri, 14th Aug 2026

Data Analytics

Rockwell Automation adds AI visual inspection to Plex QMS

The integration could improve defect detection and traceability by feeding camera-based inspection results directly into quality records.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Wed, 12th Aug 2026

Robotics

Reimagine Robotics emerges with AI platform for workers

Factory staff can now train robots without specialist coding, as the London-Sydney startup targets faster automation in manufacturing and electronics.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 4 min read • Tue, 4th Aug 2026

Manufacturing

Ducati links AI configurator to Multistrada V4 output

Customers can now push customised Multistrada V4 choices straight to Ducati's Borgo Panigale line, tightening the link between sales and assembly.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Thu, 23rd Jul 2026

Robotics

Sensors improve robotic grip on cosmetics packaging lines

Real-time force sensing is cutting scrap and tray deformation on high-speed cosmetics lines, reducing waste and rework for manufacturers.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Thu, 23rd Jul 2026

Robotics

Fujitsu joins FANUC, Yaskawa & Kawasaki on physical AI

Labour shortages and an ageing workforce are pushing Japanese manufacturers to test AI-controlled robots in factories, logistics and hospitals.

By Sean Mitchell • 6 min read • Fri, 17th Jul 2026

Digital Transformation

UK manufacturers see security tech as productivity aid

Rising costs are pushing UK factory bosses to use cameras and other security tools to spot inefficiencies, not just prevent incidents.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Thu, 2nd Jul 2026

Software-as-a-Service

HERE partners Prinzhorn on factory digital workspace

Factory staff could save time on routine tasks as Prinzhorn rolls out a single digital workspace across sites, starting at Hamburger Containerboard.

By Sean Mitchell • 4 min read • Mon, 29th Jun 2026

Data centers

SiTime launches Chorus 2 clock generators for AI systems

Timing in AI and networking boards is getting simpler, as the new devices can replace up to 12 oscillators and cut power use.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 3 min read • Sat, 27th Jun 2026

Edge Computing

Rockwell launches FactoryTalk ResilientEdge for factories

The software is designed to keep production running and cut integration complexity for manufacturers even if network links fail.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Tue, 23rd Jun 2026

Manufacturing

Iveda upgrades tracking system with 10cm Bluetooth sensors

Hospitals, factories and warehouses could cut losses and delays as the upgraded system pinpoints people and equipment to within 10 centimetres.

By Karen Joy Bacudo • 3 min read • Thu, 18th Jun 2026

Robotics

Smart manufacturing gains speed in automotive plants

Measured gains from AI and automation are pushing automotive plants to cut downtime, lift output and close a widening performance gap.

By Sean Mitchell • 3 min read • Wed, 17th Jun 2026

Stories from Other Regions

Smart factory stories

Manufacturing

Zebra RFID lifts Spex warehouse picking efficiency 50%

Paper-based dispatch at the New Zealand manufacturer has been replaced with RFID tracking, cutting some picking tasks from 15 minutes to five.

By Joseph Gabriel Lagonsin • 3 min read • Last week

Data Analytics

Critical Manufacturing, UST partner on SEA India MES

Manufacturers in Southeast Asia and India will gain local help with MES rollouts as the firms target faster deployments and factory modernisation.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Wed, 26th Aug 2026

Data Analytics

Omron unveils AI chip inspection tools at SEMICON Taiwan

Advanced chip makers are being pushed towards earlier fault tracing as complex packaging makes internal defects harder to spot with surface checks alone.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Tue, 25th Aug 2026

Digital Transformation

Rockwell Automation spotlights Thailand manufacturing trends

Manufacturers are weighing digitalisation, AI and cybersecurity as Thailand's factories face labour shortages, cost pressure and tighter sustainability goals.

By Sofiah Nichole Salivio • 4 min read • Thu, 20th Aug 2026