Articles tagged with "advanced-manufacturing"
4x more production of THAAD: US to make 400 key interceptors per year
The United States Department of War (DoW) has signed a framework agreement with Lockheed Martin to quadruple the production of Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) interceptors from 96 to 400 units annually. This agreement follows a similar recent deal to accelerate production of PAC-3 Missile Segment Enhancement (MSE) interceptors. THAAD is a combat-proven missile defense system capable of intercepting short, medium, and intermediate-range ballistic missiles both inside and outside the atmosphere, making it a critical component of U.S. and allied defense capabilities. Lockheed Martin currently supports the THAAD program with over 2,000 U.S. employees and more than 340,000 square feet of dedicated operations space. The company plans to invest billions over the next three years to expand production capacity, modernize over 20 facilities across several states, and incorporate advanced manufacturing technologies. A new Munitions Acceleration Center will also be established in Camden, Arkansas, to enhance workforce capabilities
robotenergyadvanced-manufacturingdefense-technologyroboticsdigital-technologiesproduction-expansion200-foot-long unmanned ships with advanced autonomy to be built in US
Two U.S. companies, Hanwha Defense and HavocAI, have partnered to develop 200-foot autonomous surface vessels (ASVs) equipped with advanced collaborative autonomy technology. This collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding, aims to jointly handle mass production planning, installation, proposal development, and technical aspects under the U.S. government’s Modular Attack Surface Craft solicitation program. Hanwha, the only shipbuilder with an operational U.S. shipyard involved, is considering its Philly Shipyard for production. The partnership is intended to meet the Department of War’s demand for faster, more capable, and cost-effective naval vessels, while also fostering much-needed competition in defense procurement. The alliance builds on a prior strategic relationship and successful technology demonstrations, including an autonomous force protection mission conducted by HavocAI with beyond-line-of-sight command and control from Hanwha’s Geoje shipyard in Korea. HavocAI recently secured $85 million in funding, confirmed sales of multiple vessels
robotautonomous-shipsmaritime-roboticsdefense-technologyadvanced-manufacturingautonomous-surface-vesselsmilitary-roboticsWorld-first Iron Nitride permanent magnet facility set to be built in US
Niron Magnetics, a US-based company, is set to build the world’s first full-scale manufacturing facility for Iron Nitride permanent magnets in Sartell, Minnesota, with operations expected to begin in early 2027. The new 190,000-square-foot plant will have an annual production capacity of 1,500 tons of these magnets, which are made from abundant and domestically sourced iron and nitrogen rather than rare earth materials. This breakthrough technology aims to create a resilient and sustainable US supply chain for permanent magnets critical to industries such as automotive, defense, industrial motors, consumer electronics, and renewable energy. The project, managed by Wood under an engineering, procurement, and construction management (EPCM) contract, represents a significant advancement in sustainable magnet production at scale. Niron Magnetics’ Iron Nitride magnets offer high magnetization without relying on rare earth elements, reducing supply chain vulnerabilities and environmental impacts associated with traditional magnet manufacturing. The Sartell facility builds on the success of a pilot plant
materialspermanent-magnetsiron-nitridesustainable-manufacturingsupply-chainadvanced-manufacturingenergy-applicationsWorld’s largest stellarator fusion power design gets funding boost
Type One Energy, a fusion startup backed by Bill Gates, has secured $87 million in new funding to advance its stellarator fusion power design, bringing its total venture investment to over $160 million. The company is developing Infinity One, the world’s largest and most advanced stellarator testbed, located at a former fossil plant site in Clinton, Tennessee. This project aims to demonstrate improved manufacturing, construction, and commissioning processes using advanced methods, while verifying key fusion technologies such as modular high-temperature superconducting magnets, plasma performance with a metallic first wall, reduced plasma heat loss, and enhanced exhaust efficiency. Stellarators are highlighted as one of the most promising fusion concepts due to their stable, steady-state operation and predictable plasma performance, which reduces risks associated with commercial fusion power. Type One Energy leverages modern computational physics and high-performance computing to optimize the complex three-dimensional magnetic fields required for stellarator operation. The company is currently raising a $250 million Series B round at a $900 million valuation,
energyfusion-powerstellaratorsuperconducting-magnetsadvanced-manufacturingsustainable-energypower-generationChina’s Chips Manhattan Project And The Semiconductor Skills Race - CleanTechnica
The article discusses China’s covert, large-scale effort to develop extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography technology, often likened to a "Manhattan Project," aimed at closing the gap in advanced semiconductor manufacturing. EUV lithography is critical for producing cutting-edge chips with features measured in nanometers, enabling higher transistor density, faster switching speeds, and lower energy consumption. This technology is extraordinarily complex, involving precision optics, plasma physics, lasers, vacuum systems, and advanced materials science. China’s progress, which includes developing partial working prototypes, signifies that the technological gap with the Dutch manufacturer ASML—the only company currently producing EUV machines—is shrinking from decades to years, though China has not yet matched ASML’s capabilities. China’s initiative emerged after the U.S. and its allies, including the Netherlands, South Korea, and Japan, imposed export controls to block China’s access to advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment, particularly EUV machines. Faced with exclusion from the most advanced chip nodes, China chose
semiconductorslithographyEUV-technologychip-manufacturingmaterials-scienceenergy-efficiencyadvanced-manufacturingDepartment of Commerce may approve Nvidia H200 chip exports to China
The U.S. Department of Commerce is reportedly preparing to approve Nvidia’s export of advanced H200 AI chips to China, marking a potential shift in U.S. policy. These H200 chips are significantly more advanced than the H20 chips Nvidia previously developed specifically for the Chinese market. However, the approval would only allow the shipment of H200 chips that are about 18 months old. Nvidia has expressed support for this decision, emphasizing that it balances national interests and supports American manufacturing jobs. This development follows recent statements from Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo indicating a pending decision on the matter. The potential approval comes amid ongoing tensions and legislative efforts to restrict advanced AI chip exports to China over national security concerns. Bipartisan lawmakers introduced the Secure and Feasible Exports Act (SAFE) Chips Act, which would impose a 30-month ban on exporting advanced AI chips to China, though the timing of a vote remains uncertain. Historically, the Trump administration had imposed export restrictions on chip companies like Nvidia, but also showed
materialssemiconductorAI-chipsNvidiachip-exporttechnology-tradeadvanced-manufacturingUS firm tests solid rocket motor, propulsion tech for target vehicles
Northrop Grumman, a Virginia-based US firm, has successfully tested the first of two new solid rocket motors—SMASH!22 and BAMM!29 2.0—under its Solid Motor Annual Rocket Technology Demonstrator (SMART Demo) program. The SMASH!22, a 22-inch diameter motor, underwent a static test fire that incorporated advanced manufacturing techniques, new materials, and innovative processes aimed at speeding development, improving performance, and reducing costs. This test generated extensive data to enhance understanding of these novel technologies, which are the first of their kind in the solid rocket motor industry. The SMART Demo program is an annual initiative designed to develop, build, and test new solid rocket motors and associated tooling, focusing on technologies such as complex additively manufactured components and alternative manufacturing materials. The second motor, BAMM!29 2.0, a 29-inch diameter Bombardment Attack Missile Motor, is scheduled for static testing in early 2026. Northrop
energysolid-rocket-motorpropulsion-technologyadvanced-manufacturingadditive-manufacturingmaterials-scienceaerospace-engineeringWorld's largest polymer 3D printer makes giant nuclear reactor parts
US scientists at the University of Maine’s Advanced Structures and Composites Center (ASCC) have pioneered a faster, cost-effective method for manufacturing large nuclear reactor components using the world’s largest polymer 3D printer. The team created massive, precision-shaped concrete form liners for Kairos Power’s next-generation 35-megawatt Hermes reactor under construction in Oak Ridge, Tennessee. These liners, each three feet thick and 27 feet tall with complex sinusoidal curves, were produced to meet tight commercial deadlines and millimeter-level precision requirements, overcoming the limitations of traditional construction methods. The project leveraged ASCC’s advanced printing capabilities, including a hybrid casting system and rigorous digital scanning and metrology to ensure exact conformity to digital models. This collaboration, supported by the Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory and part of the SM²ART alliance, highlights the university’s role in accelerating manufacturing innovation and workforce development. Additionally, UMaine is developing the Material Process Property Warehouse (MPPW), an AI
energynuclear-reactor3D-printingpolymer-materialsadvanced-manufacturingconstruction-technologysustainable-materialsPhotos: This 30-foot hybrid boat to offer world’s longest-range with over 700-mile run
Navier unveiled the Quanta-R at the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, a 30-foot hybrid-electric hydrofoiling vessel that sets a new benchmark in recreational boating with a record-breaking range of over 700 nautical miles at cruising speed—nearly double the current industry standard. Built on Navier’s Pioneer hull, the Quanta-R employs actively stabilized hydrofoils that lift the hull out of the water to reduce drag, significantly enhancing fuel efficiency, lowering wake, and minimizing noise. This innovation marks a shift toward more sustainable marine travel by reducing reliance on fuel-intensive propulsion. The Quanta-R features aviation-inspired, software-defined mobility, enabling high performance and comfort even in challenging sea conditions (Sea State 3). It is the first recreational model based on Navier’s scalable Generalized Marine Vessel Platform, designed for adaptability across commercial, military, and passenger applications. The platform’s redundant system architecture eliminates single points of failure, embodying a dual-use technology approach that bridges luxury leisure boating with defense
energyhybrid-electricmarine-technologysustainable-transportationhydrofoilsmobility-technologyadvanced-manufacturingHow engineers plan world's first hydrogen-powered hypersonic jet
The article discusses the development of the world’s first hydrogen-powered hypersonic jet, highlighting the efforts of Hypersonix Launch Systems, a Brisbane-based aerospace startup. Building on the legacy of the SR-71 Blackbird, the new generation of hypersonic aircraft aims to achieve sustained speeds of Mach 5 to Mach 12 using hydrogen-fueled scramjet engines. Hypersonix’s Spartan scramjet engine, entirely 3D-printed from high-temperature alloys, is designed for efficiency and thermal resilience at these extreme speeds. Their 11.5-foot DART AE demonstrator, scheduled for a test flight from NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, seeks to prove the viability of green hydrogen as a clean, high-energy fuel for hypersonic propulsion, potentially transforming both military and civilian aviation. This development is part of a broader global race in hypersonic technology, driven by strategic defense competition involving the US, China, Russia, and European entities. While other companies and agencies
energyhydrogen-fuelhypersonic-flightaerospace-engineeringscramjet-enginessustainable-fuelsadvanced-manufacturingUS to 3D-print vital weapon parts in its closest territory to China
The US territory of Guam has initiated the construction of its first advanced manufacturing facility, the Guam Advanced Material & Manufacturing Accelerator (GAMMA), aimed at producing vital 3D-printed parts for US Navy submarines and commercial industries across Asia. Led by the nonprofit ASTRO America, GAMMA will house state-of-the-art equipment for just-in-time manufacturing, potentially reducing supply delays for military and civilian users. This development marks Guam’s entry into the US defense manufacturing supply chain and is expected to begin producing submarine parts by the end of next year. The project is part of a five-year collaboration between the Government of Guam and the US Navy, designed to enhance defense readiness and diversify Guam’s economy beyond tourism. Central to this initiative is a partnership involving the University of Guam (UOG), ASTRO America, and the Colorado School of Mines to establish a 2+2 mechanical engineering degree program, allowing students to earn accredited degrees locally while gaining hands-on experience with additive manufacturing. The university also plans
3D-printingadvanced-manufacturingdefense-technologymaterials-scienceadditive-manufacturingsupply-chain-innovationaerospace-manufacturing3D knitting machine builds solid shapes with flexible stitch control
Researchers at Cornell and Carnegie Mellon University have developed a prototype knitting machine capable of creating solid, three-dimensional objects rather than traditional flat fabric sheets. Unlike conventional knitting, which forms continuous yarn loops in a single plane, this machine adds stitches in multiple directions—including forward, backward, and diagonal—allowing it to build complex layered shapes with variable stiffness. The system operates similarly to a 3D printer, constructing objects layer by layer and providing precise control over both structure and texture. Central to the design is a 6×6 array of needles with 3D-printed double hooks that can knit or purl independently, guided by custom digital code that generates stitch patterns tailored to specific shapes. Although still in early development and facing challenges such as dropped loops and slow operation, the prototype has successfully produced small 3D forms like a C-shaped object and a pyramid, demonstrating its ability to handle curves, layers, and overhangs. The researchers see potential for scaling up the technology by increasing needle count
3D-knittingadvanced-manufacturingmaterial-innovationtextile-technology3D-printingflexible-materialsmedical-applications440-ton field coil box delivered for world’s largest fusion magnet system
Shanghai Electric has successfully delivered the world’s largest toroidal field magnet coil box, a critical component for China’s fusion energy efforts. Weighing approximately 880,000 pounds and made from ultra-low-temperature austenitic steel, the coil box surpasses similar components used in France’s ITER project in both size and weight. The development process took five years and involved overcoming significant technical challenges, including advanced welding techniques on steel up to 14 inches thick, combining high-thickness laser welding with ultra-deep narrow-gap tungsten inert gas welding and phased array non-destructive testing to ensure precision. This achievement not only advances China’s capabilities in fusion technology but also supports the establishment of a comprehensive industrial supply chain for fusion energy. The innovations derived from this project have potential applications beyond fusion, including aerospace, energy equipment, shipbuilding, and offshore engineering. Additionally, the Institute of Plasma Physics at the Chinese Academy of Sciences is nearing completion of the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT), designed to address
energyfusion-energysuperconducting-magnetsindustrial-supply-chainadvanced-manufacturingfusion-technologyITERIntel expands Panther Lake processor edge applications to robotics - The Robot Report
Intel has unveiled detailed architectural information about its Intel Core Ultra Series 3 processor, codenamed Panther Lake, highlighting its expanded edge applications including robotics. To support this, Intel introduced a new Robotics AI software suite and reference board designed to help customers rapidly develop cost-effective robots with advanced AI capabilities for control and perception. Panther Lake, Intel’s first product built on the cutting-edge 18A semiconductor process, is set to begin high-volume production in 2024 at Intel’s new Fab 52 facility in Chandler, Arizona, with initial shipments expected by the end of the year and broad availability in January 2026. The Panther Lake processor leverages Intel’s 18A process, the most advanced semiconductor technology developed and manufactured in the U.S., featuring innovations such as RibbonFET transistor architecture and PowerVia backside power delivery. The processor offers a scalable multi-chiplet design, combining up to 16 performance and efficient cores, a new Intel Arc GPU with up to 12 Xe cores, and
roboticsIntel-Panther-LakeAI-processorssemiconductor-technologyedge-computingAI-accelerationadvanced-manufacturingToyota adds another $1.5B to its bet on startups at every stage
Toyota is significantly expanding its investment in startups across various stages of development, committing an additional $1.5 billion to support innovation in mobility, climate, AI, and industrial automation. The company announced the creation of Toyota Invention Partners Co., a strategic investment subsidiary with about $670 million in capital focused on early-stage, Japan-based startups with a long-term investment horizon. This new entity complements Toyota’s existing venture arms—Toyota Ventures, which targets early-stage startups, and Woven Capital, which focuses on growth-stage companies. Woven Capital also launched a second $800 million fund aimed at Series B to late-stage startups advancing AI, automation, climate tech, energy, and sustainability, and has become a wholly owned Toyota subsidiary. This multi-tiered investment approach allows Toyota to support startups from the initial invention phase through growth and maturity, with the potential for successful ventures to be integrated into Toyota’s balance sheet. The strategy reflects Toyota’s deepening commitment to the startup ecosystem and its role in developing technologies
robotAIindustrial-automationadvanced-manufacturingroboticsstartup-investmentautomotive-technology3D-printed hypercar smashes 5 track records in as many days
Czinger’s 3D-printed 21C hypercar achieved a remarkable feat by breaking five official production lap records on five consecutive days during a 1,000-mile campaign across California, known as the California Gold Rush campaign. The hypercar set new lap times at Thunderhill Raceway Park, Sonoma Raceway, Laguna Seca, Willow Springs, and The Thermal Club, collectively shaving 16.26 seconds off previous benchmarks. Each record was verified by RaceLogic’s VBox GNSS system and independent witnesses, underscoring the car’s exceptional performance and endurance. Powered by a twin-turbocharged 2.9-liter V8 engine combined with a 4.4-kWh battery pack, the 21C produces 1,350 horsepower and reaches a top speed of 253 mph. Notably, the car used the same standard configuration for all runs without any hidden upgrades, demonstrating the durability and capability of its 3D-printed components under varied track conditions and temperatures. Driver
3D-printinghypercarautomotive-materialsenergy-storageelectric-hybridhigh-performance-engineeringadvanced-manufacturingFirst 3D-printed ion traps hit 98% fidelity in quantum operations
Scientists from Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), in collaboration with UC Berkeley, UC Riverside, and UC Santa Barbara, have developed miniaturized quadrupole ion traps using high-resolution 3D printing, achieving quantum gate fidelities as high as 98%. These 3D-printed ion traps combine the stability advantages of traditional bulky 3D traps with the scalability of planar traps, overcoming a longstanding tradeoff in quantum computing hardware. The traps confine calcium ions at competitive frequencies and error rates, enabling stable ion manipulation, including two-ion position exchanges lasting minutes and high-fidelity two-qubit entangling gates. The use of ultrahigh-resolution two-photon polymerization printing allows rapid prototyping—printing full traps in about 14 hours or just electrodes in 30 minutes—significantly accelerating design iterations and enabling complex hybrid planar-3D geometries. This expanded design flexibility opens new avenues for optimizing and miniaturizing ion traps. The team plans to further
3D-printingion-trapsquantum-computingmaterials-engineeringminiaturizationquantum-informationadvanced-manufacturing'Self-fixturing’ friction stir welding could soon enter into manufacturing
A breakthrough at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) promises to expand the use of friction stir welding (FSW) in manufacturing, particularly on automotive assembly lines. FSW is an energy-efficient welding technique that uses a spinning tool to generate heat and deformation, joining metals without rivets or adhesives. However, its adoption has been limited because the process exerts tremendous force—up to 5,000 pounds—that traditionally requires a rigid anvil underneath the materials to constrain and ensure precise welds. This constraint has made it difficult to apply FSW broadly on assembly lines. PNNL researchers have developed a novel “self-fixturing” friction stir welding system that integrates both the spinning tool and a miniature backing plate into a robotic arm attachment. This innovation eliminates the need for a separate rigid anvil, allowing the welding tool to be more maneuverable and adaptable to complex parts. The team is also incorporating a hydraulic system that captures the forces generated during welding,
friction-stir-weldingadvanced-manufacturingrobotic-armsmaterials-scienceenergy-efficiencyautomotive-manufacturingself-fixturing-technologyDivergent raises $290M to expand production of specialized military parts
Divergent Technologies, an advanced manufacturing company specializing in military components, has raised $290 million in a funding round that values the company at $2.3 billion. The capital infusion, which includes $40 million in debt, will be used to expand Divergent’s manufacturing facilities in Los Angeles and to initiate construction of a new factory in Oklahoma next year. The company’s specialized 3D printers produce up to 600 parts, with metal missile airframes being a core product. Divergent’s clientele includes major defense contractors such as Lockheed Martin, RTX, and General Dynamics. This funding round highlights strong investor interest in startups that enhance domestic manufacturing capabilities amid increasing demand for advanced weapons systems, which is putting pressure on traditional supply chains. CEO Lukas Czinger emphasized the importance of missile parts production as a key business focus for Divergent.
materialsadvanced-manufacturing3D-printingmilitary-partsdefense-technologymetal-componentsproduction-expansionExperts to discuss how to close the robotics gap with China at RoboBusiness - The Robot Report
The article highlights the growing dominance of China in the global robotics industry, noting that in 2023 China became the third most automated country worldwide, surpassing the U.S., Germany, and Japan. China now holds the largest market for industrial robots and accounts for over half of global industrial robot installations, a significant increase from about one-fifth a decade ago. The Chinese government has committed to investing nearly $137 billion over 20 years in robotics, artificial intelligence, and innovation, further solidifying its advanced manufacturing ecosystem. In response to China's rapid advancements, RoboBusiness 2025, scheduled for October 15-16 in Santa Clara, California, will feature a keynote session titled “Closing the Robotics Gap with China.” This panel will include experts such as Jeff Burnstein (Association for Advancing Automation), Georg Steiler (Stieler Technology & Market Advisory), Eric Truebenbach (Teradyne Ventures), and Eugene Demaitre (The Robot Report). They will discuss strategies for the U.S
roboticsindustrial-robotsautomationChina-robotics-marketrobotics-investmentadvanced-manufacturingrobotics-innovationUS turns former nuclear plant into low-energy polysilicon facility
The United States is repurposing the former Phipps Bend Nuclear Plant site in Hawkins County, Tennessee, into a major polysilicon manufacturing hub aimed at producing solar-grade polysilicon with an annual capacity of 16,000 metric tons, projected to increase to 20,000 metric tons within four years. This output is sufficient to supply about 11 gigawatts of solar cells yearly. The redevelopment leverages existing infrastructure from the abandoned nuclear project, including a high-voltage transmission interconnect and favorable zoning, facilitating large-scale industrial use. Highland Materials, a new polysilicon manufacturer, will anchor the site with advanced manufacturing facilities, supported by a long-term lease secured through Pivotal Manufacturing Partners. The project received $255.6 million in federal tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act. Highland Materials plans to implement an innovative, energy-efficient aluminum–silicon alloy smelting process that significantly reduces energy consumption to 20–40 kWh per kilogram of silicon, much lower
energysolar-energypolysiliconadvanced-manufacturingenergy-efficiencymaterials-sciencerenewable-energy‘Utopian’ city California Forever announces huge tech manufacturing park
California Forever has announced plans to develop Solano Foundry, a massive 2,100-acre advanced tech manufacturing park capable of hosting 40 million square feet of facilities. This manufacturing hub will be integrated into California Forever’s broader vision of a walkable city featuring over 175,000 homes. CEO Jan Sramek revealed these details at the Reindustrialize conference in Detroit, emphasizing the project's focus on streamlined permitting, efficient transportation for finished goods, and abundant renewable energy supply. Located in Solano County, approximately 40 miles northeast of San Francisco, the site aims to attract hardware, engineering, and AI talent from nearby Silicon Valley. The development is positioned as a significant step toward reindustrialization, combining residential living with cutting-edge manufacturing infrastructure to foster innovation and economic growth in the region.
energyrenewable-energytech-manufacturingadvanced-manufacturingSilicon-ValleyAI-talenttransportationApple aims to end rare earth reliance on China with $500M deal
Apple has committed $500 million in a multi-year deal with MP Materials, the only U.S.-based company that mines, processes, and manufactures rare earth materials entirely domestically. This partnership aims to reduce reliance on China for critical rare earth elements, especially neodymium magnets used in Apple devices. As part of the agreement, Apple will purchase American-made magnets from MP Materials’ expanded Independence facility in Texas, which will feature new manufacturing lines tailored for Apple products and is expected to begin global supply by 2027. The expansion will create advanced manufacturing and R&D jobs, alongside training programs to build U.S. expertise in rare earth magnet production. Additionally, Apple and MP Materials will establish a state-of-the-art rare earth recycling plant at the Mountain Pass facility in California to recover materials from electronic waste and industrial scrap, further integrating recycled rare earths into Apple’s supply chain. This initiative builds on Apple’s prior use of recycled rare earth elements since 2019 and supports its broader commitment to invest
materialsrare-earth-elementsneodymium-magnetsrecycling-technologysupply-chainadvanced-manufacturingsustainable-materialsWorld's most advanced jet's fuselages now delivered every 30 hours
Northrop Grumman has significantly advanced the manufacturing of the F-35 Lightning II fighter jet by employing cutting-edge technologies at its Integrated Assembly Line (IAL) in Palmdale, California. The IAL produces the center fuselage—a critical airframe component common to all three F-35 variants—at an impressive rate of one every 30 hours. This component includes key features such as the bifurcated inlet system, internal weapons bay, fuel reservoir, and inflight operating doors, all essential to the aircraft’s stealth and operational capabilities. To date, over 1,400 center fuselages have been delivered, supporting both U.S. and international customers. The IAL is described as one of the most advanced military aircraft manufacturing facilities, integrating robotics, automation, and data-driven analytics to enhance production quality and efficiency while maintaining tight engineering tolerances. The facility handles all F-35 variants on a single line and incorporates technologies like automated guided vehicles, robotic drilling, and mold-in
robotautomationadvanced-manufacturingaerospace-materialsrobotics-in-manufacturingdefense-technologyautomated-guided-vehicles3D-printed jet engine hits 13,000 feet in China’s maiden flight test
China has successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its first fully 3D-printed mini turbojet engine, which reached an altitude of 13,000 feet (4,000 meters) in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. This 160-kilogram thrust-class engine was produced using a combination of additive manufacturing and multi-disciplinary topology optimization, allowing for complex, lightweight, and integrated components that traditional casting and forging methods cannot easily achieve. The development represents a significant technical milestone for China’s aerospace sector, potentially reducing its reliance on foreign-sourced engines and addressing longstanding challenges in metallurgy and precision engineering. While additive manufacturing is already established in the aerospace industry globally—with companies like GE Aviation and Pratt & Whitney using 3D-printed parts—China’s achievement lies in producing an entire flight-validated engine through these methods. The lightweight engine is expected to be particularly useful for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). However, transitioning from a prototype to industrial-scale production poses challenges, including advancements in high-temperature
3D-printingadditive-manufacturingaerospace-materialsjet-engine-technologyadvanced-manufacturingmaterials-engineeringaerospace-innovationConstruction starts on UK's biggest, most advanced nuclear submarine
Construction has commenced on the UK’s most advanced nuclear-powered attack submarine, the SSN-AUKUS, marking a significant step in the nation’s defense capabilities under the AUKUS partnership with Australia and the US. The London-based defense firm Babcock has secured key contracts to build components for this new class of conventionally-armed submarines, which are set to replace the current Astute-class vessels starting in the late 2030s. The program envisions building up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines, representing a major expansion of the UK’s submarine fleet and industrial capacity, particularly at the Barrow and Raynesway shipyards. Babcock’s involvement includes delivering weapon handling and launch systems, integrated tube hulls, and technical support for the Tomahawk missile, leveraging its extensive experience in submarine manufacturing and integration. The program aligns with a broader £15 billion government investment in the UK’s sovereign warhead program and aims to enhance Britain’s deterrence and defense
energynuclear-energysubmarine-technologydefense-technologyadvanced-manufacturingmilitary-materialsUK-defense-industryFastest-ever robot 3D scanner sees transparent objects in 1.5 seconds
robot3D-scanningthermal-imagingautomationindustrial-roboticsadvanced-manufacturingAI-analysis