Articles tagged with "predictive-maintenance"
AI startup CVector raises $5M for its industrial ‘nervous system’
CVector, an industrial AI startup based in New York, has developed an AI-powered software platform described as a "brain and nervous system" for large-scale industrial operations. Founded by Richard Zhang and Tyler Ruggles, the company aims to help industrial clients—ranging from public utilities to advanced manufacturers and chemical producers—translate operational actions into measurable financial savings. Since launching its system with real customers, CVector has demonstrated its ability to optimize processes such as equipment downtime prediction, energy efficiency monitoring, and commodity price tracking, thereby enabling clients to improve operational economics and margins. The startup recently closed a $5 million seed funding round led by Powerhouse Ventures, with participation from Fusion Fund, Myriad Venture Partners, and Hitachi’s corporate venture arm. This financing milestone reflects growing investor confidence and supports CVector’s expansion, including hiring talent from fintech and hedge funds to leverage data-driven financial insights. Customers include traditional industrial firms like ATEK Metal Technologies, which produces aluminum castings for Harley-Davidson
industrial-AIenergy-efficiencyIoTmaterials-sciencemanufacturing-technologypredictive-maintenanceindustrial-automationBuilding tomorrow’s factory: 5 digital upgrades every plant needs
The article emphasizes the critical role of digital transformation in modern manufacturing, highlighting that in 2022, manufacturing contributed 17.5% to global GDP and employed nearly 13 million people in the US. To meet evolving supply chain demands and efficiency goals, factories must adopt smart technologies such as IoT, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and automation. These technologies offer tangible benefits including waste reduction through real-time data analytics, optimized maintenance to prevent downtime, increased productivity via automation, enhanced operational agility through predictive insights, and improved product quality with rapid defect detection. Data shows that smart technology adoption can boost productivity by nearly 50% and cut operating costs by over 40%. To build the factories of tomorrow, the article identifies five essential digital upgrades. The first two highlighted are Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software and Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) software. ERP systems unify multiple operational areas—production, maintenance, quality control, asset management, and HR—into a single digital platform, enabling smarter automation
IoTsmart-factorydigital-transformationmanufacturing-automationenergy-efficiencypredictive-maintenanceindustrial-roboticsMayimFlow wants to stop data center leaks before they happen
MayimFlow is a startup focused on preventing damaging water leaks in data centers, a critical issue given the extensive water use in these facilities and the costly downtime leaks can cause. Founded by John Khazraee, who has over 15 years of experience building infrastructure for major tech companies like IBM, Oracle, and Microsoft, MayimFlow combines IoT sensors with edge-deployed machine learning models to detect early signs of leaks. Unlike many data centers that rely on reactive leak detection, MayimFlow aims to provide operators with 24 to 48 hours of advanced warning, potentially saving millions in remediation costs and avoiding service disruptions. The company’s team includes experts such as Jim Wong, chief strategy officer with decades of data center experience, and Ray Lok, CTO specializing in water management and IoT infrastructure. Khazraee’s motivation stems from a personal background valuing efficiency and frugality, which informs the startup’s mission to optimize water use and prevent leaks. While initially targeting data centers,
IoTdata-centerswater-leak-detectionmachine-learningedge-computinginfrastructure-monitoringpredictive-maintenanceHow robots like ANYbotics' Roberta are improving industry inspection
The article discusses how ANYbotics’ robotic platform, exemplified by their robot Roberta, is transforming industrial inspection by enhancing autonomy, safety, and sustainability in heavy industries such as oil, gas, and chemical sectors. Founded in 2016 by Dr. Péter Fankhauser and his team, ANYbotics aims to move robotics from research labs into real-world applications, addressing the need for remote monitoring in hazardous environments. Roberta is deployed at Equinor’s Northern Lights carbon-storage terminal, where it autonomously conducts regular inspections, including CO₂ level monitoring and perimeter surveys, reducing the need for on-site personnel and improving asset integrity. Roberta’s operations are integrated with a digital twin of the facility, enabling pre-planned missions that are supervised and triggered remotely via cloud-based platforms. This system allows for virtual rehearsal of routes and failure scenarios, ensuring the robot’s on-site behavior aligns with expectations. The robot collects multi-sensor data (visual, thermal, acoustic, gas), which
roboticsindustrial-automationautonomous-robotsdigital-twinpredictive-maintenancesensor-technologyoil-and-gas-industryHow to develop oil and gas software: Step-by-step guide
The article "How to develop oil and gas software: Step-by-step guide" highlights the transformative role of digital technologies in the energy sector, emphasizing that data-driven solutions have become essential for modern oil and gas operations. It explains that the industry is undergoing a digital revolution with IoT sensors on drilling platforms, cloud-based SCADA systems, and real-time analytics enabling predictive maintenance and operational efficiency. These digital tools are no longer optional but fundamental for reducing downtime, preventing costly breakdowns, and supporting sustainable energy models focused on emission reduction and resource efficiency. Key characteristics that distinguish oil and gas software include the ability to process massive volumes of real-time data from sensors and geophysical surveys, integration with IoT and SCADA for remote asset control, stringent security requirements to prevent cyber threats that could cause environmental or financial disasters, and high reliability to avoid costly process stoppages. Practical applications include AI-driven drilling data analytics to forecast equipment failure, drone and sensor-based pipeline monitoring to detect leaks early, and predictive maintenance systems
IoTenergyoil-and-gaspredictive-maintenanceSCADA-systemsreal-time-analyticsdigital-transformationHow smart ports are rebuilt from the system up
The article "How smart ports are rebuilt from the system up" explores the transformation of traditional ports into digitally integrated, sensor-driven ecosystems. Modern smart ports leverage AI, IoT, automation, and predictive maintenance to coordinate operations across ships, yards, warehouses, and equipment in real time. This shift not only enhances operational efficiency and speeds up global trade but also supports sustainability efforts through solar energy, advanced waste management, and digital tools aimed at reducing emissions and energy waste. Predictive maintenance, enabled by connected sensors, has become a standard practice rather than a future goal. The evolution of digital ports began in the late 20th century with electronic data-exchange networks that improved cargo tracking and reduced errors. Key milestones include the 1993 opening of the fully automated ECT Delta Terminal in Rotterdam and subsequent automation advancements in ports like Singapore, Hamburg, Shanghai, and Abu Dhabi. Today’s mature smart ports use dense sensor networks and predictive analytics to optimize container placement, route planning, and ship arrivals, while
IoTsmart-portsautomationroboticspredictive-maintenanceenergy-efficiencysensor-technologyBeyond the robot: Shaping the future of autonomous operations - The Robot Report
The article "Beyond the robot: Shaping the future of autonomous operations" from The Robot Report highlights a significant evolution in the role of autonomous robots in industrial settings, as exemplified by ANYbotics’ ANYmal robot used for gas-leak detection and thermal inspections. At the ANYbotics Industry Forum (AIF) 2025, industry leaders and customers shared insights emphasizing a shift from focusing solely on robotic mobility and autonomy to leveraging the data intelligence, workflow integration, and human-robot collaboration that these systems enable. Real-world examples, such as a metals industry customer using ANYmal for thermal inspections to prevent furnace failures, demonstrate how robotics can scale operations, enhance safety, and generate substantial cost savings—over $1 million by avoiding downtime in this case. The article identifies three key takeaways defining the next phase of autonomous operations. First, it introduces the concept of Industry 5.0, which emphasizes a human-centric approach where robots handle repetitive, risky tasks, allowing workers to focus on
robotautonomous-systemsIndustry-5.0roboticsindustrial-automationhuman-robot-collaborationpredictive-maintenanceBoston Dynamics partners with Analog to deploy robots in the UAE - The Robot Report
Boston Dynamics and Analog Studios FZ LLC have formed an exclusive regional partnership to deploy Boston Dynamics’ Spot robots across the United Arab Emirates (UAE), starting with practical applications such as park inspections, environmental and accessibility monitoring, and preventive maintenance. Analog, based in Abu Dhabi, will serve as Boston Dynamics’ sole certified reseller, integrator, and service partner in the UAE, as well as a premier partner for the broader Middle East and North Africa region. Together, they plan to co-develop a next-generation robotics platform that integrates Analog’s AI intelligence to enhance urban planning, citizen services, and facility monitoring, including safety, quality, compliance, security, and predictive maintenance. A key element of the partnership is the integration of Spot robots with Analog’s country-scale world model of the UAE, which functions as sovereign national infrastructure. This high-fidelity, continuously updated model supports real-time decision-making by providing a shared context that enables robots and physical systems to navigate, coordinate, and act safely and efficiently.
roboticsBoston-DynamicsAI-integrationfacility-monitoringpredictive-maintenanceurban-planningphysical-intelligenceData-driven maintenance is changing factory economics
The article highlights how data-driven predictive maintenance is revolutionizing factory economics by significantly reducing unplanned downtime, which can cost factories millions of dollars annually. Traditional reactive “break-and-fix” approaches are being replaced by smart strategies that leverage IoT sensors and AI to detect equipment faults weeks before failures occur. Studies from the US Department of Energy and industry surveys show that mature predictive maintenance programs can yield a 10× return on investment and reduce downtime by 35–45 percent. Additionally, companies adopting these technologies report substantial cost savings, fewer breakdowns, and extended equipment life, with Deloitte and IBM data supporting reductions of up to 70 percent in breakdowns and 25–30 percent in maintenance costs. The article explains the anatomy of a smart factory’s sensor system, where multiple IoT sensors continuously monitor parameters such as vibration, temperature, and fluid levels. These sensors feed data into edge computing nodes and cloud platforms, where AI algorithms analyze deviations from normal operating baselines to identify early signs of wear
IoTpredictive-maintenancesmart-factoryAIindustrial-sensorsedge-computingenergy-efficiencyTDK backs Ultraviolette with $21M to take India-made electric motorcycles global
Indian electric motorcycle startup Ultraviolette has secured $21 million in an all-equity funding round led by TDK Corporation’s corporate venture arm to accelerate its global expansion. Having recently entered 10 European countries, Ultraviolette plans to quadruple its European presence, enter markets in Latin America and Southeast Asia, and expand its product lineup to 14 models by early 2027. The Bengaluru-based company launched its flagship F77 Mach 2 model in 2024, followed by the F77 SuperStreet, and also offers the lightweight Shock Wave motorcycle and the Tesseract scooter, which features advanced assisted-driving technology. Ultraviolette’s vehicles are equipped with eSIM connectivity and a proprietary predictive maintenance system accessible via a mobile app. Founded in 2016 by CEO Narayan Subramaniam and CTO Niraj Rajmohan, Ultraviolette aims to create electric motorcycles that rival the performance of 150cc to 800cc internal combustion engine sports bikes, distinguishing itself from the low
electric-motorcyclesUltravioletteelectric-vehiclesbattery-technologyeSIM-connectivitypredictive-maintenanceelectric-mobilityRemote Battery Monitoring Is Becoming Essential for Energy Storage — Here’s How leagend SOLUTIONS Is Addressing the Challenge - CleanTechnica
The article highlights the growing importance of remote battery monitoring in the energy storage sector, driven by the increasing reliance on battery systems for daily operations and emergency backup across various industries. leagend SOLUTIONS offers a remote battery monitoring system that delivers real-time data on key battery parameters such as voltage, internal resistance, current, and temperature. This capability enables early fault detection, predictive maintenance, and performance optimization, which collectively enhance safety, operational continuity, and reduce maintenance costs. The shift from manual inspections to advanced, cloud-based monitoring systems is crucial for improving grid resilience and maximizing returns on energy storage investments. leagend’s solution supports multiple communication methods (4G, WiFi, Bluetooth, wired) to transmit data to remote platforms, allowing users to monitor battery health, predict battery life accurately, and receive fault warnings. This proactive approach helps prevent unexpected downtime and safety hazards like over-discharging and overheating, which can cause fires or explosions. The system reportedly reduces operating and maintenance costs by over 30
energybattery-monitoringenergy-storageremote-monitoringpredictive-maintenanceIoTpower-managementNextracker invests in field robotics and AI for solar power plants - The Robot Report
Nextracker is significantly advancing its focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics to enhance solar power plant operations. Over the past year, the company has invested more than $40 million to acquire three key technologies and appointed Dr. Francesco Borrelli as its first chief AI and robotics officer. Dr. Borrelli, an expert in predictive control systems, will lead the integration of AI, machine learning, and robotics into Nextracker’s products to improve scalability, operational efficiency, and long-term return on investment (ROI) for solar asset owners. With a global footprint of approximately 100 GW of operating solar systems equipped with millions of sensors, Nextracker aims to leverage AI-driven autonomy to optimize plant performance and accelerate deployment. A major component of this initiative is the acquisition of OnSight Technology, which specializes in autonomous inspection and fire detection systems for solar farms. OnSight’s AI-powered tools enable predictive maintenance by identifying potential mechanical and electrical failures, thereby reducing operational risks and improving uptime. Additionally
roboticsartificial-intelligencesolar-energypredictive-maintenanceautonomous-inspectionenergy-technologyIoT-sensorsRISE Robotics raises funding for award-winning Beltdraulic actuators - The Robot Report
RISE Robotics, founded in 2011 by graduates of MIT and RISD and based in Somerville, Massachusetts, has developed an innovative Beltdraulic actuator technology that replaces traditional high-pressure hydraulic systems with a belt-and-pulley mechanism. This technology offers significant advantages including reduced leaks, lower complexity, increased efficiency, and improved sustainability. The Beltdraulic system delivers hydraulic-like power with electromechanical precision, eliminates oil and emissions, and is more shock-tolerant with a longer lifespan than screw actuators. Its fully digital design enables teleoperation and autonomy without additional sensors, making it faster, more efficient, and easier to maintain. The company recently raised $2.5 million from over 1,300 investors via Wefunder, marking a milestone of public and strategic validation. RISE Robotics has received recognition such as the Guinness World Record for the "Strongest Robotic Arm Prototype" with its SuperJammer arm lifting over 7,000 pounds, demonstrating the power and efficiency
roboticsactuatorshydraulic-replacementelectric-actuationpredictive-maintenanceindustrial-roboticssustainable-technologySpot robot dog gets AI boost to detect equipment failures early
Boston Dynamics has enhanced its Spot robot dog through an upgraded version of its Orbit intelligent automation platform, aimed at advancing predictive industrial maintenance. The new system enables Spot to autonomously inspect industrial sites, capturing consistent visual data that Orbit analyzes using vision-language prompts to quickly identify hazards such as overheating motors, air leaks, safety risks, corrosion, and equipment deterioration. This approach addresses traditional gaps in condition-based monitoring by providing repeatable, detailed inspections and transforming visuals into actionable insights, including numerical data and descriptive text. A notable addition is the Site View feature, which creates a lightweight visual history of facilities using 360° images, supporting remote monitoring and condition tracking over time. The updated Orbit platform also introduces centralized fleet management dashboards for enterprise users, allowing oversight of multiple robots across sites with customizable user permissions and detailed activity logs. Privacy is maintained through an automatic face-blurring function in images captured by Spot’s cameras. Software updates can be deployed over the air to multiple robots simultaneously, and Orbit can be hosted on-premise or in the cloud as a virtual machine. Integration with third-party systems is facilitated via APIs, webhooks, and a low-code beta for automated work order generation. Additionally, a dynamic thermal thresholding feature helps automatically detect temperature anomalies by analyzing statistical data, reducing the need for expert intervention and enhancing early failure detection in industrial environments.
robotAIpredictive-maintenanceindustrial-automationBoston-Dynamicsfacility-inspectionautonomous-robots