Much of the computing equipment world — and particularly data centers — dedicated to artificial intelligence workloads have a problem. They eat too much electrical energy, generate too much heat, and consume inordinate amounts of water. Communities that once welcomed the construction of a data center now question whether the local infrastructure can support theRead More
Robots offer transformative functionality to harsh environments. In situations such as the battlefield, radiation zones, and space, robots can accomplish tasks that would be dangerous or impossible for humans. Add in AI, and they become able to analyze, adapt, interact in intelligent ways. The latest development in the rapidly evolving field of automation isRead More
The role of AI in military operations is expanding to battlefields, where it is used to defend, attack, and observe. This technology has great potential but comes with considerable technical and ethical considerations. Artificial intelligence is playing a new role in civilian life, business operations, and government projects, and it has now expanded to militaryRead More
AI leadership could give countries a major advantage in exploring advanced physics, energy production, and cybersecurity, as well as developing new materials, medications, and manufacturing processes that will leave other nations in the dust. Competition between nations, tribes, cities, and individuals seems to be baked into human experience and has resulted in stunning cultural advancesRead More
From data center interconnects and energy-efficient optical networks, this year’s show highlighted advances in coherent transmission systems, photonic integration for AI applications, and intelligent network automation that will reshape global connectivity. The 50th anniversary edition of the Optical Fiber Communication Conference and Exhibition reflected the enormous growth and enthusiasm for the future of optical networkingRead More
Safe railways and rolling stock depend on a combination of data-driven design, integration of smart and sustainable technologies, and quality components that are built to perform in harsh railway environments. Protecting passengers, cargo, and communities surrounding rail networks is a critical goal for designers of safe railways. Rail service, whether it’s a bullet train carryingRead More
As AI and IoT continue to evolve, the miniaturization of components will play a critical role in making these technologies more accessible and easier to integrate into our daily lives. OEMs are looking for ways to pack more functionality into increasingly smaller smart devices. The progression of Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence has changedRead More
Humanoid robots are a subset of general-purpose robots that include large and small robotic arms that have become an essential enabler of factory automation. The development of humanoids that utilize artificial intelligence is now in the process of blurring the line between man and machine. People have been fascinated for hundreds of years with theRead More
Manufacturing and automation are undergoing a new industrial revolution. The growing demand for interoperability, interchangeability, and portability is driving this significant transformation led by open-source technologies. Open-source technologies, from Raspberry Pi-based industrial controllers to Linux edge devices, have enabled a shift in how industries approach automation. Open-source solutions in industrial environments offer adaptability and flexibilityRead More
From predictive maintenance on railcars and tracks to timetable management and Smart City integration, AI and machine learning are transforming modern railways. High-speed trains, electrification, and the integration of artificial intelligence are transforming global rail networks. Two centuries into its evolution, the rail industry is in a period of rapid and transformative change. Incoming technologiesRead More
The interconnect industry’s biggest gathering celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. Technologist Bob Hult has attended every one of them. Here’s what captured his attention this year. DesignCon 2025 marked the 30th anniversary of this premier technical conference for designers of high-performance chips and printed circuit board systems. An increasing number of attendees are drawnRead More
Healthcare robotics, including the latest robotic surgical systems, have profoundly changed the way patients receive care. Today’s procedures are minimally invasive and highly precise, with fewer complications. Healthcare robotics is reshaping medicine. From devices that support personalized care in home environments to sophisticated systems that assist in surgeries, a new generation of healthcare robots hasRead More
