EDITORIAL ROUNDUP

Technology Partnership set to drive physical AI at scale

ABB is now integrating NVIDIA Omniverse libraries into its RobotStudio offline programming and simulation tool to help manufacturers deploy physical AI in real world robotics applications. Says Marc Segura, president of ABB Robotics:“Using NVIDIA accelerated computing and simulation technologies, we’ve removed the last barriers to making industrial and physical AI a reality at a global scale by closing the sim-to-real gap.”

Developers can now simulate robots in digital twins and generate synthetic data to train their physical AI models, enabling businesses of all types and sizes to deploy AI-driven robotics for various industrial workflows. Called RobotStudio HyperReality, the resulting physically accurate simulations and foundation models are endlessly optimised with real-world data feedback. These models can be used to train any number of ABB robots.

More information www.bit.ly/40y7H5o

£1bn contract for 23 new helicopters

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has announced a £1bn contract award for new medium helicopters (NMH). Under the programme, Leonardo will build and deliver 23 latest-generation AW149s at Yeovil, boosting the capabilities of UK Armed Forces. The deal cements the site’s role of serving the national and export market with advanced military rotorcraft, with significant potential for the international market in the future.

The contract also secures thousands of skilled British jobs across the supply chain, as well as sovereign defence skills and expertise for decades to come. AW149 helicopters can operate in all environments in support of defence operations around the globe, from warfare to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. Notably, the NMH programme will deliver multiple rotary wing requirements using a single aircraft-type.

More information www.leonardo.com

Mitutoyo becomes DMG Mori QP partner

Mitutoyo is now included in the ‘DMG Mori Qualified Products’ (DMQP) programme, with the goal of supplying combinations of high-end precision machine tools and in-line precision measuring systems to manufacturing companies. The Mitutoyo MiSTAR 555 is the most suitable CMM for this purpose because it was designed for factory-floor applications and able to operate at temperatures between 10 and 40°C. Dr Masahiko Mori, president and CEO of DMG Mori, and Shigeyuki Sasaki, acting president of Mitutoyo Corp, sealed this partnership during the recent DMG Mori open house in Pfronten, Germany.

More information www.mitutoyo.eu

MACH 2026 Reveals Seminar Programme

MACH 2026 (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April), the UK’s national flagship event for the manufacturing and engineering industry, has announced its seminar programme. An impressive line-up of expert speakers across three lecture theatres includes representatives from Lloyds Bank, Make UK and the AMRC. At the seminars, attendees will gain practical insights into emerging technologies, evolving market trends and key strategic approaches.

A new feature for MACH 2026 is the launch of Speakers Corner, a dedicated platform designed to connect attendees directly with exhibitors and their innovations. Located in Hall 17, these fast-paced presentations will give attendees immediate access to the latest products, services and technology advancements. Built for busy professionals, the programme will consist of sharp, concise 20-minute sessions.

More information www.bit.ly/4lwf2M9

GrindingHub set for US

GrindingHub, a major grinding and surface finishing exhibition hosted in Germany, is expanding internationally. The very first GrindingHub Americas will be held in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 18-20, 2027. “With next year’s GrindingHub Americas, we are setting up the first and only specialist trade fair in North America dedicated exclusively to grinding technology,” says Sebastian Esswein, board member for Messe Stuttgart. “The great thing about Cincinnati is its prime location at the heart of key production clusters, particularly for the automotive and aerospace industries.” 

More information www.grindinghub.de/en