THIS WEEK’S HIGHLIGHTS

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

25 years of Tebis UK

Tebis – a specialist provider of CADCAM and MES software solutions for CNC machining process optimisation, standardisation and CAM automation – will use its appearance at the forthcoming MACH 2026 exhibition to celebrate 25 years in the UK market (and over 40 worldwide). Visitors stand 25 in hall 19 at MACH (NEC Birmingham, 20-24 April) will see for themselves how this year represents a major milestone for the company. The booth will host practical software demonstrations and provide the opportunity for visitors to take advantage of the exclusive anniversary offers in partnership with 3Dconnexion.

More information www.tebis.com/en

Display of technological strength and leadership

More than 39,000 professionals from nearly 65 countries attended the BIEHM international machine tool exhibition in Bilbao earlier this month. The 33rd edition continued to drive the industry forward with a demonstration of technological strength and international leadership, as stated at the closing press conference.

“BIEMH 2026 has become the first major international showcase of the year for advanced manufacturing, anticipating the key trends that will shape innovation in the sector,” said Xabier Basañez, General Director of BEC. “It has also done so at a time when the industry needs an extra boost.” A total of 1543 exhibitors from 34 countries gathered at BIEMH. The next edition will take place on 6-10 March 2028.

More information http://www.biemh.bilbaoexhibitioncentre.com/en

Strengthening manufacturing and sovereign capability 

The Manufacturing Technologies Association (MTA), in partnership with Mission Community, has launched ‘Mission Manufacturing’, a career guide and recruitment pathway for ex-Armed Forces personnel and the wider Service community. Employers can benefit from the talent of these individuals in the face of a widely acknowledged skills shortage. Introduced recently to the Armed Forces Community at the National Transition Event at Silverstone Circuit, the guidance will be showcased further on the opening day of the MACH 2026 exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham on 20 April.More information www.mta.org.uk/mission-manufacturing