#Digital acceleration sensor

[addohaislam2000]

USB accelerometer, Digital acceleration sensor, mems accelerometers

LIS2MDL Series 3.6V 50 Hz High Performance 3-Axis Digital Magnetic Sensor-LGA-12

[dandelionsresilience]

Good News - August 15-21

Like these weekly compilations? Tip me at $kaybarr1735 or check out my new(ly repurposed) Patreon!

1. Smart hives and dancing robot bees could boost sustainable beekeeping

“[Researchers] developed a digital comb—a thin circuit board equipped with various sensors around which bees build their combs. Several of these in each hive can then transmit data to researchers, providing real-time monitoring. [… Digital comb] can [also] be activated to heat up certain parts of a beehive […] to keep the bees warm during the winter[…. N]ot only have [honeybee] colonies reacted positively, but swarm intelligence responds to the temperature changes by reducing the bees' own heat production, helping them save energy.”

2. Babirusa pigs born at London Zoo for first time

“Thanks to their gnarly tusks […] and hairless bodies, the pigs are often called "rat pigs" or "demon pigs” in their native Indonesia[….] “[The piglets] are already looking really strong and have so much energy - scampering around their home and chasing each other - it’s a joy to watch. They’re quite easy to tell apart thanks to their individual hair styles - one has a head of fuzzy red hair, while its sibling has a tuft of dark brown hair.””

3. 6,000 sheep will soon be grazing on 10,000 acres of Texas solar fields

“The animals are more efficient than lawn mowers, since they can get into the nooks and crannies under panel arrays[….] Mowing is also more likely to kick up rocks or other debris, damaging panels that then must be repaired, adding to costs. Agrivoltaics projects involving sheep have been shown to improve the quality of the soil, since their manure is a natural fertilizer. […] Using sheep instead of mowers also cuts down on fossil fuel use, while allowing native plants to mature and bloom.”

4. Florida is building the world's largest environmental restoration project

“Florida is embarking on an ambitious ecological restoration project in the Everglades: building a reservoir large enough to secure the state's water supply. […] As well as protecting the drinking water of South Floridians, the reservoir is also intended to dramatically reduce the algae-causing discharges that have previously shut down beaches and caused mass fish die-offs.”

5. The Right to Repair Movement Continues to Accelerate

“Consumers can now demand that manufacturers repair products [including mobile phones….] The liability period for product defects is extended by 12 months after repair, incentivising repairs over replacements. [… M]anufacturers may need to redesign products for easier disassembly, repair, and durability. This could include adopting modular designs, standardizing parts, and developing diagnostic tools for assessing the health of a particular product. In the long run, this could ultimately bring down both manufacturing and repair costs.”

6. Federal Judge Rules Trans Teen Can Play Soccer Just In Time For Her To Attend First Practice

“Today, standing in front of a courtroom, attorneys for Parker Tirrell and Iris Turmelle, two transgender girls, won an emergency temporary restraining order allowing Tirrell to continue playing soccer with her friends. […] Tirrell joined her soccer team last year and received full support from her teammates, who, according to the filing, are her biggest source of emotional support and acceptance.”

7. Pilot study uses recycled glass to grow plants for salsa ingredients

“"We're trying to reduce landfill waste at the same time as growing edible vegetables," says Andrea Quezada, a chemistry graduate student[….] Early results suggest that the plants grown in recyclable glass have faster growth rates and retain more water compared to those grown in 100% traditional soil. [… T]he pots that included any amount of recyclable glass [also] didn't have any fungal growth.”

8. Feds announce funding push for ropeless fishing gear that spares rare whales

“Federal fishing managers are promoting the use of ropeless gear in the lobster and crab fishing industries because of the plight of North Atlantic right whales. […] Lobster fishing is typically performed with traps on the ocean bottom that are connected to the surface via a vertical line. In ropeless fishing methods, fishermen use systems such an inflatable lift bag that brings the trap to the surface.”

9. Solar farms can benefit nature and boost biodiversity. Here’s how

“[… M]anaging solar farms as wildflower meadows can benefit bumblebee foraging and nesting, while larger solar farms can increase pollinator densities in surrounding landscapes[….] Solar farms have been found to boost the diversity and abundance of certain plants, invertebrates and birds, compared to that on farmland, if solar panels are integrated with vegetation, even in urban areas.”

10. National Wildlife Federation Forms Tribal Advisory Council to Guide Conservation Initiatives, Partnerships

“The council will provide expertise and consultation related to respecting Indigenous Knowledges; wildlife and natural resources; Indian law and policy; Free, Prior and Informed Consent[… as well as] help ensure the Federation’s actions honor and respect the experiences and sovereignty of Indigenous partners.”

August 8-14 news here | (all credit for images and written material can be found at the source linked; I don’t claim credit for anything but curating.)

[stevebattle]

MITEE 7 (1994) by David Otten and Tony Caloggero, MIT. MITEE Mouse 7 won the 15th All Japan Micromouse Competition in 1994, with a time of 11.81 seconds. It's a four wheeled mouse with DC motors. MITEE 7 also took part in Techno Games in 2002. "In its Heat it fought against returnee Dash 2A. Mitee Mouse 7 raced through the maze at incredible smooth speeds. It slipped through corners and even avoided twisting and turn, opting to go diagonally ahead. The robot sped through to the centre at a World Record time of 9:65 seconds." – Techno Games Wiki.

"MITEE 7 is another of Dave Otten's successful micromouse designs in collaboration with Tony Caloggero. This is a four wheel drive, four wheel steering mouse. While mechanically, and computationally, more complex than two wheel machines, there are a couple of significant advantages to a four wheel mouse. Chief of these is in going quickly. As you accelerate a mouse, weight is naturally transferred to the rear of the vehicle. If you only have two driving wheels as in a typical wheelchair design, this will mean reduced downforce on those wheels and a reduction in the possible acceleration you can achieve. With four wheels working together, they all get to do some work whatever the weight distribution. Each motor need only have ½ the torque needed in a two-wheel mouse and can be correspondingly smaller. There are eight DC motors to look after in this mouse - one each todrive the four wheels and one each to steer them. Sensing is with the same PSD based side-looking sensors that have been used in other MITEE mice. Encoders and gear quadrants form part of a digital servo loop for steering. The green and yellow wires passing down through the gears provide power to the drive motors." – Pete Harrison.

The first video is an excerpt from "UK Micromouse 1998" showing MITEE 7 on a training run, while the second snippet is a full-speed race to the centre (from the same source).

[usafphantom2]

B-2 Gets Big Upgrade with New Open Mission Systems Capability

July 18, 2024 | By John A. Tirpak

The B-2 Spirit stealth bomber has been upgraded with a new open missions systems (OMS) software capability and other improvements to keep it relevant and credible until it’s succeeded by the B-21 Raider, Northrop Grumman announced. The changes accelerate the rate at which new weapons can be added to the B-2; allow it to accept constant software updates, and adapt it to changing conditions.

“The B-2 program recently achieved a major milestone by providing the bomber with its first fieldable, agile integrated functional capability called Spirit Realm 1 (SR 1),” the company said in a release. It announced the upgrade going operational on July 17, the 35th anniversary of the B-2’s first flight.

SR 1 was developed inside the Spirit Realm software factory codeveloped by the Air Force and Northrop to facilitate software improvements for the B-2. “Open mission systems” means that the aircraft has a non-proprietary software architecture that simplifies software refresh and enhances interoperability with other systems.

“SR 1 provides mission-critical capability upgrades to the communications and weapons systems via an open mission systems architecture, directly enhancing combat capability and allowing the fleet to initiate a new phase of agile software releases,” Northrop said in its release.

The system is intended to deliver problem-free software on the first go—but should they arise, correct software issues much earlier in the process.

The SR 1 was “fully developed inside the B-2 Spirit Realm software factory that was established through a partnership with Air Force Global Strike Command and the B-2 Systems Program Office,” Northrop said.

The Spirit Realm software factory came into being less than two years ago, with four goals: to reduce flight test risk and testing time through high-fidelity ground testing; to capture more data test points through targeted upgrades; to improve the B-2’s functional capabilities through more frequent, automated testing; and to facilitate more capability upgrades to the jet.

The Air Force said B-2 software updates which used to take two years can now be implemented in less than three months.

In addition to B61 or B83 nuclear weapons, the B-2 can carry a large number of precision-guided conventional munitions. However, the Air Force is preparing to introduce a slate of new weapons that will require near-constant target updates and the ability to integrate with USAF’s evolving long-range kill chain. A quicker process for integrating these new weapons with the B-2’s onboard communications, navigation, and sensor systems was needed.

The upgrade also includes improved displays, flight hardware and other enhancements to the B-2’s survivability, Northrop said.

“We are rapidly fielding capabilities with zero software defects through the software factory development ecosystem and further enhancing the B-2 fleet’s mission effectiveness,” said Jerry McBrearty, Northrop’s acting B-2 program manager.

The upgrade makes the B-2 the first legacy nuclear weapons platform “to utilize the Department of Defense’s DevSecOps [development, security, and operations] processes and digital toolsets,” it added.

The software factory approach accelerates adding new and future weapons to the stealth bomber, and thus improve deterrence, said Air Force Col. Frank Marino, senior materiel leader for the B-2.

The B-2 was not designed using digital methods—the way its younger stablemate, the B-21 Raider was—but the SR 1 leverages digital technology “to design, manage, build and test B-2 software more efficiently than ever before,” the company said.

The digital tools can also link with those developed for other legacy systems to accomplish “more rapid testing and fielding and help identify and fix potential risks earlier in the software development process.”

Following two crashes in recent years, the stealthy B-2 fleet comprises 19 aircraft, which are the only penetrating aircraft in the Air Force’s bomber fleet until the first B-21s are declared to have achieved initial operational capability at Ellsworth Air Force Base, S.D. A timeline for IOC has not been disclosed.

The B-2 is a stealthy, long-range, penetrating nuclear and conventional strike bomber. It is based on a flying wing design combining LO with high aerodynamic efficiency. The aircraft’s blended fuselage/wing holds two weapons bays capable of carrying nearly 60,000 lb in various combinations.

Spirit entered combat during Allied Force on March 24, 1999, striking Serbian targets. Production was completed in three blocks, and all aircraft were upgraded to Block 30 standard with AESA radar. Production was limited to 21 aircraft due to cost, and a single B-2 was subsequently lost in a crash at Andersen, Feb. 23, 2008.

Modernization is focused on safeguarding the B-2A’s penetrating strike capability in high-end threat environments and integrating advanced weapons.

The B-2 achieved a major milestone in 2022 with the integration of a Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS), enabling delivery of the modernized B61-12 precision-guided thermonuclear freefall weapon. RATS uses the aircraft’s radar to guide the weapon in GPS-denied conditions, while additional Flex Strike upgrades feed GPS data to weapons prerelease to thwart jamming. A B-2A successfully dropped an inert B61-12 using RATS on June 14, 2022, and successfully employed the longer-range JASSM-ER cruise missile in a test launch last December.

Ongoing upgrades include replacing the primary cockpit displays, the Adaptable Communications Suite (ACS) to provide Link 16-based jam-resistant in-flight retasking, advanced IFF, crash-survivable data recorders, and weapons integration. USAF is also working to enhance the fleet’s maintainability with LO signature improvements to coatings, materials, and radar-absorptive structures such as the radome and engine inlets/exhausts.

Two B-2s were damaged in separate landing accidents at Whiteman on Sept. 14, 2021, and Dec. 10, 2022, the latter prompting an indefinite fleetwide stand-down until May 18, 2023. USAF plans to retire the fleet once the B-21 Raider enters service in sufficient numbers around 2032.

Contractors: Northrop Grumman; Boeing; Vought.

First Flight: July 17, 1989.

Delivered: December 1993-December 1997.

IOC: April 1997, Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Production: 21.

Inventory: 20.

Operator: AFGSC, AFMC, ANG (associate).

Aircraft Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.; Whiteman AFB, Mo.

Active Variant: •B-2A. Production aircraft upgraded to Block 30 standards.

Dimensions: Span 172 ft, length 69 ft, height 17 ft.

Weight: Max T-O 336,500 lb.

Power Plant: Four GE Aviation F118-GE-100 turbofans, each 17,300 lb thrust.

Performance: Speed high subsonic, range 6,900 miles (further with air refueling).

Ceiling: 50,000 ft.

Armament: Nuclear: 16 B61-7, B61-12, B83, or eight B61-11 bombs (on rotary launchers). Conventional: 80 Mk 62 (500-lb) sea mines, 80 Mk 82 (500-lb) bombs, 80 GBU-38 JDAMs, or 34 CBU-87/89 munitions (on rack assemblies); or 16 GBU-31 JDAMs, 16 Mk 84 (2,000-lb) bombs, 16 AGM-154 JSOWs, 16 AGM-158 JASSMs, or eight GBU-28 LGBs.

Accommodation: Two pilots on ACES II zero/zero ejection seats.

[aktechworld]

Integration of AI in Driver Testing and Evaluation

Introduction: As technology continues to shape the future of transportation, Canada has taken a major leap in modernizing its driver testing procedures by integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the evaluation process. This transition aims to enhance the objectivity, fairness, and efficiency of driving assessments, marking a significant advancement in how new drivers are tested and trained across the country.

Key Points:

Automated Test Scoring for Objectivity: Traditional driving test evaluations often relied heavily on human judgment, which could lead to inconsistencies or perceived bias. With AI-driven systems now analysing road test performance, scoring is based on standardized metrics such as speed control, reaction time, lane discipline, and compliance with traffic rules. These AI systems use sensor data, GPS tracking, and in-car cameras to deliver highly accurate, impartial evaluations, removing potential examiner subjectivity.

Real-Time Feedback Enhances Learning: One of the key benefits of AI integration is the ability to deliver immediate feedback to drivers once the test concludes. Drivers can now receive a breakdown of their performance in real time—highlighting both strengths and areas needing improvement. This timely feedback accelerates the learning process and helps individuals better prepare for future driving scenarios or retests, if required.

Enhanced Test Consistency Across Canada: With AI systems deployed uniformly across various testing centres, all applicants are assessed using the same performance parameters and technology. This ensures that no matter where in Canada a person takes their road test, the evaluation process remains consistent and fair. It also eliminates regional discrepancies and contributes to national standardization in driver competency.

Data-Driven Improvements to Driver Education: AI doesn’t just assess drivers—it collects and analyses test data over time. These insights are then used to refine driver education programs by identifying common mistakes, adjusting training focus areas, and developing better instructional materials. Platforms like licenseprep.ca integrate this AI-powered intelligence to update practice tools and learning modules based on real-world testing patterns.

Robust Privacy and Data Protection Measures: As personal driving data is collected during AI-monitored tests, strict privacy policies have been established to protect individual information. All recorded data is encrypted, securely stored, and only used for training and evaluation purposes. Compliance with national data protection laws ensures that drivers’ privacy is respected throughout the testing and feedback process.

Explore More with Digital Resources: For a closer look at how AI is transforming driver testing in Canada and to access AI-informed preparation materials, visit licenseprep.ca. The platform stays current with tech-enabled changes and offers resources tailored to the evolving standards in driver education.

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Preparing for the greatest cosmic movie ever made

High up on the top of Cerro Pachón in northern Chile, NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory is nearing completion. At the heart of the facility, a pivotal moment in the project's scientific adventure is unfolding. After more than 20 years of meticulous research and development, and weeks of testing, the LSST Camera has been successfully installed on the Simonyi Survey Telescope.

The teams breathe a collective sigh of relief. The world's largest digital camera, built at the DOE SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), is now in place, and the anticipation of capturing the first images for the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST) is palpable. The greatest astronomical movie ever made is about to begin.

Well, almost.

Starting up such a sophisticated camera is far more complicated than pressing a simple "on/off" button. Creating the greatest astronomical film in history takes time, patience, and a commitment to precision. Every detail must be double-checked, and every system must meet its exact specifications before proceeding.

Unlike in the past stages of construction, the camera team now operates five meters (16.4 feet) above the ground, securely harnessed to a small platform that supports no more than 125 kilograms (275 pounds). Their movements are limited by the camera's rotation and the telescope's mirrors, positioned just inches away. What might seem like a simple hose connection becomes an entirely new challenge under these conditions.

The LSST Camera is about to undergo a series of critical steps. The first one is to create a vacuum inside the cryostat, a container designed to maintain extremely low temperatures, positioned in the middle of the camera. The cryostat houses the camera's complex electronic systems and its mosaic of 189 charge-coupled device (CCD) science sensors. These sensors are designed to capture images of the night sky with exceptional precision, with each image made up of 3,200 megapixels.

With his hands inside the camera, working to connect the vacuum system, Stuart Marshall, camera operations scientist and staff scientist at SLAC, explains, "The vacuum is crucial to insulate the camera's electronics from temperature changes. Once we've ensured a stable vacuum, we'll activate the refrigeration system which will cool the cryostat to very low temperatures."

The electronics generate about 1 kilowatt of heat during operation, roughly equivalent to the output of a small electric heater. This heat must be removed from the vacuum chamber to prevent overheating. "We want the camera's electronics to be between -20°C and -5°C (-4°F and 23°F) to maintain a safe operating temperature. So we need to pull that heat out. And we do it by pumping a fluid at -50°C (-58°F) through the cooling system."

Meanwhile, the CCDs themselves must be cooled to -100°C (-148°F). This temperature ensures optimal performance and helps prevent unwanted heat from interfering with the sensitive electronics and degrading the quality of the images. These sensors have their own dedicated cooling system, which will only be activated once the electronic cooling system is stable.

Once these critical steps are completed, the teams will power on the CCDs and test the control and data acquisition systems to ensure the camera communicates properly with the computers. The camera will then be fully operational.

"Building the camera was never routine and we still have new challenges and problems to solve," explains Marshall. "But now, as we're getting ready for the first images, we are transferring the knowledge to the observing specialists and commissioning scientists who shadow our work and often drive the start-up, with supervision. It's really exciting!"

A few meters away, on the scaffold next to the camera, Yijung Kang, observing specialist and postdoctoral researcher at SLAC, is ready to operate the vacuum system. "All the observing team is really excited to prepare for operations. We are now working closely with the other teams, preparing tests and procedures to ensure the successful launch of our decade-long science mission."

The work is methodical and demanding, and involves interconnected systems that require a comprehensive understanding of the entire camera. Experts in vacuum systems, cooling, and electronics play a critical role in the process. It is not enough to be an expert in one specific area���one must have a deep, holistic knowledge of the camera. Every system, every component, every adjustment must be carefully anticipated to ensure perfect operation.

Yousuke Utsumi, camera operations scientist and associate professor at the National Astronomical Observatory of Japan, knows the team is up to the challenge. "The work on the camera is progressing well, and we are confident that any issues that come up, even the most unexpected ones, will be resolved."

In just a few weeks, once these critical steps are completed and the CCDs are activated, another breathtaking moment will come: The camera's lens cap will be removed. "It is just like any standard camera lens cap, but this one is five and a half feet wide, and we will use a crane to lift it," says Utsumi. Then starlight will pour into the LSST Camera for the very first time.

At this point, the observing specialists will take control. They will select the portion of the sky to observe, point the telescope, and run the computer program that will capture the first photons. Shortly after, the first images of the sky will be displayed on three giant screens in the control room, marking the beginning of an extraordinary cinematic adventure.

Just like a director meticulously fine-tuning the first shots of a film, the teams will spend a few more weeks refining the telescope and the camera, perfecting focus and optical alignment, capturing calibration images, ensuring smooth and stable operation, and preparing for any potential technical issues. Only then will the greatest astronomical film ever made officially begin.

TOP IMAGE: Built at the DOE SLAC National Accelerator Laboratory (SLAC), the world's largest digital camera is now installed on NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory's Simonyi Survey Telescope and is nearly ready to capture the greatest astronomical movie ever made. Credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA/F. Munoz

LOWER IMAGE: On a small platform five meters (16.4 feet) above the ground, wedged between the LSST camera and the telescope, Stuart Marshall, camera operations scientist and staff scientist at SLAC, is working to connect the LSST camera's vacuum system. Credit: RubinObs/NOIRLab/SLAC/NSF/DOE/AURA/Y. Utsumi

[june-gdprototyping]

CNC development history and processing principles

CNC machine tools are also called Computerized Numerical Control (CNC for short). They are mechatronics products that use digital information to control machine tools. They record the relative position between the tool and the workpiece, the start and stop of the machine tool, the spindle speed change, the workpiece loosening and clamping, the tool selection, the start and stop of the cooling pump and other operations and sequence actions on the control medium with digital codes, and then send the digital information to the CNC device or computer, which will decode and calculate, issue instructions to control the machine tool servo system or other actuators, so that the machine tool can process the required workpiece.

‌1. The evolution of CNC technology: from mechanical gears to digital codes

The Beginning of Mechanical Control (late 19th century - 1940s)

The prototype of CNC technology can be traced back to the invention of mechanical automatic machine tools in the 19th century. In 1887, the cam-controlled lathe invented by American engineer Herman realized "programmed" processing for the first time by rotating cams to drive tool movement. Although this mechanical programming method is inefficient, it provides a key idea for subsequent CNC technology. During World War II, the surge in demand for military equipment accelerated the innovation of processing technology, but the processing capacity of traditional machine tools for complex parts had reached a bottleneck.

The electronic revolution (1950s-1970s)

After World War II, manufacturing industries mostly relied on manual operations. After workers understood the drawings, they manually operated machine tools to process parts. This way of producing products was costly, inefficient, and the quality was not guaranteed. In 1952, John Parsons' team at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) developed the world's first CNC milling machine, which input instructions through punched paper tape, marking the official birth of CNC technology. The core breakthrough of this stage was "digital signals replacing mechanical transmission" - servo motors replaced gears and connecting rods, and code instructions replaced manual adjustments. In the 1960s, the popularity of integrated circuits reduced the size and cost of CNC systems. Japanese companies such as Fanuc launched commercial CNC equipment, and the automotive and aviation industries took the lead in introducing CNC production lines. 

Integration of computer technology (1980s-2000s)

With the maturity of microprocessor and graphical interface technology, CNC entered the PC control era. In 1982, Siemens of Germany launched the first microprocessor-based CNC system Sinumerik 800, whose programming efficiency was 100 times higher than that of paper tape. The integration of CAD (computer-aided design) and CAM (computer-aided manufacturing) software allows engineers to directly convert 3D models into machining codes, and the machining accuracy of complex surfaces reaches the micron level. During this period, equipment such as five-axis linkage machining centers came into being, promoting the rapid development of mold manufacturing and medical device industries.

Intelligence and networking (21st century to present)

The Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technologies have given CNC machine tools new vitality. Modern CNC systems use sensors to monitor parameters such as cutting force and temperature in real time, and use machine learning to optimize processing paths. For example, the iSMART Factory solution of Japan's Mazak Company achieves intelligent scheduling of hundreds of machine tools through cloud collaboration. In 2023, the global CNC machine tool market size has exceeded US$80 billion, and China has become the largest manufacturing country with a production share of 31%.

2. CNC machining principles: How code drives steel

The essence of CNC technology is to convert the physical machining process into a control closed loop of digital signals. Its operation logic can be divided into three stages:

Geometric Modeling and Programming

After building a 3D model using CAD software such as UG and SolidWorks, CAM software “deconstructs” the model: automatically calculating parameters such as tool path, feed rate, spindle speed, and generating G code (such as G01 X100 Y200 F500 for linear interpolation to coordinates (100,200) and feed rate 500mm/min). Modern software can even simulate the material removal process and predict machining errors.

Numerical control system analysis and implementation

The "brain" of CNC machine tools - the numerical control system (such as Fanuc 30i, Siemens 840D) converts G codes into electrical pulse signals. Taking a three-axis milling machine as an example, the servo motors of the X/Y/Z axes receive pulse commands and convert rotary motion into linear displacement through ball screws, with a positioning accuracy of up to ±0.002mm. The closed-loop control system uses a grating ruler to feedback position errors in real time, forming a dynamic correction mechanism.

Multi-physics collaborative control

During the machining process, the machine tool needs to coordinate multiple parameters synchronously: the spindle motor drives the tool to rotate at a high speed of 20,000 rpm, the cooling system sprays atomized cutting fluid to reduce the temperature, and the tool changing robot completes the tool change within 0.5 seconds. For example, when machining titanium alloy blades, the system needs to dynamically adjust the cutting depth according to the hardness of the material to avoid tool chipping.

‌3. The future of CNC technology: cross-dimensional breakthroughs and industrial transformation

Currently, CNC technology is facing three major trends:

‌Combined‌: Turning and milling machine tools can complete turning, milling, grinding and other processes on one device, reducing clamping time by 90%;

Additive-subtractive integration: Germany's DMG MORI's LASERTEC series machine tools combine 3D printing and CNC finishing to directly manufacture aerospace engine combustion chambers;

‌Digital Twin‌: By using a virtual machine tool to simulate the actual machining process, China's Shenyang Machine Tool's i5 system has increased debugging efficiency by 70%.

From the meshing of mechanical gears to the flow of digital signals, CNC technology has rewritten the underlying logic of the manufacturing industry in 70 years. It is not only an upgrade of machine tools, but also a leap in the ability of humans to transform abstract thinking into physical entities. In the new track of intelligent manufacturing, CNC technology will continue to break through the limits of materials, precision and efficiency, and write a new chapter for industrial civilization.

[tiny-buzz]

Regis Philbin is a super retina display.

Regis Philbin is known for his video capabilities.

Regis Philbin is controlled by a smart speaker.

Regis Philbin is vibrant colors and darker blacks.

It is Thursday, November 30th. Regis Philbin wakes up and makes coffee. Another day starts, another year is coming to a close. Regis reads the newspaper on his digital screen, watched by ten trillion wide-lens eyeballs. The headlines coax him:

MILLENNIALS REQUIRE ABUNDANCE, GEN Z SAYS “WHY STOP THERE”

STARLET PROMISES TO PACK ON THE POUNDS

QUANTUM COMPUTERS GET SEXUAL

TOO TALL FOR THE N.B.A., THIS MAN WANTS TO DISRUPT PETS

Regis smiles through a sigh. He has seen it, he sees it, and he will see it. SZA’s people pass on the branded opportunity. Diplomats arm the oceans. Unilateral agreement on a new standard for data transmission, passed at midnight accords on the Friday before the longest weekend, portends a shift, a 25th hour in the day, which is what Regis focuses on, now (this very moment, the moment of awareness, past which there can be no return).

Regis Philbin has heart rate monitoring.

Regis Philbin is capturing images with a 24 megapixel sensor and a comfortable grip.

Regis Philbin is boasting a white-and-black design and an ultra-fast SSD.

Regis Philbin is noise-canceling and wireless.

The extra hour, Hour 25, slips past the clocks, the calendars, the hourglasses. Regis can, in a sense, understand this change. He appreciates it, like all transmissions of nature. “It’s intuition,” he explains to his mental health therapist, ordered by the courts. “I can feel it in my skeleton, in the bolts they put in me.” Joy cannot feel it, but she trusts her husband (the power of love).

Regis Philbin is a cordless vacuum cleaner with intelligent suction power adjustment.

Regis Philbin is a circular design and advanced health tracking.

Regis Philbin is stylish.

Regis Philbin demonstrates his photo capabilities.

Of course, this Hour 25 is a project of people you have never met, of Very High Net Worth individuals. What do the empowered, the lauded, the golden do with these secret minutes? This time that cannot be scheduled, this daily reprieve when all of them are immortal. “Death cannot occur during Hour 25” announces the True, Secret, Real President of Earth, from the center of the planet. Instead, this daily partition (which, we should explain, happens once daily, but is different every day, unplanned, and unpredictable) is used for creation. Larvae. Germination. Women and men drink. Mechanical processes, yielding returns, occupy anterooms. Or, alternately: it’s a great time to take a stroll around your skyscraper, city-state, plantation, airship, or arcology.

Regis Philbin has 16 million colors.

Regis Philbin promises tri-capsule technology.

Regis Philbin is an immersive virtual reality experience.

Regis Philbin is waterproof.

Regis Philbin is holding you by the shoulders. His face is undisturbed, but you note a hyper-reality about his eyes (beautiful, you can understand how handsome he must have been when he was at Notre Dame, a young man, a hero, a liar like all heroes, but that just makes us love him even more). Regis whispers something to you, and the words hang in your ears, terminate-but-stay-resident process, a radiant series of plosives, morphemes, all that good stuff. You hear the words (with your ears) and understand the words (with your brain) and enact the words (with your action points).

And now, at last, we come to the acceleration. Regis walks away, toward the hillside. A dog appears, fast from out the brush, trailing crayon shavings, and slows to follow. The rhythm, the cadence. Regis strides, shoulders back, the entire Varsity squad, a chestnut miracle. The band is rocking, the caverns are skanking. Stick to the script, burnish your credentials, account for slight variations in weather conditions, repudiate as quickly as you defend. You are a perfect representation. You are what Regis has always wanted. When you honor him, you honor your tenacity. You do not need the extra hour, is not what he said, not exactly, but rather the general “gist” of the monologue he whispered into your soaking ears. The tide does not care about the boats, even the large ones. And lastly, about you. Regis, half a football field away, turns, smiles, waves, and hollers. “I am not golden. And you will never be golden, either” Regis shouts, “But, be honest, folks: who needs gold except dukes and microprocessors?”

You agree with Regis, you agree and agree and agree, as he turns back, and walks, behind the hill, behind the day.

[govindhtech]

NVIDIA AI Blueprints For Build Visual AI Data In Any Sector

NVIDIA AI Blueprints

Businesses and government agencies worldwide are creating AI agents to improve the skills of workers who depend on visual data from an increasing number of devices, such as cameras, Internet of Things sensors, and automobiles.

Developers in almost any industry will be able to create visual AI agents that analyze image and video information with the help of a new NVIDIA AI Blueprints for video search and summarization. These agents are able to provide summaries, respond to customer inquiries, and activate alerts for particular situations.

The blueprint is a configurable workflow that integrates NVIDIA computer vision and generative AI technologies and is a component of NVIDIA Metropolis, a suite of developer tools for creating vision AI applications.

The NVIDIA AI Blueprints for visual search and summarization is being brought to businesses and cities around the world by global systems integrators and technology solutions providers like Accenture, Dell Technologies, and Lenovo. This is launching the next wave of AI applications that can be used to increase productivity and safety in factories, warehouses, shops, airports, traffic intersections, and more.

The NVIDIA AI Blueprint, which was unveiled prior to the Smart City Expo World Congress, provides visual computing developers with a comprehensive set of optimized tools for creating and implementing generative AI-powered agents that are capable of consuming and comprehending enormous amounts of data archives or live video feeds.

Deploying virtual assistants across sectors and smart city applications is made easier by the fact that users can modify these visual AI agents using natural language prompts rather than strict software code.

NVIDIA AI Blueprint Harnesses Vision Language Models

Vision language models (VLMs), a subclass of generative AI models, enable visual AI agents to perceive the physical world and carry out reasoning tasks by fusing language comprehension and computer vision.

NVIDIA NIM microservices for VLMs like NVIDIA VILA, LLMs like Meta’s Llama 3.1 405B, and AI models for GPU-accelerated question answering and context-aware retrieval-augmented generation may all be used to configure the NVIDIA AI Blueprint for video search and summarization. The NVIDIA NeMo platform makes it simple for developers to modify other VLMs, LLMs, and graph databases to suit their particular use cases and settings.

By using the NVIDIA AI Blueprints, developers may be able to avoid spending months researching and refining generative AI models for use in smart city applications. It can significantly speed up the process of searching through video archives to find important moments when installed on NVIDIA GPUs at the edge, on-site, or in the cloud.

An AI agent developed using this methodology could notify employees in a warehouse setting if safety procedures are broken. An AI bot could detect traffic accidents at busy crossroads and provide reports to support emergency response activities. Additionally, to promote preventative maintenance in the realm of public infrastructure, maintenance personnel could request AI agents to analyze overhead imagery and spot deteriorating roads, train tracks, or bridges.

In addition to smart places, visual AI agents could be used to automatically create video summaries for visually impaired individuals, classify large visual datasets for training other AI models, and summarize videos for those with visual impairments.

The workflow for video search and summarization is part of a set of NVIDIA AI blueprints that facilitate the creation of digital avatars driven by AI, the development of virtual assistants for individualized customer support, and the extraction of enterprise insights from PDF data.

With NVIDIA AI Enterprise, an end-to-end software platform that speeds up data science pipelines and simplifies the development and deployment of generative AI, developers can test and download NVIDIA AI Blueprints for free. These blueprints can then be implemented in production across accelerated data centers and clouds.

AI Agents to Deliver Insights From Warehouses to World Capitals

With the assistance of NVIDIA’s partner ecosystem, enterprise and public sector clients can also utilize the entire library of NVIDIA AI Blueprints.

With its Accenture AI Refinery, which is based on NVIDIA AI Foundry and allows clients to create custom AI models trained on enterprise data, the multinational professional services firm Accenture has integrated NVIDIA AI Blueprints.

For smart city and intelligent transportation applications, global systems integrators in Southeast Asia, such as ITMAX in Malaysia and FPT in Vietnam, are developing AI agents based on the NVIDIA AI Blueprint for video search and summarization.

Using computing, networking, and software from international server manufacturers, developers can also create and implement NVIDIA AI Blueprints on NVIDIA AI systems.

In order to improve current edge AI applications and develop new edge AI-enabled capabilities, Dell will combine VLM and agent techniques with its NativeEdge platform. VLM capabilities in specialized AI workflows for data center, edge, and on-premises multimodal corporate use cases will be supported by the NVIDIA AI Blueprint for video search and summarization and the Dell Reference Designs for the Dell AI Factory with NVIDIA.

Lenovo Hybrid AI solutions powered by NVIDIA also utilize NVIDIA AI blueprints.

The new NVIDIA AI Blueprint will be used by businesses such as K2K, a smart city application supplier in the NVIDIA Metropolis ecosystem, to create AI agents that can evaluate real-time traffic camera data. City officials will be able to inquire about street activities and get suggestions on how to make things better with to this. Additionally, the company is utilizing NIM microservices and NVIDIA AI blueprints to deploy visual AI agents in collaboration with city traffic management in Palermo, Italy.

NVIDIA booth at the Smart Cities Expo World Congress, which is being held in Barcelona until November 7, to learn more about the NVIDIA AI Blueprints for video search and summarization.

Read more on Govindhtech.com

[jcmarchi]

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

New Post has been published on https://thedigitalinsider.com/interactive-mouthpiece-opens-new-opportunities-for-health-data-assistive-technology-and-hands-free-interactions/

Interactive mouthpiece opens new opportunities for health data, assistive technology, and hands-free interactions

When you think about hands-free devices, you might picture Alexa and other voice-activated in-home assistants, Bluetooth earpieces, or asking Siri to make a phone call in your car. You might not imagine using your mouth to communicate with other devices like a computer or a phone remotely. 

Thinking outside the box, MIT Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) and Aarhus University researchers have now engineered “MouthIO,” a dental brace that can be fabricated with sensors and feedback components to capture in-mouth interactions and data. This interactive wearable could eventually assist dentists and other doctors with collecting health data and help motor-impaired individuals interact with a phone, computer, or fitness tracker using their mouths.

Resembling an electronic retainer, MouthIO is a see-through brace that fits the specifications of your upper or lower set of teeth from a scan. The researchers created a plugin for the modeling software Blender to help users tailor the device to fit a dental scan, where you can then 3D print your design in dental resin. This computer-aided design tool allows users to digitally customize a panel (called PCB housing) on the side to integrate electronic components like batteries, sensors (including detectors for temperature and acceleration, as well as tongue-touch sensors), and actuators (like vibration motors and LEDs for feedback). You can also place small electronics outside of the PCB housing on individual teeth.

Play video

MouthIO: Fabricating Customizable Oral User Interfaces with Integrated Sensing and Actuation Video: MIT CSAIL

The active mouth

“The mouth is a really interesting place for an interactive wearable and can open up many opportunities, but has remained largely unexplored due to its complexity,” says senior author Michael Wessely, a former CSAIL postdoc and senior author on a paper about MouthIO who is now an assistant professor at Aarhus University. “This compact, humid environment has elaborate geometries, making it hard to build a wearable interface to place inside. With MouthIO, though, we’ve developed a new kind of device that’s comfortable, safe, and almost invisible to others. Dentists and other doctors are eager about MouthIO for its potential to provide new health insights, tracking things like teeth grinding and potentially bacteria in your saliva.”

The excitement for MouthIO’s potential in health monitoring stems from initial experiments. The team found that their device could track bruxism (the habit of grinding teeth) by embedding an accelerometer within the brace to track jaw movements. When attached to the lower set of teeth, MouthIO detected when users grind and bite, with the data charted to show how often users did each.

Wessely and his colleagues’ customizable brace could one day help users with motor impairments, too. The team connected small touchpads to MouthIO, helping detect when a user’s tongue taps their teeth. These interactions could be sent via Bluetooth to scroll across a webpage, for example, allowing the tongue to act as a “third hand” to open up a new avenue for hands-free interaction.

“MouthIO is a great example how miniature electronics now allow us to integrate sensing into a broad range of everyday interactions,” says study co-author Stefanie Mueller, the TIBCO Career Development Associate Professor in the MIT departments of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science and Mechanical Engineering and leader of the HCI Engineering Group at CSAIL. “I’m especially excited about the potential to help improve accessibility and track potential health issues among users.”

Molding and making MouthIO

To get a 3D model of your teeth, you can first create a physical impression and fill it with plaster. You can then scan your mold with a mobile app like Polycam and upload that to Blender. Using the researchers’ plugin within this program, you can clean up your dental scan to outline a precise brace design. Finally, you 3D print your digital creation in clear dental resin, where the electronic components can then be soldered on. Users can create a standard brace that covers their teeth, or opt for an “open-bite” design within their Blender plugin. The latter fits more like open-finger gloves, exposing the tips of your teeth, which helps users avoid lisping and talk naturally.

This “do it yourself” method costs roughly $15 to produce and takes two hours to be 3D-printed. MouthIO can also be fabricated with a more expensive, professional-level teeth scanner similar to what dentists and orthodontists use, which is faster and less labor-intensive.

Compared to its closed counterpart, which fully covers your teeth, the researchers view the open-bite design as a more comfortable option. The team preferred to use it for beverage monitoring experiments, where they fabricated a brace capable of alerting users when a drink was too hot. This iteration of MouthIO had a temperature sensor and a monitor embedded within the PCB housing that vibrated when a drink exceeded 65 degrees Celsius (or 149 degrees Fahrenheit). This could help individuals with mouth numbness better understand what they’re consuming.

In a user study, participants also preferred the open-bite version of MouthIO. “We found that our device could be suitable for everyday use in the future,” says study lead author and Aarhus University PhD student Yijing Jiang. “Since the tongue can touch the front teeth in our open-bite design, users don’t have a lisp. This made users feel more comfortable wearing the device during extended periods with breaks, similar to how people use retainers.”

The team’s initial findings indicate that MouthIO is a cost-effective, accessible, and customizable interface, and the team is working on a more long-term study to evaluate its viability further. They’re looking to improve its design, including experimenting with more flexible materials, and placing it in other parts of the mouth, like the cheek and the palate. Among these ideas, the researchers have already prototyped two new designs for MouthIO: a single-sided brace for even higher comfort when wearing MouthIO while also being fully invisible to others, and another fully capable of wireless charging and communication.

Jiang, Mueller, and Wessely’s co-authors include PhD student Julia Kleinau, master’s student Till Max Eckroth, and associate professor Eve Hoggan, all of Aarhus University. Their work was supported by a Novo Nordisk Foundation grant and was presented at ACM’s Symposium on User Interface Software and Technology.

[mariacallous]

From €142 million to €1 billion ($1.1 billion) a year. The European Commission is pressing the accelerator on investment in weapons and defense technologies. From a total €590 million invested between 2017 and 2020, Brussels has moved to a €7.3 billion ($7.9 billion) package for the 2021 to 2027 period. This year alone, the European Defense Fund (EDF) has put €1.1 billion on the plate, divided into 34 calls for as many military-related research topics. From developing new drone models to sensors to increase radar capabilities. From systems to counter hypersonic missile attacks to enhancements in the analysis of images collected by satellites. From “smart weapons” to advanced communication technologies. The bidding process opened in late June, and there is time until November 5 to share a slice of the pie—and then a year to deliver the project.

The project for a common defense has distant origins and was formalized in 2015, but it was Russia's invasion of Ukraine that accelerated the European Commission's march to spend on arms, ammunition, and military technology. One only has to scroll through the list of projects vying for 2024 funding to get an idea of what Brussels is looking for. On the plate is €100 million to develop a new long-range, medium-altitude drone equipped with advanced intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition, and recognition systems (or Istar) and piloted remotely. On a similar project, the European Union has already invested, allocating €98 million of the total €290 million needed to develop a similar aircraft, dubbed Eurodrone, to a consortium consisting of France's Airbus and Dassault Aviation plus Italy's Leonardo. Another €11 million from the EDF goes to the prototype of a small, autonomously guided aerial drone.

Telecommunications and AI

Much of the resources go to strengthening communication and data exchange channels—in order to prevent, for example, someone from taking over the controls of the remotely piloted drone. The EDF allocates €25 million to a 5G network intended for the military sphere, the same amount to prototypes for satellite communications, and €24 million to develop dedicated systems for undersea drones. Information needed to feed algorithms and automatic analysis tools will have to be transferred through these secure channels. One grant awards €45 million for an AI software prototype that would make automated means and operations centers operated by live personnel talk to each other.

According to an article by Anthony King, professor at the University of Exeter, published in the Journal of Global Security Studies, so far in the military, “AI has not been used primarily to produce robotic or autonomous weapon systems. Over the past two decades, the military has sought to leverage big data to generate a richer and deeper understanding of the battlefield by tracking the footprints left in cyberspace by their adversaries. Because there is such a vast amount of digital data in cyberspace, the armed forces have begun to leverage the potential of AI, algorithms, and machine learning to identify patterns and signatures, thereby improving their awareness and so that crucial pieces of information are not missed.”

It's a pattern also pursued by European investments. Already last year, the EDF supported with €4 million a communication model to command swarms of autonomous vehicles, and as much went to strengthening undersea cables, the backbone of the internet and a military target. To make sure the data collected from space “speaks,” and provides a real-time and accurate representation of potential risks, there is a €157 million project, run by Leonardo, Airbus, and ArianeGroup (an aerospace company), to integrate information on a single platform, following in the footsteps of two previous projects. But if we add up all the intelligence programs through sensors, satellites, and other digital sources, the 2023 plan alone has deployed another €70 million on the subject. With another €6 million, the EU also tries to guard against communications blackouts, supporting an Estonian-driven plan for drone navigation technology that works even without satellite signals, relying on real-time analysis of what the machine sees.

New Weapons

The European Defense Fund, however, is also hunting for prototypes of new weapons. There is €25 million for the next generation of armored vehicles, €30 million for the creation of smart and increasingly accurate weapons, and €20 million earmarked for identifying at least four potential solutions for navigating a drone in “non-permissive” environments, which, translated from diplomatic jargon, means areas of war or those characterized by great instability.

Another €50 million concerns the creation of a new ground drone, equipped with “lethal functions.” What kind? This is best explained in an annex to the Commission's green light for EDF 2024. It says the program is to study a “fully autonomous process of targeting against different targets and solutions for mobility and engagement,” but also to produce an analysis of the “ethical and legal aspects of integrating autonomous combat drones into European armed forces.” With a clarification: “If necessary, research should be included to support recommendations and decisions” on these aspects. As in: Give us material to plead the case.

In the case of smart weapons, on the other hand, the EU calls for greater accuracy of missiles and rockets, but also refers to “loitering munitions,” i.e., suicide drones, which circle a defined area until they locate the target and hit it, bringing it down—a controversial military technology. The EU is also interested in copying the Iron Dome model, Israel's missile shield.

Tanks and Corvettes of the Future

Shortly before opening the new calls for proposals, the Commission also announced the 54 winning projects for the 2023 program. These include Marte, or the Main ARmored Tank of Europe, a program to develop new technologies to be integrated on a tank. Sharing the €20 million in funding is a string of some 40 companies, including the two defense champions from Italy and Germany, Leonardo and Rheinmetall, respectively. Just as much has been received by a similar project, again to upgrade the tank's architecture, which France's Thales is leading instead. From Brussels, €154 million will help fund the approximately €288 million needed to develop the new EU patrol corvette (Epc2), with Italy's Fincantieri among the project leaders. Another €25 million is earmarked for the construction of a prototype self-driving boat, 12 meters long, that rides on hydrofoils (i.e., with the hull out of the water).

Leonardo is spearheading a project to develop counter-aircraft systems for military drones, exploiting sensors, disturbances in telecommunications networks, and other technologies. France's Cilas, on the other hand, is spearheading a program to develop Europe's first laser weapon, backed by €25 million. A prototype electro-magnetic-propelled missile launcher has grossed €4 million, €26 million for an artificial intelligence agent called to autonomously manage protection and counterattack in response to cyber aggression, €80 million for a study on defense from hypersonic weapons. Another €27 million will support the creation of a new missile system with a range of 150 kilometers, €40 million is going to a military cargo ship, and €44 million is allocated for offensive technologies on undersea drones.

Funds and Alliances

But the channels for fueling Europe's military industry are varied. Alongside the EDF is Eudis, a scheme worth €2 billion for the seven-year period that supports the acceleration of startups and small and medium-size enterprises (target: 400 per year). There's also the European Investment Fund (EIF), managed by the European Investment Bank (EIB), which helps fund the defense sphere, particularly when it comes to dual (civilian and military) technologies. Its aim is to act as a key investor, consequently attracting other players willing to share the risk, but until 2027 it has €175 million to spend. The European Security Industry Bank can mobilize another €8 billion, also over the next three years.

Seven deals have already been signed. These include €10 million to Germany's Quantum Systems for vertical-takeoff drones, €30 million to Spain's Skydweller for its solar-powered self-driving aircraft, and €600 million on two space communications programs. Italy's Leonardo also benefited from EIB loans, which provided €260 million for research and development activities in various technological fields.

In recent days, the EIF signed an agreement with the NATO Innovation Fund (NIF), the first multinational sovereign venture capital fund backed by 24 of the 32 countries that are part of the Atlantic Alliance. NIF has a billion euros in the till to provide "friendly" funds for innovative companies in frontier technologies such as artificial intelligence, space, robotics, new materials, and biotechnology. The two vaults have decided to team up to increase investment firepower and accelerate the results of business strategies. NATO has started placing its bets: It has funded four startups, in space, materials, semiconductors, and robotics. Among the beneficiaries is Arx Robotics, based in Oberding, Bavaria. The startup makes autonomously guided defense vehicles that can be used to move up to 500 pounds, conduct surveillance, or act as targets. Its devices are already in use by the armies of Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Switzerland and have also been deployed on the Ukrainian front.

In turn, NATO is scouting startups through Diana, its accelerator program. Last year, it funded 44 of them, in the energy, telecommunications, and surveillance sectors, with a check for €100,000 and six months of incubation in its centers scattered across Europe. It recently launched five new calls for proposals. Companies have until August 9 to submit ideas not only in the three fields already covered in 2023, but also in health, logistics, and critical infrastructure. Special attention will be given to ideas that intersect these areas of interest with applications in space, resilience, and sustainability.

A Growing Industry

The defense industry is experiencing particular growth in Europe, driven by the arms race following the invasion of Ukraine. According to the investment bank Goldman Sachs, defense stocks listed on the continent's stock exchanges have increased in value by an average of 45 percent. The Euro Stock Aerospace & Defense Index, an index of the German stock exchange that brings together major military-related stocks (such as Airbus, Rheinmetall, Leonardo, and Bae), has soared 194 percent since February 2022. The European Defense Agency calculates that in 2022, military spending of the EU's 27 countries averaged 1.5 percent of gross domestic product, totaling €240 billion.

And the EDF paves the way for new technologies to be bought. As the policy document states, the fund will have to ensure that by 2027 the EU can have ready prototypes of combat drones, locally developed command and control programs, interoperable radio systems, and integrations between air defenses and the swarm of Earth-observing satellites. Cloud platforms to store and process collected information, new early-warning systems for missile attacks, and new naval and ground combat assets are also in the works. A boundless research program, divided among hundreds of companies (1,200 were involved at multiple levels in the 157 projects funded between 2021 and 2023), which will now have to go through the scrutiny of the nascent Commission, even more bent on opening the purse when it comes to spending on weapons. It is not just a matter of preparing for war. For a European Union obsessed with migration, drones, surveillance systems, and control, technologies can also be an ally in strengthening border closures.

[smbmatters]

Exploring the Latest Breakthroughs in Technology

Introduction

Technology is evolving at a rapid pace, bringing with it groundbreaking innovations that are reshaping our world. From artificial intelligence to renewable energy solutions, these advancements are enhancing our lives in ways we never imagined. In this article, we'll explore some of the most exciting recent breakthroughs in technology that are set to transform various industries and everyday life.

1. Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are at the forefront of technological innovation. AI and ML are being integrated into a myriad of applications, from healthcare diagnostics to personalized marketing. These technologies analyze vast amounts of data to make predictions, automate processes, and provide valuable insights.

AI in Healthcare

AI is revolutionizing healthcare by improving diagnostic accuracy and patient care. Machine learning algorithms can analyze medical images to detect diseases like cancer at early stages, enabling timely treatment and better patient outcomes.

AI in Everyday Life

In our daily lives, AI powers virtual assistants like Siri and Alexa, enhances customer service through chat-bots, and personalizes our online shopping experiences. The continuous improvement of AI algorithms is making these applications smarter and more efficient.

2. Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing promises to solve problems that are currently insurmountable for classical computers. By leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics, quantum computers perform complex calculations at unprecedented speeds.

Advancements in Cryptography

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize cryptography by breaking encryption codes that secure our digital communications. This breakthrough necessitates the development of new cryptographic methods to protect sensitive information.

Applications in Drug Discovery

In the pharmaceutical industry, quantum computing can simulate molecular interactions at a granular level, accelerating the drug discovery process and leading to the development of new, effective medications.

3. Renewable Energy Technologies

The shift towards renewable energy technologies is crucial in combating climate change. Innovations in solar, wind, and battery technologies are making renewable energy more efficient and accessible.

Solar and Wind Energy

Recent advancements in solar panel efficiency and wind turbine design are increasing the amount of energy harvested from natural sources. These improvements are making renewable energy a viable alternative to fossil fuels.

Energy Storage Solutions

Enhanced battery technologies are crucial for storing renewable energy, ensuring a consistent power supply even when the sun isn't shining or the wind isn't blowing. Breakthroughs in battery capacity and lifespan are driving the adoption of renewable energy systems.

4. Internet of Things (IoT)

The Internet of Things (IoT) connects devices and systems, enabling them to communicate and share data. This connectivity is transforming homes, industries, and cities into smarter, more efficient environments.

Smart Homes

IoT technology is making homes smarter by automating lighting, heating, and security systems. Smart home devices can be controlled remotely, offering convenience and energy savings.

Industrial IoT

In industrial settings, IoT devices monitor equipment health and optimize manufacturing processes. Predictive maintenance enabled by IoT sensors can reduce downtime and improve efficiency.

5. Blockchain Technology

Blockchain is revolutionizing how we handle transactions and data security. This decentralized ledger technology ensures transparency and security in various applications.

Financial Transactions

Blockchain is streamlining financial transactions by eliminating the need for intermediaries. It provides a secure and transparent way to transfer funds and verify transactions.

Supply Chain Management

In supply chains, blockchain offers traceability and transparency, reducing fraud and ensuring the authenticity of products. This technology is particularly beneficial in industries like pharmaceuticals and food.

6. 5G Technology

The roll-out of 5G technology is set to enhance connectivity with faster speeds and lower latency. This advancement will support the growth of IoT, autonomous vehicles, and smart cities.

Enhanced Mobile Connectivity

5G technology promises to improve mobile experiences with seamless streaming and quick downloads. It will also enable new applications in virtual and augmented reality.

Smart Cities

5G will facilitate the development of smart cities, where real-time data exchange enhances urban management systems, traffic control, and emergency services.

7. Autonomous Vehicles

Autonomous vehicles are set to transform transportation. Advances in AI and sensor technology are bringing self-driving cars closer to reality, offering safer and more efficient travel options.

Safety and Efficiency

Autonomous vehicles can reduce accidents caused by human error and optimize traffic flow, reducing congestion and emissions. They hold the potential to revolutionize the logistics and delivery sectors.

Delivery Services

Self-driving delivery vehicles and drones are making logistics faster and more reliable. These innovations are particularly beneficial in urban areas, where they can reduce traffic and pollution.

8. Biotechnology

Biotechnology is advancing rapidly, offering solutions in healthcare, agriculture, and environmental management. Innovations in gene editing, synthetic biology, and bio-engineering are opening new possibilities.

Gene Editing

CRISPR technology is enabling precise gene editing, offering potential cures for genetic diseases and innovations in agriculture. This technology is paving the way for new treatments and sustainable farming practices.

Synthetic Biology

Synthetic biology is creating new biological systems and organisms, leading to advancements in medicine, bio-fuels, and sustainable materials. This field holds promise for addressing global challenges such as disease and climate change.

9. Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

AR and VR technologies are providing immersive experiences in entertainment, education, and various professional fields. These technologies are creating new ways to interact with digital content.

Gaming and Entertainment

AR and VR are enhancing gaming experiences by creating immersive environments and interactive game-play. These technologies are also being used in movies and virtual concerts, offering new forms of entertainment.

Professional Training

In education and professional training, AR and VR offer realistic simulations for hands-on learning. Fields like medicine, engineering, and aviation benefit from these technologies by providing safe and effective training environments.

Conclusion

The latest breakthroughs in technology are driving significant changes across various sectors. From AI and quantum computing to renewable energy and autonomous vehicles, these innovations are shaping the future and improving our lives. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for individuals and businesses alike to leverage the benefits of these technological advancements. As we look to the future, these game-changing technologies will continue to evolve, offering new opportunities and solutions to the challenges we face.

[stevebattle]

"Dave" – Toyota Partner Robot ver. 5 Rolling Type (Trumpet), Toyota, Japan (2005). "Partner robots are expected to support people and work with people in offices, hospitals, care facilities, and homes. They need to move with legs or wheels. … The inertial force-sensing system [commonly called an inertial measurement unit (IMU)] consisted of three acceleration sensors, three angular rate sensors, and a digital signal processor (DSP). The system used automobile sensors such as acceleration and angular rate sensors and had small size, high accuracy, and low cost. … The internal force-sensing system was used by several robots at the 2005 Aichi Expo and at the 2006 Tokyo Motor Show … They were a biped-type robot playing trumpet, a biped-type robot with wire drive, a person carrier biped-type robot, [Dave] a two-wheeled rolling-type robot with inverted pendulum , and a person carrier of 2+1 wheeled rolling type called ‘i-Swing’." – Sensor Technologies for Automobiles and Robots, Yutaka Nonomura.

[vivekavicky12]

Data Science Unveiled: A Journey Across Industries

In the intricate tapestry of modern industries, data science stands as the master weaver, threading insights, predictions, and optimizations. From healthcare to finance, e-commerce to education, the applications of data science are as diverse as the sectors it transforms. Choosing the  Top Data Science Institute can further accelerate your journey into this thriving industry. In this exploration, we'll embark on a journey to unravel the pervasive influence of data science across various domains, witnessing its transformative power and impact on decision-making in the digital age.

Healthcare: Pioneering Precision Medicine

In the healthcare sector, data science acts as a beacon of innovation. It plays a pivotal role in patient diagnosis, treatment optimization, and personalized medicine. By analyzing vast datasets, healthcare professionals can identify patterns, predict disease outcomes, and tailor treatments to individual patients. This not only enhances the efficiency of healthcare delivery but also contributes to groundbreaking advancements in medical research.

Finance: Navigating Risk and Detecting Fraud

The financial landscape is ripe for data science applications, particularly in risk management, fraud detection, and algorithmic trading. Data-driven models analyze market trends, assess risk exposure, and identify fraudulent activities in real-time. This not only safeguards financial institutions but also empowers them to make informed investment decisions, optimizing portfolios for better returns.

E-commerce: Crafting Personalized Experiences

In the bustling world of e-commerce, data science is the engine driving personalized experiences. Recommendation systems powered by data analysis understand user behavior, preferences, and purchase history. This results in tailored product suggestions, optimized pricing strategies, and a seamless shopping journey that boosts sales and enhances customer satisfaction.

Telecommunications: Enhancing Connectivity and Predicting Maintenance

Telecommunications companies leverage data science for network optimization, predictive maintenance, and customer churn analysis. By analyzing vast datasets, they can optimize network performance, predict potential issues, and proactively address concerns. This not only enhances the reliability of communication networks but also improves the overall customer experience.

Marketing: Precision in Targeting and Campaign Optimization

Marketers rely on data science for precision in targeting and campaign optimization. Customer segmentation, behavior analysis, and predictive modeling help marketers tailor their strategies for maximum impact. This ensures that marketing efforts are not only more effective but also cost-efficient, yielding higher returns on investment.

Education: Tailoring Learning Experiences

In the realm of education, data science is reshaping how students learn. Personalized learning experiences, performance analytics, and resource optimization are made possible through data analysis. By understanding student behavior and learning patterns, educators can tailor educational strategies to individual needs, fostering a more adaptive and effective learning environment.

Manufacturing: Predictive Maintenance and Quality Control

Manufacturing enterprises harness data science for predictive maintenance, quality control, and supply chain optimization. Analyzing data from sensors and production lines allows for predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime and reducing defects. This not only enhances operational efficiency but also contributes to cost savings. Choosing the best Data Science Courses in Chennai is a crucial step in acquiring the necessary expertise for a successful career in the evolving landscape of data science.

Energy: Sustainability and Operational Efficiency

Data science is a driving force in the energy sector, contributing to sustainability and operational efficiency. Predictive maintenance of equipment, analysis of energy consumption patterns, and optimization of energy production are facilitated through data-driven insights. This not only ensures reliable energy supply but also contributes to the global push for sustainable practices.

Transportation and Logistics: Optimizing Routes and Operations

In transportation and logistics, data science is instrumental in optimizing routes, predicting demand, and managing fleets efficiently. By analyzing data on traffic patterns, delivery times, and inventory levels, companies can optimize logistics operations, reduce costs, and improve overall service delivery.

Human Resources: Talent Acquisition and Workforce Planning

Human Resources (HR) departments utilize data science for talent acquisition, employee engagement analysis, and workforce planning. Analyzing data on employee performance, satisfaction, and recruitment processes enables HR professionals to make informed decisions, attract top talent, and optimize organizational performance.

Social Media: Enhancing User Engagement and Content Recommendation

Social media platforms leverage data science for enhancing user engagement and content recommendation. Algorithms analyze user interactions, preferences, and behaviors to recommend personalized content and improve overall user experience. This not only keeps users engaged but also enhances the platform's ability to deliver relevant content.

Government and Public Policy: Informed Decision-Making

In the realm of government and public policy, data science aids in informed decision-making. Analyzing data on various facets, including crime rates, resource allocation, and citizen services, enables governments to optimize policies for the welfare of the public. This data-driven approach enhances governance and contributes to more effective public services.

As we traverse the vast landscape of industries, it becomes evident that data science is not merely a tool but a transformative force that connects and elevates diverse sectors. Its ability to extract insights, predict outcomes, and optimize processes is reshaping the way businesses and institutions operate. In an era defined by data, data science stands as a thread weaving through the fabric of innovation, connecting industries and shaping the future of decision-making. As we continue to explore the frontiers of technology, the influence of data science is set to expand, leaving an indelible mark on the evolution of industries across the globe.

[usafphantom2]

An F-16C Fighting Falcon assigned to the 20th Fighter Wing, Shaw Air Force Base (AFB), takes off for Red Flag-Nellis 24-1 mission at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, Jan. 16, 2024. (U.S. Air Force photo by William R. Lewis) [Author’s note: notice the Litening pod installed on the right chin station]

U.S. Air Force Upgrading Litening Targeting Pods To New Large Aperture Variant

The upgraded Litening pod incorporates significant enhancements in electro-optical/infrared sensing and processing capabilities.

Stefano D'Urso

Litening

Northrop Grumman disclosed recently that the U.S. Air Force is currently fielding the upgraded Litening Large Aperture targeting pod, which incorporates significant enhancements in electro-optical/infrared sensing and processing capabilities compared to the older variant. The news follows the recent frequent sightings of Litening pods on active-duty F-16s instead of the Sniper pod.

In fact, while the AAQ-28 Litening targeting pod was previously fielded across all units, USAFE, PACAF and ACC units replaced it with the newer Lockheed Martin AAQ-33 Sniper targeting pod, while the Litening remained in use by ANG units. Since late 2023, however, many photos surfaced online both from the Air Force and aircraft spotters showed a new return of the Litening on USAFE, PACAF and ACC F-16s.

Northrop Grumman listed in its press release the three main features of Litening Large Aperture:

Digital, high-definition daylight and infrared sensors in multiple wavelengths increase the resolution of the pod, allowing imaging from greater stand-off ranges.

LITENING LA features faster video processing, greater image stabilization, enhanced pod command and control functions, and continuous roll for uninterrupted imaging during maneuvers

Enhanced air and ground targeting modes offer greater accuracy and tracking under challenging conditions.

The Air Force first selected Litening in 1999, before selecting also the Sniper pod in 2001 and adopting both. The service now plans to integrate Litening LA throughout its existing aircraft inventory. In fact, since the new pod uses the same form factor as earlier versions and aircraft on which it has already been integrated do not require further modifications, the pods already in inventory can be upgraded to the LA configuration.

LITENING Large Aperture features new sensors and software which increase image resolution and target identification capabilities from stand-off ranges. (Photo Credit: Northrop Grumman)

“Just as the first LITENING targeting pod transformed close air support more than 20 years ago, LA’s passive targeting capabilities have the potential to change the way pilots approach combat in high-intensity conflicts,” said James Conroy, vice president, electronic warfare and targeting, Northrop Grumman. “We are widening the aperture on how electro-optical/infrared targeting can contribute to mission success, with a more advanced and powerful pod.”

The pod enables a wide range of missions, including precision targeting, Close Air Support, Non-Traditional Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (NTISR), Strike Coordination and Reconnaissance (SCAR), but also air-to-air identification. The pod features high-resolution, digital color video and infrared sensors, datalink capability and advanced algorithms to detect, identify and engage targets from long ranges. A more powerful mission processor accelerates imaging functions and allows for future capabilities, says Northrop Grumman, including artificial intelligence and machine learning.

About Stefano D'Urso

Stefano D'Urso is a freelance journalist and contributor to TheAviationist based in Lecce, Italy. A graduate in Industral Engineering he's also studying to achieve a Master Degree in Aerospace Engineering. Electronic Warfare, Loitering Munitions and OSINT techniques applied to the world of military operations and current conflicts are among his areas of expertise.

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Digital Display Potentiometer Market: Regional Demand Analysis and Investment Potential

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global Digital Display Potentiometer Market size was valued at US$ 298.7 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 512.4 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 8.12% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

Digital display potentiometers are electronic components that combine traditional potentiometer functionality with digital interfaces for precise resistance adjustment. These devices enable digital control of analog circuits while providing visual feedback through integrated displays. Key variants include linear potentiometers and rotary potentiometers, catering to different application requirements across industries.

Market growth is driven by increasing automation in industrial equipment, rising demand for precision control in automotive electronics, and the expanding consumer electronics sector. The linear potentiometer segment is expected to reach USD 190 million by 2032, growing at 7.2% CAGR, due to its widespread use in industrial measurement systems. Key players like Bourns and ON Semiconductor dominate the market, collectively holding over 35% revenue share in 2024 through continuous product innovation and strategic partnerships.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Rising Automation Across Industries Accelerates Digital Potentiometer Adoption

The global surge in industrial automation is significantly propelling the digital display potentiometer market forward. As manufacturing facilities increasingly adopt Industry 4.0 standards, the demand for precise electronic components like digital potentiometers has grown substantially. These devices provide programmable resistance values with digital precision, making them ideal for automated systems requiring consistent calibration. The industrial automation market, valued in the hundreds of billions globally, continues to expand at a steady pace, directly benefiting component manufacturers. Digital potentiometers offer distinct advantages over mechanical variants including higher reliability, better accuracy, and remote adjustment capabilities—features critically important for modern automated environments.

Consumer Electronics Miniaturization Creates Strong Market Demand

The relentless trend toward smaller, more powerful consumer electronics continues to drive innovations in digital potentiometer design. With smartphone manufacturers packing more functionality into increasingly thinner devices and wearable technology gaining mainstream adoption, component manufacturers are under pressure to deliver smaller form factors without compromising performance. Digital potentiometers perfectly meet these requirements through their compact footprint and elimination of moving parts. Recent product launches demonstrate this trend, with several leading manufacturers introducing surface-mount packages under 2mm²—ideal for space-constrained applications. The consumer electronics sector’s projected growth trajectory suggests this demand will persist throughout the forecast period.

Automotive Electronics Expansion Generates Robust Growth Opportunities

Modern vehicles increasingly rely on sophisticated electronic systems, from infotainment to advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), creating substantial demand for precision electronic components. Digital display potentiometers find extensive application in vehicle lighting controls, instrument clusters, and various sensor calibration circuits. The automotive industry’s current shift toward electric vehicles presents additional opportunities, as these vehicles require more electronic components than their combustion engine counterparts. With electric vehicle production projected to account for significant percentage of all vehicles manufactured within the decade, component suppliers are strategically positioning themselves to meet this growing demand.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

Persistent Semiconductor Shortages Disrupt Market Stability

The digital display potentiometer market continues to face challenges from global semiconductor supply chain disruptions. While the worst of the chip shortage may have passed, the industry remains vulnerable to supply constraints that impact lead times and pricing. Many digital potentiometer manufacturers rely on specialized fabrication processes that compete for capacity with higher-margin semiconductor products. This situation creates an ongoing challenge for maintaining stable production and delivery schedules. Industry analysts note that while capacity expansions are underway, the market may continue experiencing periodic imbalances between supply and demand through the forecast period.

Cost Pressures from Alternative Technologies Constrain Market Expansion

Digital potentiometers face increasing competition from alternative solutions including digital-to-analog converters (DACs) and programmable gain amplifiers in certain applications. While digital pots offer specific advantages in many use cases, their value proposition comes under scrutiny in cost-sensitive applications. Some system designers are opting for integrated solutions that combine multiple functions, potentially reducing demand for discrete digital potentiometer components. Additionally, continued price erosion across the broader semiconductor sector exerts downward pressure on component margins, challenging manufacturers to maintain profitability while investing in next-generation product development.

Technical Limitations in High-Power Applications Restrict Market Growth

Digital potentiometers typically handle relatively low current and voltage levels compared to their mechanical counterparts, which limits their application in certain industrial and power management scenarios. While recent advancements have improved power handling capabilities, many high-current applications still require traditional solutions. This technical constraint represents a significant barrier to broader market penetration, particularly in heavy industrial equipment and power distribution systems. Manufacturers continue to work on advanced materials and designs to overcome these limitations, but progress remains incremental rather than revolutionary.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Internet of Things Expansion Creates New Application Possibilities

The explosive growth of IoT devices presents significant opportunities for digital display potentiometer manufacturers. These components play crucial roles in sensor calibration and signal conditioning across countless IoT applications, from smart home devices to industrial monitoring systems. As IoT deployments continue multiplying across industries, demand for reliable, low-power electronic adjustment solutions will rise correspondingly. Manufacturers that can deliver highly integrated, energy-efficient solutions tailored for IoT applications stand to capture substantial market share in this expanding segment.

Medical Electronics Advancements Open New Market Frontiers

The medical device industry’s ongoing digital transformation creates promising opportunities for precision electronic components. Digital potentiometers find application in various medical equipment including patient monitoring systems, diagnostic devices, and therapeutic equipment. The medical electronics market’s stringent reliability requirements and relatively high component pricing create favorable conditions for manufacturers able to meet these specialized demands. With healthcare expenditure rising globally and medical technology advancing rapidly, this vertical represents a high-growth opportunity for digital potentiometer suppliers.

Emerging Smart Infrastructure Projects Fuel Component Demand

Government initiatives worldwide to develop smart cities and modernize infrastructure are generating demand for advanced electronic components. Digital potentiometers play important roles in smart grid equipment, intelligent lighting systems, and various monitoring and control applications. These large-scale infrastructure projects typically have long implementation timelines but offer stable, multi-year demand for components. Manufacturers that can demonstrate the reliability and longevity required for infrastructure applications stand to benefit from this growing market segment.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Design Complexity Increases Time-to-Market Pressures

As digital display potentiometers incorporate more advanced features and tighter specifications, their design complexity has increased significantly. Many newer models include integrated non-volatile memory, precision voltage references, and sophisticated interfaces—features that add development time and cost. This complexity creates challenges in maintaining competitive product cycles while ensuring robust performance across environmental conditions. The market’s demand for both higher functionality and faster product introductions presents a persistent challenge for engineering teams.

Global Economic Uncertainty Impacts Investment Decisions

The digital display potentiometer market faces headwinds from broader economic conditions that affect capital expenditure across key industries. With manufacturers and OEMs becoming more cautious about inventory levels during periods of economic uncertainty, component suppliers experience greater volatility in order patterns. These fluctuations complicate production planning and capacity investment decisions. While the long-term growth outlook remains positive, navigating near-term economic cycles presents an ongoing challenge for market participants.

Environmental Regulations Require Continuous Compliance Efforts

Increasing environmental regulations regarding materials and manufacturing processes create compliance challenges for digital potentiometer manufacturers. Restrictions on hazardous substances and requirements for energy efficiency continually evolve, requiring regular product redesigns and process adjustments. Meeting these requirements across global markets with varying standards adds complexity to product development and supply chain management. While environmental responsibility represents an industry-wide priority, the associated compliance costs and technical challenges impact profitability and time-to-market for new products.

DIGITAL DISPLAY POTENTIOMETER MARKET TRENDS

Integration of Smart Automation Technologies Driving Market Adoption

The digital display potentiometer market is experiencing significant growth due to advancements in smart automation technologies across various industries. These sensors, which combine mechanical potentiometers with digital displays for precise electrical resistance measurement, are increasingly replacing traditional analogs due to their programmable nature and higher accuracy. With industrial automation investments projected to grow at nearly 10% annually, demand for digital potentiometers as critical components in control systems has surged. Major manufacturers are responding with compact designs featuring enhanced functionalities like touch-based interfaces and wireless connectivity options.

Other Key Trends

Consumer Electronics Miniaturization

As consumer electronics manufacturers push for increasingly compact devices without sacrificing functionality, digital display potentiometers have emerged as ideal solutions for space-constrained applications. Their ability to provide both measurement and visual feedback eliminates the need for separate display components in products like smartphones, wearables, and portable audio equipment. Recent innovations include ultra-thin models measuring under 2mm in thickness, addressing the needs of next-generation foldable devices and IoT sensors.

Automotive Sector Innovation Creates Demand

The automotive industry’s shift toward electrification and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) has significantly impacted market dynamics. Digital potentiometers are increasingly used in vehicle control modules, battery management systems, and cabin comfort controls due to their durability and precision in harsh environments. With electric vehicle production expected to grow by over 30% annually through 2030, component manufacturers are developing specialized automotive-grade potentiometers meeting stringent vibration and temperature requirements. The convergence of display and control functionality also supports the trend toward centralized vehicle control interfaces.

Wireless Connectivity Integration Reshaping Product Development

Leading manufacturers are incorporating wireless technologies such as Bluetooth and Zigbee into digital display potentiometer solutions, enabling remote monitoring and adjustment applications. These networked systems are particularly valuable in industrial settings where operators need to monitor multiple sensors across large facilities. The integration of Industry 4.0 compatible communication protocols has further accelerated adoption in smart manufacturing environments. Recent product launches feature cloud connectivity options that allow potentiometer adjustments through web-based dashboards, significantly expanding potential applications.

Other Emerging Trends

Healthcare Equipment Modernization

Healthcare’s increasing reliance on precise electronic instrumentation is creating new opportunities in medical device applications. Digital display potentiometers are being incorporated into imaging equipment, patient monitors, and laboratory instruments where their combination of control and visualization enhances operational efficiency. Stringent regulatory requirements are prompting manufacturers to develop specialized medical-grade variants with enhanced sterilization compatibility and electromagnetic shielding.

Material Science Innovations Addressing Temperature Constraints

The push for wider operating temperature ranges is driving material innovations in resistive element production. New nano-composite materials allow digital potentiometers to maintain accuracy across extreme temperature variations from -55°C to 150°C, expanding their use in aerospace and oil/gas applications. These advancements come alongside improvements in mechanical durability, with some models now rated for over 500,000 adjustment cycles while maintaining measurement precision within 1% of full scale.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Market Leaders Focus on Innovation and Regional Expansion to Gain Competitive Edge

The global digital display potentiometer market exhibits a fragmented competitive landscape, characterized by the presence of established electronics component manufacturers and emerging regional players. Bourns Inc. currently leads the market, holding an estimated 22% revenue share in 2024, owing to its extensive product range and strong distribution network across North America and Asia-Pacific. The company’s recent introduction of high-precision digital potentiometers with I²C interface has further strengthened its position in industrial automation applications.

ON Semiconductor and CURTISS-WRIGHT collectively account for nearly 30% of the market, primarily due to their vertically integrated manufacturing capabilities and contracts with major automotive OEMs. Notably, ON Semiconductor’s 2023 acquisition of GT Advanced Technologies enhanced its silicon carbide production capacity, allowing for more robust potentiometer designs.

Meanwhile, mid-sized players like ETI Systems are gaining traction through specialization – their ruggedized potentiometers for harsh environments have seen 18% year-over-year growth in military and aerospace sectors. Hohner Automaticos continues to dominate the European market with customized solutions, while Electro-Sensors maintains strong relationships with industrial equipment manufacturers through just-in-time delivery systems.

The competitive intensity is expected to increase as Chinese manufacturers enter the space with cost-competitive offerings, prompting established players to accelerate R&D in smart potentiometer technologies. Several companies are now integrating IoT capabilities into their products, with Bourns and ON Semiconductor leading this transition through partnerships with cloud platform providers.

List of Key Digital Display Potentiometer Manufacturers

Bourns, Inc. (U.S.)

ON Semiconductor (U.S.)

CURTISS-WRIGHT (U.S.)

ETI Systems (UK)

Hohner Automaticos (Spain)

Electro-Sensors (U.S.)

Ametek, Inc. (U.S.)

TT Electronics (UK)

Vishay Intertechnology (U.S.)

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Linear Potentiometer Segment Dominates the Market Due to High Precision in Industrial Applications

The market is segmented based on type into:

Linear Potentiometer

Subtypes: Slide Potentiometers, Multi-Turn Linear Pots, and others

Rotary Potentiometer

Subtypes: Single-Turn Rotary Pots, Multi-Turn Rotary Pots, and others

By Application

Industrial Equipment Segment Leads Due to Growing Automation Needs

The market is segmented based on application into:

Household Appliances

Automotive

Industrial Equipment

Communications

Others

By End-User

Manufacturing Sector Accounts for Major Usage Due to Process Control Requirements

The market is segmented based on end-user into:

Electronics Manufacturers

Automotive OEMs

Industrial Machinery Producers

Telecom Equipment Providers

Others

Regional Analysis: Digital Display Potentiometer Market

North America The North American digital display potentiometer market is characterized by advanced technological adoption and strong demand from key industries such as automotive, industrial automation, and communications. The U.S. holds the largest market share in the region, driven by heavy investments in Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing, projected to exceed $15 billion annually by 2025. Major players like Bourns and ON Semiconductor dominate supply chains, focusing on high-precision, low-noise potentiometers for critical applications. However, competition from Asian manufacturers and pricing pressures remain notable challenges. Despite this, stringent quality standards and the push toward IoT integration continue to fuel demand for premium-grade digital potentiometers.

Europe Europe’s market thrives on strict regulatory compliance (e.g., RoHS and REACH) and an emphasis on energy-efficient solutions. Germany leads in demand, particularly for industrial equipment and automotive applications, where digital potentiometers are used in sensor calibration and motor control. The region benefits from collaborations between semiconductor firms and automotive OEMs, with companies like ETI Systems and Hohner Automaticos expanding production capacities. However, high manufacturing costs and slow adoption rates in Eastern Europe offset growth to some extent. The European Commission’s Digital Compass 2030 initiative, which prioritizes industrial digitization, is expected to further propel market expansion.

Asia-Pacific With China alone accounting for over 35% of global production volumes, Asia-Pacific remains the fastest-growing region. The surge is attributed to massive electronics manufacturing ecosystems in China, Japan, and South Korea, alongside government-backed semiconductor self-sufficiency programs. India’s market is expanding due to automotive and consumer electronics growth, though it lags in high-end applications. Cost competitiveness drives the preference for mid-range rotary potentiometers, but demand for linear variants is rising in robotics and automation. Challenges include intellectual property concerns and supply chain bottlenecks, yet the region’s export-oriented manufacturing hubs ensure sustained dominance.

South America This region exhibits moderate growth, primarily fueled by Brazil’s automotive and appliance sectors. Local production is limited, leading to heavy reliance on imports from North America and Asia. Economic instability and currency fluctuations deter large-scale investments, though niche applications in renewable energy systems present opportunities. Argentina shows potential in industrial equipment repairs, but infrastructural gaps and low R&D spending hinder progress. Vendors targeting this market prioritize cost-efficient, durable solutions to align with regional budget constraints.

Middle East & Africa The market here is nascent but promising, with growth centered in GCC countries and South Africa. The UAE and Saudi Arabia drive demand through infrastructure modernization projects, particularly in oil & gas and telecommunications. However, lack of local manufacturing forces reliance on global suppliers, increasing lead times and costs. Africa’s adoption is sporadic, hindered by limited technical expertise and underdeveloped electronics sectors. Long-term growth hinges on foreign investments in smart city initiatives, though progress remains uneven.

Report Scope

This market research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Global Digital Display Potentiometer market, covering the forecast period 2024–2032. It offers detailed insights into market dynamics, technological advancements, competitive landscape, and key trends shaping the industry.

Key focus areas of the report include:

Market Size & Forecast: Historical data and future projections for revenue, unit shipments, and market value across major regions and segments. The Global Digital Display Potentiometer market was valued at USD XX million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD XX million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of X%.

Segmentation Analysis: Detailed breakdown by product type (Linear Potentiometer, Rotary Potentiometer), application (Household Appliances, Automotive, Industrial Equipment, Communications, Others), and end-user industry to identify high-growth segments.

Regional Outlook: Insights into market performance across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. The U.S. market size is estimated at USD XX million in 2024, while China is projected to reach USD XX million.

Competitive Landscape: Profiles of leading market participants including Bourns, ETI Systems, CURTISS-WRIGHT, Hohner Automaticos, Electro-Sensors, and ON Semiconductor, covering their product portfolios, market share, and strategic developments.

Technology Trends & Innovation: Assessment of digital potentiometer technologies, integration with IoT systems, and advancements in precision control applications.

Market Drivers & Restraints: Evaluation of factors such as increasing automation demand, growth in consumer electronics, along with challenges like supply chain constraints and pricing pressures.

Stakeholder Analysis: Strategic insights for component manufacturers, OEMs, system integrators, and investors regarding market opportunities and competitive positioning.

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