Global Scans · Manufacturing · Weekly Summary

• [New] The AI factory in Spain will feature an experimental platform for developing and testing innovative AI models and applications, as well as promoting collaboration across Europe. Arnold & Porter
• [New] Speculation among analysts: The next major Optimus version could debut in early 2026 (Tesla has teased the third-generation prototype), with production ramp-up by 2027. TESMAG
• [New] At the 2025 meeting, Musk reiterated that Optimus (and robots like it) are central to Tesla's long-term vision, even claiming that eventually 80% of Tesla's value will come from Optimus bots. TESMAG
• [New] As 2025 draws to a close, it is evident that the coming year will bring further breakthroughs in interoperability, adaptive manufacturing, and AI-powered quality strategies. Metrology and Quality News - Online Magazine
• [New] 2025 forecasts that while 85 million jobs may be displaced by automation, 97 million new roles centered on technology management, data analysis, and human-machine collaboration will emerge globally. ""
• [New] Pairing people and AI tools, including agents and robots, could unlock $3 trillion in economic value in the United States by 2030. Fortune
• [New] Foxconn and Google-owned Intrinsic have announced a joint venture that will combine Intrinsic's cutting-edge AI robotics platform with Foxconn's manufacturing expertise to build the future of the AI factory. Amiko Consulting
• [New] Industry Growth Outlook: The 5G IoT industry is estimated to be more than USD 380 billion by 2033, as driven by next-gen use cases in autonomous mobility, smart manufacturing, and healthcare IoT. Precedence Research
• [New] Widespread commercial deployment is projected for 2028-2030 as hydrogen costs decline and production capacity expands. Discovery Alert
• [New] Palmer argues that while Alabama's success with foreign-owned auto plants is significant, it should not overshadow the potential risks of leaning too heavily on international partners for materials the U.S. needs to function - from electronics to defence equipment. WBMA
• [New] The U.S. Department of Energy today announced $355 million for two notices of funding opportunities to expand domestic production of critical materials essential for advancing U.S. energy production, manufacturing, transportation and national defence. Energy.gov
• [New] Ericsson reports 4 billion cellular IoT connections at the end of 2024, with an 11% compound annual growth rate through 2030 driven by NB-IoT and LTE-M deployments. Quantumrun Foresight
• [New] IoT Analytics forecasts 21.1 billion connected devices globally by the end of 2025, representing a 14% increase from 18.5 billion devices in 2024. Quantumrun Foresight
• In 2025, AI voice changers will be more human, faster, and adaptable - thanks to neural networks and machine learning models. Smallest.ai
• Canada's methane regulations, once finalized, could create 34,000 new jobs across the country-supporting manufacturing in the east and energy services in the west. Environmental Defense Fund
• Battery recycler Redwood Materials has begun operations at a $3.5 billion factory in South Carolina that will supply critical minerals for domestic supply chains. National Law Review
• Toyota plans to invest $912 million to increase the output of hybrid vehicles and components across five states, as part of a broader $10 billion investment over the next five years to support U.S. production. National Law Review
• The Nexperia supply disruption serves as a warning shot for global supply chains, and dependence on China for certain raw materials and technology is likely to increase risk for global automakers. National Law Review
• U.S. factory activity slowed to a four-month low in November as higher prices because of tariffs on imports restrained demand, leading to a piling up of unsold goods that could hinder growth in the overall economy. Economic Times
• Foxconn plans to invest between $1 billion and $5 billion to expand its US manufacturing footprint and expects to assemble up to 2,000 AI server racks per week by 2026. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• Technological advancements, such as the transition to gate-all-around transistors for 2 nm manufacturing processes, will be pivotal in 2026, promising lower power consumption and improved performance. The Chronicle-Journal
• Global semiconductor sales are projected to reach a record $700.9 billion, an 11.2% year-over-year increase, propelled by AI and advanced manufacturing. FinancialContent

Last updated: 30 November 2025