Cadence launches chiplet ecosystem for AI and HPC designs
Cadence announced a Chiplet Spec-to-Packaged Parts ecosystem aimed at simplifying development for customers building chiplets for physical AI, data center, and high-performance computing applications. Initial IP partners include Arm, Arteris, eMemory, M31 Technology, Silicon Creations, and Trilinear Technologies, with proteanTecs as the silicon analytics partner. Cadence is also working with Samsung Foundry on a silicon prototype demonstration of the Cadence Physical AI chiplet platform, using pre-integrated partner IP on Samsung Foundry’s SF5A process. Cadence’s Chiplet Spec-to-Packaged Parts ecosystem reduces engineering complexity and accelerates time to market for customers developing chiplets targeting physical AI, data center and HPC applications. Building on their existing collaboration, Cadence and Arm are working together on physical and infrastructure AI applications. Cadence plans to use the Arm Zena Compute Subsystem (CSS) and other IP to expand its Physical AI chiplet platform and Chiplet Framework. The resulting Cadence solutions are intended to support edge AI processing for automobiles, robotics and drones, along with standards-based I/O and memory chiplets for data center, cloud and HPC applications. The companies say the work aims to reduce engineering complexity and help customers adopt chiplets with lower implementation risk. Cadence has developed spec-driven automation to generate chiplet framework architectures that integrate Cadence IP and third-party partner IP, along with chiplet management, security, and safety functions supported by software. The generated EDA flow supports simulation with the Cadence Xcelium Logic Simulator and emulation with the Cadence Palladium Z3 Enterprise Emulation Platform. The physical design flow uses real-time feedback to support iterative place-and-route cycles. The resulting chiplet architectures are designed to align with relevant standards for interoperability, including the Arm Chiplet System Architecture and the planned OCP Foundational Chiplet System Architecture. Cadence’s Universal Chiplet Interconnect Express (UCIe) IP provides die-to-die connectivity, and its protocol IP portfolio supports integration of interfaces such as LPDDR6/5X, DDR5-MRDIMM, PCI Express (PCIe) 7.0, and HBM4. An earlier prototype of the Cadence base system chiplet, part of the Cadence Physical AI chiplet platform, incorporates the Cadence chiplet framework, UCIe 32G, and LPDDR5X IP and has been silicon validated. For more information, visit cadence.com. The post Cadence launches chiplet ecosystem for AI and HPC designs appeared first on Engineering.com.
Bladder buster: Buick Electra E7 goes nearly 1,000 miles between stops
As long as range anxiety is still a thing, you could make the case that manufacturers posting huge range numbers between stops is only making it worse, convincing hesitant, late-adopters that range is the only stat that matters. That said, with 1600 km (~995 miles) of combined range, the new Buick Electra E7 is an impressive, bladder-busting ride. more…
EnPower invests in equipment for assembly of battery cells for UAV and defense sectors
Battery technology company EnPower has announced an investment in equipment dedicated to the assembly of battery cells for the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) and defense sectors. EnPower will install the new equipment in automated battery cell assembly lines at the company’s headquarters in Indianapolis. The new equipment includes advanced features for electrode processing, quality control and end-to-end automation. The new lines, which are expected to be fully operational by Q2 2026, will boost the company’s annual battery cell assembly capacity by 60 MWh. “The growth of the US UAV market has created a critical and urgent need for high-performance, secure and domestically sourced lithium-ion batteries,” said Drew Rossier, CCO of EnPower. “Our investment demonstrates our commitment to addressing a strategic supply chain gap and supporting our customers and partners with high-performing battery cells.” Source: EnPower
Volatus integrates Trimble PX-1 RTX for delivery drone navigation
Trimble announced that Volatus Aerospace Inc. has integrated the Trimble PX-1 RTX solution into its commercial delivery drone service to achieve accurate and robust positioning and heading. This provides Volatus’ clients with a turnkey solution for highly-accurate aerial data acquisition and fully-remote drone operations in real-world missions, including beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). Volatus deploys medical supplies in Canada using the Trimble PX-1 RTX positioning solution The Trimble PX-1 RTX utilizes Trimble’s CenterPoint RTX corrections along with compact, high-performance GNSS-inertial hardware to deliver real-time, centimeter-level positioning and highly precise inertial-derived true heading measurements. This technology reduces operational risks associated with poor sensor performance or magnetic interference by providing enhanced positioning redundancy. Volatus must meet strict guidelines addressing airspace entry and exit, altitude and speed, and communication and remote identification when taking off from and landing at the Edmonton International Airport in Alberta, Canada. The flight corridor approved by Transport Canada and Nav Canada requires them to land and takeoff with precision, while staying at 50-feet altitude when crossing airplane arrival routes. Trimble PX-1 RTX’s precise positioning capabilities address crucial accuracy challenges for takeoff and landing, while supporting an exact flight altitude and positioning within the flight corridor. This capability is essential for enabling Volatus to remain compliant with the controlled airspace authorization from Nav Canada, a non-profit that operates the country’s civil air navigation system. The Trimble PX-1 RTX solution is available through Trimble sales channels. For more information, visit applanix.trimble.com/advanced-air-mobility. The post Volatus integrates Trimble PX-1 RTX for delivery drone navigation appeared first on Engineering.com.
Last call: check out these EVs before they’re gone for good in 2026 [update]
A lot of mainstream auto media coverage right now is pushing the idea that some EVs are “dying.” What we’re really seeing is a wave of end-of-cycle, first-generation vehicles making way for their next-gen replacements. Historically, that’s when buyers get the best deals – so if that’s what you’re after, these are the EVs you should be looking at right now. UPDATE 11JAN2026: added a PHEV people-mover and a plug-in SUV. more…
Voltpost partners with EVSE to deploy lamppost EV chargers in the US
Lamppost charging specialist Voltpost has announced a strategic partnership with EVSE LLC, a subsidiary of Control Module Inc. Connecticut-based EVSE is manufacturing Voltpost’s next-generation lamppost EV charger, the Voltpost Air. EVSE has executed several successful pilot projects with municipalities and utilities, including the Los Angeles Bureau of Street Lighting. Voltpost’s lamppost EV charger is designed to be installed in a few hours on an existing public or privately owned lamppost. Voltpost chargers are equipped with wireless connectivity through AT&T’s network. “Our mission at Voltpost is to make EV charging accessible to communities across America as fast as possible,” said Jeff Prosserman, CEO and co-founder of Voltpost. “This collaboration brings together EVSE’s manufacturing expertise, Voltpost’s intelligent infrastructure platform, and our team’s deployment leadership to create a scalable network of curbside and parking lot chargers.” James Everley, who led lamppost charging deployments for UK charging network Ubitricity, has joined Voltpost to lead business development in the US market. At Ubitricity, Everley oversaw the deployment of 2,000 lamppost chargers across the UK. “By uniting the strengths of EVSE and Voltpost, we can ensure that cities, companies, and utilities deploy chargers efficiently and reliably,” said Everley. Source: Voltpost
Engineering Battery Safety: How TÜV SÜD Shapes UL 9540A Testing and Beyond
By Niranjan Sudhakar (Technical Manager at TÜV SÜD)What happens when a battery cell fails? At TÜV SÜD, we don’t just ask – we test, measure, and design solutions that set industry benchmarks. Energy storage systems (ESS) are at the heart of the global transition to renewable energy. But with innovation comes responsibility: thermal runaway and fire propagation in battery systems pose serious safety challenges. At TÜV SÜD, we tackle these challenges head-on through rigorous UL 9540A cell-level testing – work that not only meets standards but helps shape them. What We Do: UL 9540A Cell-Level Testing Controlled Abuse TestingOur engineers perform precise abuse tests on individual battery cells using pressure vessels (20L and 500L). Cells are subjected to failure modes such as overcharge, nail penetration, and spot heating – under both inert (argon) and air atmospheres – to replicate real-world conditions. Real-Time Data AcquisitionWe monitor pressure, temperature, and voltage throughout each test to quantify venting forces and thermal runaway behavior. This data drives safer venting strategies, fire barriers, and module spacing. Advanced Gas AnalysisWhen cells fail, gases matter. Using gas chromatographs with flame ionization and thermal conductivity detectors, we identify flammable and toxic compounds (H₂, CO, CH₄, C₂H₆, etc.). We determine critical parameters like Lower Flammability Limit (LFL), explosion pressure, and burning velocity – following ASTM E918, EN 15967, and ISO 817. Scaling UpInsights from cell-level tests inform module and system-level evaluations: heat release rates, gas generation, external flaming, and fire protection effectiveness. The goal? Safer installations and guidelines that protect people and assets. Technical Challenges We Solve Moisture & Gas Sampling: We use thermoelectric chillers and coated stainless steel tubes to prevent reactions with acidic gases – ensuring accurate composition analysis. Empirical Validation: Experimental flammability data validates predictive models, supporting reliable safety systems and early detection (e.g., gas sensors in ESS). Same-Day Analysis: Rapid in-house testing minimizes changes in gas composition, improving accuracy and speed. Impact and Applications Our work influences: Safer battery designs and venting strategies Fire protection system performance Installation and ventilation requirements Emergency response planning And it’s not just stationary storage – these methodologies apply to automotive, aviation, and heavy machinery batteries. Beyond Battery Testing: A World of Opportunities TÜV SÜD offers far more than battery safety roles. Our engineers work across diverse fields such as: Automotive & Traffic Safety: Testing autonomous driving systems and alternative fuels Industrial Plants & Energy: Ensuring safety and sustainability in industrial technology and renewable energy projects Digital & IT Security: Driving digital transformation and cybersecurity solutions Medical Devices & Healthcare: Impacting patient safety through rigorous product testing Building Technology & Sustainability: Creating safe, efficient, and sustainable infrastructure With over 1,000 locations worldwide and nearly 30,000 professionals, you’ll find opportunities to grow in technical, leadership, and cross-functional roles. Our global learning programs, expert communities, and digital platforms ensure continuous development—because at TÜV SÜD, learning never stops. Ready to join us? Explore career opportunities and learn more about the variety of our jobs here: TÜV SÜD Group Jobs Sponsored Content by TUV The post Engineering Battery Safety: How TÜV SÜD Shapes UL 9540A Testing and Beyond appeared first on Engineering.com.
Tesla launches ‘Standard’ Model Y Long Range in Europe, and non-Long Range in Canada
Tesla has launched a new “Standard” Model Y Long Range in Europe and a non-long range version in Canada, bringing another more affordable version of its best-selling electric SUV to these markets. The simultaneous launch in the two markets separated by an ocean is due to Model Y vehicles in Canada actually coming from Europe. Tesla’s trim name-scheming is starting to get a bit complicated. more…
Electrified shipping moves beyond the pilot phase: CATL’s batteries operating in 900 ships and vessels
Chinese battery giant CATL is exploring an ocean of opportunities. As Michael Barnard reports in CleanTechnica, the company’s batteries and energy management systems are already operating in roughly 900 ships and vessels. This isn’t just a measure of CATL’s dominance, but an indication that maritime decarbonization is well underway—based on existing electrification technology. “Shipping is conservative for structural reasons tied to safety, long asset lifetimes, and unforgiving certification regimes, so deployment at this scale signals that electrification is no longer a pilot exercise but operating infrastructure,” writes Barnard. Mr. Barnard is an eloquent debunker of arguments for the “alternative fuels” promoted by the “anything but EVs” crowd. While acknowledging that “long-haul ocean vessels face genuine energy density constraints that batteries alone cannot solve today,” he points out that electrification has been quietly advancing in the maritime transport applications where it actually works today. Among the vessels powered by CATL’s systems: Changjiangsanxia 1, a 100-meter all-electric inland passenger ship carrying more than 1,000 passengers daily on the Yangtze River in the Three Gorges region; the Yujian 77 electric passenger vessel, which operates on short sea routes; hybrid tugboats such as Qinggang Tug 1, which operate in urban harbor environments; and the Jining 6006 electric vessel, which hauls freight on the Beijing-Hangzhou Grand Canal using containerized battery swapping. CATL’s interest in maritime electrification extends beyond supplying batteries. Its marine subsidiary Contemporary Amperex Electric Vessel (CAEV) recently unveiled a Ship-Shore-Cloud electric vessel solution that integrates the full cargo-handling stack. Onboard, CATL combines batteries, power electronics, propulsion integration and control systems. Onshore, it provides charging and battery swapping infrastructure. In cyberspace, it offers software systems that provide fleet operators with continuous monitoring, scheduling and maintenance planning across fleets. Mr. Barnard predicts that most of the electrification action over the next two decades will be seen in inland shipping, ports, and short sea routes, which can be electrified using today’s technology. “Inland waterways and coastal services have constrained ranges, centralized charging opportunities, and fixed schedules, all of which favor battery electric propulsion. Ports, meanwhile, are stationary energy consumers that can anchor grid upgrades, renewable integration and storage.” CATL is not the only Chinese battery manufacturer active in the maritime space: BYD has supplied batteries and complete electric propulsion systems for ferries and workboats; EVE Energy is supplying LFP cells and packs for electric and hybrid vessels; and CALB and Gotion High-Tech are supplying cells and modules used in marine energy storage systems. Meanwhile in the US, “federal policy has actively attacked or undermined progress,” Barnard reports. “By scuttling decarbonization measures at the International Maritime Organization, the United States has injected uncertainty into a sector that depends on long-lived assets and stable standards. The United States has a lagging battery manufacturing sector compared with China, and no meaningful commercial shipbuilding industry.” “CATL is positioning itself to become the dominant global player in port and shipping electrification, combining manufacturing scale, certified marine technology, integrated service models and anchor partnerships with operators such as Maersk,” Barnard concludes. “That strategy is reinforced by national Chinese policies that emphasize electrifying inland shipping and ports using technologies that are already commercially viable, rather than deferring action in favor of speculative fuel pathways.” Source: CleanTechnica
7 trends shaping polyester’s future
The world’s polyester spree over the past half century has nudged cotton to the margins. The synthetic wonder makes up 59 percent of textiles, but its origins are problematic. Its long name, polyethylene terephthalate (PET), reflects its connection to crude oil and gas refining. That is a big reason why fashion’s greenhouse gas emissions rose 7.5 percent in 2023, the last year for which data is available. Polyester, in fact, carries all the fossil fuel burdens of plastic, from its creation to the long-term persistence of microfibers in the environment — and human bodies. Scientists have connected plastic bits in people’s arteries with a higher risk of heart attack and stroke. Here are seven trends that will shape polyester production and consumption in 2026. Polyester still rules fashion Some labels, such as Eileen Fisher, Everlane, Reformation and Pact, have explicitly eliminated polyester from most of their clothes. Yet their combined scale is dwarfed by the likes of Shein, which makes liberal use of the material — and has estimated annual revenues of around $40 billion. In other words, fashion is nowhere close to reaching peak polyester. The market for the fiber will grow from $135.6 billion in 2025, rising to $210.6 billion in 2035, according to Future Market Insights. “If the industry is left on its own, and these so-called well-intentioned brands completely transition to more sustainable materials, there will always be someone else willing to build another Shein to capture the consumer demographic that prioritizes price and fashion trends over sustainability,” said Marcian Lee, an analyst with Lux Research. Polyester and overproduction go hand in hand (with opacity) Giant piles of wasted clothing are now visible from space, evidence of business models based on the planned obsolescence that cheap polyester enables. Shein and other fast-fashion purveyors can afford to cut, sew and ship thousands of synthetic new styles each week that ultimately feed landfills and burn piles. Those sellers are simply maximizing long-established industry practices. That’s why serious climate accounting in fashion starts with a question most brands fail to answer: How much do they produce in the first place? Brands aspire to source recycled polyester (sort of) More than 110 companies including Adidas, Patagonia and Nike pledged through the Textile Exchange’s Polyester Challenge to use only recycled sources of polyester by the end of 2025. Only 26 percent have met that goal. Most of the 1 percent of polyester that’s recycled comes from beverage bottles, which circularity advocates prefer to keep in closed-loop bottle recycling systems. Microfiber risks are rising Every polyester garment is a long-term source of plastic pollution, shedding fibers through each wear and wash. Shifting to recycled polyester reduces reliance on virgin plastics but may add microfiber pollution. The nonprofit Changing Markets Foundation estimates that bottle-to-fiber recycled polyester sheds 55 percent more microfibers than virgin polyester. However, the Microfibre Consortium has found conflicting results, reflecting how little is understood or regulated. The nonprofit is working with Fashion for Good and 11 large brands, including Adidas, Kering, Inditex and Levi’s, to understand how to address microfiber shedding across supply chains, including in garment design, yarn choices and textile finishing. Recycled polyester is falling slightly as overall polyester production surges. ‘Circular’ polyester attracts funding Startups seeking to scale “circular” polyester recycled from waste polyester textiles instead of bottles have collectively raised hundreds of millions of dollars. Without yet selling material at scale, some have inked deals to supply Nike, H&M and Gap in the future. “Ultimately, we need [textile-to-textile recycled] solutions because even without new production we have enough polyester clothing on the planet to last many lifetimes, so we need a better way to process all of that waste,” said Ruth MacGilp, fashion campaign manager of the nonprofit Action Speaks Louder. New entrants including Reju and Syre aspire to reduce fiber shedding through careful feedstock selection and recycling processes. Regulation is emerging — slowly, unevenly and late Regulations are gradually making it harder for brands and retailers to hide from the long-term impacts of their clothing and footwear. Extended producer responsibility laws in California and the European Union are beginning to require brands and retailers to track and manage their products’ waste after use. Digital product passport requirements in the EU, as well as technological progress in AI and fiber tracing, will reveal more about the origins and ultimate paths of materials. However, policy is globally inconsistent and lagging production rather than leading it, especially after the future of a Global Plastics Treaty looks shaky. No major jurisdictions are capping synthetic fiber production or regulating microfiber shedding. Innovators look beyond petroleum Oregon entrepreneur Tim Gobet believes fossil-based polyester will pose serious risks to brands as new science emerges about its negative health impacts. His Aktiiv brand of activewear mixes petrochemicals with corn-based polyester. “‘Circular polyester’ sounds progressive now,” he said, but within a decade “it may be viewed more like the tobacco industry’s low-tar cigarettes — a technical improvement on one metric that leaves the underlying harm fundamentally unaddressed.” Innovators experimenting with non-petroleum derivatives, including Kintra Fibers, are developing polyester made from fermented corn sugars, which Reformation, Zara and Bestseller have piloted. Textile tech company OceanSafe creates ocean-degradable naNea “copolyester,” which is Cradle Certified Gold for material health. Zara, H&M Move, Adidas, REI and Lululemon have piloted LanzaTech’s CarbonSmart polyester, derived from captured carbon dioxide. “All of that is really cool,” said Bonie Shupe, founder of Rewildist, a Colorado fashion sustainability consultancy. “But every new material will have tradeoffs across its lifecycle. There’s still so much work to be done.” The post 7 trends shaping polyester’s future appeared first on Trellis.
Bentley begins 2026 with two new asset analytics acquisitions
Bentley Systems has announced two acquisitions meant to bolster its asset analytics software portfolio. The first is Talon Aerolytics, which develops software for site surveys, inspections, and asset digitization in the telecom and electric utility industries. Bentley also acquired the patent and IP portfolio of Pointivo, a company which specializes in drone data analytics. An unspecified number of Pointivo employees have also joined Bentley separately to the acquisition deal, according to James Lee, chief operating officer at Bentley. Bentley did not disclose the terms of either acquisition. Both closed in December 2025. “We are very, very excited about the acquisition of Talon and Pointivo,” Lee told Engineering.com. “We see massive opportunities in the operation and maintenance space.” Bentley currently serves that space through its asset analytics software portfolio, which includes OpenTower iQ, a digital twin solution for telecom towers, and Blyncsy, a platform for AI-powered roadway analytics. Mike Schellhase, Bentley’s VP of asset analytics, told Engineering.com that Bentley will immediately use the acquired technologies—particularly Talon’s—to integrate more features within OpenTower. He specifically pointed to Talon’s solution for assessing the equipment on distribution poles, which are often leased to multiple telecom providers. “AI technology is helping us detect what equipment is actually installed on the towers, and give both the mobile operators and the tower owners insight,” Schellhase said. “What’s the load carrying capacity in the tower? What specific equipment is deployed? Sometimes that’s unclear.” Talon software uses AI to identify and analyze different objects. (Image: Talon.) As for Pointivo, Lee said that the company’s technology for AI-powered damage detection, point cloud processing, and drone data capture will be broadly applicable across Bentley’s asset analytics portfolio, which will continue to expand. “We’re making major investments to scale our leadership in asset analytics,” Lee said. “And if you look at Talon, Pointivo, these are not acquisitions done in silo. They’re really done directly to support some of the global infrastructure priorities, 5G deployment and grid modernization… you can expect to see more investments into this space.” The post Bentley begins 2026 with two new asset analytics acquisitions appeared first on Engineering.com.
Tenways Wayfarer e-bike with free $366 bundle at $1,899 low, Ride1Up + Aventon legacy e-bikes up to $600 off, more
Leading this week’s Friday Green Deals is the new Tenways Wayfarer Cruiser e-bike with $366 in FREE bundled gear at an $1,899 low. What’s more, we also have three of Aventon’s popular legacy e-bikes at the lowest prices of the last year – all at $1,499, as well as Ride1Up’s New Year Sale with up to $600 e-bike savings starting from $995. There’s also a collection of Bluetti power stations and bundles with exclusive savings, as well as a collection of EcoFlow’s RIVER series of power stations, a newer 80V Greenworks cordless snow shovel, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Bluetti Alternator & Solar Dual DC Charger 2 exclusive launch deals, and more. Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories. more…
Turntide axial flux motor to power Sierra Echo-S EV in King of the Hammers 2026 off-road race
Turntide Technologies has announced that its Sierra Echo-S, an EV powered by Turntide axial-flux motor technology, will compete in King of the Hammers 2026 off-road race. The entry is intended to prove out off-road electrification in a race that combines high-speed desert sections with slow, technical rock crawling. The Sierra Echo-S aims to be the first purpose-built electric vehicle designed from the ground up to complete the race. The EV uses Turntide compact axial-flux motors and power electronics to target high torque and efficiency for climbing steep, uneven terrain. Turntide says the compact motor packaging allows the motors to be placed closer to the vehicle center for balanced weight, with the goal of putting more power to the ground and improving control and precision during off-road driving. Sierra Echo-S features an 18.6 kWh battery and a 420 V nominal electrical system. The axial-flux motor is specified at 235 Newton meters of torque at 1,500 rpm. Turntide also specifies a 4.56 gear ratio, rugged 33-inch tires, a 2.64 horsepower-per-pound power-to-weight ratio, and 0-60 mph acceleration in 3 seconds. Beyond off-road EV racing, Turntide is applying the same axial-flux electrification approach to off-highway use cases, including heavy construction. “We are taking on this race to provide a glimpse into the future of off-highway electric mobility,” said Jason Glass, North America Business Development Director. “Our technology delivers the performance and torque necessary to excel in the toughest and most demanding conditions from extreme off-road racing to heavy construction. The off-highway industry is at an exciting turning point, and we are proud to be at the forefront of this evolution.” Source: Turntide Technologies
Tesla AI Head says future FSD feature has already partially shipped
Tesla’s Head of AI, Ashok Elluswamy, says that something that was expected with version 14.3 of the company’s Full Self-Driving platform has already partially shipped with the current build of version 14.2. Tesla and CEO Elon Musk have teased on several occasions that reasoning will be a big piece of future Full Self-Driving builds, helping bring forth the “sentient” narrative that the company has pushed for these more advanced FSD versions. Back in October on the Q3 Earnings Call, Musk said: “With reasoning, it’s literally going to think about which parking spot to pick. It’ll drop you off at the entrance of the store, then go find a parking spot. It’s going to spot empty spots much better than a human. It’s going to use reasoning to solve things.” Musk said in the same month: “By v14.3, your car will feel like it is sentient.” Amazingly, Tesla Full Self-Driving v14.2.2.2, which is the most recent iteration released, is very close to this sentient feeling. However, there are more things that need to be improved, and logic appears to be in the future plans to help with decision-making in general, alongside other refinements and features. On Thursday evening, Elluswamy revealed that some of the reasoning features have already been rolled out, confirming that it has been added to navigation route changes during construction, as well as with parking options. He added that “more and more reasoning will ship in Q1.” Tesla’s Ashok Elluswamy reveals Nav decisions when encountering construction and parking options contain “some elements of reasoning” More uses of reasoning will be shipped later this quarter, a big tidbit of info as we wait v14.3 — TESLARATI (@Teslarati) January 9, 2026 Interestingly, parking improvements were hinted at being added in the initial rollout of v14.2 several months ago. These had not rolled out to vehicles quite yet, as they were listed under the future improvements portion of the release notes, but it appears things have already started to make their way to cars in a limited fashion. Tesla Full Self-Driving v14.2 – Full Review, the Good and the Bad As reasoning is more involved in more of the Full Self-Driving suite, it is likely we will see cars make better decisions in terms of routing and navigation, which is a big complaint of many owners (including me). Additionally, the operation as a whole should be smoother and more comfortable to owners, which is hard to believe considering how good it is already. Nevertheless, there are absolutely improvements that need to be made before Tesla can introduce completely unsupervised FSD. The post Tesla AI Head says future FSD feature has already partially shipped appeared first on TESLARATI.
Mapping global optimism and pessimism in 2026
We’re less than two weeks into 2026 and already it’s been a turbulent start. Beneath the headlines, recent research reveals a striking divide in optimism versus pessimism about the world’s direction, offering key insights for organizations seeking to engage global audiences on the sustainability agenda. Trellis data partner GlobeScan found that when looking at net ratings across 33 markets surveyed China and Vietnam ead the world in confidence that things are moving in the right direction. Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Nigeria also show high levels of optimism, along with India and Indonesia. These markets represent fertile ground for sustainability initiatives and forward-looking partnerships. Markets in Latin America are more pessimistic than most other emerging regions, although attitudes vary across countries surveyed. Pessimism is strongest in Colombia and Brazil, and lowest in Peru. On the flip side, Europe and North America are significantly more pessimistic. It’s highest in France, the Netherlands, Portugal and Italy, with Germany and Sweden also among the most pessimistic countries. In North America, the United States shows a blend of hopeful and cautious attitudes, largely corresponding with political affiliation: Republican-leaning voters are far more optimistic about the future than Democrat-leaning voters. Canadians tend to be more skeptical than Americans overall. These markets require communication that acknowledges concerns and demonstrates measurable progress. What this means Optimism and pessimism are unevenly distributed globally, presenting distinct opportunities and challenges for engagement. In emerging markets, high confidence offers momentum for sustainability programs, innovation and partnerships, with communications playing a key role in amplifying achievements and inviting participation. In contrast, skepticism in Europe and North America calls for a more strategic approach: acknowledging concerns, demonstrating measurable impact and fostering trust. Tailoring strategies to these regional mindsets is essential for sustainability professionals aiming to drive their agenda forward in a world where optimism and skepticism coexist. Based on a survey of more than 31,000 people conducted July — August 2025. The post Mapping global optimism and pessimism in 2026 appeared first on Trellis.
Siemens introduces Digital Twin Composer for lifecycle modeling
Siemens announced Digital Twin Composer, a software solution for creating digital twin environments that combine industrial AI, simulation and real-time operational data for virtual evaluation and decision support. The software brings together 2D and 3D digital twin data with real-time physical information in a managed, secure visual scene built using NVIDIA Omniverse libraries, and is intended to support ongoing updates across the lifecycle of a product, process or facility. Digital Twin Composer is designed to provide real-time operational data in a 3D model so companies can visualize and test changes to products, processes or factory layouts before physical design or construction. Use cases include manufacturing facilities, shipyards, vehicle programs and data center projects on new or existing sites. PepsiCo and Siemens are using the software to create 3D digital twins of select U.S. manufacturing and warehouse facilities to simulate plant operations and the supply chain and establish a performance baseline. Siemens said teams used the models to evaluate and validate configuration changes and to support a consolidated view of operations, with the option to add AI-based capabilities over time. PepsiCo are digitally transforming select US manufacturing and warehouse facilities with the help of Digital Twin Composer (Image credit: PepsiCo) Using Siemens’ Digital Twin Composer with NVIDIA Omniverse and computer vision, PepsiCo can model equipment, conveyor paths, pallet routes and operator movement and run physics-based simulations to evaluate proposed changes before making physical modifications. PepsiCo said this approach can identify up to 90% of potential issues in advance and has increased throughput by 20% in its initial deployment, while also shortening design cycles, improving design validation and reducing capital expenditures by 10% to 15%. Many design, engineering and production teams work in separate tools and data systems. Siemens said Digital Twin Composer is intended to bring design, simulation and operations into a single model so engineers can test products, processes and facilities more quickly, validate automation earlier in the project lifecycle and use a shared digital twin for ongoing operations. Digital Twin Composer is part of Siemens Xcelerator, a portfolio of software used to develop digital twins for product, process and factory design and simulation. The tool connects 3D digital twins built with Siemens Xcelerator to operational data sources such as manufacturing execution systems, quality management systems, PLC code and industrial IoT data. It can also integrate with Siemens data science and AI software, including RapidMiner, and other AI tools to support analysis and real-time monitoring. For more information, visit siemens.com. The post Siemens introduces Digital Twin Composer for lifecycle modeling appeared first on Engineering.com.
How Lime increased ridership over 60% by letting people sit down
Sometimes innovation isn’t simply about going faster or adding more tech. Sometimes it’s as simple as giving people a seat. That appears to be the case in Seattle, where Lime says its ridership jumped by an eye-opening 61% last year. According to the company, a major contributor to that growth was the LimeGlider – a seated electric scooter that blends elements of scooters, bikes, and mopeds into a single, highly approachable form factor. more…
Donut Lab says its all-solid-state battery will be used in a production electric motorcycle this year
Solid-state batteries are a hot topic in the EV world—they theoretically off higher energy density compared to traditional lithium-ion batteries, as well as an improved safety profile and other advantages. Many, many companies are working on SSBs, and automakers are testing them, but we haven’t yet seen large-scale deployment of all-solid-state cells in a production vehicle. So, when a company called Donut Lab announced that its solid-state batteries are now “ready for OEM use,” and would be deployed in sister company’s Verge Motorcycles’ 2026 models in the first quarter of this year, it harvested a host of headlines. Donut Lab says its all-solid-state battery delivers 400 Wh/kg of specific energy, and is designed to last up to 100,000 cycles with minimal capacity fade. Extreme temperatures are no problem: the battery retains over 99% of its capacity from -30° to 100° C. But wait! There’s more: Donut’s SSB “is made entirely from abundant, affordable and geopolitically safe materials, does not rely on rare or sensitive elements, and demonstrates a lower cost than lithium-ion [batteries].” It can be produced in custom sizes, voltages and geometries, enabling structural integration and other specialized applications. “While the advantages are obvious, the future of solid-state batteries has been a moving target, constantly delayed,” said Donut Lab CEO Marko Lehtimäki. “Our answer on solid-state batteries being ready for use in OEM production vehicles is now, today, not later. Donut Lab has engineered a new high-performance solid-state Donut Battery that can be scaled to major production volumes and is seen now in real-world use in the Verge Motorcycles bikes on the road in Q1. Donut Lab waited to announce our solid-state battery breakthrough until the technology was fully tested, validated, and already operating in vehicles.” Donut Lab is also providing its SSBs to WATT Electric Vehicles, Cova Power Smart Trailer (a joint venture between Ahola Group and Donut Lab) and the ESOX Group, a provider of defense-grade platforms. Not everyone is convinced that a new EV era is at hand. Battery scientist Tom Boetticher posted on LinkedIn that Donut Labs’ claims “made many battery scientists highly skeptical,” noting that “there is no comparable solid-state cell anywhere in the world that achieves these specifications.” It appears that Donut’s SSB tech comes from Nordic Nano, a company in which Donut is an investor. Skepticism about a major breakthrough such as this is to be expected. Considering the plethora of publicity around Donut’s announcement, it seems certain that more details and data will be forthcoming soon. Electrek’s Fred Lambert points out that if Verge Motorcycles succeeds in delivering solid-state batteries in production vehicles in early 2026, it will have “beaten the entire global automotive industry to the punch.” Runners-up in the SSB race would include not only Quantumscape and Ducati, who unveiled a demonstration bike solid-state cells last September, but heavyweights such as Samsung SDI and Schaeffler (to say nothing of Toyota, which has been talking trash about SSBs for a decade). We shall see. Source: Donut Lab
