BorgWarner to supply 800 V integrated drive module and dual-inverter generator for EREV trucks
BorgWarner has secured a contract with an unnamed major North American OEM to supply an 800 V integrated drive module (iDM) and a generator module with a dual inverter. The components will be used in a series of the automaker’s extended-range electric vehicle (EREV) trucks and large-frame SUVs, with production set to begin in 2029. The iDM is a two-in-one unit combining an induction e-machine with a gearbox. BorgWarner chose an induction motor rather than a permanent magnet design, which the company says eliminates rare-earth magnet dependency and supports a more resilient supply chain. The generator module pairs a permanent magnet electric machine with the dual inverter, mounted directly to the internal combustion engine to extend the vehicle’s electric range. A key design challenge was fitting the drive components into packaging space shared with the ICE. BorgWarner says it achieved the required power and torque targets in a compact form factor using its torque-dense induction machine for the iDM and its next-generation Viper power module technology in the dual inverter, which the company describes as an “extremely power-dense” design that enabled a smaller, more cost-effective package. “This business win showcases our breadth in the propulsion space in North America,” said VP Stefan Demmerle, “from platform-based, high-performing and efficient drive units to inverters, e-machines, control boards and more.” Source: PRNewswire
Tesla China hires Autopilot Test Engineer amid continued FSD rollout preparations
Tesla is hiring an Autopilot Test Engineer in Shanghai, a move that signals continued groundwork for the validation of Full Self-Driving (FSD) in China. The role is based in Lingang, the district that houses Gigafactory Shanghai and has become a key testing zone for advanced autonomous features. As observed by Tesla watchers, local authorities in Shanghai’s Nanhui New City within Lingang have previously authorized a fleet of Teslas to run advanced driving tests on public roads. This marked one of the first instances where foreign automakers were permitted to test autonomous driving systems under real traffic conditions in China. Tesla’s hiring efforts come amid ongoing groundwork for a full FSD rollout in China. Earlier reporting noted that Tesla China has been actively preparing the regulatory and infrastructure foundation needed for full FSD deployment, even though the company has not yet announced a firm launch date for the feature in the market. GOOD NEWS Tesla is hiring an Autopilot Test Engineer to validate FSD for the China market The position is based in Lingang, Shanghai, effectively the "FSD Zone". This isn't just where the Gigafactory is located; it’s also where Tesla secured its first road test license… pic.twitter.com/3o1IMRhqr7 — Ming (@tslaming) February 12, 2026 As per recent comments from Tesla China Vice President Grace Tao, the electric vehicle maker has been busy setting up the necessary facilities to support FSD’s full rollout in the country. In a comment to local media, Tao stated that FSD should demonstrate a level of performance that could surpass human drivers once it is fully rolled out. “We have set up a local training center in China specifically to handle this adaptation,” Tao said. “Once officially released, it will demonstrate a level of performance that is no less than, and may even surpass, that of local drivers.” Tesla CEO Elon Musk has been quite bullish about a potential FSD rollout in China. During the 2025 Annual Shareholder Meeting, Musk emphasized that FSD had only received “partial approval” in China, though full authorization could potentially arrive around February or March 2026. This timeline was reiterated by the CEO during his appearance at the World Economic Forum in Davos. Quick Shop The post Tesla China hires Autopilot Test Engineer amid continued FSD rollout preparations appeared first on TESLARATI.
A global trust crisis
There’s a reason trust dominated so many conversations at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, as leaders grapple with rising public skepticism, political turbulence and ongoing questions about accountability. Trellis data partner GlobeScan’s long-running public opinion tracking reveals public trust is eroding across major institutions, with global companies, NGOs and government entities facing declines. Trust in national governments is approaching a historic low after peaking briefly during the pandemic. Other institutions such as science/academia and the United Nations have all seen net trust (trust minus distrust) fall, in some cases quite sharply. The research shows that global companies remain among the least-trusted institutions, with net trust dropping close to zero across an average of 16 countries. This year’s findings also highlight that business is part of a wider trust recession, one that’s shaping political behavior, policy debates and public expectations around the world. Recent developments in the United Kingdom, where questions around political conduct and transparency have dominated headlines, reflect how the decline in trust in one area can spill into broader public sentiment. People are increasingly alert to issues of accountability, integrity and alignment between words and actions, and institutions that fall short quickly risk losing legitimacy and visibility. What this means These findings point to a structural credibility challenge that cuts across institutions. In many markets, particularly in Europe and North America, more people distrust than trust most large institutions. In this environment, organizations must work harder than ever to demonstrate consistency, transparency and societal benefit. At Davos, leaders consistently cited a lack of trust as one of the biggest risks facing global progress, from AI governance to sustainability action and geopolitical stability, with broad recognition that building trust is central to navigating the complexities and rapid pace of change we face in our current context. Building “thick trust” — a deep, resilient form of trust rooted in values, transparency, and alignment between purpose and performance — is becoming essential not only for companies but for institutions more broadly. As public expectations increase and scrutiny intensifies, those that invest in genuine engagement, openness and long‑term accountability will be better positioned to withstand uncertainty and earn lasting legitimacy. The post A global trust crisis appeared first on Trellis.
Starlab partners with Auxilium on orbital bioprinting
Starlab Space LLC announced a partnership with Auxilium Biotechnologies. This agreement represents a significant advancement in 3D bioprinting and biofabrication in orbit and underscores Starlab’s commitment to growing scientific discovery beyond the limits of Earth. Photo credit: Auxilium. Auxilium will provide orbital 3D bioprinting and biofabrication capabilities aboard the Starlab space station to support advanced research, device development and manufacturing workflows in regenerative medicine, implantable medical technologies and complex tissue engineering applications. Auxilium’s proprietary AMP-1 3D bioprinter has demonstrated the mass production of implantable medical devices and other complex structures, such as perfusable blood vessels, in microgravity aboard the International Space Station. With Starlab, Auxilium will accelerate translation from experimental biology to manufacturable products, positioning AMP-1 as a production facility for the next generation of life science technologies in space. This announcement highlights one piece of Starlab’s expansive network dedicated to advancing life sciences research and biomanufacturing in orbit. Microgravity enables breakthroughs impossible on Earth by allowing enhanced protein crystallization for improved drug development, 3D cell growth and disease modeling that better replicates human biology, and advanced stem cell research with applications for treating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Starlab’s market-driven business model aims to reduce costs, complexity and risks for researchers and commercial partners. With its single-launch, no-assembly-required design enabling full certification and operation within weeks, Starlab minimizes delays and maximizes efficiency for payload customers. Through joint venture partners, customers can conduct research on the International Space Station today, ensuring a seamless transition to Starlab for future advancements. For more information, visit starlab-space.com. The post Starlab partners with Auxilium on orbital bioprinting appeared first on Engineering.com.
Exclusive $1,500 off Gendome Home3000 power station at new $799 low, NIU KQi 300X all-terrain e-scooter $727 low, EcoFlow, more
Leading today’s Green Deals is the exclusive $1,500 discount on the Gendome Home3000 Portable Power Station that features a 50-minute AC fast-charge, wind charging functionality, smart home integration, and more – all at a new $799 low. Right behind it we have NIU’s Valentine’s Day e-scooter sale that dropped the KQi 300X All-Terrain Suspension Electric Scooter to a new $727 low, as well as EcoFlow’s latest 24-hour flash sale on the DELTA 3 Classic power station, a 400W DELTA 3 Max solar bundle, and add-on accessories starting from $399. We also spotted a 40V Greenworks string trimmer at its second-best price in a year and a half, and more waiting for you below – including a special LEGO reveal of the more eco-conscious Maesk Dual Fuel Container Vessel set. And don’t forget the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s $907 savings on the premium Tenways AGO X All-Terrain Mid-Drive e-bike at its lowest price, the Autel 50A Smart AI-optimized EV Charger at its lowest price, 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…
Xos drops price of electric Class 6 strip chassis to $99,000
Xos has unveiled its 2026 model year Class 6 strip chassis at a starting price of $99,000, which the company calls the most competitive price point in the commercial EV segment. The 23,000 lb GVWR chassis is purpose-built for return-to-base fleet operations, offering approximately 120 miles of range on the standard configuration and up to 200 miles on the extended-range variant. It uses an LFP battery system rated for 4,000+ charge cycles. The platform features industry-standard axles, wheel ends and suspension, which Xos says enables nationwide service capability through existing supply chains rather than proprietary components. The 2026 model adds enhanced over-the-air update capability for remote performance optimization, charging strategy updates and predictive maintenance without vehicle downtime. “We’re not the newest entrant making promises, we’re a proven leader delivering results today,” said CEO Dakota Semler. “At a $99,000 starting price, we’re making commercial electrification accessible at scale.” Xos says it has more than 1,000 vehicles and powertrains on the road, manufactured at its Tennessee factory, with fleet customers including UPS, FedEx, Cintas and Loomis. The chassis comes with a minimum three-year warranty. Source: Xos
Monogoto and Nordic Semiconductor collaborate on nuSIM for IoT
Monogoto announces a strategic cooperation with Nordic Semiconductor, a global leader in low-power wireless solutions, to accelerate the adoption of nuSIM (provided by Redtea-Mobile), an integrated SIM (iSIM) approach optimized for IoT devices. Monogoto and Nordic Semiconductor Launch Dedicated Partnership to Power the Future of Global Cellular + Satellite IoT. As IoT devices become smaller, more power-efficient, and more globally distributed, the industry is shifting away from removable SIMs toward integrated SIM technologies. Through this collaboration, Monogoto and Nordic Semiconductor are enabling developers and device manufacturers to adopt nuSIM-ready designs that embed connectivity directly into the nRF9151 module, streamlining manufacturing, improving security, and delivering seamless global connectivity from day one. The collaboration allows Nordic Semiconductor customers to leverage Monogoto’s cellular, satellite (NTN), and private network connectivity as part of an integrated connectivity experience aligned with nuSIM principles. The Nordic nRF9151-SMA-DK development kit is equipped with Monogoto connectivity, giving developers immediate, hands-on access to globally optimized connectivity without the complexity of traditional SIM provisioning or physical SIM handling. As the IoT ecosystem evolves toward massive scale, ultra-low power operation, and hybrid terrestrial-satellite coverage, integrated SIM technologies such as nuSIM are becoming essential. Monogoto and Nordic Semiconductor are jointly enabling this transition by lowering barriers to entry and fostering an ecosystem where connectivity is embedded, programmable, and globally accessible by design. Get started today. For more information, visit monogoto.io. The post Monogoto and Nordic Semiconductor collaborate on nuSIM for IoT appeared first on Engineering.com.
Tesla (TSLA) sales in China crash 45% to lowest level in over three years
Tesla’s domestic sales in China collapsed 45% year-over-year in January, falling to just 18,485 units — the automaker’s lowest monthly retail figure in the country since November 2022. The data, released today by the China Passenger Car Association (CPCA), paints a grim picture of Tesla’s demand in the world’s largest EV market. The figure represents an 80% plunge from December’s record-high 93,843 domestic deliveries. While seasonal declines between December and January are normal in China, a 45% year-over-year drop is not. more…
Full Circle Lithium launches lithium battery fire extinguishers
US-based lithium-ion battery fire extinguishing products manufacturer Full Circle Lithium has launched six new lithium-ion fire extinguisher sizes, initially in North American markets. The extinguishers include four retail-focused models—20 ounces, 1 litre, 2 litres and 3 litres—and two industrial-size units—30 litres and 50 litres—designed to address the risks associated with lithium-ion battery use across residential, recreational and industrial environments. The new products will use FCL-X, the company’s non-hazardous, non-toxic, water-based fire-extinguishing agent. The retail-focused models are designed for homeowners and consumer applications, providing targeted protection for electronics, laptops, e-bikes, e-scooters, power tools and other battery-powered devices commonly found in the home. The compact units are designed for easy placement in garages, living spaces, workshops and charging areas. The new extinguishers also address the expanding use of lithium-ion batteries in recreational applications, including golf, boating and powersports. The two industrial-size extinguishers deliver greater agent capacity and performance, making them well-suited to higher-risk and commercial environments such as warehouses, service facilities, charging stations and industrial operations that manage large quantities of lithium-ion batteries. A 100-litre format will also be available over the next few months. All six extinguisher sizes are engineered to meet applicable safety and performance standards and are available immediately through FCL’s authorized distribution network. They will also soon be listed on FCL’s website. “Lithium-ion batteries are everywhere, and the fire risks they present are fundamentally different from traditional fires,” said Chad Carver, VP of Sales and Operations at FCL. “These new extinguishers were developed to help protect people, property, and investments, whether that’s a family home, a golf cart fleet, a boat at the marina, or an industrial facility.” Source: Full Circle Lithium
Cisco unveils 102.4 Tbps silicon for AI clusters
Cisco continues to transform the network into an AI innovation platform, unveiling the Silicon One G300, a 102.4 Tbps switching silicon designed for massive AI cluster buildouts. The Cisco Silicon One G300 will power new Cisco N9000 and Cisco 8000 systems that push the frontier of AI networking in the data center. The systems feature innovative liquid cooling and support high-density optics to achieve new efficiency benchmarks and ensure customers get the most out of their GPU investments. In addition, the company enhanced Nexus One to make it easier for enterprises to operate their AI networks — on-premises or in the cloud — removing the complexity that can hold organizations back from scaling AI data centers. G300, Systems, Optics. Silicon One G300: the networking foundation for the agentic era The new Silicon One G300 is a 102.4 Tbps switching silicon that exemplifies Cisco’s rapid innovation and sets a new standard for AI backend networking. It is designed to power massive, distributed AI clusters with high performance, security, and reliability. The G300 uniquely offers Intelligent Collective Networking, which combines an industry-leading fully shared packet buffer, path-based load balancing, and proactive network telemetry to offer better performance and profitability for large-scale data centers. It efficiently absorbs bursty AI traffic, responds faster to link failures, and prevents packet drops that can stall jobs, ensuring reliable data delivery even over long distances. With Intelligent Collective Networking, Cisco can deliver 33% increased network utilization, and a 28% reduction in job completion time versus simulated non-optimized path selection, making AI data centers more profitable with more tokens generated per GPU-hour. Cisco Silicon One G300 is highly programmable, enabling equipment to be upgraded for new network functionality even after it has been deployed. This enables Silicon One-based products to support emerging use cases and play multiple network roles, protecting long-term infrastructure investments. And with security fused into the hardware, customers can embrace holistic, at-speed security to keep clusters up and running. Cisco Silicon One is the industry’s most scalable and programmable unified networking architecture, offering a complete portfolio of networking devices across AI, hyperscaler, data center, enterprise, and service provider use cases. Introduced in 2019, Cisco Silicon One is playing critical roles in major networks around the world. New systems, optics: high-density, scalable design for power-efficiency and performance To enable AI network builders of all sizes – hyperscale to enterprise – Cisco is introducing the next generation of Cisco N9000 and Cisco 8000 fixed and modular Ethernet systems, powered by Silicon One, and designed for the extreme power and thermal demands of AI workloads. Cisco is also introducing innovative optics that unlock even higher efficiency and greater reliability. These advancements deliver a major leap forward in power-efficient, high-performance AI infrastructure. Cisco N9000 and Cisco 8000 102.4T Systems: powered by Silicon One G300, deliver a new standard in data center performance and efficiency with liquid-cooled and air-cooled designs. The 100% liquid cooled systems enable significantly higher bandwidth density and achieve a nearly 70% energy efficiency improvement, offering the same bandwidth in a single system that would previously have required 6 prior generation systems. 1.6T OSFP (Octal Small Form-factor Pluggable) Optics: deliver ultra-high bandwidth connectivity targeting AI scale out solutions for 1.6T switch to NIC links and 1.6T, 800G, 400G, or 200G switch to server links, offering customers high performance and reliability. 800G Linear Pluggable Optics (LPO): driving greater efficiency for AI scale out networks, LPO reduces optical module power consumption by 50% compared to retimed optical modules. With new N9000 and 8000 systems supporting LPO, customers can reduce overall switch power by 30%, leading to more reliable and sustainable operations. Expanded Portfolio of Silicon One P200-powered Systems: building on the introduction of 51.2T systems for hyperscale deployments, new P200-powered N9000 systems and expanded OS support on 8223 systems deliver scale across, data center interconnect, universal spine, and core and peer routing capabilities to neoclouds, enterprises, and service providers. Cisco is also introducing new 28.8T modular line cards. This expansion of P200-powered offerings, combined with Cisco 800G ZR/ZR+ coherent pluggable optics, enables a wide range of customers to deploy a common architecture across multiple roles in their network. Cisco Nexus One: intelligent AI networking to drive AI infrastructure forward Organizations need greater flexibility in where and how they run AI workloads. To address the diverse requirements of these environments, Cisco is advancing Nexus One with a unified management plane that brings together silicon, systems, optics, software, and programmable intelligence as a single integrated solution. We’re also introducing AgenticOps for data center networking through AI Canvas — making it easier to troubleshoot through guided, human-in-the-loop conversations that turn complex issues into actionable resolutions. Key capabilities include: Unified Fabric: Nexus One allows customers to deploy fast and adapt their networks as demands shift, even across multiple sites. The Cisco N9000 systems serve as the common hardware for a diverse set of fabrics, including Nexus Hyperfabric, with a unified management plane to centralize operations. And API-driven automation and customization are built-in. AI Job Observability and Native Splunk Platform Integration: Nexus One delivers job-aware, network-to-GPU visibility that correlates network telemetry with AI workload behavior. With native Splunk platform integration coming in March, customers will be able to analyze network telemetry directly where data resides—without having to move it to external platforms. This is an essential capability for sovereign cloud deployments and compliance-sensitive environments where data locality is paramount. Cisco’s flexible and integrated approach enables more choice, stronger security, and deeper observability—making upgrades and innovation easier, regardless of where customers begin their AI journey. Availability The Silicon One G300, G300-powered systems and optics will ship this year. Ecosystem support Cisco is proud to work with its strategic technology partners, including AMD, DDN, Intel, NetApp, NVIDIA, and VAST, to combine cutting-edge networking, compute, and storage to deliver optimized infrastructure. Cisco’s partnerships across the AI ecosystem give customers confidence and choice in their investments. For more information, visit cisco.com. The post Cisco unveils 102.4 Tbps silicon for AI clusters appeared first on Engineering.com.
Tesla calls police on IG Metall rep at Giga Berlin works council meeting before critical vote
Tesla filed a criminal complaint and called police to its Gigafactory Berlin after accusing an IG Metall union representative of secretly recording a closed works council meeting on Tuesday. Police seized the representative’s laptop. The incident comes just three weeks before roughly 11,000 employees vote in a works council election that could reshape the future of the plant. The confrontation marks the latest, and most dramatic, escalation in the increasingly bitter fight between Tesla and Germany’s most powerful industrial union at the automaker’s only European factory. more…
Today’s Webinar: Advancements in electrified mobile hydraulic systems – a panel discussion
Designed specifically for OEM system architects, mobile hydraulics engineers, product managers, and application specialists, this 60-minute webinar (45-minute panel discussion plus 15-minute Q&A) delivers practical, actionable guidance on selecting, integrating, and validating efficient electrified mobile hydraulic architectures. Get in-depth insight into core subsystems (traction, steering, work functions, and ePTO), control strategies (positive/negative flow control, power-on-demand, electro-hydraulic load sensing), voltage selection (LV vs HV) and safety considerations, regeneration approaches, and proven methods to improve efficiency and ROI—plus perspectives on Parker’s hydraulic and electronic control solutions. Whether you’re modernizing a legacy platform, scaling capacity, or launching a new vehicle architecture, this webinar gives you the engineering clarity to accelerate electrification, enhance performance and safety, and reduce lifecycle cost. What you will gain by attending this webinar: A clear view of core components and integration — traction drives, steering systems, work functions, and ePTO working with advanced controls for stable, efficient performance A controls decision framework — compare positive vs negative flow control, power-on-demand, ELS, and steering solutions (HPS/eHPS/torque overlay/pure electromechanical) to optimize efficiency and safety An electrification toolkit — evaluate full-electric vs mild/strong hybrid vs battery ePTO, LV vs HV trade-offs, regeneration limits and strategies, quantify savings, and build a credible ROI case Practical engineering practices — right-sized components, re-evaluating legacy vehicle architectures, multi-wheel coordination and steer-by-wire safety, and designing for functional safety and HV compliance. Join us on Wednesday, Feb 11th 2026 at 12pm US EST.Register now, it’s free
Zaytran introduces XRAY-S-5800 robotic gripper
Zaytran, Inc. has introduced the XRAY-S-5800 robotic gripper, designed to increase throughput in very large-part automation by supporting high accelerations, heavy moment loads, and stable part transfer at higher robot velocities. Designed for heavy payloads, the XRAY-S-5800 accurately positions large castings in horizontal machining centers. As industrial robots continue to grow in size and load-carrying capability, the XRAY-S-5800 is designed to match the increasing demands of large robotic automation systems. The addition of the XRAY-S-5800 is an evolutionary step for a company dedicated to serving the needs of its customers. A key design enhancement is the XRAY-S-5800’s dual machine-tool bearing rails that allow the gripper to sustain side and moment loads generated during multi-G acceleration and deceleration. This design improves reliability and reduces cycle time when transferring large components, such as engine blocks, between stations. Other key XRAY-S-5800 capabilities include: 5,800 N (1,300 lb) of gripping force per jaw Up to 1,400 Nm (1,020 ft-lb) of torque, enabling robots to operate at higher speeds without compromising stability Analog and digital scale options that indicate slide position and confirm part size, enabling multiple product variants to run on the same line. Optional Power-Out-Brake (POB) that mechanically locks the jaws if pneumatic pressure is lost, helping prevent part drops during power outages. XRAY-S-5800 grippers are available for immediate shipment through FESTO Americas, Zaytran’s distribution partner. For more information, visit grippers.com. The post Zaytran introduces XRAY-S-5800 robotic gripper appeared first on Engineering.com.
EcoFlow Valentine’s Day Sale offers up to 64% savings on power stations, Anker SoloCam S340 kits from $350 low, Velotric, more
Our Tuesday Green Deals this week are headlined by the late-start EcoFlow Valentine’s Day Sale with up to 64% discounts and bonus savings, with notable price cuts like the DELTA 3 Plus Portable Power Station getting a FREE protective bag at a new $599 low, among others. We also have the solar-charging Anker eufy Security SoloCam S340 2-Cam and 4-Cam kits starting from a $350 low, as well as Velotric’s T1 ST Plus Lightweight Urban e-bike with Apple Find My getting $512 savings to $1,299 (the best price of the last year), a highly upgraded EGO Power+ cordless electric string trimmer, and much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget the hangover deals at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s compact 192Wh and 288Wh Anker power station discounts, the new low prices on the eufy E15/E18 robot lawn mowers, 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…
Raythink outlines a three-layer approach to monitoring lithium-ion thermal risks
Thermal imaging firm Raythink has released a white paper outlining a three-layer approach to monitoring thermal risks across the lithium-ion battery lifecycle, from production and testing through charging, energy storage and end-of-life recycling. The system centers on infrared-based thermal monitoring. The first layer uses thermal cameras rated for harsh environments, deployed at production lines, storage facilities and other critical areas. The second layer, a cloud platform called VIS3000, centralizes thermal data for trend analysis, incident review and compliance documentation. The third integrates with existing safety systems—including BMS, fire alarms and distributed control systems—to create a unified monitoring network. According to the company, most thermal monitoring solutions in practice remain fragmented, with different stages of the battery lifecycle relying on independent systems. Raythink’s approach consolidates data from all environments onto a single platform, which the company says also yields process and quality insights beyond safety monitoring. “The system addresses key gaps in traditional lithium-ion battery safety monitoring and enables proactive, full-lifecycle management of EV battery thermal risks,” according to the company. The white paper is available for download at raythink-tech.com. Source: Raythink
A tale of three chatbots: Aura, Leo, and Marie
You’re reading Engineering Paper, and here’s the latest design and simulation software news. Last week I covered updates from 3DExperience World 2026, Dassault’s Systèmes’ user conference that took place in Houston, Texas (next year it’ll be in Nashville, Tennessee). A few follow-ups and updates are in order. Firstly, I promised more info on the AI features that were announced for Solidworks. I spoke with Manish Kumar, Solidworks CEO, and Craig Therrien, senior product manager for Solidworks, to learn more. I’ll publish those details on Engineering.com soon. Meanwhile, Kumar also answered my questions about Dassault’s trio of virtual companions: Aura, Leo, and Marie. These AI agents have distinct specialties and personalities, but I wrote last week that I didn’t understand why there are three of them, nor how users would choose between them. As it turns out, there kind of aren’t, and users kind of won’t. “It’s not three different intelligences. It’s the same intelligence. What is different is the context, persona and constraints,” Kumar told me. Those personas are split by scope and agreeableness. Aura is “very agreeable,” according to Kumar, “and she is going to explore everything” without worrying about whether it’s realistic. Leo is more assertive, and acts like an engineer—“he only gives you ideas which are manufacturable.” Marie, the scientist, is more assertive yet. She “has to give ideas which are scientific in nature.” Leo answers questions from an engineering perspective. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.) Since they’re based on the same underlying AI, each of these personas is essentially a pre-defined prompt that specifies the nature of their response. Something like, “Answer from the perspective of an engineer concerned with manufacturability.” I imagine it’s more sophisticated than that behind the scenes, but that’s the basic idea. So how do users choose between Aura, Leo, and Marie? For one thing, each persona will have a visible icon, so you always know which one is responding. But Kumar explained that you don’t really need to worry about picking one over another. “When you start a chat with Leo, or Aura, whatever, if it needs to get the answer from the other persona, it will switch automatically. You as a user, don’t have to do it,” said Kumar. “Having said that, anytime you use a multi-agentic model, knowing what agents are working for you is important.” Marie answers the same question posed to Leo in the above image, but with response focused on materials science. (Image: Dassault Systèmes.) Each of the virtual companions will also have what Dassault calls competencies. For Leo, the engineer, competencies might include mechanical design, sheet metal design, systems engineering, etc. Each competency is further composed of what Dassault calls skills. For example, the mechanical design competency could be divided into skills for conceptual sketching, detailed design, drawing creation, and the like. “As these companions are released, we are also going to release more and more competencies, and we are going to release each competency with a certain number of skills,” Kumar said. He added that the skills will be continually refined and new skills added over time. Aura’s response to the same question asked of Leo and Marie in the above images. (Dassault Systèmes.) My final question on the virtual companions was how they’d be licensed. Kumar told me Dassault is planning a consumption-based model that will vary depending on the task. Asking Leo to generate a steel structure to store a water tank will cost more than asking him to generate a drawing. The licensing model will involve three distinct types of credits that Dassault is calling units of knowledge, units of know-how, and units of work. Units of knowledge account for licensing and royalty fees for standards, textbooks, and other training data; units of know-how account for the cost of extracting and indexing process and design data; and units of work account for computational cost. “The combination of those three is going to define how much you will consume, and we will convert it into something which is simple to understand,” Kumar said. That consumption-based licensing model will be live in July, which is when Dassault plans to release Leo. Marie is scheduled for release in September. Aura is currently live and will switch to the new licensing model when Leo is released. A correction on 3DExperience confusion Kumar drew my attention to an error I made in my original coverage of 3DExperience World where I misquoted Dassault Systèmes CEO Pascal Daloz stating they’d fixed six confusing things about the 3DExperience Platform (referencing Peter Brinkhuis’ article from last year, 37 things that confuse me about 3DEXPERIENCE). Daloz actually said “we fixed things,” not “we fixed six.” Kumar told me that there have actually been 26 fixes to date, and that all of Brinkhuis’ complaints will be addressed by July, not including the complaints pertaining to matters of preference. For example, number six on Brinkhuis’ list was Dassault’s overuse of capital letters. 3DEXPERIENCE, SOLIDWORKS, SIMULIA, and the rest of the brands will continue to shout their names. AI on the 3DExperience World show floor Dassault wasn’t the only one showing off AI at 3DExperience World. The show floor—aka the Playground—was full of exhibitors touting their own AI experiences and offerings. Engineering.com contributor Erin Winick Anthony roamed the Playground and documented her findings in 5 Fascinating AI applications at 3DExperience World 2026. Check it out to learn how AI is being used in 3D screens, bionic hands, pro skate sharpeners, generative design and more. Quick hits Mastercam has updated its eponymous CAM software to version 2026.R2. Available now, Mastercam 2026.R2 adds GPU-based simulation and a new AI copilot that, in addition to providing product support, can also directly adjust feed rates and spindle speeds. Mastercam separately announced that it has completed the acquisition of MLC CAD Systems’ CAM business. Precise Simulation has updated its FEA and CFD simulation software, FEATool Multiphysics, to version 1.18. The release includes a redesigned user interface that Precise Simulation says is 10 times more responsive, on average, than the previous interface.
$35B in US EV, clean energy projects vanished in 2025 – here’s what broke
Businesses walked away from $5.1 billion in large-scale factories and clean energy projects in December alone – a stark finish to a year in which cancellations finally overtook new investment in the US clean energy sector. By the end of 2025, nearly $35 billion in clean energy investments had been canceled or downsized nationwide, taking more than 38,000 current and future jobs with them, according to new tracking from E2. more…
Orion Energy Systems to install 105 EV charging stations for Boston public schools
Orion Energy Systems has announced that it will install 105 EV charging stations and related infrastructure for the Boston Public School system. The contract is valued at $4 million. Orion’s Voltrek division is installing 105 DC fast charging stations and related infrastructure at the Freeport Bus Yard operated by the Boston Public Schools. The new units feature an innovative above-ground mounting method with Jersey barriers. Orion/Voltrek is involved in numerous fleet electrification initiatives in the Northeast, including multiple-location deployments for municipalities and rollouts of electric van charging capabilities for school districts. One notable recent project: the installation of 13 charging stations for the Lower Pioneer Valley School Educational Cooperative, which serves the Greater Springfield, Massachusetts area. “Orion/Voltrek is proud to be a reliable long-term provider of EV charging, infrastructure and maintenance to Boston Public Schools, one of the most innovative public school districts in America,” said Orion CEO Sally Washlow. “Fleet managers increasingly rely on Orion/Voltrek to deliver the quality, reliability and scalability that enterprise fleet managers require.” Source: Orion Energy Systems
