News

Toshiba Electronic Devices & Storage Corporation and SICC Co., Ltd. have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to explore collaboration in enhancing the performance and quality of silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductor wafers manufactured by SICC. The agreement also covers the stable supply of high-quality wafers from SICC to Toshiba. Both companies will define the scope of their cooperation and areas of mutual support.

Horse Technologies has begun production of its HR12 LPG engine at the Mioveni facility in Romania, introducing the world’s first mass-produced engine to integrate direct injection technology with liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) capability. The 1.2-liter three-cylinder engine also incorporates 48-volt mild hybrid technology alongside its dual-fuel system. By combining LPG capability with mild-hybrid technology, the HR12 offers automakers a practical transitional solution that supports both alternative fuel adoption and electrification as the industry advances toward fully electric mobility.

RealSense, a leader in AI-powered computer vision, has announced a strategic collaboration with NVIDIA aimed at accelerating the development and adoption of physical AI for humanoids and autonomous mobile robots (AMRs). As part of the initiative, RealSense is integrating its advanced AI depth cameras with NVIDIA’s cutting-edge robotics platforms—such as the Jetson Thor system for runtime AI computing, Isaac Sim for creating digital twins that speed up prototyping to production, and Holoscan Sensor Bridge for ultra-low-latency sensor streaming.

Kia has officially launched production of the EV4 in Europe, marking the first time the brand will build a fully electric model on the continent. The five-door hatchback is being assembled exclusively at Kia’s AutoLand Slovakia plant, following extensive upgrades to the facility’s production lines. This milestone represents a significant step forward in Kia’s regional electrification strategy. Developed specifically for European customers, the EV4 sits on Hyundai Motor Group’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), combining efficiency with dynamic performance.

Bosch and CARIAD have joined forces within the Automated Driving Alliance to build a scalable platform for assisted and automated driving up to SAE Level 3. Their shared mission: to deliver advanced, cost-effective driving functions that are accessible to all and suitable for every vehicle segment. This initiative stands as the only European project advancing automated driving on such a large scale. At the core of this collaboration lies a shared development ecosystem. It enables engineers to efficiently test, validate, and roll out software updates, with short planning cycles and continuous feedback ensuring steady, reliable progress in this complex field.

Poland-based DefendEye has announced that its tube-launched, AI-powered autonomous search drone now comes equipped with built-in Starlink Mini satellite connectivity. According to the company, the upgrade ensures “seamless operation in cities, deserts, mountains, or offshore,” enhancing capabilities for search and rescue, public safety, and defense missions.

Continental has launched a new line of original equipment tires tailored for driverless vehicles. The aContact family incorporates advanced tire technologies engineered to meet the diverse demands of autonomous fleets. Optimized for robotaxis, shuttle services, autonomous delivery vehicles, and eventually private self-driving cars, these tires will soon debut on public roads in U.S. cities including Las Vegas and San Francisco. The aContact line integrates Continental’s best technologies to address the wide-ranging needs of autonomous mobility—whether in busy city traffic or on closed factory grounds.

Robotics Expo & B2B Meetings is an international event dedicated to robotics manufacturing professionals, buyers and suppliers.

Drone Expo & B2B Meetings is an international event dedicated to electronics professionals, buyers and suppliers.

SolarEdge, a leading provider of smart energy solutions, has entered into a strategic partnership with Schaeffler, a prominent automotive and industrial supplier, to roll out EV charging hardware and software across company sites. The initiative aims to install 2,300 charging points by 2030, starting with Schaeffler’s global headquarters in Herzogenaurach, Germany.

Under the agreement, SolarEdge Technologies will support the deployment of EV charging infrastructure throughout Schaeffler’s European operations.

ZF is introducing the next generation of this intelligent chassis technology, just months after the launch of its Smart Chassis Sensor. The latest version now includes an integrated accelerometer in its advanced configuration, enabling direct data collection from within the ball joint. In addition to measuring wheel height, the enhanced sensor can now capture three-dimensional acceleration data. ZF is rolling out a significant update to its Chassis 2.0 strategy - an approach that integrates smart components, by-wire systems, and digital platforms to support more connected and efficient mobility.

Equity investor T2Y Capital announced last week that it will become the second-largest shareholder in Romanian lithium energy storage firm Prime Batteries Energy Holding. The newly established T2Y Capital plans to support the Bucharest-based company’s global growth ambitions by providing expansion capital and strategic guidance.

As part of the deal, T2Y will join Prime’s board of directors. The partnership aims to scale Prime’s production capacity from the current 300 MWh to over 8 GWh by 2030.

The energy price index eased by 0.6% in July, driven by a 6% decline in European natural gas prices.

The non-energy price index dipped by 0.4%.

Food prices rose by 0.9%, beverages fell by 10.8%, and raw materials remained broadly unchanged.

The first half of 2025 was a difficult period for the EU commercial vehicle market, with substantial registration declines across key countries, compounding an already strained economic environment. Although the share of electrically chargeable vehicles increased, the pace of growth remains insufficient, as widespread adoption continues to be hampered by a lack of critical supporting infrastructure and conditions.

Motion plastics specialist igus has introduced its first humanoid robot, Iggy Rob, designed to assist with industrial production, service operations, and transportation tasks. Priced competitively at approximately $54,500, Iggy Rob offers an accessible entry point into humanoid robotics for businesses looking to automate their workflows without the high costs typically associated with such systems. The debut of Iggy Rob comes as projections suggest up to 20 million humanoid robots could be in industrial use by 2030.