Global Scans · Manufacturing · Weekly Summary

• [New] Cybercab's 2027 production target faces regulatory hurdles, while Waymo's 10-city operations and hybrid AI model offer proven scalability. Ainvest
• [New] Companies such as ABB Limited and Rethink Robotics have expanded multi-purpose robotic solutions that enhance productivity while reducing operational risk. / USA Persistence Market Research
• [New] Manufacturers who want to gain an edge in 2026 will focus on standardizing data, integrating the right systems, and ensuring that the data flowing into their maintenance systems triggers actions that help to increase production efficiency through reduced unplanned downtime. KESQ
• [New] 40% of the manufacturing workforce is set to retire by 2030. KESQ
• [New] Investors should watch for a potential pivot in Tesla, which spent much of 2025 rebranding itself as an AI and Robotics platform. FinancialContent
• [New] Tesla is set to begin production on the Cybercab, its dedicated robotaxi, which does not have a steering wheel and pedals, in April 2026. Business Insider
• [New] MILPITAS, Calif. SEMI reported in its 200 mm Fab Outlook to 2025 report that the global manufacturing of semiconductors is expected to boost 200 mm fab capacity 20% from 2021 to 2025. Embedded Computing Design
• [New] Intuitive Machines expects to begin manufacturing and flight integration on its orbital transfer vehicle as soon as 2026. InnovationMap
• [New] As the global hospitality industry increasingly aligns with environmental goals, Sustainable Development Goals related to Responsible Consumption and Production will see broader support, contributing to a greener travel ecosystem across borders. Travel And Tour World
• [New] Production capacity increased 2.8% in 2025 and is expected to expand more sharply by 5.2% in 2026, supported by additional hiring, investment in plant and equipment, longer operating hours, and the replacement of older machinery with more advanced technology. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] Manufacturing capital expenditures in US are forecast to rise 3% in 2026, following a 3.5% increase in 2025, while employment is also set to expand, with manufacturing headcount expected to grow by 0.4 percentage point. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] Manufacturing capital expenditures in the US are forecast to rise 3% in 2026 after a 3.5% increase in 2025, while manufacturing employment is expected to grow 0.4 percentage point. Fibre2Fashion
• [New] Robotics throughput is embedding deeper into U.S. and Chinese production surges, with China's 7,705 humanoid patents over 5 years-5x the U.S. - and 54% of global industrial installs fueling Morgan Stanley's 6.5 B-unit forecast by 2050 (34% drones, 29% home bots). DEV Community
• [New] Global IoT connections are forecast to reach 21.9 billion in 2026 and nearly 30 billion by the early 2030s, marking a decade in which connected devices become foundational to how industries operate. IoT Business News
• [New] India's technology growth plan focuses on strategic self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (UPI and Aadhaar), and major investments in frontier areas such as AI, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing, aiming for a $35 trillion economy by 2047. FirstPost
• [New] China will continue working towards domestic technology manufacturing capabilities, including in semiconductors, amid the ongoing threat of US export restrictions. FirstPost
• [New] EAF steel mills account for over 70% of US production and are expected to have continued growth over the next decade. Steel Market Update
• [New] Nippon Steel plans to invest billions in advanced steel manufacturing at U.S. Steel, and Hyundai Steel and Posco have announced the construction of a $6 billion steel mill in Louisiana, to name just two examples. Steel Market Update
• [New] The domestic steel industry remains solid and we have an optimistic outlook for 2026, owing to sound trade policy, smart deregulation, and a sufficient supply of scrap and other raw materials. Steel Market Update
• [New] Investments by Toray, Teijin, and Hexcel in domestic prepreg manufacturing plants are expected to reduce reliance on imports and decrease long lead times. / China Precedence Research
• [New] In Life Sciences, data integrity and traceability will become even more critical, as AI adoption moves from drug discovery to manufacturing. The Manufacturer
• [New] In 2026, agentic AI will become a cornerstone of industrial innovation, transforming operations in both Life Sciences and Food & Beverage manufacturing. The Manufacturer
• [New] In 2026, profitability and efficiency will dominate manufacturing agendas and CFOs will work smarter on reducing operational expenses, imperative to maximising long-term growth and investment. The Manufacturer

Last updated: 28 December 2025