Manufacturing is entering an exciting new phase where AI agents are helping machines and workers do their jobs better and faster. This weekly update shows three big stories about how artificial intelligence is changing how things get made around the world.

First, a company called xTool showed off something new called AImake at a big tech show called CES 2026 in the United States. AImake is an AI helper that works like a smart partner for people making things. Instead of just creating pictures, AImake understands what materials can do and what machines can handle. It helps people make better designs before they even start building. xTool also announced their flagship machine, the P3 laser system, which won a special award for how smart and safe it is.

Second, the car company Hyundai from South Korea announced something called MobED, which is a special robot that can move things around and deliver packages on its own. Hyundai will start making lots of MobEDs in early 2026, and these robots will help warehouses and delivery systems work without people having to move things manually.

Third, manufacturing companies everywhere are learning that when they use AI, it takes time to get better at it first. Studies show that factories using AI sometimes work slower at the beginning, but then they get much faster and better after a few months. This is called the productivity paradox, and it means companies need to be patient when they bring in new AI tools.

The big idea across all these stories is the same: AI agents are becoming real helpers in manufacturing. Instead of just following orders, these AI systems can think about problems, make decisions, and help workers do amazing things faster and safer than before.