The ARM Institute announced a major U.S. initiative to solve one of manufacturing’s big problems: robots need lots of data to learn. Their new AI Data Foundry program will collect manufacturing data from different companies to create shared training resources. This “library for robot brains” could help small factories use advanced AI tools usually only available to big companies.

In Germany, Microsoft showed off TrakSYS IQ at the Hannover Messe tech fair. This AI tool lets factory managers type questions like “why is Line 3 slow?” and get instant answers with charts. Parsec’s CTO Bill Rokos compared it to “giving every worker a robot helper that speaks human language”.

Europe is making AI factories as important national projects. The EU’s plan for seven new centers follows NVIDIA’s vision of factories that “manufacture intelligence” instead of just products. These sites focus on quick AI updates – like teaching robots new skills overnight instead of taking weeks.

Australia’s CSIRO revealed how AI helps grow better chickpeas and lentils. Their MAGDA++ system analyzes plant DNA to create crops with more protein using less fertilizer. This matters for countries facing food shortages – AI could help grow 30% more food on the same farmland.

Collaborative robots (cobots) took center stage in new reports. Unlike old robots that needed safety cages, these machines use cameras and sensors to avoid bumping into people. A global market study showed cobot sales doubling by 2030, especially in car factories and hospitals.

South Korea’s Hyundai shared how Hexagon’s Nexus AI cloud helps design cars. The system runs 1,000 crash tests in the time engineers used to do one. U.S. company Path Machining reported using AI to automatically fix errors in machine parts – like having a “robot teacher” for their tools.

Finally, scientists are testing AI farm networks where robots plant different crops based on weather predictions. Early trials in Australia show these systems could reduce water use by 40% while growing more food. As climate changes accelerate, such AI tools are becoming crucial for keeping factories and farms running smoothly.