Bosch has introduced its third generation of silicon carbide (SiC) chips, marking a significant step forward in semiconductor performance for electrification.

Next-gen silicon carbide technology

The company is already supplying samples to global automakers, signalling the next phase of deployment in electric vehicle (EV) power electronics.

The latest generation of SiC chips delivers a 20% performance increase compared to previous iterations, while also being significantly smaller. This combination of higher power density and reduced size enables greater efficiency in drive electronics and allows more chips to be produced per wafer.

“Silicon-carbide semiconductors are the key drivers of electromobility. They control the flow of energy and make it as efficient as possible. With our next-generation SiC chips, we’re systematically expanding our technological leadership in this field and helping our customers put even more powerful and efficient electric vehicles onto the road,” said Markus Heyn, member of the Bosch board of management and chairman of the Bosch Mobility business sector.

“Our next-generation chips deliver 20 percent higher performance and are also significantly smaller than the previous generation. This miniaturization is the key to greater cost efficiency, as we can produce many more chips per wafer. That means we’re playing a key role in making high-performance electronics more widely available.”

Bosch targets global leadership in SiC chips

Bosch is positioning itself to lead in the rapidly expanding SiC semiconductor market, driven largely by electrification trends.

“Our ambition is clear: we want to be a globally leading manufacturer of SiC chips,” said Markus Heyn.

Since starting production in 2021, Bosch has already delivered more than 60 million SiC chips worldwide, underscoring growing adoption across the automotive sector.

Billions invested to scale global semiconductor manufacturing

To support demand and scale production, Bosch has invested heavily in its global semiconductor manufacturing footprint:

• Around €3 billion invested in semiconductors through European IPCEI programs
• Additional €1.9 billion investment in its U.S. facility

The company’s third-generation SiC chips are produced on 200-millimeter wafers at its Reutlingen, Germany fab, while a second facility in Roseville, California is being equipped for production, with initial samples already planned for customer trials.

“In the future, Bosch will supply its innovative SiC chips from these two fabs in Germany and the U.S.,” Heyn said, highlighting a strategy aimed at building more robust and resilient supply chains for automotive electrification.

The post “A Leap in Semiconductor Efficiency” : Bosch Introduces Third-Generation SiC chips appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

SAP and Google Cloud have expanded their partnership to help businesses deploy AI agents at scale, enabling more automated, data-driven operations across enterprise systems.

Multi-agent AI orchestration across platforms

The collaboration introduces new integrations between SAP Customer Experience (SAP CX), SAP Engagement Cloud, and Joule solutions with Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise—creating a unified environment where AI agents can securely access and act on data across both platforms.

At the core of the partnership is a multi-agent architecture designed to connect systems, data, and workflows. Gemini Enterprise serves as a central hub, enabling AI agents to coordinate actions across SAP and Google Cloud environments.

These integrations are supported by SAP Business Data Cloud Connect for Google and BigQuery, allowing bidirectional, zero-copy data access with enterprise-grade security and governance. This foundation enables agents to exchange context, trigger actions, and optimize outcomes across platforms.

AI agents turn insights into action

The joint solution addresses a key challenge for many organizations: fragmented and outdated data. According to SAP Engagement Cloud research, more than half of marketers say this limits their ability to act in real time.

With the new capabilities, AI agents can operate on unified data to execute complex tasks. For example, users can define high-level goals such as increasing repeat purchases or maximizing customer lifetime value, and an AI agent will manage the full workflow—from content personalization to campaign execution.

Automation of end-to-end business processes

Using Joule Agents within SAP Engagement Cloud, businesses can automate campaign planning, execution, and optimization without manual intervention across multiple tools.

This enables:

• Autonomous campaign generation and optimization
• Continuous performance improvement
• Reduced operational overhead
• Faster time-to-market

The result is more efficient operations and the ability for teams to focus on higher-value strategic activities.

Executive perspectives on agentic AI transformation

“This is more than a data integration; it’s a leap forward for AI agents that can collaborate naturally and execute seamlessly,” said Balaji Balasubramanian, President and Chief Product Officer, SAP Customer Experience and Consumer Industries. “By combining SAP Business Data Cloud Connect for Google with interoperable AI agents across SAP and Google Cloud, we’re giving organizations a path from AI experimentation to AI-enabled customer experience at scale. Marketers can spend less time on manual tasks and more time shaping the customer journey.”

“To realize the full potential of agentic AI, businesses need their systems to speak the same language,” said Kevin Ichhpurani, President, Global Partner Ecosystem at Google Cloud. “By uniting SAP’s enterprise data and customer engagement platform with Google Cloud’s AI, we’re enabling marketers to move beyond simple automation to multi-agent orchestration, driving dynamic campaigns that reason and adapt to market shifts in real time.”

Expanding beyond marketing use cases

While marketing is the initial focus—with availability expected in the second half of 2026—the multi-agent orchestration model is designed to extend across the full SAP CX portfolio.

This positions the partnership as a foundation for broader enterprise adoption of AI agents, enabling organizations to connect data, systems, and workflows into a unified, AI-driven operating model.

The post “It’s a Leap Forward for AI Agents” : SAP and Google Cloud Expand Partnership to Scale Multi-Agent AI appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

Powering the shift from pilot to production, Lenovo’s AI solutions are delivering unprecedented measurable gains in cost, quality, and operational performance for its users.

DELIVERING SMARTER TECHNOLOGY FOR ALL

“Manufacturers don’t need more artificial intelligence (AI) pilots. They need AI that runs at scale in production,” states Jonathan Wu, Chief Technology Officer of Smart Manufacturing at Lenovo.

At Lenovo – a global powerhouse determined to deliver smarter technology for all – this initiative has already been accomplished across its own international manufacturing operations, resulting in significant improvements in lead time, cost, and productivity. Specifically, at the company’s largest site in North America, lead time was reduced by 85 percent, logistics costs by 42 percent, and productivity was boosted by 58 percent through the deployment of AI and generative AI-enabled solutions.

“That experience is what we bring to our customers,” Wu states.

With approximately 94 percent of manufacturers increasing AI investments in 2026 alone, Lenovo is enabling the seamless transition from pilot to production with solutions that are already delivering measurable gains in cost, quality, and operational performance, shifting the priority from experimentation to execution.

DELIVERING MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENTS

It is evident that AI is no longer just a future ambition for manufacturers; rather, it has become an operational necessity, with many feeling the pressure to improve efficiency, resilience, and responsiveness in response to continuous supply chain volatility and rising operational complexity.

In partnership with NVIDIA at Hannover Messe 2026, Lenovo is actively demonstrating how manufacturers have the ability to close said gap by implementing AI solutions that have previously been proven at scale across the company’s own global operations.

Through the application of AI across production environments allowing for real-time detection, faster root cause analysis, and continuous improvement, Lenovo is working to strengthen supply chain resilience with immediate, multi-tier visibility.

Such solutions can be directly observed on the factory floor through the company’s Multi Purpose Robots, which create adaptive automation across workflows, including line-side delivery, picking, kitting, and material movement between production stages. This enables better production stability, increased equipment effectiveness, and better alignment between operations and changing demands.

PROVEN END-TO-END EXECUTION

Whilst many AI initiatives fall flat ahead of production, Lenovo ensures that these tools are designed to operate in live, complex environments by delivering solutions that are already running at scale in its own varied manufacturing operations.

The company’s proven experience enables faster deployment, reduced execution risk, and measurable business impact from the very start.

Specifically, Lenovo’s Hybrid AI Advantage merges infrastructure, data, models, and services into a single, integrated ecosystem that spans edge, cloud, and on-premises. Crucially, it is designed for real-world conditions, encouraging manufacturers to move from pilot to production with greater speed, confidence, and control.

Ultimately, as a global technology leader, the company is pioneering the use of its groundbreaking AI technology to enhance its own operations, allowing Lenovo to help other enterprises transform and embrace smarter AI for all.

The post Lenovo Provides Manufacturers with Production-Scale AI Solutions appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

TCL sets out a clear message for global supply chain leaders: localised, consumer-first operations are central to long-term growth and resilience.

Global partners align on growth, resilience, and innovation strategy

At its 2026 Global Partners Conference in Shenzhen, TCL set out a clear message for global partners: localised, consumer-first operations are central to long-term growth and resilience.

Held under the theme “Pioneering for Greatness,” the event brought together nearly 500 partners and stakeholders from 49 markets to review two years of sustained growth and outline the company’s future roadmap. Against a backdrop of global market shifts and industry transformation, TCL emphasised its strategy to “work with global partners to lead with brand value, improve efficiencies in its global operations, and build a smarter, and more connected ecosystem for consumers worldwide.”

Building local value chains to drive responsiveness and resilience

A central pillar of TCL’s growth model is its focus on localised supply chains. The company highlighted how its expansion strategy prioritises building local value chains and investing in regional resources to better respond to market-specific demand.

Today, TCL operates:

• 25 R&D centres
• 7 joint laboratories
• 21 manufacturing bases worldwide

This integrated global network enables faster response to local consumer needs while supporting regional economic and industrial development. The approach reflects a broader shift in global supply chains toward localisation to mitigate risk and improve agility.

From manufacturing to distribution: a connected global network

TCL’s vertically integrated supply chain is designed to enhance both efficiency and scalability. As of 2025, the company operates:

• Approximately 80,000 retail stores worldwide
• A service network spanning 7,000 locations

This infrastructure allows TCL to reach more consumers globally while maintaining operational consistency and responsiveness across markets.

Leadership perspective: shared growth and long-term resilience

TCL’s leadership underscored the importance of collaboration and long-term value creation in navigating global supply chain complexity.

“TCL is fully invested in our shared success,” said Du Juan, CEO of TCL Industries. “Our theme for this year’s GPC—’Pioneering for Greatness’—is a confident statement on our outlook for the future. Underpinning this optimism are three simple truths: that creating real value empowers us to outlast any market cycle; that integrity is the foundation for enduring partnerships; and that shared growth is what will ultimately lead us forward.”

Product innovation aligned with supply chain strategy

TCL’s supply chain strategy is closely tied to its investment in innovation. Over the past three years, the company has significantly increased R&D spending to develop technologies focused on display quality, AI, and energy performance.

Key innovations showcased at the conference included:

• The X11L SQD-Mini LED TV
• TCL FreshIN 3.0 Ultra air conditioner
• TCL TwinMag Prime Fresh Series refrigerator
• TCL AI SuperDrum® Wash & Dry Tower
• TCL RayNeo AR Glasses
• TCL Photovoltaic Technology solutions

The company also reinforced its leadership in Mini LED technology, noting it was the first to introduce and mass-produce the technology.

Strategic partnerships strengthen global supply chains

TCL continues to expand its ecosystem through strategic partnerships. In March 2026, TCL Electronics Holdings Limited and Sony Corporation announced a joint venture to develop home entertainment products, aimed at delivering innovation and operational excellence.

The company also leverages global partnerships beyond manufacturing, including major sports collaborations with organisations such as FIBA and the NFL, as well as becoming an official Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner in 2025.

Strong category performance underpins global expansion

TCL reported strong performance across key product categories:

• World’s No. 2 TV brand
• World’s No. 2 exporter of air conditioners, with 20 million units shipped
• 16th consecutive year as the world’s largest exporter of refrigerators

The company is also expanding into emerging segments, including AR smart glasses—where it ranked No. 1 globally in shipments in Q3 2025—and photovoltaic products, which saw revenue grow by 63.6% in 2025.

The post “Pioneering for Greatness” : How TCL Uses Localised Supply Chains to Spur Global Growth appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

Amazon and Anthropic have expanded their strategic collaboration, combining large-scale infrastructure investment, custom silicon deployment and deeper platform integration to accelerate global adoption of generative AI.

Strategic collaboration scales global AI capacity, custom silicon adoption and enterprise access

The agreement includes a commitment from Anthropic to spend more than $100 billion over the next decade on Amazon Web Services (AWS) technologies, alongside Amazon’s plan to invest $5 billion immediately and up to an additional $20 billion in the future, tied to commercial milestones.

At the core of the partnership is a significant expansion of compute capacity. Anthropic will secure up to 5 gigawatts (GW) of infrastructure capacity using Amazon’s Trainium chips to train and power advanced AI models.

The collaboration spans multiple generations of custom silicon, including Trainium2, Trainium3 and future iterations, alongside tens of millions of Graviton CPU cores. This is designed to deliver improved price performance and scalability for large-scale AI workloads.

The companies are also continuing joint development efforts through Project Rainier—one of the world’s largest AI compute clusters—which uses nearly half a million Trainium2 chips to train and deploy Anthropic’s Claude models.

Expanding global AI deployment across cloud ecosystems

The partnership also strengthens international reach, with expanded inference capabilities planned across Asia and Europe to support growing enterprise demand.

Anthropic’s Claude Platform will now be available directly within AWS, allowing customers to access the full developer experience through existing AWS accounts without additional credentials or billing relationships. This complements availability via Amazon Bedrock, giving enterprises flexibility in how they deploy and scale AI applications.

More than 100,000 customers are already running Claude models on AWS, making it one of the most widely adopted model families on the platform.

Driving enterprise AI adoption across industries

The collaboration is focused on enabling organisations to build, deploy and scale AI applications more efficiently across sectors.

Andy Jassy, CEO of Amazon, said:

“Our custom AI silicon offers high performance at significantly lower cost for customers, which is why it’s in such hot demand. Anthropic’s commitment to run its large language models on AWS Trainium for the next decade reflects the progress we’ve made together on custom silicon, as we continue delivering the technology and infrastructure our customers need to build with generative AI.”

Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic, added:

“Our users tell us Claude is increasingly essential to how they work, and we need to build the infrastructure to keep pace with rapidly growing demand. Our collaboration with Amazon will allow us to continue advancing AI research while delivering Claude to our customers, including the more than 100,000 building on AWS.”

Strengthening engineering collaboration and innovation pipeline

Beyond infrastructure, the partnership includes close engineering collaboration between Anthropic and Amazon’s Annapurna Labs to optimise future generations of Trainium chips. This includes direct feedback from AI training workloads to inform chip design and performance improvements.

Anthropic continues to use AWS as its primary training and cloud provider for mission-critical workloads, while Amazon developers are also leveraging Claude models to enhance customer-facing services across its ecosystem.

The post Amazon and Anthropic Deepen Collaboration with Multibillion-Dollar Investment and Compute Commitment appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

DENSO Corporation has announced a strategic partnership with Oracle Corporation to elevate supply chain systems through advanced digital foundations and the latest artificial intelligence technologies.

BUILDING A DIGITAL FOUNDATION  

DENSO Corporation (DENSO) has entered a new phase of collaboration with Oracle Corporation (Oracle), establishing a strategic partnership focused on modernising its global supply chain systems. The initiative centres around deploying a unified, cloud-based core system built on Oracle Fusion Cloud Applications and enhanced with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.  

The move reflects growing pressure within the automotive sector, where supply chains are becoming increasingly complex due to evolving vehicle technologies, the diversification of product lines, and rising geopolitical risks. In response, DENSO is aiming to standardise and strengthen its operations through digital transformation. 

By integrating supply chain processes with existing finance and HR systems already running on Oracle platforms, the company plans to create a single, scalable global system. This approach is expected to enhance visibility across procurement, manufacturing, and logistics whilst improving operational consistency worldwide. 

AI-DRIVEN TRANSFORMATION  

At the core of the partnership is the use of AI to streamline and optimise supply chain activities. The new system will centralise data-spanning planning, procurement, production, delivery, and accounting, enabling real-time visibility across DENSO’s global operations.  

With this integrated data foundation, AI will automate routine processes and generate recommendations, reducing manual workloads and allowing employees to focus on higher-value tasks. In parallel, advanced analytics will support faster and more informed decision-making by identifying risks and running simulations across multiple scenarios. 

“This initiative goes beyond simple efficiency improvements; it represents a fundamental modernisation of our core systems to transform the quality and speed of decision-making on a global scale. By leveraging Oracle Fusion Applications to significantly enhance data accuracy and timeliness, and by embedding AI into day-to-day operations, we will implement a supply chain that is resilient to change,” he adds.  

EXPANDING A LONG-STANDING COLLABORATION  

The latest agreement builds on an existing relationship between the two companies, which has already seen the deployment of cloud-based solutions in areas such as finance, indirect procurement, and human resources. The expansion into supply chain management marks a significant broadening of scope. 

As part of the initiative, DENSO and Oracle will establish an AI Centre of Excellence to consolidate expertise and promote the use of advanced AI agents across operations. This hub will play a key role in scaling AI adoption and ensuring alignment across the programme. 

“DENSO’s continued growth and the increased speed and complexity of its supply chain operations required a new AI-centric and integrated approach,” says Steve Miranda, executive vice president of Applications Development, Oracle.  

“With Oracle Fusion Applications, DENSO can adopt an AI-powered system of outcomes that can work across the business to automate end-to-end workflows, boost supply chain performance, and drive efficient global growth.”   

GLOBAL ROLLOUT AND LONG-TERM IMPACT 

A pilot deployment at overseas locations is planned within approximately two years, followed by a phased global rollout. Once complete, the system is expected to deliver improved efficiency, reduced costs, and enhanced resilience across DENSO’s supply chain network.  

Ultimately, the partnership aims to position DENSO with a more robust and adaptable supply chain, capable of responding quickly to changing market conditions whilst supporting long-term innovation and sustainability goals. 

The post DENSO and Oracle Partnership Modernises Core Supply Chains appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

UPS has opened its largest and most technologically advanced logistics facility in Asia Pacific, as the parcel and supply chain giant ramps up investment in warehouse automation and regional fulfilment infrastructure to support increasingly complex customer supply chains.

Major expansion of regional warehouse footprint

The new Taoyuan International Logistics Center (TILC) in Taiwan is designed to help businesses improve warehouse productivity, strengthen supply chain resilience and accelerate access to UPS’s wider global freight and logistics network.

Spanning more than 81,000 square metres, the facility more than doubles UPS’s warehouse footprint in Taiwan and represents nearly US$100 million in investment.

Located five kilometres from Taoyuan International Airport, Taiwan’s largest cargo airport, the site connects customers directly into UPS’s network of 22 weekly flights operating through the airport.

The facility has been built to support customers across sectors including semiconductors, medical technology and other high-value industries.

Lauren Zhao, president of UPS Asia Pacific Supply Chain Solutions and Freight Forwarding, said: “Businesses across Asia Pacific are pursuing many opportunities to strengthen every part of their supply chain.”

She added: “The TILC, which was created to meet evolving customer needs, boosts productivity, efficiency, agility, and gives customers flexibility for future challenges.”

Automation at the centre of warehouse strategy

A key feature of the new logistics centre is its deployment of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs), which UPS is using to automate warehouse tasks including:

• Pick and pack operations
• Inventory management
• Shelf loading and movement

The robots enable significant efficiency gains across warehouse workflows.

• Customer orders can be processed and packed onto shelves around 40% faster than current speeds
• Customers can double the number of products stored in equivalent shelving space
• Order-picking errors are reduced to near zero

Zhao said: “Overall, using the AMRs can lead to a doubling in productivity, and a significant improvement to the customer experience.”

She added: “The faster we can process, pack and pick our customers’ inventory, the faster they can respond to orders from their customers, increasing satisfaction.”

Supporting semiconductor supply chains

The facility is already being used by Applied Materials as its Asia continental distribution centre.

Erix Yu, Group Vice President and President of Applied Materials Taiwan, said: “Applied Materials is strengthening the speed and agility of our supply chain as AI drives global semiconductor demand to new heights.”

He added: “The UPS TILC provides a scalable, flexible and automation-ready logistics foundation that supports Applied’s regional growth initiatives.”

Strategic logistics investment in Asia Pacific

The launch forms part of UPS’s broader investment strategy across Asia Pacific as companies seek more agile, technology-enabled logistics models to support cross-border trade and demand volatility.

The facility strengthens its ability to provide integrated logistics, digital and supply chain services to businesses across Taiwan, with delivery access to more than 200 countries and territories.

The post UPS Expands Asia Pacific Logistics Capacity with Automation-Led Taiwan Mega Hub appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

Carlsberg Group is expanding its long-running partnership with WWF Denmark as the brewer steps up efforts to protect water resources and restore freshwater ecosystems across Asia, underlining the growing role of water stewardship in long-term supply chain resilience.

Focus on water security in high-risk regions

The partnership, which began in 2018, is entering its third phase and will run from 2026 to 2028, focusing on wetland restoration and water replenishment projects in China, Nepal and Laos.

Water remains a critical resource for Carlsberg’s production network and wider value chain, with the company positioning freshwater protection as a strategic sustainability priority amid mounting global water stress and biodiversity decline.

According to Carlsberg, nearly two billion people live in areas at risk of severe water scarcity, while 85% of the world’s freshwater species populations have been lost since 1970.

The expanded programme will focus on:

• Restoring degraded wetlands in Nepal
• Launching a new wetland restoration project in Ningxia in China’s Yellow River basin
• Maintaining and monitoring existing restoration projects in China and Laos

The initiative is guided by the WWF Water Risk Filter, an assessment tool used to evaluate water risks across production and supply chains.

Simon Boas Hoffmeyer, VP Sustainability & ESG at Carlsberg Group, said: “Water is one of our most critical resources – both for our production sites and for the communities we are part of.”

He added: “We are working to reduce our water use and, in partnership with WWF Denmark, actively replenish water resources in the areas where the need is greatest.”

Linking sustainability to operational resilience

The programme aims to help return clean water to nature through wetland restoration and nature-based solutions, while supporting local ecosystems and communities.

One indicator of success will be increased local wildlife populations, seen as a marker of healthier freshwater ecosystems.

Julie Hjort, Director of Partnerships at WWF Denmark, said: “Freshwater ecosystems are among the most threatened in the world, and therefore we are very pleased that the Carlsberg Group contributes to restoring unique wetlands in China, Nepal and Laos.”

She added: “The collaboration with Carlsberg Group demonstrates how companies can contribute to nature restoration while also creating value for local communities while at the same time addressing potential value chain challenges.”

Progress toward long-term replenishment targets

Carlsberg said the first two phases of the partnership have already delivered measurable results, including the creation and restoration of wetlands across seven locations near four breweries.

Together, the projects replenished 1.2 million cubic metres of water in 2025, equivalent to 2.4 billion half-litre bottles of water, according to the company.

The projects are now replenishing more than 100% of the water consumed at three Chinese breweries.

When fully implemented, the projects in Nepal, China and Laos are expected to contribute around 40% of Carlsberg Group’s 2032 target of replenishing 100% of water consumption at breweries in high-risk areas.

Water stewardship moves up the business agenda

As climate change, pollution and overuse place increasing pressure on freshwater resources, water stewardship is becoming a more prominent issue for manufacturers with agricultural and industrial supply chains.

For Carlsberg, the latest expansion reflects how environmental restoration is increasingly being tied to operational continuity, resource security and long-term business resilience in sustainability planning.

The post Carlsberg and WWF Denmark Expand Partnership to Strengthen Resilience in Asian Supply Chains appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

AWS has launched Amazon Bio Discovery, a new AI-powered application designed to help life sciences researchers accelerate drug discovery by combining biological foundation models, agentic AI and integrated lab testing workflows.

Agentic AI designed to simplify drug discovery workflows

The platform is aimed at helping scientists design and test drug candidates faster during the early stages of development, with AWS positioning the application as a way to reduce complexity in AI-powered pharmaceutical research and make advanced computational tools more accessible to scientists without coding expertise.

According to AWS, Amazon Bio Discovery provides researchers with direct access to a catalog of specialised biological foundation models (bioFMs) trained on biological datasets to generate and evaluate potential drug candidates.

A core feature of the platform is an AI agent that enables scientists to use natural language to guide research workflows, helping users select the right AI models, optimise inputs and evaluate candidates for experimentation.

AWS said the application also allows scientists to train models using prior experimental data from their own organisations, improving prediction accuracy and reducing the number of experimental iterations needed.

“AI agents make powerful scientific capabilities accessible to all drug researchers, not just those with computational expertise,” said Rajiv Chopra, vice president of AWS Healthcare AI and Life Sciences.

“These AI systems can help scientists design drug molecules, coordinate testing, learn from results, and get smarter with each experiment. This combination of cutting-edge AI and the robust, secure infrastructure AWS has built for regulated industries allows scientists to accelerate antibody discovery in ways that weren’t possible before.”

Integrated lab testing closes the experimentation loop

Amazon Bio Discovery includes integrated laboratory partners that allow researchers to send top-performing antibody candidates directly for synthesis and testing.

Partners currently include Twist Bioscience and Ginkgo Bioworks, with A-Alpha Bio expected to join soon.

AWS said test results are then routed back into the platform to create a “lab-in-the-loop experimentation cycle,” allowing each experiment to improve subsequent rounds of design.

The company said the platform is intended to replace fragmented workflows where researchers currently manage disconnected systems, multiple lab partners and manual coordination.

Memorial Sloan Kettering used platform to accelerate antibody design

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (MSK) used Amazon Bio Discovery to accelerate antibody design for potential paediatric cancer therapies.

Working with MSK, AWS said the platform designed nearly 300,000 novel antibody molecules, with the 100,000 top candidates sent to Twist Bioscience for testing.

According to AWS, a process that can take up to a year using traditional design methods was reduced to weeks from candidate design through lab testing.

“We’re glad to be able to join forces with Amazon Bio Discovery to develop the next generation of antibodies that will potentially speed up the process to help patients worldwide,” said Nai-Kong Cheung M.D., Ph.D., Enid A. Haupt Chair in Pediatric Oncology at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.

“As researchers, we spent 20 years just to prove that the first generation of antibody worked, and then we spent another 13 years getting it into the human form before getting FDA approval. This path has been very inefficient. Patients come here with a clock. We need results sooner.”

Built for enterprise life sciences adoption

AWS said Amazon Bio Discovery is built on infrastructure already used by the pharmaceutical industry, noting that 19 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies use AWS for research workloads.

The company said the platform offers enterprise-grade scale, performance, privacy and security, with complete data isolation and customer ownership over proprietary data and intellectual property.

Early adopters include Bayer, the Broad Institute, Fred Hutch Cancer Center and Voyager Therapeutics.

The post AWS Launches Amazon Bio Discovery to Speed AI-Driven Drug Research in Life Sciences appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

LG CNS is expanding its logistics automation portfolio with a new warehouse robot designed to operate continuously in frozen and refrigerated environments, as supply chain operators seek more resilient and efficient solutions for cold chain fulfilment.

Designed for cold chain warehouse automation

The company’s upgraded Mobile Shuttle robot is engineered to run 24/7 in temperatures as low as -15°F (-26°C), allowing deployment in subzero warehouse environments across sectors such as food, retail and temperature-controlled logistics.

LG CNS said the Mobile Shuttle is intended to support logistics operators managing increasingly complex cold storage environments, where automation can improve throughput while reducing worker exposure to harsh conditions.

The robot can:

• Operate at speeds of up to 4.9 ft/s (1.5 m/s)
• Carry loads of up to 3,307 lbs (1,500 kg)
• Run with dozens or hundreds of units simultaneously within warehouse racks

The system is built around a four-way shuttle architecture, enabling movement up, down, left, right, forward and backward, this reduces routing constraints and creates more flexible warehouse flows compared with conventional two-way shuttle systems.

Focus on storage density and throughput

A key differentiator for the Mobile Shuttle is its high-density storage design, which LG CNS said delivers more than 30% higher storage efficiency compared with traditional systems limited to forward and backward movement.

The design is intended to help warehouse operators maximise storage utilisation as logistics providers face mounting pressure to increase throughput without expanding warehouse footprints.

AI and optimisation tools support warehouse management

LG CNS has also added an AI agent to the Mobile Shuttle platform to improve usability and operational responsiveness, and warehouse staff can directly control robots using natural language commands through a chatbot in situations such as urgent shipments.

If technical issues occur, the AI agent can identify the cause and recommend response measures to operators, and it has integrated mathematical optimisation technology to improve routing and warehouse performance by:

• Analysing robot routes and operating status in real time
• Minimising bottlenecks
• Optimising inbound and outbound planning
• Automatically assigning tasks to shuttle robots

Expansion in North American logistics market

LG CNS said the Mobile Shuttle can transport both general cargo and cylindrical items such as automotive batteries, and has secured UL certification, meeting US safety standards for electrical, electronic and mechanical products.

The company is already deploying the technology in North America, including a recent contract to install a Mobile Shuttle-based automation system at Paris Baguette USA’s manufacturing facility in Texas, where it will support subzero sorting and transportation of baking ingredients.

Junho Lee, Senior Vice President of Smart Logistics & City Business Division at LG CNS, said: “Our Mobile Shuttle operates effectively in both refrigerated and frozen environments, helping us expand the scope of logistics automation.”

He added: “We will continue to drive our global business expansion by leveraging our distinctive strengths in high-density, high-efficiency logistics operations.”

LG CNS unveiled the upgraded Mobile Shuttle at MODEX 2026 in Atlanta, North America’s largest logistics trade show.

The post LG CNS Targets Cold Chain Logistics with Warehouse Robot Built for Subzero Operations appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

ABB is investing approximately $75 million in India during 2026 to expand manufacturing and research and development capacity as the technology group scales production for electrification, automation and industrial infrastructure markets.

Manufacturing expansion targets critical growth sectors

The investment will support manufacturing and R&D expansion across five Indian locations and is expected to create more than 300 skilled jobs in engineering, operations and research.

ABB said the move builds on more than $35 million invested in India in 2025 and forms part of its wider “local-for-local” strategy, with approximately 85% of ABB’s products and solutions sold in India manufactured locally.

The investment will support growth across its Electrification, Motion and Automation businesses, targeting sectors including renewable energy, metro rail, high-speed rail, data centers and critical infrastructure.

“This investment in India is an important part of our strategy to support infrastructure build-out and growth in one of our fastest growing markets,” said Morten Wierod, ABB’s Chief Executive Officer.

“We are seeing strong demand driven by the country’s energy transition, grid modernization, data center development, and the rapid expansion of the metro and high-speed rail segments. Our expanded facilities will ensure we meet this demand while enhancing our capabilities to serve other markets in the region.”

Capacity increases planned across multiple manufacturing hubs

ABB’s investment programme includes significant expansion across several of its Indian production and engineering sites.

In Bengaluru, ABB is investing $14 million into its two Nelamangala campus facilities, where it plans to expand converter manufacturing and introduce new electrical protection and enclosure technologies. The company said the converter expansion will support India’s growing sustainable mobility sector, with ABB planning to expand its portfolio for high-speed rail and metro transportation over the next three to five years.

At Nelamangala Campus 2, ABB will scale production of uninterruptable power supply solutions tenfold, alongside dedicated R&D and expanded manufacturing for rectifiers, excitation and blending systems, and gas analyzer systems.

ABB is also investing $21 million into its Peenya operations to expand manufacturing for low-voltage drives and specialised motors, including flameproof motors, roller-table motors and smoke-venting motors. The site will also gain an innovation lab, remote monitoring and diagnostics capabilities, and upgraded training facilities.

In Nashik, ABB is investing $22 million to expand production of indoor and outdoor circuit breakers and enlarge its Vacuum Interrupter factory, while supporting localisation of 33kV Primary Gas Insulated Switchgear and SF6-free technologies by 2028.

ABB will also invest $6 million in Vadodara to expand manufacturing for slow-speed synchronous generators and induction motors, serving industries including metals, oil and gas, cement and wind.

R&D expansion strengthens local engineering capabilities

Alongside manufacturing, ABB is increasing its R&D footprint with a multi-phase laboratory and office expansion in Hyderabad.

It will invest $12 million in 2026 in the first phase of the Hyderabad expansion, including relocation to a 12,400+ sqm office and lab facility. A second phase will add a state-of-the-art High Power lab on ABB-owned land later in 2026.

India remains strategic manufacturing hub for ABB

ABB said it has invested more than $230 million in India over the past decade, reflecting the country’s growing importance within its global manufacturing footprint.

The company generated more than $1.5 billion in revenue in India in 2025, accounting for approximately 4% of ABB Group total revenue.

ABB currently employs more than 10,000 people in India and operates nearly 25 manufacturing, distribution and operating facilities, alongside five major R&D centres.

The post ABB Invests $75 Million in India to Expand Manufacturing and R&D Capacity appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

Amazon is moving deeper into satellite communications with plans to acquire Globalstar, a deal that will expand the capabilities of its Amazon Leo low Earth orbit satellite network and add direct-to-device (D2D) mobile connectivity services.

Expanding Amazon Leo into mobile

The agreement will give Amazon access to Globalstar’s satellite operations, infrastructure, radio frequency spectrum and mobile satellite services spectrum licenses, enabling the company to broaden Amazon Leo beyond broadband connectivity into mobile voice, text and data services.

Amazon said the acquisition will help mobile network operators extend connectivity beyond terrestrial cellular coverage, targeting customers in remote or underserved areas as well as those moving in and out of traditional network coverage.

“There are billions of customers out there living, traveling, and operating in places beyond the reach of existing networks, and we started Amazon Leo to help bridge that divide,” said Panos Panay, Senior Vice President of Devices & Services, Amazon.

“By combining Globalstar’s proven expertise and strong foundation with Amazon’s customer-obsession and innovation, customers can expect faster, more reliable service in more places—keeping them connected to the people and things that matter most.”

Direct-to-device launch planned from 2028

Amazon said it will begin deploying its own next-generation D2D satellite system in 2028, allowing the company to deliver voice, messaging and data services directly to mobile phones and other cellular devices.

According to Amazon, the Leo D2D system will provide “substantially higher spectrum use and efficiency than legacy direct-to-cell systems,” which it says will translate into faster speeds and improved customer performance.

The D2D platform will integrate with Amazon’s first- and second-generation Leo satellite systems as part of what the company described as a “powerful, unified network” combining fixed and mobile satellite services.

The full Amazon Leo network will ultimately include thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit and support hundreds of millions of customer endpoints globally.

Apple signs on for satellite connectivity partnership

Alongside the acquisition, Amazon and Apple have entered into an agreement for Amazon Leo to power satellite services for supported iPhone and Apple Watch models.

The agreement will allow Amazon to continue supporting Apple’s current satellite-enabled services, including Emergency SOS via satellite, messaging, roadside assistance and location-sharing capabilities.

“Apple and Amazon have a long and proven track record of working together through Amazon’s core infrastructure services, and we look forward to building on that collaboration with Amazon Leo,” said Greg Joswiak, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Product Marketing, Apple.

“This ensures our users will continue to have access to the vital satellite features they have come to rely on, including Emergency SOS, Messages, Find My, and Roadside Assistance via satellite, so they can stay safe and connected while off the grid.”

Strategic expansion of Amazon’s connectivity platform

Globalstar brings more than satellite assets to the transaction, with Amazon highlighting the company’s expertise in non-geostationary orbit satellites, direct-to-device technology, and critical and emergency communications.

“We have long believed low Earth orbit satellite constellations offer the most effective path to truly connect users and devices anywhere and anytime,” said Paul Jacobs, CEO, Globalstar.

“The combination with Amazon Leo will advance innovations in digital connectivity that will benefit our customers and advance us toward a more intelligent, continuously connected world.”

Amazon said the deal supports its broader long-term strategy to deliver space-based connectivity at scale, with plans to work alongside mobile network operators and additional partners.

Broader implications for telecoms and enterprise markets

Amazon said the combined platform will strengthen resilience for communications infrastructure, particularly in scenarios where terrestrial networks are disrupted during natural disasters or emergencies.

The company also positioned the expansion as a growth opportunity for enterprise and industrial markets, including IoT applications, fleets, supply chains and remote workforce connectivity, where terrestrial network limitations remain a barrier.

The transaction is expected to close in 2027, subject to regulatory approvals and other closing conditions.

The post Amazon Expands Leo Satellite Ambitions with Globalstar Acquisition to Add Direct-to-Device Connectivity appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

Hyundai Motor Company has announced the deployment of the first XCIENT Fuel Cell Class-8 heavy-duty truck fleet in South America, intending to advance low-carbon freight solutions.

BRINGING HYDROGEN FUEL CELL TRUCKS TO NORTH AMERICA  

Reinforcing its leadership in zero tailpipe emissions vehicles, Hyundai Motor Company (Hyundai) is set to launch XCIENT Fuel Cell Class 8 heavy-duty truck fleet of eight vehicles in Uruguay, marking South America’s first fleet operation of hydrogen fuel cell electric heavy-duty trucks.  

Hyundai’s deployment of the XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks supports the Kahirós Project, a local initiative aimed at decarbonising timber logistics through the development and use of green hydrogen infrastructure. 

Key milestones of the operation in Uruguay include it being the first deployment of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks for commercial operation, rather than demonstration, in South America.  

Hyundai’s participation in the Kahirós Project, alongside Uruguayan consortium partners Fidocar, Fraylog, and Ventus, and backed by investment from Santander Group, demonstrates a commitment to reducing carbon emissions in local freight transport and accelerating zero tailpipe emissions logistics.  

THE KAHIRÓS PROJECT 

The Kahirós Project is designed to decarbonise timber logistics in Uruguay by using green hydrogen produced from renewable sources to power hydrogen fuel cell trucks. 

The South American country has embraced renewable energy, generating 99 percent of its electricity from renewable sources in 2024, according to the country’s Ministry of Industry, Energy, and Mining.  

Within this framework, the Kahirós Project aims to achieve decarbonisation in local operations, including the deployment of XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks over a 10-year period. 

Kahirós Associates, the organisation behind the project, is a joint venture between Ventus (energy), Fraylog (logistics), and Fidocar, Hyundai’s local distributor. The initiative is supported by a USD$40 million investment from Santander Group, alongside backing from the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank and the United Nations’ Renewable Energy Innovation Fund. 

As part of the project, a 4.8-megawatt solar facility will be developed, alongside an electrolysis plant capable of producing 77 tons of green hydrogen annually. Operations are expected to commence in November 2026. 

Under normal operating conditions, the core fleet of six trucks is projected to cover close to one million kilometres (km) each year. Hyundai will also supply two additional tractor units to provide operational support and explore further expansion opportunities, bringing the total fleet to eight vehicles. 

SUPPORTING SUSTAINABLE MOBILITY IN SOUTH AMERICA 

Uruguay’s adoption of hydrogen-powered heavy-duty trucks for routine use represents a first for the region and lays the groundwork for broader hydrogen production and refuelling infrastructure.  

This development establishes a new benchmark for sustainable logistics across Central and South America and highlights Hyundai’s focus on practical decarbonisation solutions. 

To ensure efficient implementation, Hyundai and Fidocar have deployed a dedicated aftersales team to train Kahirós personnel in maintenance and operational best practices. 

“From the Kahirós team, we value the opportunity to contribute to the decarbonisation of freight transport in Uruguay, and we are committed to ensuring that this project becomes a pilot that sets the course for more actions at both the national and global levels, contributing to the efforts to position our country as a hub in this field,” comments Juan Andrés Chick, Kahirós Project Director.  

“At Hyundai, we are committed to creating sustainable transportation solutions. Our Hyundai XCIENT trucks with hydrogen fuel cells supporting the Kahirós Project produce no tailpipe emissions and offer a lower-carbon alternative to traditional freight logistics methods.  

“We will help decarbonise a critical part of the paper production value chain and demonstrate to the world that we can take action for a better future starting now,” adds Airton Cousseau, President & CEO of Hyundai Motor Brazil and Hyundai Motor Central and South America Region.  

“It is meaningful that Hyundai expands its global leadership in clean mobility towards South America with its advanced hydrogen fuel cell technology in addition to its proven applications in North America and Europe.  

At Hyundai, we aim to contribute to building a sustainable and safe freight ecosystem through hydrogen-powered commercial vehicles. Our partnership with Kahirós Associates has strengthened our devotion to innovation and commitment to sustainability as we share a vision for the future,” comments Chul Youn Park, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Commercial Vehicle and Light Commercial Vehicle Business Division at Hyundai.  

KEY FEATURES OF THE XCIENT FUEL CELL TRUCK 

• Hydrogen fuel cell system – Delivers a combined output of 180 kilowatts (kW) via two 90 kW fuel cell stacks.  

• Performance – Equipped with a 350 kW (469 horse power) electric motor generating 2,237 newton-metre of torque for demanding freight applications.  

• Energy capacity – Features 10 hydrogen tanks with a total capacity of 68 kilogrammes, supported by a 72 kW per hour battery.  

• Driving range – Capable of travelling up to 450 miles (approximately 720 km) under optimal conditions.  

• Heavy-duty specification – Class 8 tractor configuration with a gross combined weight of up to 82,000 lbs.  

Collectively, these capabilities support long-distance transport with zero tailpipe emissions. 

HYUNDAI’S BROADER HYDROGEN STRATEGY 

Hyundai continues to scale its global hydrogen ecosystem through deployments in key markets, with Uruguay now joining established operations in North America and Europe. 

Key milestones include: 

• North America – 63 XCIENT Fuel Cell trucks have collectively exceeded approximately 1.6 million km since entering service in 2023.  

• Europe – 165 trucks operating across Switzerland, Germany, France, the Netherlands, and Austria have surpassed 20 million km since their introduction in 2020.  

Through these initiatives, Hyundai is demonstrating the viability of hydrogen-powered transport across multiple applications.  

Supporting this approach, Hyundai Motor Group’s hydrogen platform, HTWO, provides end-to-end solutions across the value chain, fostering collaboration, investment, and innovation.

The post Hyundai Motor Company Launches XCIENT Fuel Cell Truck Fleet in Uruguay appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

New PwC 2026 AI Performance Study finds leading businesses are using AI for growth rather than just productivity.

PwC’s 2026 AI Performance Study

A small group of businesses is capturing the majority of artificial intelligence’s economic benefits, according to new research from PwC, highlighting a widening gap between AI leaders and the rest of the market.

PwC’s 2026 AI Performance Study found that 74% of AI’s economic value is being captured by just 20% of organisations, suggesting that while many businesses are investing in AI, only a minority are translating those efforts into measurable financial returns.

The global study surveyed 1,217 senior executives across 25 sectors, focusing on the revenue and efficiency gains businesses are achieving from AI and how organisations are deploying the technology.

AI leaders are prioritising growth over efficiency

According to PwC, the companies seeing the strongest returns are using AI as more than a productivity tool.

Rather than focusing solely on cost reduction, top-performing organisations are using AI to drive growth, pursue new revenue streams and reinvent their business models.

The study found that leading companies are:

• 2.6 times more likely than peers to report that AI improves their ability to reinvent their business model
• Two to three times more likely to use AI to identify and pursue growth opportunities linked to industry convergence

PwC said that identifying growth opportunities from industry convergence is the single strongest factor influencing AI-driven financial performance.

“Many companies are busy rolling out AI pilots, but only a minority are converting that activity into measurable financial returns. The leaders stand out because they point AI at growth, not just cost reduction, and back that ambition with the foundations that make AI scalable and reliable,” said Joe Atkinson, Global Chief AI Officer, PwC.

Workflow redesign is key to stronger AI performance

The study found that leading organisations are also taking a more integrated approach to deployment.

Companies generating the strongest AI returns are twice as likely to redesign workflows around AI, rather than simply layering AI tools onto existing processes.

This suggests that business transformation, rather than isolated experimentation, is playing a critical role in achieving AI-related gains.

Automation is increasing across leading businesses

PwC’s research indicates that AI leaders are also adopting more advanced forms of automation.

Companies with the best AI-driven financial outcomes are:

• 1.8 times more likely to use AI to execute multiple tasks within guardrails
• 1.9 times more likely to operate AI in autonomous, self-optimising ways
• 2.8 times more likely to have increased the number of decisions made without human intervention

The findings suggest that businesses generating the greatest value from AI are moving beyond experimentation toward broader operational automation.

Governance and trust underpin AI success

The report also found that stronger governance frameworks are helping leading companies scale AI more effectively.

Compared with peers, AI leaders are:

• 1.7 times more likely to have a Responsible AI framework
• 1.5 times more likely to have a cross-functional AI governance board

As a result, employees at these organisations are twice as likely to trust AI outputs.

Gap between AI leaders and laggards may continue to widen

PwC warns that businesses failing to adapt their AI strategies risk falling further behind.

The firm said the divide between leaders and laggards is likely to grow as advanced adopters continue scaling proven AI use cases, learning faster and automating more decisions safely.

The findings suggest that future competitive advantage may increasingly depend not just on adopting AI, but on deploying it strategically across growth, operations and governance.

The post PwC: Why Most AI Value is Going to Just 20% of Companies appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.

Certified recycled copper from e-waste enters PC manufacturing supply chain after partnership between Mint Innovation and HP.

Addressing the global e-waste challenge

Mint Innovation has achieved an industry first in partnership with HP Inc., producing a certified batch of closed-loop recycled copper derived from electronic waste and reintroduced into new computer products.

The milestone validates Mint’s proprietary biosorption technology, which recovers high-purity copper from end-of-life printed circuit boards (PCBs) and enables its reuse in HP devices, including the HP EliteBook X G2 Series laptops and HP EliteBoard G1a Next Gen AI PC.

The development comes amid a growing global e-waste crisis. According to the United Nations, 62 million tonnes of e-waste are generated annually, with projections reaching 82 million tonnes by 2030. Less than a quarter is formally recycled.

Traditional recycling methods such as smelting remain energy intensive and often destroy valuable materials during processing.

Biosorption technology enables low-carbon metal recovery

Mint Innovation’s process offers an alternative approach, using chemistry and patented biosorption technology to recover and refine metals locally.

During the validation phase at the company’s Sydney facility, HP’s electronic waste was processed into high-purity copper sheets. The recovered material was independently certified by TÜV Rheinland.

“We are the only company in the world capable of tracing individual batches of metal from the waste pile back to the new product at commercial scale, a level of transparency that traditional smelting simply cannot provide,” said Matt Bedingfield, President of Mint Innovation. “This collaboration with HP is more than just recycling; it is a blueprint for the future of supply chain security. We have proven that critical metals can be recovered, certified, and reused locally, eliminating the need to ship waste halfway across the world.”

Certification brings traceability to recycled materials

A key outcome of the collaboration is third-party validation of traceability and quality across the recycling process.

An independent audit by TÜV Rheinland confirmed that Mint’s recovered copper meets chain-of-custody and quality requirements under ISO 14021, EN 15343 and ISO 22095 standards.

This addresses a longstanding challenge in the electronics sector: verifying the origin and performance of recycled materials at scale.

Enabling circular manufacturing at scale

As part of the project, HP supplied representative e-waste materials and worked across its supply chain to support traceability and testing.

The collaboration provides a framework for integrating certified recycled materials into future manufacturing programs.

“We’re focused on finding practical ways to increase the use of recycled materials in our products, and that starts with the ability to verify where materials come from and how they perform,” said Stacy Wolff, Senior Vice President of Design & Sustainability, HP Inc. “Independent certification like Mint’s innovative process helps validate what’s possible and builds confidence as circular manufacturing continues to scale.”

New business models for recycled materials

Mint’s batch-processing capability also enables a service-based approach to resource recovery, described as “Recycled Metal as a Service” (RMaaS).

This model allows manufacturers to retain ownership of critical materials throughout the recycling process, supporting supply chain resilience and resource security.

Expansion plans support regional supply chains

Following the successful validation in Sydney, Mint Innovation is expanding its commercial footprint internationally.

The company is developing its first U.S. commercial facility in Longview, Texas, with operations scheduled to begin in 2027. The site is intended to support North American customers and improve domestic access to recovered critical materials.

A step toward traceable, low-carbon supply chains

The collaboration between Mint Innovation and HP demonstrates how certified recycling technologies can support circular supply chains while addressing material traceability and sustainability challenges.

By combining local processing, third-party certification and integration into manufacturing, the initiative highlights a pathway for scaling closed-loop material systems in the electronics industry.

The post HP & Mint Innovation: Closed-Loop Copper Recycling Reaches Commercial Milestone appeared first on APAC Outlook Magazine.