Skip to content
AllAI & MLRoboticsAutonomy3D PrintingElectrificationSafetyWorkforceMaterialsEDITOR'S PICKWEEKLY DISPATCH

A Low-Power Path to Mars Radiation Shielding Made With Innovative 3D Printed Basalt Structures
3D Printing Industry·May 12, 2026

A Low-Power Path to Mars Radiation Shielding Made With Innovative 3D Printed Basalt Structures

AAKA Space Studio 3D printed a radiation shield using basalt-based materials engineered to match Martian soil composition, demonstrating the technology at an analog space mission in Gujarat. The innovation shows how additive manufacturing techniques can create low-power protective structures for extraterrestrial construction applications.

3D PrintingMaterials
RLWRLD releases RLDX-1, a dexterity-first foundation model for robot hands
Robotics Business Review·May 11, 2026

RLWRLD releases RLDX-1, a dexterity-first foundation model for robot hands

RLWRLD introduced RLDX-1, a foundation model designed specifically for robotic hands that prioritizes dexterity and fine motor control. The model incorporates capabilities like context memorization and force sensing that are typically absent from existing robotics models.

AI & MLRobotics
Why the Smartest Risk Decisions Happen Before Construction Starts
Autodesk Construction Cloud Blog·May 11, 2026

Why the Smartest Risk Decisions Happen Before Construction Starts

Most construction risk management focuses on jobsite execution like scheduling and logistics, but the biggest risks are actually locked in before construction even starts. Smart teams identify and mitigate major risks during pre-construction planning to avoid costly problems down the line.

Loftness Debuts New Kwik Fall Tree Saw and Stone Ax Crusher for Skid Steers
Equipment World·May 11, 2026

Loftness Debuts New Kwik Fall Tree Saw and Stone Ax Crusher for Skid Steers

Loftness has introduced two new skid steer attachments: the Kwik Fall Tree Saw for cutting trees up to 14 inches in diameter, and the Stone Ax Crusher for processing stones up to 6 inches. These tools expand the versatility of skid steers for land clearing and site preparation work.

Materials
DMG MORI launches LASERTEC 65 DED hybrid 2 for additive and subtractive metal manufacturing
3D Printing Industry·May 11, 2026

DMG MORI launches LASERTEC 65 DED hybrid 2 for additive and subtractive metal manufacturing

DMG MORI has released the LASERTEC 65 DED hybrid 2, a production machine that combines metal 3D printing (directed energy deposition) with 5-axis machining and measurement capabilities in one tool. The second-generation system allows manufacturers to build and finish metal parts without moving them between machines, reducing setup time and improving precision.

3D Printing
Lawsuit Seeks $35M After Teen Worker Crushed to Death by Wheel Loader
Equipment World·May 11, 2026

Lawsuit Seeks $35M After Teen Worker Crushed to Death by Wheel Loader

A teenage construction worker was fatally struck by a wheel loader during a summer job, leading to a $35 million lawsuit. The incident occurred weeks before the worker was set to begin college.

Workforce
The MEP Data That AI Cannot Work Without
AEC Business·May 11, 2026

The MEP Data That AI Cannot Work Without

MEP (mechanical, electrical, plumbing) data represents a significant portion of building construction costs and requires standardization to enable effective procurement and AI integration. Standardized product data is essential for AI systems to function properly in the construction industry.

AI & ML
Kioti Expands CS30 Tractor Line with New Open-Air Models
Equipment World·May 11, 2026

Kioti Expands CS30 Tractor Line with New Open-Air Models

Kioti introduced two new open-air tractor models, the CS2230 and CS2530, designed for compact jobsites with 24.5 horsepower and flexible attachment options. These additions expand the CS30 line to offer contractors more versatility for tight working spaces.

Nonresidential Construction Spending Down Again in March
Construction Executive·May 11, 2026

Nonresidential Construction Spending Down Again in March

Nonresidential construction spending declined again in March, continuing a downward trend across multiple construction-related sectors. The slowdown signals ongoing challenges in the commercial and industrial building markets.

Workforce
Industry Roundup: Manitou President & CEO Retires, Replaced by CNH Exec
Equipment World·May 11, 2026

Industry Roundup: Manitou President & CEO Retires, Replaced by CNH Exec

Manitou Group appointed Sylvain Blaise as its new President & CEO, bringing over 20 years of experience from CNH Industrial. The roundup also highlights dealer awards for Gradall and Takeuchi, plus news on a new BOMAG product.

Workforce
Lockheed Martin Scales LPBF for Thermal Management Parts in Hypersonic and Aircraft Systems
3D Printing Industry·May 11, 2026

Lockheed Martin Scales LPBF for Thermal Management Parts in Hypersonic and Aircraft Systems

Lockheed Martin is scaling laser powder-bed fusion technology to manufacture thermal management parts for advanced aircraft and hypersonic systems more quickly. The advancement strengthens supply chain resilience while reducing production timelines for next-generation defense and aerospace platforms.

3D Printing
New Hexagon, RodRadar Tech Stops Excavator Bucket Before Striking Utilities
Equipment World·May 11, 2026

New Hexagon, RodRadar Tech Stops Excavator Bucket Before Striking Utilities

Hexagon and RodRadar have developed an AI-powered system that detects buried utilities in real time and automatically halts excavator buckets to prevent strikes. The technology integrates with excavators to add an automated safety layer that protects workers and infrastructure on job sites.

AI & MLAutonomy
Evaporation-Driven Droplet Fission Study Points to Nanoscale Fabrication Potential
3D Printing Industry·May 11, 2026

Evaporation-Driven Droplet Fission Study Points to Nanoscale Fabrication Potential

Researchers discovered that evaporating water droplets from pipetting can build up electrical charge and split apart through Coulomb forces, revealing a natural nanoscale fabrication mechanism. This evaporation-driven fission process could enable new methods for creating precise microscopic structures and materials at the nanoscale level.

3D PrintingMaterials
How to engineer robot tracks and 7th axis systems for real-world environments
Robotics Business Review·May 10, 2026

How to engineer robot tracks and 7th axis systems for real-world environments

Güdel experts explain how to design robot tracks and 7th axis linear motion systems that perform reliably in harsh, dirty construction environments. Proper engineering of these components is essential for mobile robots to function effectively on real job sites.

RoboticsAutonomy
Meteor Inkjet receives King’s Award for Enterprise
3D Printing Industry·May 11, 2026

Meteor Inkjet receives King’s Award for Enterprise

Meteor Inkjet, a Cambridge-based maker of industrial inkjet printhead driving solutions, won a King's Award for Enterprise in recognition of sustainable development. The company was among 36 UK organizations honored this year for commercially successful products that meet environmental standards.

Materials
WEEKLY DISPATCH
Cognex releases fully integrated AI-powered vision system for robotics
Robotics Business Review·May 9, 2026

Cognex releases fully integrated AI-powered vision system for robotics

Cognex has introduced a new vision system that integrates AI, advanced computing, and traditional vision tools specifically designed for robotic applications. The unified platform combines edge AI processing with high-performance embedded compute to deliver real-time visual intelligence for construction robots.

AI & MLRobotics
3D Printed Silicone Lattice Mixes Antifungal Resistance with Vibration Isolation
3D Printing Industry·May 11, 2026

3D Printed Silicone Lattice Mixes Antifungal Resistance with Vibration Isolation

Researchers have developed a 3D printed silicone rubber lattice that combines antifungal properties with vibration isolation capabilities for construction applications. The material resists fungal growth while absorbing vibration and repetitive stress, offering potential benefits for equipment mounting and structural isolation in building systems.

3D PrintingMaterials
WEEKLY DISPATCH
Why traditional robotics data collection is obsolete and what replaces it
Robotics Business Review·May 8, 2026

Why traditional robotics data collection is obsolete and what replaces it

Rhoda AI is replacing traditional robotics data collection methods with an approach that leverages video data to train robots more efficiently and at scale. This shift makes robotic systems cheaper and faster to deploy on job sites by eliminating the need for manual, time-consuming data collection processes.

AI & MLRobotics
WEEKLY DISPATCH
New Framework Could Standardize 3D Printed Construction in Earthquake Zones
3D Printing Industry·May 11, 2026

New Framework Could Standardize 3D Printed Construction in Earthquake Zones

Researchers at IIT Guwahati have successfully tested full-scale 3D printed concrete walls under simulated earthquake conditions and created a validated design framework for seismic applications. The findings, published in the Journal of Building Engineering, provide a standardized approach for using 3D printed construction in earthquake-prone zones.

3D PrintingMaterials
Learn how to successfully design hospital logistics robots at the Robotics Summit
Robotics Business Review·May 8, 2026

Learn how to successfully design hospital logistics robots at the Robotics Summit

Experts from Rovex Technologies, SKA Robotics, and ST Engineering Aethon will share design best practices for hospital logistics robots at the Robotics Summit. The session covers key considerations for deploying robotic systems in healthcare facility operations.

RoboticsAutonomy
Researchers develop sub-second volumetric 3D printing method using holographic light fields
3D Printing Industry·May 11, 2026

Researchers develop sub-second volumetric 3D printing method using holographic light fields

Researchers at Tsinghua University have developed a volumetric 3D printing method called DISH that can produce millimeter-scale polymer structures in under one second using holographically optimized light projections. This breakthrough in additive manufacturing could significantly accelerate production timelines for custom building components and on-site fabrication.

3D Printing
Nyobolt raises funding to bring fast charging to more robots
Robotics Business Review·May 8, 2026

Nyobolt raises funding to bring fast charging to more robots

Nyobolt has secured funding to expand its fast-charging power systems for robots, with revenue growing fivefold year over year. The company's high-efficiency batteries enable construction robots to work longer and perform better on job sites.

RoboticsElectrification
RAPID + TCT 2026: HP’s New MJF 1200 and Multi-Platform Updates
3D Printing Industry·May 8, 2026

RAPID + TCT 2026: HP’s New MJF 1200 and Multi-Platform Updates

HP announced the MJF 1200, its smallest Multi Jet Fusion 3D printer yet, at RAPID + TCT 2026, designed to bring additive manufacturing to a broader range of construction and manufacturing applications. The company also unveiled updates across its polymer and metal 3D printing platforms to expand capabilities across its product lineup.

3D Printing
How coupling stiffness and misalignment compensation impact servo performance
Robotics Business Review·May 8, 2026

How coupling stiffness and misalignment compensation impact servo performance

Servo couplings are mechanical components that connect equipment while adjusting for misalignment and providing the torsional stiffness needed for precise motion control. Proper coupling selection directly impacts the responsiveness and accuracy of servo-driven systems on job sites.

Robotics