Global Scans · Manufacturing · Weekly Summary

• [New] The S. Korean government will launch a ~ $688M K-on-device AI semiconductor development project, starting next month, to create roughly 10 AI chips for applications from autonomous vehicles to robots. Semiconductor Engineering
• [New] Samsung Electronics will join its new $5 B EPIC Center in Silicon Valley, a collaborative R&D facility designed to accelerate materials and process innovation. Semiconductor Engineering
• [New] U.S. lawmakers are urging tighter export controls on advanced semiconductor manufacturing equipment (SME) to China, warning existing loopholes threaten national security. Semiconductor Engineering
• [New] Applied Materials told investors it expects continued strength tied to AI-related semiconductor spending, a key read-through for the broader chip-equipment stack that feeds Nvidia-era demand. Tech Startups - Tech News, Tech Trends & Startup Fundin
• [New] In 2026, automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals and defence manufacturing will remain core focal points for both strategic and financial investors. Passle
• [New] Japanese corporates have already made sizeable commitments to Indian manufacturing capabilities, and export-oriented production is on track to support India's ambition of $1trn in manufacturing exports by 2030. Passle
• [New] In 2026, more factories will adopt intelligent automation to streamline production, reduce human error, and increase throughput. Mayco
• [New] With over 90% of Canadian-made vehicles and 60% of Canadian-made parts exported to the United States, U.S. automotive tariffs are threatening Canada's automotive manufacturing industry and the 125,000 direct jobs it supports. Prime Minister of Canada
• [New] The manufacturing sector's ability to strengthen supply chain resilience will be central to maintaining output in the year ahead. Manufacturing Management
• [New] OECD research into semiconductor value chains demonstrates how concentrated production and complex upstream dependencies create risks, even for well-managed procurement teams. Manufacturing Management
• [New] Instead of simply reporting past activity, 2026 longevity devices use AI and machine learning to forecast health trends, detect early warning signals, and recommend proactive adjustments. bleo
• [New] Looking beyond 2026, longevity gadgets will likely integrate nanotechnology sensors, hydration tracking at cellular precision, blood pressure modeling through optical signals, and cognitive fatigue detection via neural biomarkers. bleo
• [New] By 2026, adaptable robots will help organizations cope with the constant variability that has become part of modern manufacturing. Default
• [New] Smart automation solutions will drive greater efficiencies and scale in manufacturing at Thales' largest Cyber & Digital Manufacturing Competence Centre in Singapore. French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
• [New] Three Memorandums of Understanding signed with the Singapore Economic Development Board during the Singapore Airshow 2026 will strengthen Thales' capabilities in AI, cloud, edge computing, data engineering and manufacturing in Singapore. French Chamber of Commerce in Singapore
• [New] The landscape of manufacturing logistics is expected to continue transforming in 2026. Ryder Website
• [New] Recognising that future demand for critical minerals cannot be met by domestic production alone, the UK will aim to deliver diversification by developing international growth partnerships with resource-rich countries and technology partners to secure the long-term supply of critical minerals. JD Supra

Last updated: 15 February 2026