Electrek reports Volkswagen-backed solid-state battery programs have moved into on-vehicle testing, signaling a transition from lab validation to integration-phase manufacturing readiness work.

Rivian published a manufacturing-focused R2 update describing plant technology, process controls, and quality execution priorities as it prepares for higher-volume output.

Electrek reports Factorial signed a strategic manufacturing partnership with Korea''s Philenergy to accelerate scale-up of its Solstice all-solid-state battery platform, a key production step as the company targets commercialization with OEM partners including Mercedes-Benz and Stellantis.

Electrek reports Ganfeng Lithium, the world's largest lithium metal producer (45% global market share), has begun mass-producing semi-solid-state batteries with 400-650 Wh/kg energy density using a zero-strain lithium alloy anode and sulfur cathode; the technology passed nail penetration and 250°C heating tests, initially targeting non-automotive applications before EV integration.

CEER says it signed 16 agreements valued at 3.7 billion riyals to localize electric-vehicle manufacturing in Saudi Arabia, indicating continued regional investment in EV industrial capacity.

Toyota Motor Europe announced a new circular-factory operation in Walbrzych, Poland to process end-of-life vehicles, adding industrial-scale remanufacturing and materials-recovery capacity to its regional manufacturing network.

Quality Magazine reports growing adoption of fixed-portal and moving-table CMM configurations for shopfloor inspection, citing improved environmental robustness and repeatable throughput in production settings.

Stellantis reported FY2025 results alongside a 2026 execution plan centered on broader EV, hybrid, and ICE coverage by region, positioning its manufacturing footprint for volume recovery and improved profitability after 2025 disruptions.

A case-style report details a proof-of-concept using Techman Robot's TM AI+ with industrial imaging hardware to detect subtle "fuzz" defects on cylindrical yarn rolls, emphasizing negative-sample mining (Auto AI Training) and mechanical rotation to keep defects in focus.

Airbus announced Air Astana Group signed a firm order for 25 A320neo Family aircraft, extending near-term commercial-aircraft production visibility and supplier demand across the narrowbody ecosystem.

Airbus reported 793 commercial aircraft deliveries in 2025, a record backlog of 8,754 aircraft, and issued 2026 guidance while continuing production ramp plans under persistent engine and supply-chain constraints.

AeroNews Journal reports Airbus raised its 2026 delivery forecast to approximately 870 aircraft, a 10% increase over 793 delivered in 2025 and surpassing the pre-pandemic high of 863 in 2019; the company plans to stabilize A320neo narrowbody production at 70-75 aircraft per month by end of 2026, supported by an order backlog exceeding 8,700 aircraft despite ongoing supply chain and engine availability challenges.

Defense Daily reports Mach Industries and Divergent Technologies rapidly prototyped a jet-powered Venom flight demonstrator from design start to flight test in 71 days using digital manufacturing and additive production of monolithic 3D-printed aluminum structures, showcasing hardware development at software speed for defense applications.

A write-up on Loughborough University's AVRRC research describes using multi-spectral sensing plus AI training techniques (including synthetic anomaly generation) to augment stringent human inspection during wing build and in-service checks, aiming to scale inspection without relaxing tolerances.

An overview of GE Aerospace's AI-guided "white light" robotic inspection in MRO highlights standardized scan capture, anomaly scoring, and persistent digital records to reduce inspector-to-inspector variation and free human expertise for disposition decisions.

Measurement Solutions outlined MACH 2026 demonstrations spanning industrial metrology automation, defense MRO, aerospace, and automotive with emphasis on READY shopfloor CMM, CT scanning, and robotic integration linked to LK group priorities.

The 2026 MBE and QIF Summit announcement highlights industry-government collaboration on model-based quality information frameworks and practical implementation lessons across engineering, manufacturing, and inspection workflows.

Mastercam announced 2026.R2 as its next major release, introducing a semiannual update model, GPU-accelerated simulation claims, expanded multiaxis toolpath controls, Blum digital laser tool-center probing integration, and first official rollout of Mastercam Copilot for AI-assisted workflow support.

Metrology News reports Verisurf 2026 introduces numerous new features and workflow improvements designed to help manufacturers reduce costs, save time, and enhance repeatable process control across all stages of digital manufacturing; by embedding metrology into the digital workflow, manufacturers gain faster inspection with greater visibility, repeatability, and control of their entire production process.

3D Printing Industry reports Hexagon introduced a portable HYPERSCAN 3D scanner certified to VDI/VDE 2634-3 and validated by ISO 17025 accredited laboratory, eliminating reference targets that typically add 15-30 minutes per setup; the system operates in handheld or robotic configurations, integrates with PC-DMIS, Inspire, and SpatialAnalyzer, and supports components up to 7 metres with Wi-Fi 6/7 and integrated battery for shopfloor deployment.

Measurement Solutions Ltd announced official UK distribution appointment for READY Metrology (manufactured at Coord3's Italy facility), expanding its portfolio into production-focused CMM and CT inspection systems; the READY RUN series features prismatic guideways without air bearings, linear motors, no clean room requirement, setup under 2 hours, and full front table extraction for robotic integration.

Ready Metrology (LK Metrology holding group) introduced its Run line of CMMs engineered for metrology-grade precision directly on the shopfloor, featuring linear motor technology for maintenance-free operation, Easy Runner single-touch interface, barcode-driven program switching, and robotic integration support for automated inspection cells.

Metrology News reports Applied Automation Technologies (AAT3D) announced CAPPS 2026, the most advanced version of its CNC and metrology software suite, continuing its on-machine metrology and adaptive manufacturing platform for automated quality control in production environments.

M&MT coverage of LK Metrology's MACH 2026 plans says CAMIO 2026 R2 is the first official release with full Renishaw REVO support, adding synchronized CMM/probe-head motion and multi-sensor workflow integration for faster 5-axis inspection programming.

ZEISS PiWeb 2026 R1 release notes call out direct visualization of additional measurement-result context in CAD views, server-side template management refinements, and AI-assisted report translation features. The update also emphasizes notification customization and usability improvements for cross-team quality-data workflows.

A new Hexagon case study describes workflow consolidation around WORKNC, ESPRIT EDGE, and VISI to reduce CAD/CAM fragmentation and improve digital continuity between design and manufacturing. The report highlights practical effects on programming reliability, quotation speed, and shop-floor communication in a high-precision mouldmaking environment.

Metrology News outlines how multi-sensor CMM strategies and software orchestration are being used to improve inspection flexibility, feature coverage, and reporting consistency in advanced manufacturing environments.

NCWMs 2026 National Weights and Measures Week announcement highlights the continuing role of consensus standards, regulator-industry coordination, and NIST-linked metrology practices in maintaining measurement trust across increasingly complex markets.

LK Metrology announced a new CMM measurement services department at its North American Tech Center, combining multi-sensor CMM capacity, consultancy, and ISO 17025-certified calibration-backed operations to expand contract metrology support for aerospace, automotive, medical, and defense manufacturers.

NIST’s CAISI and ITL released AI 800-3, formalizing benchmark versus generalized accuracy and promoting generalized linear mixed models to improve uncertainty treatment and decision quality in AI performance measurement, extending core metrology principles into AI evaluation practice.

NIST announced that the International Network for Advanced AI Measurement, Evaluation, and Science published consensus practices and open technical questions for automated AI evaluations, extending measurement-science frameworks for AI capability, reliability, and standards alignment across ten participating jurisdictions.

Metrology News reports SHINING 3D introduced two new industrial metrology systems: OptimScan Q9 (fixed blue LED scanner with 0.005mm accuracy, VDI/VDE 2634 and ISO 10360 certified for aerospace/electronics) and FreeScan Omni Lite (handheld mobile scanner for large-scale on-site inspection); both maintain industrial-grade measurement integrity with consistent software capability and support across the portfolio.

MTDCNC reports Renishaw introduced the AGILITY Coordinate Measuring Machine featuring 5-axis REVO technology designed to enhance throughput and flexibility on the manufacturing shopfloor; the system streamlines multiple measurement tasks on a single platform, accesses previously unreachable features, minimizes part handling delays, and operates close to the point of manufacture to reduce transport-related errors.

NIST announced Phase II SBIR awards totaling $3.19 million to eight small businesses for R&D in AI, medical diagnostics, biotechnology, semiconductors, and quantum technologies, including projects for SEM simulation improvements and SWIR hyperspectral imaging with AI for biopharmaceutical cell culture monitoring.

Modern Machine Shop reports LK Metrology's L100NX laser scanner employs 450nm blue laser technology with 4th-generation ESP (enhanced sensor performance) that intelligently adjusts laser power across 2,000 points, enabling measurement of multi-material assemblies and shiny surfaces without preparation at up to 530,000 points per second with 110mm stripe width.

Quality Magazine reports LK introduced the COREX 250 industrial CT platform (via Ready Metrology) with a 230 mm cube work volume and short scan cycles aimed at near-line non-destructive metrology, reflecting continued migration of volumetric inspection from labs to production environments.

NIST describes how certified reference materials are being extended into space-based research workflows, emphasizing traceability and standards infrastructure as low-Earth-orbit experimentation and manufacturing activity increase.

LK announced MAXIMA and MAXIMA R bridge CMM ranges targeting large, heavy components, with stated measurement volumes from 12 m³ to 72 m³ and probe-head readiness spanning PH10MQ, REVO2, and SP80 configurations. The twin-rail variant is positioned for floor-level loading and automated transfer integration in heavy-industry workflows.

A standards-focused post outlines applying ASME Y14.49 supplemental specification framing to separate functional flatness from fine texture content using wavelength-based filtering, with an example for large granite surface plates. The article provides a concrete standards-to-method bridge for reducing ambiguity and measurement burden in practical GD&T implementation.