Latest news with #AMPC
Korea Herald
a day ago
- Automotive
- Korea Herald
Posco Future M starts supply of Korea-made battery precursors to US Ultium Cells
Posco Future M completed its first shipment of Korean-made cathode materials to the US for Ultium Cells — a battery joint venture between LG Energy Solution and General Motors — qualifying the batteries for US electric vehicle energy tax credits. Cathode materials are a key component of EV batteries, directly influencing the cells' overall capacity, energy density and safety. This milestone marks the first time cathode materials, previously heavily reliant on China, have been manufactured entirely with Korean-sourced materials. High-nickel, cobalt, manganese and aluminum cathode materials are known for high energy density and output. Although details on the supply volume remain undisclosed, the NCMA materials will be used in high-performance EV batteries manufactured by Ultium Cells to target the US, the world's second-largest EV market after China. The cathode materials, shipped on July 26, were produced using precursors from a newly completed plant in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, which boasts an annual capacity of 45,000 units. These precursors, made from nickel, cobalt and manganese, were then combined with lithium to create the final product. With this initial shipment, Posco Future M also plans to expand production at its Pohang plant in North Gyeongsang Province. 'While these products remain subject to the 15 percent US tariff on Korean imports, the impact can be offset by the Advanced Manufacturing Production Credit under the US Inflation Reduction Act,' said a source familiar with the matter on condition of anonymity. Under the IRA, which incentivizes US production of key battery and clean energy components, EV battery manufacturers are eligible for an AMPC credit of up to $35 per kilowatt-hour for battery cells and up to $45 per kilowatt-hour for battery modules. The credit is available for production and sale through 2031, having been recently moved up by one year. The cathodes produced by Posco Future M meet the IRA regulations that require battery components to be manufactured within the US or in a US FTA partner country such as Korea. On the other hand, battery makers using Chinese-made cathodes are ineligible for AMPC incentives, as the recently enacted One Big Beautiful Bill Act classifies China as a 'Prohibited Foreign Entity.' Posco Future M stated, 'Our self-sufficient supply chain is expected to provide a significant competitive advantage over competitors, even in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics.' In June, Posco Future M, along with Posco Group affiliates, including Posco, Posco HY Clean Metal, Posco Pilbara Lithium Solution and Posco Lithium Solution, established a fully integrated supply chain that spans from raw materials such as lithium and nickel to precursors and cathode materials. Meanwhile, Posco Future M is also intensifying its efforts to reduce dependence on China, particularly in the graphite supply chain. The company is developing natural graphite anode materials by securing graphite ore from non-Chinese sources, such as African countries, while promoting raw material localization through domestic production of intermediate spherical graphite.
Forbes
31-07-2025
- Business
- Forbes
Matching Occupational Exoskeletons With The Right Work Task
Regardless of whether one thinks of industrial exoskeletons as personal protective equipment (PPE), an engineering solution, or something in between, these wearable devices are still an ergonomic solution that needs to be applied to the correct problem. In the decade that this technology has started to see an ever-growing adoption at work sites, the responsibility of matching the exoskeleton with a job task continues to fall on the end user or buyer. This is a persistent hurdle towards mass adoption, with several solutions on the horizon. How it started: Like any new technology, exoskeleton startups had no choice but to sell their products directly. This meant that if a company wanted to select and compare devices, it had to discover each one and establish unique communication channels. This process can be slow and laborious, and the lessons learned by one buyer are often not shared with others. One exception that exists in the public domain is 'The implementation of cobotics and exoskeletal devices for the Australia red meat processing industry,' a 91-page report published by AMPC comparing 19 industrial exoskeletons. Ten years later, the landscape has gone through some dramatic changes. Multiple standards bodies have looked into classifying and evaluating occupational exoskeletons. Fraunhofer IPA, a leading German research institute, has created a series of parcours to evaluate occupational exoskeletons as product families grouping results by task. Another change is the emergence of distributors, which could either be dedicated to one supplier or carry multiple products from different developers. As a quick note, choosing the correct exoskeleton solution (or deciding if a wearable is even the correct solution) for a repetitive work task is just one piece of the puzzle for a successful implementation. Still, it is often the first step in the process, and an error there will cascade down through pilots and long-term adoption efforts (and will most certainly negatively impact any return business). Even with all these changes, the majority of occupational exoskeletons are still sold directly by their producers, with some alternative acquisition and comparison pathways emerging: First, several dedicated consulting companies have sprouted in North America and Europe, which can provide support in choosing the right exoskeleton system for a fee. Second, some distributors carry devices from multiple developers, and their sales team is becoming more experienced with the strengths of each one. Third, some companies go beyond the role of a distributor and have become closer to an integrator that goes on a journey with the end user and buyers, helping them through the entire process of selection, comparison, and setting up a pilot. Last but not least, in the age of AI and digital tools, there have been multiple systems proposed that can collect data from repetitive work tasks, and some are designed specifically for wearables. The challenge with this digital solution is data collection, which can range from cell phone videos to motion tracking or even full EMG studies, but that is not all, because in addition to data collection, data interpretation with these systems is not trivial and requires effort before it can be condensed and summarized into a digestible report. How could things shape up in the future? There are a few likely scenarios on how the complexity of selecting an occupational exoskeleton could be reduced while creating a more positive and streamlined experience for decision makers and buyers. The car dealership route - developers of occupational exoskeletons could continue to consolidate so that each one has a full portfolio. This would be similar to shopping for a car, where car company A would offer sedans through trucks and everything in between, and the dealership next to it would offer the same range of vehicle classes from a different maker. An alternative to that would be an increase in multi-vendor distributors that already carry competing brands. Some examples of this happening right now would be Stanley Handling and FoxInnovation in Europe, The Exoskeleton Store and ExxoVantage in the Americas and Oceania. With this model, buyers have to visit fewer places and can also leverage the experience of the multi-vendor distributors to assist with selection. The final version could be an investment and improvement in digital tools. This could include online comparison tools, such as those found on car or camera equipment websites, or something more custom that can collect and interpret data from job sites and compare it against the known capabilities of different types and brands of industrial exoskeletons. All this work will lead to the formation of a marketplace, allowing buyers and end users to compare and evaluate industrial wearable solutions against data or prior knowledge. This would simplify the buying process considerably and lower the entry barrier for professionals and companies interested in becoming early adopters of wearable devices that provide direct physical support for their jobs.
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
KoçDigital advances regional industry at AMPC launch in Riyadh
KoçDigital has collaborated with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 through strategic partnership and AI-infused manufacturing technologies, supporting the AMPC and 'Lighthouse' Factory Initiative to advance industrial digital transformation in the region. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia – KoçDigital joined government and industry leaders at the official launch of the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center (AMPC), a flagship project supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. Hosted by H.E. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalil Bin Salamah and led by Deputy Minister Dr. Ahmad Zawawi, the AMPC launch event convened high-level participants from government, industry and technology, creating a powerful exchange for knowledge and collaboration across the region. KoçDigital Managing Director, Evren Dereci spoke at a panel titled 'Global Learnings of Developing Lighthouses and How Capability Centers Can Support', focused on how advanced manufacturing ecosystems and capability centers can act as catalysts for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and digital excellence. 'We're delivering AI-infused manufacturing projects across the Middle East to improve productivity and resilience,' said Dereci during the session. 'By building strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia and the broader region to co-create customized digital solutions, our mission is to enable manufacturers to operate in a more sustainable, competitive, and data-powered way.' AI leads the way in operational excellence, digital twins and smart supply chains A subsidiary of KoçSistem, KoçDigital drives 'Factories of the Future' initiatives by deploying AI-infused manufacturing analytics, operational excellence, digital-twin, and supply-chain planning at production sites across Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East. By forging strategic partnerships with leading industrial enterprises and public institutions, KoçDigital co-develops solutions for competitive operations, benchmarked against global standards—cementing its reputation as the region's trusted digital-transformation partner. 'Capability centers are key to accelerating digital adoption and upskilling industrial workforces. We believe in the power of cross-border collaboration — especially between regional powerhouses like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, as well as other Middle Eastern manufacturers — to build a more connected and innovative industrial ecosystem,' Dereci explained. The AMPC's inauguration—together with the target of the first 20 'Lighthouse' candidate factories—ushers in a pivotal chapter for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, underscoring the commitment to next-generation manufacturing. About KoçDigital: KoçDigital is the region's premier Industry 4.0 transformation partner, specializing in AI-infused digital manufacturing, supply-chain planning and AI. A subsidiary of KoçSistem, KoçDigital accelerates digital journeys for organizations worldwide through IIoT-driven digital-twin platforms, AI-infused manufacturing-execution systems, and data-led decision-making tools. With more than 250 customers, the company couples sustainability and operational excellence with continuous innovation, empowering businesses to secure a decisive competitive edge in today's rapidly evolving digital landscape. Its track record includes multiple factories recognized in the World Economic Forum's Global Lighthouse Network, underscoring KoçDigital's ability to deliver at the highest international benchmark for industrial innovation.
Globe and Mail
12-06-2025
- Business
- Globe and Mail
KocDigital Advances Regional Industry at AMPC Launch in Riyadh
KocDigital has collaborated with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 through strategic partnership and AI-infused manufacturing technologies, supporting the AMPC and "Lighthouse" Factory Initiative to advance industrial digital transformation in the region. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - KoçDigital joined government and industry leaders at the official launch of the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center (AMPC), a flagship project supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. KoçDigital advances regional industry at AMPC launch in Riyadh To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Hosted by H.E. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalil Bin Salamah and led by Deputy Minister Dr. Ahmad Zawawi, the AMPC launch event convened high-level participants from government, industry, and technology, creating a powerful exchange for knowledge and collaboration across the region. KoçDigital Managing Director, Evren Dereci, spoke at a panel titled "Global Learnings of Developing Lighthouses and How Capability Centers Can Support", focused on how advanced manufacturing ecosystems and capability centers can act as catalysts for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and digital excellence. "We're delivering AI-infused manufacturing projects across the Middle East to improve productivity and resilience," said Dereci during the session. "By building strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia and the broader region to co-create customized digital solutions, our mission is to enable manufacturers to operate in a more sustainable, competitive, and data-powered way." KoçDigital advances regional industry at AMPC launch in Riyadh To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: AI leads the way in operational excellence, digital twins, and smart supply chains A subsidiary of KoçSistem, KoçDigital drives "Factories of the Future" initiatives by deploying AI-infused manufacturing analytics, operational excellence, digital twin, and supply-chain planning at production sites across Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East. By forging strategic partnerships with leading industrial enterprises and public institutions, KoçDigital co-develops solutions for competitive operations, benchmarked against global standards, cementing its reputation as the region's trusted digital-transformation partner. "Capability centers are key to accelerating digital adoption and upskilling industrial workforces. We believe in the power of cross-border collaboration - especially between regional powerhouses like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, as well as other Middle Eastern manufacturers - to build a more connected and innovative industrial ecosystem," Dereci explained. The AMPC's inauguration, together with the target of the first 20 "Lighthouse" candidate factories, ushers in a pivotal chapter for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, underscoring the commitment to next-generation manufacturing.
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
KocDigital Advances Regional Industry at AMPC Launch in Riyadh
KocDigital has collaborated with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 through strategic partnership and AI-infused manufacturing technologies, supporting the AMPC and "Lighthouse" Factory Initiative to advance industrial digital transformation in the region. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 12, 2025) - KoçDigital joined government and industry leaders at the official launch of the Advanced Manufacturing and Production Center (AMPC), a flagship project supporting Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, designed to position Saudi Arabia as a global hub for advanced manufacturing. KoçDigital advances regional industry at AMPC launch in Riyadh To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: Hosted by H.E. Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalil Bin Salamah and led by Deputy Minister Dr. Ahmad Zawawi, the AMPC launch event convened high-level participants from government, industry, and technology, creating a powerful exchange for knowledge and collaboration across the region. KoçDigital Managing Director, Evren Dereci, spoke at a panel titled "Global Learnings of Developing Lighthouses and How Capability Centers Can Support", focused on how advanced manufacturing ecosystems and capability centers can act as catalysts for sustainable growth, global competitiveness, and digital excellence. "We're delivering AI-infused manufacturing projects across the Middle East to improve productivity and resilience," said Dereci during the session. "By building strategic partnerships in Saudi Arabia and the broader region to co-create customized digital solutions, our mission is to enable manufacturers to operate in a more sustainable, competitive, and data-powered way." KoçDigital advances regional industry at AMPC launch in RiyadhTo view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: AI leads the way in operational excellence, digital twins, and smart supply chains A subsidiary of KoçSistem, KoçDigital drives "Factories of the Future" initiatives by deploying AI-infused manufacturing analytics, operational excellence, digital twin, and supply-chain planning at production sites across Türkiye, Saudi Arabia, and the wider Middle East. By forging strategic partnerships with leading industrial enterprises and public institutions, KoçDigital co-develops solutions for competitive operations, benchmarked against global standards, cementing its reputation as the region's trusted digital-transformation partner. "Capability centers are key to accelerating digital adoption and upskilling industrial workforces. We believe in the power of cross-border collaboration - especially between regional powerhouses like Türkiye and Saudi Arabia, as well as other Middle Eastern manufacturers - to build a more connected and innovative industrial ecosystem," Dereci explained. The AMPC's inauguration, together with the target of the first 20 "Lighthouse" candidate factories, ushers in a pivotal chapter for Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, underscoring the commitment to next-generation manufacturing. Media Contact:Janset Akışık jansetakisik@ To view the source version of this press release, please visit Sign in to access your portfolio
