4 Things Industry 4.0 - June 17th, 2024

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Good morning, tech enthusiasts! Hope you all had a fantastic Father's Day yesterday. Today, we’re diving into some major headlines that are shaking up the tech and manufacturing worlds. From corporate drama to innovative breakthroughs, and a quirky tech fact that might just make you chuckle, we've got it all. So grab your coffee, and let's explore what's making waves this week in the tech landscape!

Tupperware Shuts Down Only Remaining US Plant, Moves Manufacturing to Mexico

Tupperware Brands is closing its last US plant in Hemingway, South Carolina, laying off 148 workers. This decision shifts all manufacturing to Mexico, where many products for the US and Canada markets are already made. Layoffs will start in September, with the plant closing by January 2025. Despite the closure, Tupperware commended the Hemingway team for their service and pledged severance packages and job placement assistance. Founded in 1946, Tupperware has faced recent financial struggles, including doubts about its survival, SEC filing delays, and potential NYSE delisting.

Tesla Shareholders Sue Musk Over Competing AI Company

Tesla shareholders are suing CEO Elon Musk and the board over Musk's decision to start xAI, claiming it diverts talent and resources from Tesla. Filed in Delaware Chancery Court, the suit alleges Musk breached fiduciary duties and violated Tesla’s code of business ethics. The plaintiffs seek to force Musk to surrender his stake in xAI to Tesla. The lawsuit, filed just before Tesla's annual meeting, argues that Musk's actions undermine Tesla's value as an AI company and unjustly enrich him at shareholders' expense.

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Audi Sport Accelerates Production with 3D Printing

Audi Sport is speeding up its design and production processes by leveraging trinckle software and Ultimaker 3D printers. By integrating advanced 3D printing technology, Audi Sport can rapidly prototype and produce complex components, enhancing efficiency and reducing lead times. This collaboration highlights the growing importance of additive manufacturing in the automotive industry, providing Audi Sport with a competitive edge in both innovation and production.

Komatsu Unveils All-Electric Mining Equipment

Komatsu has launched its first fully electric mining equipment, marking a significant step in sustainable mining technology. The new Z2-class battery-powered jumbo drill and roof bolter are designed for hardrock mining and aim to reduce pollution and fuel use. This innovation supports Komatsu's aggressive climate goals, including halving emissions by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050. With features like onboard charging and compatibility with existing infrastructure, Komatsu's electric machines promise increased productivity and environmental benefits.

Industry 4.0 Highlights

Jury Rules Boeing Stole $72M in Tech from Startup 

Boeing has been ordered to pay $72 million in damages to aerospace startup Zunum for stealing trade secrets, with an additional $9.2 million for business interference, totaling $81.2 million. A federal jury found Boeing guilty of misappropriating Zunum’s hybrid jet designs after investing in the startup. The judge may triple the damages to $243.6 million during sentencing. This ruling follows a series of challenges for Boeing, including parts failures and criminal charges related to 737 Max crashes. 

EU Tariffs on Chinese EVs Risk Destroying European Car Industry

The EU's recent decision to impose up to 50% tariffs on Chinese electric vehicle imports is causing major concerns. While aimed at protecting the European auto industry from cheap imports, the move risks significant backlash from China, including retaliatory tariffs on European luxury cars. Critics argue that this policy will hinder competition, stifle innovation, and lead to higher prices for European consumers. Ultimately, the EU's approach could weaken its automotive sector, making it less competitive globally. 

Supercapacitors Poised to Surpass Batteries in Power Efficiency 

Supercapacitors, leveraging capacitors' physics in a battery-like design, could revolutionize the energy storage market. Unlike batteries, which rely on chemical reactions, supercapacitors store energy on surfaces, reducing wear and increasing efficiency. Recent research from the University of Colorado Boulder presents a new model for studying supercapacitors, enabling better design and faster energy movement. This breakthrough offers a pathway to more efficient energy storage, potentially transforming how devices and vehicles are powered. 

Learning Lens

Reflections on Startup Infrastructure Choices 

Jack Lindamood shares his reflections on crucial infrastructure decisions during his four years at a startup. He supports using AWS over Google Cloud, appreciating the data security of RDS and the scalability of GitOps. However, he regrets relying on AWS managed addons and highlights the importance of adaptable tools like Notion for documentation. Lindamood's experiences offer valuable lessons for startups, guiding them through common infrastructure challenges and decisions. 

Read the full post here.

Byte-Sized Brilliance

The Surprising Origins of Spam 

Did you know that the term "spam" for unwanted emails is named after the canned meat product, Spam? This connection traces back to a famous Monty Python skit where Vikings chant "Spam, spam, spam" to the dismay of others, symbolizing something annoying and inescapable. Just like the canned meat's ubiquity in the sketch, spam emails flood our inboxes relentlessly. Interestingly, despite their prevalence, spam emails have a remarkably low success rate, with only one response for every twelve million sent. So next time you clear out your spam folder, remember its quirky origins and be thankful it's just virtual spam, not canned.