RFID Journal LIVE!, one of the key conferences dedicated to Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technologies across multiple end markets, takes place May 6 – 8. Leading RFID suppliers will exhibit their innovations; the show lineup this year is particularly hardware-heavy, focused on reader infrastructure and labeling, but some important software suppliers will be present, too.
On May 6, Europe’s largest dedicated event for renewable energy solutions kicks off in Munich, Germany. Leading technology vendors and innovative startups will exhibit, in addition to regional energy utilities and multinational system operators, with panels and talks discussing the challenges—and opportunities—facing the adoption, integration, and effective utilization of renewable energy and storage assets today.
The Trump Administration’s tariff policy will require all goods imported into the United States to carry a 10% baseline rate. For some countries, such as China and Vietnam, tariff rates will be as high as 145%. The telecom industry relies on established supply chains to maintain the status quo costs of network equipment and components. Notably, 5G Radio Access Network (RAN) equipment will cost more to manufacture, which will typically be absorbed by end users at higher selling prices. To manage this economic instability, telco infrastructure vendors and mobile operators must shake up their supply chain playbook and technological focus.
New import tariffs introduced by the United States are shaking the pillars of a longstanding status quo in international trade. All countries will have to pay a 10% tariff on goods shipped to the United States, with rates going higher for countries with larger deficits. Not only is China in this latter group, but nearby Southeast Asian countries—critical to offshoring from China—are also impacted. A notable example is Vietnam’s 46% tariff rate, which will potentially disrupt Apple’s diversification strategy. Needless to say, the global supply chains that manufacturers have been accustomed to for decades are being uprooted, at least for the short term.
On April 15, 2025, Qualcomm organized a workshop at its headquarters in San Diego, California to explain and demo its evolving range of automotive hardware and software solutions enabling a wide range of automotive use cases ranging from cockpits featuring large displays to various levels of autonomous vehicle operation.
The transition to electric Heavy-Duty Vehicles (HDVs) is a top priority for commercial fleets as regulations tighten and zero-emission targets become embedded in corporate agendas. For example, the European Union (EU) set a goal for a 90% reduction in truck emissions by 2040. In North America, industry trend-setters Walmart and PepsiCo are committed to fully electrifying their trucking fleets by that same timeline, although there are doubts about viability. To comply with these regulations and successfully transition to an electric future, supply chain operators must now develop and execute a comprehensive fleet electrification plan. Using my consulting experience within the automotive/Electric Vehicle (EV) industry, I will share four tips to craft a blueprint.
Will Artificial Intelligence (AI) redefine manufacturing, or is it just another tech buzzword? At Hannover Messe 2025, ABI Research analysts saw AI and Generative Artificial Intelligence (Gen AI) on full display. Practical applications are demonstrating efficiency gains, robust autonomous capabilities, and operational resilience. Their new cousin, Agentic AI, has also emerged as a key facilitator for digitally transforming the factory floor. Agentic AI is the brains behind fine-tuned copilots that enhance anything from inventory management to industry-specific Product Lifecycle Management (PLM). However, manufacturers remain skeptical about Agentic AI, and vital infrastructure considerations are still in discussion.
The world of connectivity is evolving, and satellite Internet of Things (IoT) is at the forefront. Businesses today depend on satellite-enabled IoT to bridge gaps where terrestrial networks falter. Remote farms, ocean-bound cargo, and rugged industrial sites are just a few examples of operations that struggle to maintain uninterrupted connectivity with cellular-only solutions. Satellite-supported IoT devices can even extend beyond traditional enterprise applications, as evidenced by the use of Globalstar’s satellite transmitter chip for animal monitoring.
Intel Vision 2025 was held on March 31 to April 1 in Las Vegas, roughly 300 miles northwest of last year’s Phoenix venue. The event marked a critical moment for Intel as new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Lip-Bu Tan outlined his strategy to revitalize the US$160 billion semiconductor firm as a semiconductor leader. Tan plans to reverse Intel’s recent decline by adopting a “day one startup mentality,” transforming the company into a customer-centric, Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered innovator with a software-first approach. ABI Research views this as a high-stakes endeavor, given Wall Street’s focus on short-term results and Intel’s need to compete with agile rivals. Leveraging Intel’s manufacturing strength, an impressive Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio, and robust Research & Development (R&D) capabilities, Tan aims for a sustained transformation of the Santa Clara, California-based firm.