<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Sam&rsquo;s club (the membership-only retail warehouse clubs owned by Walmart) announced the expansion of its robotic scrubbers by additional 372 units, meaning that every club in the US chain (of nearly 600 clubs) will have a robotic scrubber.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The robots are developed by Tennant&nbsp; (industrial and commercial floor cleaning equipment provider) in partnership with Brain Corp (developer of AI systems for autonomous robots) which provides the software component of the autonomous robot.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        With the expansion, Sam&rsquo;s Club is also extending its pilot shelf analytics robotic scrubber accessory developed by Brain Corp. The accessory assists in verifying pricing accuracy, confirming planogram compliance, and ensuring product availability in addition to its core task of floor cleaning. The accessory can be mounted on any type of robot making it a dual purpose robot.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Tennant&rsquo;s Brain Corp powered autonomous robots can be deployed without custom engineering and can be adjusted to meet changing operational requirements such as different layouts. Brain Corp&rsquo;s brainOS powered robotic applications include floor scrubbers, vacuums, and delivery tugs. It currently operates over 14,000 autonomous mobile robots globally.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brain-corp-expands-commercial-relationship-with-sams-club-to-power-in-club-autonomous-robots-and-connected-data-services-301156276.html">
      Company press release
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2020/10/21/tech/sams-club-robots/index.html">
      CNN
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://venturebeat.com/2020/10/21/sams-club-expands-autonomous-floor-sweeping-robots-to-all-u-s-stores/">
      VentureBeat
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Retail Industry Robots

Brain Corp expands partnership with Sam’s Club to increase fleet of robotic scrubbers

Additive manufacturing makes objects by systematically adding material via a CAD program

Additive Manufacturing

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>Hexagon's Manufacturing Intelligence division, a leading provider of manufacturing technology solutions, has unveiled its latest innovation, the Advanced Compensation technology specifically designed for metal 3D printing. The novel technology is anticipated to be available to all existing Simufact Additive customers starting from the first quarter of 2025.</p>
 <p>The distinctive aspect of this technology is its potential to blend process simulation with geometry compensation which is vital in guaranteeing that large or intricate metal parts deform into their predefined shape during the printing process. The cutting-edge solution is compatible with Hexagon's Simufact Additive software and VGSTUDIO MAX technology. This integration equips users with the capability to perform actions on parts and compensate print-ready meshes with the help of 3D scan data. Based on the information provided by Hexagon, the introduction of the new technology will empower manufacturers to attain surface profiles that are between 98% and 100% within the acceptable tolerance range. Other projected benefits of the technology include reduction in material waste and a decrease in support structures.</p>
</div>

Hexagon unveils Advanced Compensation for metal 3D printing

Novel therapies to reboot cells and organs

Cell & Gene Therapy

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 <p>Pharmaceutical company Novartis has purchased AAV-based gene therapy developer Kate Therapeutics for a potential total of USD 1.1 billion. This is inclusive of an initial payment and the prospect of additional milestone payments.</p>
 <p>Kate Therapeutics' primary focus is on gene therapy development for neuromuscular illnesses. Their primary research includes candidates in preclinical trials for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), and myotonic dystrophy type one (DM1). In aid of this, they have developed the DELIVER platform which allows for the production of liver-de-targeted muscle-tropic capsids, a tool that can improve gene therapy delivery.</p>
 <p>By acquiring Kate Therapeutics, Novartis intends to strengthen its footprint in gene therapy and neuroscience innovation. The goal is to use Kate Therapeutics' technology to develop new treatment possibilities for patients suffering from inherited neuromuscular diseases.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake</b> :<br>
 Kate Therapeutics joins the gene therapy-related acquisitions Novartis has undertaken. In May 2023, the pharma giant acquired a hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy program for treating the rare genetic condition cystinosis from <a href="https:<br>
//www.pharmexec.com/view/novartis-acquires-avrobio-s-88m-gene-therapy"> Avrobio </a> for USD 87.5 million, in addition to acquiring <a href="https:<br>
//www.fiercebiotech.com/biotech/novartis-inks-800m-upfront-buyout-gyroscope-to-continue-eye-disease-gene-therapy-m-a-spree"> Gyroscope Therapeutics </a> in December 2021.</p>

Novartis acquires Kate Therapeutics for USD 1.1 billion to expand neuromuscular gene therapy portfolio

Foundation Models

<div>
 
 <p>OpenAI has released an update called "gpt-4o-2024-11-20" for its language model, GPT-4o. The company reports that this update heightens the model's creative writing features, consequential file handling for deeper understanding, and comprehensive responses. Additionally, it presents a 128k context window.</p>
 <p>The upgraded model topped the LLM benchmark on lmarena.ai and exhibited enhanced code editing abilities on Aider's benchmark. OpenAI mentions that the improved GPT-4o outperforms GPT-4 Turbo in complex and multi-step tasks and it's more cost-efficient. Some users have noted the model's ability to evade standard AI text detector tools.</p>

</div>

OpenAI releases GPT-4o update with enhanced file handling capabilities

<div>
 
 <p>H2O.ai has introduced h2oGPTe, a platform that merges generative and predictive AI models. H2oGPTe uses H2O.ai's AI models, namely Mississippi and Danube, and is compatible with other language models.</p> 
 <p>The platform is multi-functional; it can interpret charts, generate PDF documents with visualisations, and provide data traceability with source citations. Rug features include adjustable guardrails, automated question generation for model testing, and a tracking dashboard for agent activities.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This follows the launch of <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/31838"> the H2O-Danube3 </a> series with advanced capabilities in July this year. The introduction of Agentic AI is particularly noteworthy as it addresses the growing demand for more intelligent and adaptable AI systems capable of making informed decisions based on predictive analytics while generating creative outputs. This dual capability allows businesses to enhance operational efficiency and improve customer engagement through tailored solutions that predict trends and generate relevant content.</p>

H2O.ai launches h2oGPTe multi-agent AI platform

Technology providers that enhance satellite operations

Next-gen Satellites

<div>
 <p>Gilmour Space Technologies has been chosen by Earth observation firm LatConnect 60 for a demonstration mission. The purpose of this mission is to offer insights into methane and carbon emissions from space. The mission will be facilitated through Gilmour's ElaraSat bus.</p>
 <p>The short-wave infrared imagery satellite (SWIRSAT) for the operation is 100 kg and will use Gilmour Space’s ElaraSat bus, compounded with Spiral Blue’s sensors and Edge computer, located at the ASMN facility in Queensland. The satellite will return high-resolution Earth observation data which will aid in achieving emissions reduction objectives. The expected launch partner is Skyroot Aerospace in India.</p>
 <p>WIRSAT holds the potential to provide key insights from extremely high-resolution Earth observation data in the short-wave infrared range. This will make it possible to precisely identify and measure source-level carbon emissions and fill a crucial data gap from low-Earth orbit.</p>
 
</div>

Gilmour Space partners with LatConnect 60 to build Earth observation satellite

Clean, congestion-free air travel gets liftoff

Passenger eVTOL Aircraft

<div>
 <p>Wisk Aero, a subsidiary of Boeing and developer of eVTOL aircraft, has signed an agreement with Archerfield Airport Corporation to build an advanced air mobility ecosystem at Archerfield Airport in Brisbane. The partnership aims to prioritize the development of eVTOL air taxi infrastructure in Brisbane, beginning with an electrification project to identify infrastructure needs.</p>
 <p>The Archerfield Airport, which is located 11km away from Brisbane’s CBD, will offer essential amenities, such as eVTOL recharging and maintenance services, with plans to begin operations in time for the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games.</p>
    <p>The partners anticipate that by 2032, in time for the Brisbane Olympic Games, eVTOLs will provide emissions-free transportation services from vertiports located across the region. This is set to reduce road traffic significantly, while ensuring efficient transportation of personnel to key locations in South-East Queensland.</p>
</div>

Wisk Aero partners with Archerfield Airport to develop eVTOL infrastructure in Brisbane

<div>
 <p>Joby Aviation, a manufacturer of eVTOL aircraft, has teamed up with Microsoft Flight Simulator to embed Joby's eVTOL air taxi in the recently released Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. After years of development, the collaboration offers authentic controls and dynamics for Joby’s aircraft, making it possible to simulate air taxi routes such as JFK Airport to Downtown Manhattan. The system features state-of-the-art "unified flight controls" similar to those utilized in vertical-lift military aircraft like the F-35.</p>
</div>

Joby Aviation partners with Microsoft Flight Simulator to integrate eVTOL aircraft

Empowering Tomorrow's Innovations with Generative AI Infrastructure

Generative AI Infrastructure

<div>
 <p>Wordware, the developer of AI platform GenAI, has secured $30 million in seed funding. The investment was led by Spark Capital and included contributors such as Felicis, Y-Combinator, Day One Ventures, and individual investors Paul Graham and Vlad Magdalin from Webflow.</p>

 <p>The company plans to use the funding to expand its services to individual users, allowing them to automate personal workflows via its platform. Wordware, which is focusing on team-building, is currently in a hiring phase.</p>

 <p>Wordware's creation is a full-stack AI-operating system called GenAI, which enables users to create AI agents by using natural language, instead of coding. Key features of this system include self-checking reflection loops, evaluation frameworks, and a GitHub-like repository for solution sharing. This is particularly beneficial for businesses seeking to accelerate their AI projects without the need for large specialized teams.</p>

</div>

Wordware raises USD 30 million in seed funding from Spark Capital

Reinforcing recycling, rerouting refuse, and reducing wasteflows

Waste Recovery & Management Tech

<div>
 
 <p>Sustainability-focused startup Grensol Group, based in Switzerland, has entered a partnership with XCharge North America, a provider of electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. The aim of this partnership is to create eco-friendly recycling methods for used EV charging equipment.</p>
 <p>The recycling efforts will target electric vehicle supply equipment components such as charging cables and modules. Various recycling methods, including mechanical, chemical and thermal, will be utilized as part of the solution. Research collaboration with Worcester Polytechnic Institute is also part of the project, with the first batch of materials already sent for processing.</p>
 <p>The ultimate objective of this collaborative project is to provide an industry-standard recycling solution that can transform used charging equipment into essential raw materials for reuse. This responds to a recognized issue with the lifespan of charging equipment, which typically has a shortened lifespan due to high levels of wear and tear.</p>
 
</div>

Grensol partners with ​​XCharge to develop recycling solutions for EV charging equipment

<div>
 
 <p>ExxonMobil is allocating USD 200 million towards the increase of its advanced plastics recycling operations in its Baytown and Beaumont facilities in Texas. The aim is to enhance the company's ability to recycle complex items including chip bags, synthetic turf, and industrial packaging.</p>
 <p>The primary goal of this expansion is to boost the processing capacity by 175,000 tons. This step will allow ExxonMobil to recycle 250,000 tons of plastic waste yearly in the US by 2026.&nbsp;</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> This expansion comes amid increasing scrutiny of plastic waste management, with ExxonMobil facing <a href="https:<br>
//www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/california-sues-exxonmobil-plastic-recycling-deception-rcna172267"> legal challenges </a> in California regarding its recycling claims.</p>

All Updates

Brain Corp expands partnership with Sam’s Club to increase fleet of robotic scrubbers

Hexagon unveils Advanced Compensation for metal 3D printing

Novartis acquires Kate Therapeutics for USD 1.1 billion to expand neuromuscular gene therapy portfolio

OpenAI releases GPT-4o update with enhanced file handling capabilities

H2O.ai launches h2oGPTe multi-agent AI platform

Gilmour Space partners with LatConnect 60 to build Earth observation satellite

Wisk Aero partners with Archerfield Airport to develop eVTOL infrastructure in Brisbane

Joby Aviation partners with Microsoft Flight Simulator to integrate eVTOL aircraft

Wordware raises USD 30 million in seed funding from Spark Capital

Grensol partners with XCharge to develop recycling solutions for EV charging equipment

ExxonMobil plans USD 200 million expansion of recycling facilities in Texas

Retail Industry Robots

Brain Corp expands partnership with Sam’s Club to increase fleet of robotic scrubbers

Contact us

All Updates

Brain Corp expands partnership with Sam’s Club to increase fleet of robotic scrubbers

Hexagon unveils Advanced Compensation for metal 3D printing

Novartis acquires Kate Therapeutics for USD 1.1 billion to expand neuromuscular gene therapy portfolio

OpenAI releases GPT-4o update with enhanced file handling capabilities

H2O.ai launches h2oGPTe multi-agent AI platform

Gilmour Space partners with LatConnect 60 to build Earth observation satellite

Wisk Aero partners with Archerfield Airport to develop eVTOL infrastructure in Brisbane

Joby Aviation partners with Microsoft Flight Simulator to integrate eVTOL aircraft

Wordware raises USD 30 million in seed funding from Spark Capital

Grensol partners with ​​XCharge to develop recycling solutions for EV charging equipment

ExxonMobil plans USD 200 million expansion of recycling facilities in Texas

Retail Industry Robots

Brain Corp expands partnership with Sam’s Club to increase fleet of robotic scrubbers

Contact us

Grensol partners with XCharge to develop recycling solutions for EV charging equipment