In the years leading up to 2023, we have seen remarkable industrial innovations around the world continue to redefine and shape various sectors. These innovative strides cover a variety of industries, reflecting the ever-evolving terrains of technology and efficiency. Discover 10 of the most innovative industrial innovations from around the globe!
Andrea Nepori, Abigail Saltmarsh, Daniel Allen, Mark Andrews Camille Rustici is the author of these articles.
INDIA – Industry is looking forward to record-breaking Future
India is on the verge of becoming a major economic growth engine. India has a dynamic economy with an average annual GDP growth of 5.5%. The nation has established itself as the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world. Its technological services, digital domain, and manufacturing industries have also grown into formidable competitors on the international stage.
This economic progress is boosted by key trends like global offshoring and digitalization. New Delhi, India, is simultaneously taking proactive steps to address the pressing challenges on the labor market. This includes an ambitious program designed to upskill 400 million Indians.
The Indian government recently announced the discovery of an important lithium deposit in Jammu-Kashmir, in the northwestern part of the country. The first lithium deposit of its kind to be discovered in India contains an estimated 5.9 millions tonnes of reserves, which is about 5.7%. This significant resource will position India as one of the world’s largest lithium producers, contributing to the nation’s ever-expanding economic landscape.
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2/ Japan: Buildings that are resistant to earthquakes can teach us about anti-seismic architecture
In February last year, there was a devastating earthquake. Erdquake strikes Turkey and SyriaThis tragic event resulted in the loss of many lives and numerous injuries. This heartbreaking event has raised serious concerns about the structural stability of buildings located in seismically active regions. Experts say that many structures were not built to withstand earthquakes. The absence of building codes and regulations also exacerbated the number of deaths.
Japan, another nation that is also facing seismic challenges, has made significant advances in earthquake-resistant construction. Japan experiences so many earthquakes (there are 60 – 70 noticeable quakes in Tokyo every year) that three specific methods of stabilizing buildings have been developed. These are integrated into the country’s building codes and are strictly enforced.
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3/ FRANCE: Exploring Smilers’s Eco-Friendly 3D Printing Facility for Dental Aligners
Smilers, a member of the Biotech Dental Group, is a pioneer in the field invisible dental aligners. The company was founded a decade back and has just unveiled their revolutionary industrial complex located in the South France.
In an exclusive conversation, we had the privilege of speaking with the visionary CEO, Philippe Véran, who recounted the remarkable journey from humble beginnings in a garage with a modest 3D printer to the realization of a cutting-edge, eco-conscious automated facility. This transformation was fueled by a 15-million-euro investment in automating the facility, which has propelled Smilers into the forefront of dental innovation.
Currently, the company operates three lines. Two are fully robotic and one is semi-robotic. The third line serves as an educational tool and continues to be active in order to meet urgent orders. The company has plans to introduce a new fully-robotic line using the extra space that was already reserved for expansion. The company aims to quadruple their production by the year’s end.
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4/ USA: Tech Giant Qualcomm Launched New ‘Aware’ Cloud Platform for Industrial IoT Applications
As part of a wider diversification effort, American chipmaker Qualcomm announced Qualcomm Aware, a new IoT cloud platform aimed at factories, manufacturers, utility companies, and other industrial players. The company leverages its position as an industrial IoT hardware provider and silicon supplier to offer a new software product tailored to meet the needs of existing and future customers.
Qualcomm Aware’s initial launch focuses on real time visibility as well as transit and condition monitoring. The company says that it will be able to expand the product in a modular way to include other digital applications.
In an interview with DirectIndustry, President of Qualcomm Europe Enrico Salvatori explained that Aware is a new important step forward in Qualcomm’s industrial strategy.
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The Future Battery Industry: A Global Tour
The rapid growth of gigafactories is propelling the global movement towards sustainable transportation at an unprecedented pace. These facilities, which are state-of-the art, were specifically designed to meet the demand for large-scale batteries for electric vehicles.
In fact, local gigafactories can help both automakers as well as battery manufacturers reduce their reliance upon complex supply chains. These production facilities allow for the mass-production of high-quality batteries at lower costs, making electric vehicles more affordable and available to a wider range of consumers.
This article offers an exploration of five upcoming battery production plants that are poised to open in the upcoming years. This trip will illuminate the rapidly growing industry.
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6/ CANADA – The Dreams to Lead the Transition to Zero Emissions World
Canada is resolutely committed to achieving carbon neutrality by the year 2050. It also aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030. The focus on developing the electric mobility sector is at the core of this ambitious undertaking. With unwavering determination, the nation aspires not only to carve a pivotal role but also to emerge as an indispensable global collaborator in the transport sector’s vital journey towards decarbonization, heralding a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
To achieve this, Canada is relying on its considerable strengths. Canada is a leader in green hydroelectric energy production on a global level. Most of the resources needed for battery production are found on Canada’s territory. The Canadian market has a lot of talent and is receptive.
Canada’s aspirations to be the leader of the world in the transition towards a carbon-neutral society are fueled by such a combination of advantages.
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Freudenberg creates fabrics from recycled PET bottles in Germany
Freudenberg Performance Materials continues its resolute commitment to reducing its carbon footprint, achieving another noteworthy stride with Evolon®, its cutting-edge fabric. Renowned for its durability, reusability, and adaptability, this versatile fabric, hitherto embraced in packaging, cleaning, and home furnishings, now boasts an environmentally transformative origin – it’s crafted from reclaimed consumer PET bottles.
The production process for this product involves bi-component spinning and bonding. High-pressure water jets are used to make it happen. This innovative process does away with silicones, PVC, silicone binders or solvents. Water used in the process can be recycled and reused within a closed loop system. This further enhances its eco-friendliness.
This initiative is a great example of the preservation of raw material, primarily because these fabrics are lighter in weight than traditional counterparts designed for similar applications. The integration of recycled PET, sourced from post-consumer plastic bottles, also significantly bolsters the preservation of resources, marking yet another ingenious stride in Freudenberg Performance Materials’ sustainability journey.
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Eight/ A European Tour of the Main Lithium Projects
The key ingredient in propelling Europe to a sustainable electric car era is lithium. This essential white powder is used to make electric vehicle batteries. According to data from 2021 from the US Geological Survey, global lithium production is estimated at 100,000 metric tonnes. This represents a 20% increase over the previous year.
This surge, estimated at 93,000 metric tonnes in 2021 is due to the strong surge in global demand. The production of EV battery in line with energy transition has also increased.
This precious metal is rare and only found in a small number of locations around the globe. Australia (55%), Chile (26%) China (14%), Argentina (6%) and Argentina (6%) are the major production hubs. China is the leading lithium refiner.
But Europe is now poised to join the pursuit of this “white gold,” with several deposits within its borders showing great promise.
Below, we’ve compiled a list of the six primary European mines that are gearing up for future exploitation.
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9/ DANMARK: Lyras has developed a new UV light technology for liquid pasteurization
Pasteurization is a crucial process that is widely used in the food and beverages sector. It eliminates bacteria and microorganisms and renders products safe for consumption. In the past, heat was used to achieve this. Originating from Louis Pasteur’s 1865 discovery, this methodology, however, presents energy and water intensity while also potentially compromising nutritional content and vitamins.
Danish company Lyras has therefore developed a revolutionary approach called Raslysation that harnesses UV light’s potency for liquid pasteurization.
Raslysation’s innovation lies in utilizing ultraviolet light sources in synergy with a turbulent flow pattern, executing its mission impeccably. Raslysation is similar to pasteurization in that it aims to eliminate microorganisms which cause spoilage or pose health risks. The microbiological eradication process is similar to pasteurization. UV light causes modifications in DNA, which in turn triggers changes in metabolic and reproductive processes.
This innovative technology is a promising option that could potentially replace traditional methods. It can ensure both food safety as well as product quality, while using less resources.
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The Rise of Mega Pig Farms in China
McKinsey’s data from 2021 underscores the substantial impact of pork consumption in China, with the nation accounting for a staggering 60% of its total meat intake, amounting to 57 million tons. Furthermore, China alone contributes to a significant 40% of global pork consumption, cementing the critical role of pork in the country’s dietary landscape. The outbreak of African Swine Fever during 2018-2019 had dire consequences, leading to the loss of approximately half of China’s pig stocks. A new wave of innovative mega-farms have emerged in response to the African Swine Fever outbreak, which caused the loss of approximately half the pig stocks in China.
China has built multi-storey pig farm buildings in various locations that have redefined the scale of production. A 26-storey building in Ezhou, Hubei Province is an example. This structure, which covers an area of 800,000 sqm, is designed to produce 1.2 million pigs per year for slaughter. It can accommodate 650,000 animals. A 21-building complex located in Nanyang Province houses 84,000 piglets and their offspring. Another notable project is a cluster of multistorey constructions situated on Yaji Mountain in Guangxi Province. This structure can produce 840,000 pigs each year.