Cognizant announced enhancements to its Cognizant Neuro AI platform, designed to help enterprises identify, prototype, and scale artificial intelligence (AI) use cases. 

The upgrades aim to improve decision-making processes and open new revenue opportunities for businesses across various industries, the company said in a media release.

A study conducted by Cognizant in partnership with Oxford Economics found that 76 per cent of enterprises are seeking to generate new revenue streams through AI but face difficulties implementing cross-enterprise solutions.

The report also revealed that 70 per cent of businesses feel they are not progressing fast enough in deploying AI effectively.

The enhanced platform addresses these challenges by offering tools that allow business leaders to identify relevant problems, generate synthetic data or import anonymized data, and develop AI models within minutes.

It also provides predictive insights to guide decisions and assess the impact of various use cases.

The upgraded platform, now available to Cognizant clients, supports a range of industries, including healthcare, agriculture, and finance.

It has already been used in multiple pilot projects and is designed to help organisations apply AI across operations such as inventory management, fraud detection, and staff allocation.

Murali Vridhachalam, head of Cloud, Data, and Analytics at Gilead Sciences, noted the platform’s potential to streamline AI adoption.

“Many enterprises struggle to apply AI beyond predicting outcomes because solving real business problems involves navigating numerous scenarios with conflicting priorities. The Neuro AI platform provides a comprehensive framework to deploy AI use cases across various applications and unlock new business opportunities.”

Bayer Crop Science also tested the platform’s capabilities for agricultural decision-making.

“Agriculture is one of the most challenging professions, requiring intricate decision-making amid environmental uncertainties and the need to balance social, economic, and environmental objectives,” said Patricio Salvatore La Rosa, head of Decision Science at Bayer Crop Science.

He explained,  “We have directly tested several foundational components of Cognizant Neuro® AI, especially LEAF, which has empowered us to navigate complex scenarios effectively. By harnessing the collaborative capabilities of specialized Gen AI agents, we look forward to addressing intricate decision-making challenges in a reliable, transparent, and trustworthy manner.”

The enhancements include new features such as Opportunity Finder, a tool that uses large language models (LLMs) to identify potential AI applications for businesses.

A Model Orchestrator allows users to prepare data and apply machine learning models through a drag-and-drop interface.

The platform uses multi-agent AI technology to predict outcomes and prescribe decisions, offering businesses transparency and scalability in their AI efforts.

Babak Hodjat, chief technology officer of AI at Cognizant, emphasised the platform’s focus on decision-making.

“Businesses are struggling with how and where to apply AI to solve business problems, and that’s why we’ve seen most AI use cases limited to prediction-based outcomes or single LLM chat-based solutions.”

Analysts are increasingly focusing on multi-agent AI as a way to solve complex business challenges.

Gartner has reported that collaborative AI agents can achieve more adaptable and scalable results by working toward shared objectives.

Neil Ward-Dutton, vice president of Automation, AI, and Analytics at IDC, said multi-agent tools can accelerate the adoption of AI:

He noted, “As enterprises start to try to approach AI strategically, and move beyond experimentation, they are crying out to understand how to identify and prioritize use cases. Providers that can use technology to help accelerate the identification of use cases, and then use that technology to test and scale implementations, will be in a strong position.”

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Additive Manufacturing Research (AM Research) has released its latest report, Titanium Powder for Additive Manufacturing in 2024, projecting the market for titanium powders in additive manufacturing (AM) to grow from $214 million in 2023 to $1.4 billion by 2032.

According to the research organisation, the report offers data on market trends, tracking revenues across industries, regions, and printing technologies. 

It also identifies aerospace and medical sectors as key drivers of titanium powder demand, with additional contributions from jewellery and automotive applications.

According to the report, Powder Bed Fusion (PBF) accounts for the largest share of titanium AM applications, with revenues four times higher than those from Directed Energy Deposition (DED) and twelve times larger than Metal Binder Jetting (MBJ). 

The Bound Metal Deposition (BMD) market remains the smallest segment, estimated at half the size of MBJ.

However, the report forecasts MBJ will see notable growth by 2032, potentially closing the gap with DED.

The study highlights several companies active in the titanium AM market, including AP&C, Tekna, Carpenter, Praxair, Sandvik, 6K Additive, and IperionX. 

It also references manufacturing and technology providers such as GE Additive, EOS, Renishaw, Boeing, Safran, and Zimmer Biomet, among others.

The report, structured in two parts, combines market data with written analysis. It covers metrics such as material shipments, revenues by geographic region, and print technology trends. 

Additionally, it explores the role of Titanium Metal Injection Molding (MIM) within the broader titanium AM market.

The full report, including forecasts and industry insights, is available for purchase on the AM Research website. 

A free sample can also be requested.

For more details, visit: Titanium Powder for Additive Manufacturing in 2024.

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Reeracoen, Asia’s leading human resource services provider, in collaboration with Rakuten Insight Global, has released a new report titled “Perception of AI in the Workplace,” offering fresh insights into how AI is shaping the professional landscape across multiple generations. 

Surveying over 400 professionals across 50 industries, the report highlights key trends, challenges, and attitudes toward AI, providing critical insights as Singapore ramps up efforts under its Smart Nation 2.0 initiative.

The release follows the government’s recent announcement of a SG$1 billion investment to enhance AI capabilities, promote responsible adoption, and drive economic transformation.

Generational divide and key findings

The report sheds light on generational perspectives, workforce preparedness, and gaps in corporate support for AI integration.

• AI-Driven Job Anxiety:
  More than half of the survey respondents (53.5 per cent) expressed concern about AI replacing jobs, with Gen Z professionals showing the highest levels of anxiety regarding job security. The findings underscore the need for companies to develop effective strategies to address these fears and ensure workforce stability.
• Upskilling Efforts on the Rise:
  A notable 62.4 per cent of respondents indicated they are actively preparing for an AI-driven future, primarily through courses focused on data analysis and AI technologies. These efforts align with government initiatives to foster a digitally skilled workforce capable of leveraging AI for economic growth.
• Gaps in Corporate Support:
  Only 23.1 per cent of participants felt their employers were sufficiently supportive in helping employees adapt to AI changes. This finding signals an opportunity for businesses to enhance their internal strategies and invest more in employee readiness.

Industry leaders call for proactive strategies

Kenji Naito, Group CEO of Reeracoen Group, underscored the importance of bridging the gap between AI adoption and workforce preparedness.

“As AI reshapes the workforce, our role is to guide companies and job seekers to navigate these changes successfully,” Naito said. 

“This report provides invaluable insights, enabling us to align our strategies with Singapore’s Smart Nation 2.0 vision and connect businesses with AI-ready talent. While adoption is accelerating, companies must take proactive steps to support employees’ upskilling. By doing so, we contribute to Singapore’s ambition of becoming a global AI hub,” he noted. 

For more information on Reeracoen Singapore’s recruitment solutions, visit their website or follow them on LinkedIn.

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Infosys, a global leader in digital services and consulting, announced a strategic expansion of its partnership with Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of generative AI and Microsoft Azure solutions worldwide. 

The enhanced collaboration aims to help joint customers maximise their technology investments and achieve transformative outcomes, as stated in a media release. 

Infosys has been an early adopter of Microsoft’s GitHub Copilot, a generative AI-powered tool for code development. 

“Infosys is a top GitHub Copilot ‘customer zero,’ with over 18,000 developers generating more than 7 million lines of code using the tool,” according to Infosys. 

This early adoption has enabled Infosys to gain efficiencies in code modernisation and offer enterprise AI innovation to its clients globally.

As part of this collaboration, Infosys has been selected as a strategic supplier to support Cloud and AI workloads for Microsoft’s enterprise customers. 

The company will integrate Microsoft’s generative AI suite into its own Solution IP portfolio, helping clients achieve better cost-efficiency and scalability. 

“Our expanded collaboration with Infosys will transform industries, enhance business operations, and deliver new value for customers,” said Nicole Dezen, chief partner officer at Microsoft.

The scope of this collaboration spans multiple industries, including financial services, healthcare, supply chain, telecommunications, and energy management. 

In healthcare, Infosys Helix—a next-gen healthcare payer platform built on Microsoft Azure—will optimise patient outcomes through AI/ML automation. 

In the financial sector, Infosys’ Finacle suite will work alongside Microsoft’s capabilities to streamline processes and improve customer experiences.

In addition, the companies are jointly working on responsible AI initiatives. Infosys is contributing to Microsoft’s Responsible AI Partner Initiative, helping to develop ethical AI guidelines. 

“This collaboration addresses various business problems by delivering heightened value to clients through a customer-centric approach,” said Anand Swaminathan, EVP and Global Industry Leader at Infosys.

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A new report from Generation, a global employment nonprofit, highlights the experiences and challenges faced by midcareer and older workers as artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly prevalent in the workplace.

The study, titled Age-Proofing AI: Enabling an Intergenerational Workforce to Benefit from AI, was conducted with support from Google.org and The SCAN Foundation, featuring insights from over 4,000 employees and employers across France, Ireland, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The research indicates a troubling trend in hiring practices, particularly for entry-level and mid-level positions, as revealed in a media release.  

Employers in the US and Europe anticipate significant reductions in hiring, with projections ranging from 22 per cent to 64 per cent over the next year. 

Despite 89 per cent of employers acknowledging that midcareer and older workers perform at least as well as their younger counterparts, the new survey reveals a clear preference for younger candidates in AI-related roles. 

In the US, 90 per cent of hiring managers are inclined to consider applicants under 35, while only 32 per cent would consider candidates over 60. 

European employers showed a similar trend, with only 33 per cent open to older candidates compared to 86 per cent for younger ones.

The study found that only 15 per cent of workers over 45 report using generative AI tools in their jobs.

Among those who do, most are self-taught “power users,” employing AI multiple times a week to enhance various work activities. 

Notably, over half of these users reported improvements in quality, productivity, and decision-making due to AI. I

In the US, 35 per cent of older workers indicated increased job satisfaction from AI use, while this figure rose to 58 per cent in Europe.

However, the limited use of AI among older employees may mask the growth potential of these technologies in their roles. 

Many older workers, leveraging their experience, may excel at creating effective AI prompts and interpreting the results, even if they do not rely on AI as heavily as younger counterparts.

The report indicates that nearly half of US hiring managers (47 per cent) and 29 per cent of European employers have begun to provide AI tools to their workforce, with many planning to implement additional support in the coming year. 

More than 90 per cent of employers now offer some form of training for AI users, though only about half provide formal training programs.

The research also reveals mixed feelings among older workers regarding AI. Of those over 45 who do not currently use AI tools, 24 per cent in the US and 36 per cent in Europe expressed interest in learning to use them. 

However, approximately a quarter were neutral or unsure, and nearly one-third of US non-users, along with 17 per cent of European non-users, indicated a lack of interest in AI altogether.

Dr Mona Mourshed, Founding Global CEO of Generation, emphasised the importance of combining AI’s capabilities with human expertise. 

“This data underscores the importance of continuing to combat ageism, and points to an opportunity for us to take a more nuanced view in the AI-infused workplace of how to leverage the unique assets that workers of different ages and experience levels bring to the table,” she said.

Anika Heavener, Vice President of Innovation and Investments at The SCAN Foundation, echoed this sentiment: “AI is already transforming work as we know it, but at the same time, AI implementation has the potential to exacerbate ageism in the workplace.”

“Older workers offer unique skills and experience, and employers need to provide them with the training and support they need to reap the benefits of AI and successfully integrate the technology into their day-to-day jobs,” Heavener concluded. 

For further insights, read the full report here.

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GIGABYTE, a global leader in computer technology, has officially unveiled its latest advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) at the GIGABYTE Event. 

The event showcased GIGABYTE AI TOP, marking a new era of AI innovations with comprehensive software and hardware integration, as reported in a media release. 

The company also introduced its Intel Z890 and AMD X870 series motherboards, designed to push the boundaries of AI-driven performance.

Leading the announcements was GIGABYTE’s AI TOP Utility 2.0, an advanced tool designed to streamline AI training, featuring support for large machine models (LMMs).

The utility guides users through AI workflows, from model selection using RAG Check, to dataset creation, fine-tuning, and in-app validation. 

Supporting a wide range of LMMs, the system can train or fine-tune models on datasets of text, images, and video, allowing AI models to generate images and short videos in addition to text.

In terms of hardware, GIGABYTE’s AI TOP includes an optimised suite of SSDs, power supply units (PSUs), and chassis designed for high-performance AI workloads. 

These components offer enhanced power efficiency, durability, and heat dissipation, ensuring stability during heavy AI training tasks. 

Additionally, GIGABYTE announced the AI TOP 100 and AI TOP 500 setup kits—pre-built system barebones aimed at both beginners and professionals, providing flexibility for future upgrades. These kits are set to be available in Q4 2024.

Another highlight of the event was the unveiling of the AORUS Z890 series motherboards, engineered for Intel® Core Ultra processors. 

The Z890 series introduces the innovative D5 Bionic Corsa Technology, enabling AI-enhanced overclocking for peak DDR5 memory performance. 

GIGABYTE also introduced the AORUS X870 and X870E series motherboards, tailored for AMD Ryzen X3D series processors with an advanced VRM design to maximise performance.

These new motherboards join the AI TOP hardware lineup, including the Z890 AORUS XTREME AI TOP, Z890 AORUS MASTER AI TOP, and X870E AORUS XTREME AI TOP. 

These boards are built for dual-GPU configurations and feature Thunderbolt 5 technology, further enhancing local AI training capabilities.

For more details, visit the official GIGABYTE event page: GIGABYTE Event.

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Global technology leader ABB has joined forces with Austria-based Zumtobel Group in a strategic partnership aimed at advancing smart building solutions and direct current (DC) industrial product applications. 

he collaboration is expected to deliver integrated, sustainable solutions for the commercial, industrial, and institutional sectors, creating significant value through energy-efficient and user-friendly environments.

The partnership will combine Zumtobel Group’s expertise in lighting management systems with ABB’s building automation and electrification solutions, ABB said in a press release. 

This will enable the development of sensor-based lighting systems that optimize energy usage, improve occupant comfort, and enhance the effectiveness of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) controls.

“Our partnership approach enables us to better address innovation, standardization, and sustainability and continue to pioneer new technologies,” said Lucy Han, ABB’s Executive Vice President for Building and Home Automation Solutions. 

She highlighted that the partnership focuses on ensuring ease of use for customers through standardisation efforts in KNX, Matter, and Thread technologies. 

“By combining our strengths with partners like the Zumtobel Group, we can offer customers more comprehensive and innovative solutions for smart buildings and industrial applications.”

Both companies will also focus on driving the adoption of direct current (DC) technology in full-scale industrial applications. 

This shift toward DC technology aims to support a resource-saving society by improving the efficiency of renewable energy integration, reducing resource consumption, and enhancing grid stability. 

ABB and Zumtobel are both active members of the Open Direct Current Alliance (ODCA), promoting open systems and industry standards.

Oliver Vogler, Senior Vice President of Corporate Strategy and M&A at Zumtobel Group, expressed optimism about the collaboration.

“Collaborating with ABB allows us to expand our building management offering around sensor-based lighting, especially in DALI and KNX applications. Together, we can drive innovation in the rapidly evolving fields of smart buildings and smart energy solutions.”

The partnership will focus on joint development of smart building systems, particularly integrating Zumtobel’s LITECOM lighting system and TECTON DC luminaire with ABB’s DC protection devices and i-bus KNX system. 

The companies also plan to explore opportunities in prefabricated building solutions and emerging technology standards, such as the cross-manufacturer Matter standard and Thread network protocol.

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As the United States celebrates its 13th annual Manufacturing Week from 4 to 11 October, new data from the US Census Bureau and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) highlights growth in the semiconductor manufacturing sector. 

The latest BLS data shows that the number of semiconductor and related device manufacturing establishments rose from 1,876 in the first quarter of 2020 to 2,545 by the first quarter of 2024, reflecting the increasing demand for microchips amid a growing digital economy.

Employee numbers also surged, with the industry employing 202,029 workers as of January 2024, up from 185,370 in January 2020. 

This steady growth in employment showcases the expanding footprint of semiconductor manufacturing in the US economy.

Wage statistics, reported in the Census Bureau’s Annual Survey of Manufactures (ASM), reveal that salaries in the semiconductor industry have consistently climbed. 

The average annual wage increased from $107,943 in 2018 to $116,254 in 2021. 

Although the wage growth between 2019 and 2020 was not statistically significant, the continued upward trend reflects the high demand for skilled workers in this advanced manufacturing sector.

In parallel, the value of shipments in the US semiconductor industry rose sharply. 

According to the ASM, the value of shipments jumped from $52.7 billion in 2018 to $58.7 billion in 2021. This increase is attributed to the rising demand for microchips in a wide array of industries, including electronics, automotive, and telecommunications.

The semiconductor industry has also seen investments in robotics and equipment, driven by the need for advanced manufacturing processes. 

Data from the Annual Capital Expenditures Survey (ACES) shows that expenditures on robotics in semiconductor manufacturing grew from $579 million in 2020 to $1.0 billion in 2022.

Total equipment expenditures for the industry also rose, doubling from $14.4 billion in 2020 to $30.3 billion in 2022. These investments underscore the sector’s commitment to boosting productivity and maintaining its competitive edge on a global scale.

As the semiconductor industry continues to grow, upcoming data releases will begin capturing the effects of the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022. 

This legislation aims to strengthen U.S. supply chains, create more jobs in the manufacturing sector, and lower consumer costs by bolstering domestic semiconductor production.

The next major release of Census data on the semiconductor industry will be the Geographic Area Statistics from the 2022 Economic Census, scheduled for December 2024. 

This release will provide detailed statistics at the national and state levels, offering insights into the distribution of semiconductor manufacturing activity across the country.

In celebration of Manufacturing Week, the Census Bureau is highlighting its Manufacturing webpage, which features a wealth of data, tools, and resources on the sector. 

The initiative encourages companies and educational institutions to engage with students, parents, and community leaders to promote careers in manufacturing, aiming to inspire the next generation of workers in the sector.

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Stockholders of Desktop Metal, Inc have approved a merger agreement allowing the company to be acquired by Nano Dimension Ltd, marking a major milestone in the transaction. 

The merger, expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2024, now only awaits final regulatory approvals.

During a special meeting, 60 per cent of approximately 33 million outstanding Desktop Metal shares voted in favour of the merger. 

Of the total votes cast, over 96 per cent supported the agreement, reflecting strong backing from shareholders.

Ric Fulop, founder and CEO of Desktop Metal, expressed gratitude for the stockholders’ confidence in the merger, emphasizing the strategic benefits of joining forces with Nano Dimension. 

“This industry needs the combination of great products and technologies with a strong balance sheet to become self-sustaining.” 

“The agreement to combine with Nano Dimension is the best offer for stockholders to realise value from their current holdings in Desktop Metal,” Fulop said.

Yoav Stern, CEO of Nano Dimension, highlighted the significance of this approval, stating, “We are another step closer to closing the acquisition of Desktop Metal and building a strong, new leader in the digital manufacturing space.” 

Stern also noted that Nano Dimension is focused on securing the necessary regulatory approvals and advancing post-merger integration plans.

The merger is expected to strengthen the companies’ combined position in the digital manufacturing sector, with further growth anticipated through Nano Dimension’s planned business combination with Markforged.

The final voting results will be submitted to the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) through a Form 8-K by Desktop Metal.

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Sandvik, a global leader in metal powder technologies, announced the launch of Osprey HWTS 50, an advanced hot-work tool steel powder designed for laser-based Additive Manufacturing (AM). 

This new product is optimised to improve printability and processability, making it highly suitable for a range of applications, including Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF), Hot Isostatic Pressing (HIP), and Metal Injection Molding (MIM).

According to Sandvik, Osprey HWTS 50 addresses common challenges in hot-work applications within general engineering, including reducing the risk of cold cracking during Laser Powder Bed Fusion (L-PBF) processes. 

The steel is intended for use in high-pressure die casting, injection moulds, and hot forming tools, and its chemical composition is optimised for improved hot hardness at temperatures exceeding 600°C (1,112°F).

The product features a lower carbon content than medium-carbon hot-work tool steels, with adjustments to carbide-forming elements to enhance tempering resistance. 

Sandvik states that Osprey HWTS 50’s high thermal conductivity ensures efficient heat dissipation, which is advantageous for applications such as die casting and forging, where rapid heat removal can speed up production cycles.

Faraz Deirmina, Principal Metallurgist at Sandvik, emphasised the product’s benefits for AM tooling, noting that Osprey HWTS 50 was developed to address fabrication challenges in tools and dies produced using additive manufacturing technologies.

The powder is manufactured using either Vacuum Inert Gas Atomization (VIGA) or Inert Gas Atomization (IGA), resulting in spherical particles that offer good flow characteristics and high packing density. 

Additionally, the powder has low oxygen content and impurity levels, contributing to improved mechanical performance.

Key features of Osprey HWTS 50 include enhanced processability in L-PBF, optimised chemical composition for hot hardness and tempering resistance, and high thermal conductivity. 

The material’s hardness ranges from 40 to 50 HRC, depending on tempering temperature, ensuring durability in high-stress conditions.

Applications for Osprey HWTS 50 include mould making, extrusion dies, hot forging, die casting tooling, plastic moulding, and tool repair. 

The steel is also suited for rebuilding die-casting molds through Direct Energy Deposition (DED).

Sandvik has filed a patent for the composition of Osprey HWTS 50 and highlights that the alloy design reflects the company’s commitment to resource efficiency and sustainability, as the lean composition helps reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions.

For further details, visit Sandvik’s website.

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