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Being aware of developments in other industries as they’re happening can help you anticipate new solutions to improve efficiencies and add value in your business. Aside from the Internet of Things (IoT), information-driven manufacturing (iDM), social robots and Internet 5.0, here are three trends manufacturers need to watch:

1. Rapid prototyping + crowdfunding: Together, these two trends allow almost anyone to bring solutions to market quicker than many organisations can develop counter measures. It is the very definition of “disruptive innovation”.

2. Cradle-to-grave traceability: Every recall hitting the headlines reminds manufacturers of the critical need for end-to-end traceability to mitigate the risks to consumers and businesses. Intensifying this need are the proliferating counterfeit markets, worth US$32 billion and causing one million deaths annually. Traceability can counteract this.

3. Beyond the IoT: Blockchain is an emerging technology beginning to play a major part in IoT, especially with its potential to overcome many manufacturers’ concerns around data security. Another IoT evolution is machine learning, which falls under the wider artificial-intelligence umbrella. While adding natural language processing to machine learning gives a whole new opportunity: cognitive learning systems.

Find out more about these trends by reading the full story here and watching this video:

 

Food & Drink Business

The latest rounds of funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) has included up to $25.3 million for NewVolt to build a shared fast‑charging network for electric trucks in Victoria, and up to $1.77 million for 4 Pines Brewing Co to support the electrification of its Brookvale brewhouse.

The Queensland government has launched its $30 million Sowing the Seeds of Farming Innovation Fund (SSFIF), designed to accelerate agricultural innovation, adoption and productivity across the state’s primary industries.

The Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology (ASVO) has appointed Emily White as the organisation’s new executive director, following an extended search for the ideal candidate. She will take over the role from Chris Waters after a two month collaborative transition period.