SOUTHFIELD, MI, Jan 21, 2025 – Bill Kerfin has been appointed president of Amsted Automotive. Kerfin assumes the role after serving as executive vice president of Amsted Automotive since Oct 1, 2023.
Kerfin’s career reflects an extensive track record of leadership and expertise within the Amsted family of businesses and beyond. He previously served as chief financial officer of Amsted Rail and vice president of Amsted Griffin Pipe business. Prior to re-joining Amsted, Kerfin held key leadership roles, including CEO of Premier Forge Group Holdings, president of U.S. Pipe, and vice president-sales for U.S. Pipe.
Kerfin holds a B.S. in Accountancy from DePaul University and an MBA from the University of Chicago with concentrations in Finance and Economics. He is also a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in which Kerfin achieved the rank of sergeant and specialized in nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare training.
This leadership transition follows the impactful tenure of Jeremy Holt, who has guided Amsted Automotive over the past seven years.
As the automotive industry continues to evolve, Amsted Automotive will focus on optimizing its strong position in traditional technologies while strategically addressing development efforts.
The VTUX valve terminal assembled as remote I/O with the CPX-AP-A communications module, left, I/O, center, and two subbases with a total of eight valve slices, right.
The VTUX valve terminal assembled as remote I/O with the CPX-AP-A communications module, left, I/O, center, and two subbases with a total of eight valve slices, right.
ISLANDIA, NY, Jan 21, 2025 – Festo introduces its new valve terminal, the VTUX. The VTUX can serve as I/O, remote I/O, and decentralized I/O. These durable IP65/67-rated terminals can be placed anywhere on a machine to boost performance and speed up OEM installation. VTUX modularity results in less inventory and lower overhead costs. The VTUX is set to replace Festo’s legacy terminals.
VTUX is both compact and lightweight, an advantage for end-of-arm tooling and conserving space on a machine or in a control cabinet. The terminal is built from a tough polymer, allowing use in welding environments.
The key to the VTUX’s flexibility is its modular design. For high flow rates up to 670 l/min, a high flow subbase is used and for space saving needs, the compact subbase. A single valve model can be used for both subbases, which simplifies ordering, stocking, and support. High flow and compact subbases of one or four valve positions can be mixed and matched on a terminal. VTUX terminals can have up to 128 valves with up to 128 solenoid coils. The VTUX also features vacuum capability.
The electronics side of the terminal offers the same flexibility as the pneumatics side by featuring mix-and-match modules. For example, users can add multiple analog or digital I/O modules, including I/O-Link. The modular concept continues through to the method of communication between controller and terminal. The choices include the new Festo Automation Platform (AP) for backplane speed communication in all top communication protocols. All AP-based modules appear to the control engineer to be under a single IP address that simplifies commissioning and allows smaller and less expensive PLCs to be specified. Additional communication modules include IO-Link, AP-I for decentralized I/O, and multipin connector.
VTUX terminals are assembled and tested at the Festo Regional Service Center in Mason, Ohio. They arrive ready for installation. As a key Festo product, VTUX parts are stocked worldwide to ensure quick replacements and reduce downtime. The modular design simplifies inventory, shortens training, and speeds up troubleshooting and repairs.
TOLLAND, CT, Jan 21, 2025 – Mastercam has announced three new leadership appointments that will strengthen its ability to deliver innovation, new products, and customer-focused solutions to meet the rising demands of the U.S. manufacturing industry, including high costs, policy shifts, and labor shortages. Mastercam has appointed a new chief innovation officer, a vice president (VP) of product management, and a VP of customer success and program delivery.
Nand Shivkumar is the new chief innovation officer (CIO). In this role, Shivkumar will oversee Mastercam’s product vision and strategy, ensuring the company meets market demands and drives innovation forward.
Nand Shivkumar
“Nand’s appointment marks a significant milestone in Mastercam’s journey toward delivering next-generation manufacturing solutions. His leadership will help us strengthen customer engagement, expand into new markets, and provide even greater value to our customers worldwide,” said Russ Bukowski, interim president of Mastercam.
Shivkumar has over 20 years of experience in software engineering, product strategy, and leading technology innovation. His expertise in scaling SaaS platforms, leveraging AI and machine learning, and leading diverse global teams will play a key role in shaping Mastercam’s future.
Ivan Krstic has been appointed as the new VP of product management.Krstic has over 20 years of experience in product management, with a focus on CAD/CAM and manufacturing technology.
Ivan Krstic
In this position, he will lead product strategy for Mastercam. He will guide the development of the product roadmap for current and future solutions to increase revenue and deliver integrated tools that improve the customer experience.
“Ivan’s proficiency in market-driven strategies is set to drive innovation and inspire exceptional user experiences,” said Bukowski.
Shannon Lesane has been promoted from the director of project management to VP of customer success and program delivery.
Shannon Lesane
Lesane’s experience in creating and managing customer success and client engagement programs will help Mastercam to expand its direct sales efforts. Lesane will also continue leading the project management office team, ensuring customer value, improving client relationships, and building a customer-focused culture. “As we expand our services and support structure, Shannon will ensure the right programs, processes, and systems to support our customers at all levels. I am very excited to see the impactful contributions she brings to Mastercam,” added Bukowski.
JETCAM has announced an update to its free CAD Viewer, offering users an enhanced experience with new features. The updated CAD Viewer is a free tool that allows for viewing of all major 2D CAD files on a PC.
The new release focuses on providing users with more control over their files. Key enhancements include:
Folder and File Count Display: The selected folder and the number of files within that folder are displayed at the top of the screen. This provides users with a clear overview of the directory they are working in.
Window Position and Size Memory: The CAD Viewer will remember the size and position of the window, especially if located on a screen left of the main screen. This is useful for users who often use multiple monitors or have a preferred viewing configuration.
Improved Handling of Temporary Files: If a CAD file is opened from an application such as email, which copies the file to a temporary location, the CAD Viewer will automatically copy this file to c:\temp and open it from that location. This ensures the file is accessible and prevents issues with opening files from temporary locations that are sometimes inaccessible to the user.
New Right-Click Option on Thumbnails: A new right-click option on thumbnails allows users to open the file directly in File Explorer. This enables users to perform other file management functions like opening in a different app, copying, or deleting.
The JETCAM CAD Viewer is a lightweight tool that requires less memory or hard disk space. It is designed to be installed alongside existing CAD/CAM software to provide a fast, one-click viewing of CAD files. The viewer is provided free, ‘as is’ and without warranty and can be installed on an unlimited number of computers.
Other Features of the JETCAM CAD Viewer:
No ads, spyware, or malware
No Internet connection.
Small memory footprint, approximately 40MB.
Simple tree view for local and mapped network drives.
Thumbnail images of all recognized 2D CAD files, including JETCAM JGF component files, DWG, DXF and IGES.
Can be set to be default viewer.
During installation, you can choose if you want the CAD Viewer to be the default viewer for any of the supported file formats.
Measurement rules showing scale of part.
Pan and zoom with the mouse.
Martin Bailey, managing director of JETCAM, said; “The CAD Viewer is an essential install for anyone that regularly needs to view common CAD files. It installs within seconds, needs no configuration, and is extremely quick to use and navigate. This update makes it even more useful and user-friendly.”
The JETCAM CAD Viewer does not require any CAD packages to be installed to display thumbnail images. It is compatible with Windows 10 or above, and requires 52MB of hard disk space, and XGA graphics (1024×768) or above.
PARIS, France, Jan 17, 2025 – FOSECO and ESI Group announce a new cooperation.
Thermo-physical data for the FOSECO feeder sleeve and filtration product ranges are integrated and made available in ESI’s ProCAST (& QuikCAST) software. ProCAST provides insights into the dynamics of the casting process, empowering foundries to evaluate, validate, and optimize their casting processes, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.
The integration of Foseco’s feeder sleeve and filter thermo-physical data into ProCAST enables customers of Foseco and ESI ProCAST to execute simulation projects effectively.. By assigning the product-specific material properties to each feeder and filter, simulated filling & solidification results become more reliable.
The improved accuracy and confidence lead to faster decision making, optimizing gating and feeding system design with fewer simulation iterations for better casting quality and yield.
Image Source: FOSECO
KEY BENEFITS:
Accurate Simulations: Foseco and ESI‘s collaboration integrates Foseco’s sleeve & filter data into ProCAST for precise casting process & defect predictions, better decision-making, reducing iterations and enhancing quality with maximized yield.
Efficient Workflow: Having Foseco‘s data accessible in ProCAST helps foundries eliminate uncertainty in simulations, and boosts productivity.
Worldwide Impact: Initially, Foseco datasets for products relevant to Ferrous Foundries in Europe will be available, paving the way for regional and global expansion.
Initially focusing on products relevant to Ferrous Foundries in Europe, this integration sets the stage for future expansions, with plans to expand geographically in phases. Foseco and ESI Group are committed to providing foundries innovative solutions to improve efficiency and drive innovation in the casting industry.
DAYTON, OH, Jan 17, 2025 – Woolpert has hired chief information officer Carl Lucas to oversee IT development, integration, and security for the firm’s expanding global architecture, engineering, and geospatial (AEG) operations and artificial intelligence technologies. Working with Woolpert’s leadership team, Lucas will help bolster the firm’s cybersecurity and IT bench strength, improve the IT integration processes for acquired firms, and drive a holistic AI program to support its corporate services, internal IT, generative AI, and operational needs.
Lucas has provided IT strategy and leadership for a variety of tech startups, Fortune 500 companies, and private equity-backed firms. He comes to Woolpert with over 30 years of global IT experience, including 10 years within the geospatial industry.
“I’m honored to join Woolpert at this incredibly exciting time in the company’s history,” Lucas said. “I’m looking forward to leading transformative global IT initiatives and AI innovations that will support Woolpert’s strategic vision and add value for customers and employees.”
Before joining Woolpert, Lucas served as vice president of information technology at NV5. He focused on technology advancement and scalability for the firm’s geospatial solutions unit, overseeing its global technology systems, operations, cloud services, and IT security.
“Carl’s experience leading technology organizations for innovative, rapidly growing organizations is an ideal match for Woolpert’s growing global business,” Woolpert president Neil Churman said. “Carl has the industry insight, business acumen, and innovative mindset to help us connect, protect, and scale our expanding operations. We are very pleased and fortunate to welcome him to our team.”
Lucas earned his bachelor’s degree in astrophysics from the University of Rochester. He holds a professional certificate in Management and Leadership from Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a professional certificate in Innovation and Entrepreneurship from Stanford University. He will be based out of Woolpert’s office in the St. Pete Innovation District in St. Petersburg, FL.
EL SEGUNDO, CA, Jan 17, 2025 – Slingshot Aerospace, Inc. has announced that it has been awarded $1.9 million from the United States Space Force’s (USSF) Space Systems Command (SSC) to develop further Slingshot’s existing GPS jamming and spoofing detection, geolocate the sources and predict patterns of interference. Intentional GPS spoofing–a malicious technique that manipulates GPS data to skew an object’s geolocation–and GPS jamming are used across conflict zones to weaken combatant technology and often warn about future threats to national security.
The new program, PNT-SENTINEL (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing – Secure Electronic Navigation Threat Intelligence and Location), provides Slingshot with new funding to enhance its already operational technology by incorporating AI and predictive analytics to more rapidly disseminate insights to warfighters and support faster, more informed decision-making.
The PNT-SENTINEL contract was awarded as a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Phase 2 contract by SpaceWERX, a space-focused division within the innovation arm of the U.S. Air Force, AFWERX. SSC awarded Slingshot a $1.9 million Phase 1 contract to develop its initial GPS jamming detection capability called DEEP (Data Exploitation and Enhanced Processing) in October 2021. The technology produced as a result of the DEEP contract provides the foundation for PNT-SENTINEL and is currently being used by the USSF to detect GPS jamming and ground-based interference sources related to ongoing conflicts, potential future conflict zones, and counterterrorism efforts.
“Modern military operations rely on space systems like GPS, so it’s no surprise that GPS jamming is already a pervasive threat,” said Tim Solms, chief executive officer, Slingshot Aerospace. “In addition to military operations, the larger global community is also highly reliant on GPS, but jamming and spoofing may not discriminate between military and civilian users – meaning that functions of daily life like financial transactions and commercial air traffic control could also be affected.”
Today’s global community relies more than ever on the signals from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), which are satellite constellations that provide global PNT services. This includes the U.S. GPS system, the European Galileo system, and more. By interfering with those signals, bad actors can hamper satellite operations over a certain region. This interference also impacts ground- and air-based operations, including crewed aircraft, drones, and precision-guided munitions–and disrupts critical services for everything from troops on the ground to commercial airline operations and passenger vehicle navigation.
As part of the contract, Slingshot will leverage its recently announced AI model called Agatha, that helps identify anomalous spacecraft within large satellite constellations, to further explore, develop, and integrate cutting-edge AI into PNT-SENTINEL. By layering AI into Slingshot’s current technology, it will become more robust and automated in its ability to detect and flag jamming and spoofing threats, as well as differentiate between unintentional or anomalous interference and nefarious acts. Other enhancements to Slingshot’s capabilities include:
Implementing pattern of life algorithms: Advanced patterns of life recognition will identify, flag, and evaluate active jamming events, predicting situation evolution.
Multi-GNSS processing: Slingshot will expand beyond monitoring GPS interference and will detect jamming of multiple global navigation satellite systems by ingesting data from various sources, including allied nations’ spacecraft, for a comprehensive real-time view.
Interoperable with existing warfighter systems: The capability will integrate with existing systems for real-time information dissemination, empowering warfighters to make timely decisions for strategic advantage.
Enhancements to the user interface: An enhanced interface that will allow warfighters across the US and allied services in making informed decisions during security operations.
Slingshot’s GPS jamming and spoofing detection and geolocation capabilities leverage data passively collected by a mesh network of thousands of satellites canvasing the Earth. By collecting degradation signals from thousands of satellites that are constantly canvassing the globe, Slingshot is able to create a near-real-time picture of where GPS jamming is taking place on Earth at any given moment. Space-based technology offers broader jamming insight than existing ground-based detection systems. Legacy ground-based systems tend to have fixed receivers or limited distance receivers, that creates information gaps due to smaller coverage areas and limited deployment options in contested zones on land or at sea.
HOUSTON, TX, Jan 16, 2025 – ionstream.ai has announced the immediate availability of NVIDIA L40S GPUs on its GPU as a Service (GaaS) platform. This strategic expansion provides organizations with a cost-effective solution optimized for AI inference and fine-tuning tasks, offering an alternative to larger and expensive GPU options.
“Organizations are looking for right-sized GPU solutions that match their specific AI workloads,” said Jeff Hinkle, chief executive officer at ionstream.ai. “The addition of the NVIDIA L40S to our cloud platform provides enterprises with the ideal infrastructure for inference and model refinement tasks, delivering the perfect balance of performance and cost-efficiency.”
Enterprise-Grade AI Infrastructure, On Demand
The NVIDIA L40S GPU, powered by the Ada Lovelace architecture, represents a breakthrough in AI infrastructure accessibility. ionstream.ai’s implementation delivers:
Advanced AI Capabilities:
Optimized for AI inference and fine-tuning workflows
Ideal for production-scale model deployment
Cost-effective alternative to H100 and H200 GPUs for inference tasks
Multi-user support for enterprise workloads
Revolutionary Cost Economics:
Right-sized infrastructure for inference workloads
Improved energy efficiency for sustainable operations
Zero upfront capital expenditure
Pay-as-you-go pricing with per-minute billing
Transforming Enterprise AI Capabilities
The L40S platform enables efficient AI model deployment across industrial domains:
Oil & Gas Exploration: Process complex seismic data through high-performance computing capabilities, enabling rapid subsurface imaging and reservoir characterization. The L40S accelerates traditional seismic processing workflows while supporting emerging AI-enhanced interpretation methods, reducing time-to-insight for critical exploration decisions.
Healthcare & Life Sciences: Deploy medical imaging models and fine-tune diagnostic systems
Financial Services: Run real-time inference for fraud detection and risk analysis
Automotive & Manufacturing: Power production-ready computer vision applications
NEW DELHI, India, Jan 17, 2025 – Exicom unveiled new EV solutions developed at the intersection of renewable energy, and scalable, high-power public charging, at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025. The company showcased a highly integrated solution, Harmony Boost, combining solar power, grid input, intelligent Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) and multiple dispenser units (up to 400kW) to deliver a greener and faster EV charging experience for Indian EV users.
The technology, that is being adopted globally, is being showcased in India by Exicom, for the first time. One of the key differentiators of this solution is its ability to manage solar and grid power efficiently, to maximize the use of renewable energy in EV charging. This solution addresses the challenge of intermittent availability of solar power and peak demand management at the grid level to deliver fast charging of up to 400kW per plug ‘every-time’ for EV users, by using smart energy storage and management. It also creates immense value for the Charge Point Operators by cutting costs and enhancing customer experience.
Conclusively tackling the challenges of dust, temperature and noise environments on highways – its advanced IP65 liquid-cooled batteries and liquid-cooled power electronics ensure reliability, lowest O&M costs and longevity.
Mr. Anant Nahata, managing director, Exicom, shared his take on the solution, saying, “Achieving net zero carbon emissions in transportation is one of the primary concerns globally. Exicom’s Harmony Boost, a BESS-equipped EV charging station, not only addresses the requirement of clean energy integration, but also offers effective load balancing, enhanced scalability, cost-savings and a superior charging experience. We hope to continue our meaningful contributions to India’s green mobility revolution and solve imminent and future challenges not only for our customers, but for the larger EV Charging ecosystem in India and across the world.”
The solution is integrated with Exicom’s new distributed charging product, supporting power levels up to 400kW per plug for quick and efficient vehicle charging, easing range anxiety for EV drivers. Intelligent power sharing among plugs meets EVs’ varied charging needs, enhancing the charging station’s efficiency.
Hisense Pushes Boundaries at CES 2025 with AI-Driven Innovations in Entertainment and Smart Living. Source: Hisense
Hisense Pushes Boundaries at CES 2025 with AI-Driven Innovations in Entertainment and Smart Living. Source: Hisense
DUBAI, UAE, Jan 17, 2025 – Hisense concluded its Consumer Electronics Show (CES) 2025 showcase under the theme “AI Your Life,” unveiling innovations designed to elevate modern lifestyles. During the three-day roadshow, Hisense featured scenario-based applications of AI, delivering immersive experiences across TVs, home appliances, and smart ecosystems.
Hisense products were honored with a total of 50 awards, including the prestigious CES Innovation Award. The TriChroma LED TVs and other innovations also earned accolades from top-tier media outlets such as Digital Trends, Home Theater Review, and TechRadar, underscoring their excellence in design and performance. The recognition highlights Hisense’s commitment to innovative solutions resonating with both consumers and industry experts.
Revolutionizing Home Entertainment with TV Innovations
At CES 2025, Hisense picked the biggest annual tech conference to unveil the world’s first consumer-ready 136-inch MicroLED Display, the 136MX, setting a new precedent in display technology. By eliminating traditional backlight limitations, 136MX delivers precise contrast, lifelike colors, and a viewing experience that sets a industry benchmark. Hisense is pushing home entertainment boundaries with MicroLed technology, the R&D team being the hallmark of strength and expertise.
Powered by Hisense’s flagship Hi-View AI Engine X chipset, the 136MX optimizes every frame with its AI-based algorithms, enabling precise color conversion, dynamic 3D color management, and rich display details.
The 116-inch TriChroma LED TV further showcased Hisense’s innovation, featuring RGB Local Dimming technology for precise color reproduction, Dolby Atmos-enabled surround sound, and AI enhancements for immersive viewing.
Additionally, Hisense debuted its L9Q Laser TV, the latest in its award-winning L9 Series. With five screen sizes ranging from 100 to 150 inches, the L9Q offers unparalleled versatility and premium performance, reaffirming Hisense’s leadership in Laser TV technology.
In collaboration with Pantone and Devialet, Hisense enhanced its premium TV offerings with Pantone-validated color accuracy and Devialet’s superior audio expertise, creating the ultimate cinematic experience at home.
Smart Home Appliances Powered by ConnectLife
Hisense also showcased its ConnectLife smart home ecosystem, designed to integrate TVs, appliances, and third-party devices. The platform enables users to manage their connected home system through a unified app, offering features such as personalized automation and real-time device monitoring.
In the kitchen, the Jumbo Side-by-Side Refrigerator and FreshVault French Door Refrigerator demonstrated Hisense’s commitment to innovation, with features like vacuum-sealed drawers for enhanced food preservation, AI-powered recipe suggestions, and integrated media hubs.
The LuxCare Mini Washer-Dryer Combo and Smart UltraSlim Air Conditioner delivered compact, energy-efficient solutions for modern living, while ConnectLife integration enabled heightened control and convenience across all devices.
Hisense and FIFA: A Partnership for the Future
As the first official partner of the FIFA Club World Cup 2025, Hisense also offered a first look at the tournament’s trophy at CES. Leveraging its flagship 100-inch AI TVs and AI Sports Mode, Hisense enhances fan experiences with immersive stadium-like viewing into homes.
SOUTHFIELD, MI, Jan 21, 2025 – Bill Kerfin has been appointed president of Amsted Automotive. Kerfin assumes the role after serving as executive vice president of Amsted Automotive since Oct 1, 2023.
