Industrial AI & Edge Hardware: SECO will debut end-to-end Edge AI at embedded world North America, pitching faster paths from prototypes to production-grade industrial deployments. Robotics for Production Lines: PMMI’s new report forecasts U.S. packaging/processing robotics growth to about $800M by 2031, with mobile robots set to surge. Energy Storage Manufacturing Pressure: As India’s BESS buildout accelerates, the big question is whether the country can scale local manufacturing fast enough to cut import dependence. Toxic Pollution Rule Clash: A U.S. rollback of the HON hazardous air pollutants rule threatens tighter limits on “Cancer Alley” petrochemical emissions. Campus Mercury Scare: MIT says a student’s possible dimethylmercury exposure is under review after blood tests showed no sign of exposure; the chemistry building was closed for cleanup. Rare Disease Data + Patient Voice: ARPA-H’s RAPID program adds the Undiagnosed Diseases Network Foundation to bring patient experience into AI-driven diagnostics. AI Service Provider Push (China): MIIT targets 3,000 AI application service providers nationwide by 2027, aiming to speed “AI+” adoption across industries. Biotech Dealmaking: Eli Lilly plans to buy Merida Biosciences for up to ~$2.9B to target disease-causing autoantibodies in autoimmune disorders. Healthcare Automation Backlash: A new critique argues staffing cuts and automation in U.S. clinics can remove the human “infrastructure” patients rely on. Packaging & Pharma Compliance: India’s CCPA fined United Biscuits ₹1 lakh over “whole wheat” labeling that didn’t match ingredient proportions. Defense Tech & Policy: Japan’s JVCKENWOOD doubles down on public-safety communications in its VISION 2030 plan.