Robotics have been around for decades, with a rich history in both business and consumer applications, which we will explore here on this blog. However, we are at an interesting precipice in time where we can now combine robotics with new intelligence that comes from gen AI (artificial intelligence). Let’s take some time to explore the wide world of robotics—yesterday, today, and tomorrow. A Robotics History Lesson A robot will often drum up an image of a helper—think Rosie from the Jetsons—or a machine rising-up—imagine Terminator. Stanford suggests the reality is the term robotics was first ..read more

Juniper Research says subscription economy to be worth almost $1 trillion globally by 2028. The post Fact of the Day – 5/22/2024 first appeared on Connected World ..read more

If we want to solve the labor crisis, we must consider each person’s unique set of needs. Let’s consider the example of women in construction. Too often, this group of people still face a lack of PPE (personal protective equipment) and other hurdles. In fact, a new report suggests there are several critical challenges that women still face today—in 2024—in the construction industry. In the 2024 She Builds Nation report, Lumber gained insights from more than 100 women construction owners, executives, and decision makers. Let’s unpack what this report uncovered. The Challenges Let’s start with t ..read more

What impact do PLAs (project labor agreements) have on construction projects? That is the question one new study aims to answer out of the ILEPI (Illinois Economic Policy Institute) and the PMCR (Project for Middle Class Renewal) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. First, a definition and a bit of a history lesson. As most in the construction industry already know, project labor agreements are pre-hire agreements between the project owner and labor organizations. Often, they establish the terms and conditions of employment for skilled craft workers on large infrastructure projec ..read more

Connected World says 65% of respondents state the emergence of technology is having a profound impact. The post Fact of the Day – 5/21/2024 first appeared on Connected World ..read more

GlobalData says South Africa general insurance industry to surpass $10 billion by 2028. The post Fact of the Day – 5/20/2024 first appeared on Connected World ..read more

We all know cardboard has the potential to be dangerous to our environment, as it releases methane as it decomposes, contributing ultimately to global warming. At least that’s been the concern with so many deliveries and boxes ending up in landfills. The good news in this discussion is that many also know cardboard boxes can be recycled, with an impressive 96.5% rate of recycling. Enter PACT (Packaging and Crafting Technologies), which has developed a specially designed, corrugated crate. The company’s patented process consists of cross-core lamination with triple-wall, double-wall, or fiber b ..read more

IDC says worldwide shipments of traditional PCs grew 1.5% year-over-year in the first quarter of 2024. The post Fact of the Day – 5/17/2024 first appeared on Connected World ..read more

Connected World says 45% of people find working in a traditional office environment to be less attractive these days. The post Fact of the Day – 5/16/2024 first appeared on Connected World ..read more

Supply-chain weaknesses have come into the spotlight in recent years, but with this we also have big opportunities for new innovations to create true transformation. As this happens, we will need people, process, and technology to work in tandem to ensure smooth and successful implementation of supply-chain technologies. To proceed, we must take into consideration the most significant trends for our supply chain. Perhaps the notable is that man and machine must continue work side-by-side closely, enabling new efficiencies and faster decision making. Of course, this is only the beginning. Gartn ..read more