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Amazon Web Services (AWS) is building a data center complex in Madison County, part of a $10 billion investment. The project includes five operational data centers and seven under construction, contributing to local job growth and reshaping the community. However, concerns about environmental impacts and long-term job sustainability persist, with AWS expected to create around 1,000 permanent jobs. Local leaders recognize potential economic benefits, but community advocates warn of negative effects on disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Quantum Systems introduced the MANDRILL unmanned ground vehicle at the Enforce Tac 2026 exhibition, marking its entry into land-based robotics. The platform integrates with the MOSAIC UXS software suite to facilitate interoperability between unmanned air and ground systems. Designed for various missions, MANDRILL features a modular architecture allowing rapid configuration for roles such as reconnaissance, logistics, and electronic warfare. The vehicle aims to enhance operational capabilities for armed forces and law enforcement by promoting coordinated multi-domain operations.

Ford plans to invest $2 billion to establish a battery storage business unit in Kentucky, aiming for 20 GWh annual production by late 2027. The initiative includes repurposing an EV manufacturing facility and producing smaller cells in Michigan. Concurrently, the EIA projects US solar generation will increase by 17% in 2026 and 23% in 2027, as new solar capacity meets growing electricity demand, expected to rise 1.4% in 2026 and 2.5% in 2027.

Chinese startup LinkerBot has developed a new robotic hand technology that enhances the dexterity of humanoid robots. Founded in 2023 by Alex Csou Jung, the company has secured $217 million in investments and plans to double its research team by the end of 2026. LinkerBot aims to produce 1 million robotic hands mimicking human capabilities, with a target of delivering the 10,000th unit in 2025. The robotic hand features up to 20 degrees of freedom, weighs 370 grams, and can exert a gripping force of 50 kg, making it suitable for various industrial and everyday tasks.

Pyka, a U.S. autonomous aviation company, is progressing on its DropShip drone, aimed at logistics transport and casualty evacuation in contested areas. The drone seeks to mitigate risks to pilots and costly aircraft while addressing military logistics challenges. The platform is designed for high-threat environments, enhancing supply delivery and operational flexibility. Operational demonstrations are underway as the program nears its first flight milestone.

The Netherlands will launch its second €33.6 million funding round under the €210 million Maritime Masterplan on May 19, 2026. This round supports projects utilizing alternative marine fuels on new or retrofitted vessels, expanding eligibility to ammonia and bioethanol following industry feedback. Applications are open until November 3, 2026, with up to €8 million available per project. This initiative aims to demonstrate 30 climate neutral vessels as part of the zero emission shipping strategy.

SimActive's Correlator3D software is evolving to meet the demands of modern defense operations, focusing on rapid processing and high-resolution imagery. Originally developed for the Canadian military, it supports continuous data collection and prioritizes security and accuracy. The software enables swift production of orthomosaics for mission planning and operational decisions in high-risk environments, with capabilities for both on-premise and hybrid cloud deployments. Future enhancements will include automation and multi-sensor integration.

The island-barangay of Malingin in Bien Unido, Bohol, has received a P7.4 million water desalination facility, inaugurated on February 20. The solar-powered plant can produce 11 cubic meters of clean drinking water daily. Local officials, including Gov. Aris Aumentado and Rep. Vanessa Aumentado, attended the turnover ceremony. Barangay officials plan to implement a fee for water usage to maintain the facility, emphasizing the importance of basic services for all barangays.

Deputy Secretary of the NSDC, Davyd Aloyan, met with Anduril Industries to discuss defense cooperation, production localization, and technology exchange in Ukraine. The discussions focused on enhancing air defense capabilities and securing critical infrastructure as part of Ukraine's strategy to strengthen partnerships with international defense firms.

GLJ Ltd. and Techno Canada Inc. have announced the formation of GLJ WW Private Limited, a joint venture aimed at enhancing energy certification and consulting services in India. Established on January 27, 2026, during India Energy Week 2026 in Goa, the venture will leverage GLJ's geological expertise and TCI's field services to provide tailored solutions in oil, gas, and emerging energy sectors.

Apollo Optical Systems is expanding its Rochester operations by acquiring Turning Point Tool, enhancing product development and reducing lead times across various markets. The integration aims to improve operational efficiency and strengthen supply chain resilience, while also supporting workforce growth through partnerships with local educational institutions.

Researchers at Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf have used operando X-ray imaging to uncover aging processes in sodium-zinc molten-salt batteries, which operate at around 600 C. These batteries, promising for stationary energy storage due to low-cost materials, have struggled with stability and persistent capacity loss despite their operational advantages.

Construction has commenced on the Long Point Shoreline Resilience Project at South River Farms Park in Edgewater, Maryland. The project aims to protect 1,600 feet of shoreline along Selby Bay from erosion and storm surges. It will incorporate traditional stone sills, large woody debris, and oyster habitat structures to enhance coastal resilience and create aquatic habitats. The project is supported by Anne Arundel County and funded by the Chesapeake Bay Trust.

Genser Energy's 135 MMSCFD Gas Conditioning Plant in Prestea, Ghana, is nearing completion with operations expected to start by April 2026. The plant will enhance gas processing, support local energy needs, and facilitate exports of natural gas liquids. It is designed to process natural gas into various derivatives and will feed into the Takoradi Natural Gas Liquids Export Terminal, boosting Ghana's energy reliability and economy through job creation and exports.

Nordic Solar has commenced operations at a new battery plant in Södertälje, Sweden, with a capacity of 9MW/18MWh. This facility aims to enhance stability in the Swedish electricity grid and represents a key strategic development for the company.

Hexagon AB completed the sale of its Design & Engineering business to Cadence Design Systems for approximately €2.7 billion in cash and stock. The transaction aligns with Hexagon's strategy to focus on core precision measurement and robotics solutions. The sale is expected to yield a gain of around €1.4 billion after costs. Cadence anticipates the acquisition will add approximately $160 million in revenue in 2026.

Defence City in Ukraine, aimed at bolstering the defense-industrial complex, has only one resident company after two months. Expert Ihor Harbaruk cites the need for systemic state support and legislative reforms. He emphasizes the importance of quality control in defense production and suggests that criteria for residency are not unrealistic but require proper documentation. The initiative aims to create favorable conditions for defense production, including tax exemptions and simplified customs procedures, while stressing the need for accountability in criminal proceedings against potential residents.

UPS will close its Atlanta Hub on Marvin Miller Drive on March 2, 2026, as part of a plan to shut down around 24 facilities nationwide. This decision is aligned with the company's cost-cutting strategies and aims to enhance operational efficiency. The closure will impact employees at the facility, and UPS is assessing support options for affected staff. Automation technologies will be introduced to improve performance and maintain service quality.

Jon Barela, CEO of the Borderplex Alliance, will discuss international trade and local business conditions on February 23. Topics include Meta's plans for a large data center in Northeast El Paso, potential future tech projects, and economic growth in the region, along with the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement review scheduled for this summer.

First Hydrogen Corp. has entered a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire a 60% stake in Exodus Actuation Solutions, which holds 25 patents in robotics technology. The acquisition will involve issuing 2 million common shares and funding $2 million for technology advancement. This partnership aims to integrate advanced robotics and actuators into electric vehicles and renewable energy applications, enhancing automation and efficiency.