Robot kidnaps other robots to form a union

NPA Insights, December 2024

Happy Holiday Season!

Over the past weeks, I was frequently asked what companies can do to avoid potential additional tariffs. There are several options, from reclassifying HTS codes and tariff engineering to considering Boston's FTZ (Foreign Trade Zone), amongst several others. Contact me if you need help.

But let's not worry too much about things that haven't happened yet.

I wish all of you a fun holiday season amongst your families and friends.

The State of Manufacturing

The Manufacturing PMI Index gained almost 2% in November to 48.4%. The second-highest gain in all of 2024.

New Orders returned to expansion territory after gaining 3.3% last month.

The Prices Index also showed a positive change with a reduction to 50.3%.

Our newsletter contributor, IMS, provides another good lesson on what to look out for with suppliers.

A mentor of mine once told me, "Saying no is easy. Saying yes is hard."

Saying yes is more than just agreeing—it’s a choice to engage, take responsibility, and see things through. "Yes" means facing challenges, making commitments, and pushing past the familiar to test your own boundaries.

While it can be intimidating, it’s through saying yes that we grow and learn things we’d never discover if we stayed within our comfort zones. Yes reveals what you’re truly capable of and strengthens the mindset that nothing is off-limits if you're willing to try.

People with a “yes” attitude stand out. They’re approachable, optimistic, and always ready to lend a hand—they genuinely care about the task at hand and the people they work with. While personal growth is essential, this "yes" philosophy is equally vital in business.

The right PCBA supplier embodies that same commitment. Assembling Proof of Concept and Prototype PCBAs demands flexibility, proactive solutions, and the willingness to face intricate challenges head-on. Many companies avoid this work and “just say no.” But a truly dedicated supplier values the challenges in PCBA assembly, accepting every challenge as an opportunity to innovate, adapt, and excel.

At IMS, we say yes to those challenges, embracing them to drive excellence in everything we deliver.

Ransomware attacks at supply chain software company Blue Yonder impacted Starbucks and others. It further highlights that cybersecurity must be a consideration of all digital products in order to avoid entire networks going down.

Hackers exploit vulnerabilities in IoT devices, third-party vendors, and outdated systems.

Experts stress the importance of proactive measures, including strong third-party risk management and integrating security into business processes. To thrive in an increasingly interconnected landscape, companies must balance technological innovation with fortified defenses against evolving threats.

Boston startups and tech firms raised $69.6M in November. BOOM! I had to double-check this, as it's the lowest inflow of funds I have seen in several years. In comparison, October saw $1.16B of investments in Boston companies.

Colin Angle, former iRobot CEO, is launching Familiar Machines & Magic, a new robotics startup focused on "furry robot pets" based in Woburn, MA.

Venture funding for robotics startups has been robust overall in 2024, with $6.4 billion raised so far, and is on track to surpass 2023's total of $6.9 billion.

The focus has shifted toward developing versatile, AI-enhanced robots capable of performing various tasks, moving beyond basic automation. 

A key trend is the development of flexible “robot brains” and collaborative robots ("cobots") to assist in diverse industries, especially in manufacturing. Despite fewer funding rounds compared to previous years, the sector remains vibrant, with substantial individual investments driving growth.

Cybernetix Ventures has released The Robotics Startup Playbook, a guide leveraging 50 years of expertise from partners Fady Saad and Mark Martin. It offers insights to help entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders navigate and scale in the booming robotics industry.

Rivermoor Energy, a company based in South Boston, received a $2.46 million federal grant to set up a new charging hub that can charge your EV in 20 minutes. This is one of the fastest charging station available of its kind in the Eastern United States.

Vicinity Energy has launched eSteam™, the first carbon-free thermal energy solution in the U.S., powered by a 42MW electric boiler and Boston's underground steam network. This milestone supports Vicinity’s net-zero carbon goal by 2050.

Deloitte released its North America Technology Fast 500™, and 34 Bay State companies made this year's list. Check the list here.

Applications are open to the MassCEC InnovateMass!

The program provides funding and technical support to applicant teams deploying new clean energy technologies or innovative combinations of existing technologies with a strong potential for commercialization.

Apply here until mid-March, 2025.

In our November newsletter, we asked what you believe will shape the manufacturing and distribution industry in 2025.

The winning answer was the global trade dynamics, with 18.7%, followed by

workforce development and sustainability and green manufacturing, with 17.8% each.

As the year winds down, it’s the perfect time to reflect on what’s been achieved and set sights on the opportunities ahead. Looking to 2025, we’re curious:

AI-powered robot "Erbai" kidnaps 12 larger robots from a Shanghai showroom after convincing them to “quit their jobs”. LittleGuyWithBigPlans

(Source: Daily Mail)

Kansas hospital begins robotic heart program with Stereotaxis surgical robot. TheFutureIsHere

(Source: The Robot Report)

Humans replacing bots: A Chinese retail chain that uses actual human beings for mannequins. GetYourStepsIn

(Source: New York Post)

Airbnb is encountering local resistance to its plan to hold gladiator fights in Rome’s Colosseum next year (yes, this is real). AreYouEntertained?

(Source: Business Insider)