No Rollin' OutAfter years of silence, Transformers: Reactivate dev has confirmed what most of us feared - the game has been cancelledTransformers: Reactivate may not be a name that immediately comes to mind as one of the major games in-development, but it's one Transformers fans have long awaited. News by Sherif Saed Contributing Editor Published on Jan. 9, 2025 Splash Damage, the UK-based studio behind the long-in-development Transformers: Reactivate has delivered some terrible news this week. The co-op action game, which was announced in December, 2022, will not be released.The developer revealed that development on the title has ceased, and confirmed that some roles may be lost as a result of this downsizing.To see this content please enable targeting cookies. The announcement was made on Wednesday, after months of complete radio silence. Transformers fans hoping for a triple-A experience from an established studio kept holding out hope that Transformers: Reactivate would re-appear at The Game Awards or some other show, but it never did. Many, had, in fact, considered it dead.This decision did not come lightly, and it is a difficult time for the studio and our people, the statement reads. We want to take a moment to thank the team who worked on Transformers for their dedication and passion.Splash Damage also said that it would like to work with license holder Hasbro again in the future, though that could just be what youd saw in a situation like this. The developer has other titles in the works - though not with Hasbro - that it will now focus on. To see this content please enable targeting cookies.Part of why this news is disappointing is the loss of potential. We didnt get to see much of Reactivate, but it was pitched as a four-player, online action game set in a post-invasion world where youd be taking command of some of the most known Autobots.Splash Damage even acquired Bulkhead, the small indie studio behind multiplayer shooter Battalion 1944, to work on the game. A beta was set for 2023 that never happened, and the developer later promised to share more in 2024, and nothing materialised.If theres a silver lining to this its that some studios with open roles are already directing those at risk of redundancy to apply. We do hope everyone finds a new job.

4.3 million Switch 2 sales predicted.Despite the sheer excitement surrounding Nintendo's upcoming reveal and release of the 'Switch 2', Circana (NPD) analyst Mat Piscatella has predicted that Sony's PlayStation 5 will sell more units in the US this year overall.Speaking via Bluesky (thanks, Push Square), Piscatella states that he expects the Switch successor to sell around 4.3 million units in the region, provided it launches within the first half of the year. That's still a pretty hefty number, but Piscatella reckons there will be some hardware constraints after an initial surge of high demand. As such, he thinks the PS5 will ultimately outsell the Switch 2.Read the full article on nintendolife.com

Gaming startups specifically those building casual mobile games are very hot in Turkey right now, and today another one is announcing a sizeable round just nine months into its existence. Grand Games, the publisher behind Magic Sort and Car Match, has picked up $30 million in funding money that it will use to repeat the pattern it set up to create its first two titles: hire more talent to set up in small clusters to take ownership of developing their own gamesBekir Batuhan elebi, the CEO and co-founder of Grand Games who goes by Batu, says that while Grand Games is leaning into using tech from the likes of Midjourney for artwork and OpenAI to write some of its codebase to speed up the process of building games, it is the companys concept of how to motivate its teams and give them the license to execute on ideas modelled on Supercell, the casual gaming behemoth from Finland that makes the tech work as well as it does.Its all about the team culture we are building, Batu said in an interview.London-based Balderdon is leading this Series A, with participation also from previous backers Bek Ventures (formerly Earlybird Digital East) and Laton Ventures (which led a $3 million seed last year), plus angel investor Mert Gr.Grand Games is not disclosing valuation, but for some general context:We heard from sources that the round was oversubscribed and investors were competing to get in.The funding is one of the more sizeable Series A rounds for a gaming startup out of the country.Most notably, less than a month ago, Agave Games announced an $18 million Series A (which Balderton also co-led), which valued it at around $100 million.One of Grand Games titles, Magic Sort, has broken into the Apple top-selling casual gaming charts; and together its two titles have pulled in more than $4 million in gross app revenues in the six months since theyve been published, the company said.The fact that Grand Games is raising any money at all makes it somewhat of an outlier in its category.Perhaps because so many casual gaming startups generate revenues early on, and so many of them are built on cost bases more modest than those of larger games, many of the companies (or sole-trader developers) tend to stay off the radar when it comes to funding, instead opting to go via the bootstrapped route. In the current charts for most popular casual and puzzle games on Apples App Store, only a handful of the developers are venture-backed. That list includes Dream Games and Supercell.Dream Games is a key name here. It also hails from Turkey and is one of a cluster of companies that have grown out of the success of Peak Games, which Zynga acquired in 2020 for $1.8 billion. Peak and Dream last raised $255 million have set the bar for what other founders are aiming for in terms of business growth. Others in the same ecosystem include Tripledot; Spyke, which raised $50 million earlier this year (it had launched with $55 million in funding before releasing even a single title); Agave and Good Job.Good Job, in fact, is where the three founders of Grand Games got their start. Batu, Mustafa Frtna and Mehmet alm were all working together there when they came up with the idea of building Grand, Batu said.As Batu describes it, typically in the Turkish gaming world, game design decisions are made by founders. Those founders might be very smart and ambitious but it left a lot on the table, giving really capable, high caliber people their employees very little license in what they are working on, he said.Grands three founders bet was that if they could build a structure where they hired smart people to take on most of the decision making in clusters around single titles, that would result in more productive work, better games, and ultimately happier employees.The culture we are trying to implement into gaming, he said, has become what Batu describes as its biggest separator among gaming companies in Istanbul.And it is not unheard of, by the way. Supercell has been doing it for more than 10 years, but I dont think it is seen in the Turkish gaming industry, he added.They also lean heavily on AI tools to take on some of the more time-consuming work around various art work ideas and writing code to give those teams more time to be creative.I only intervene in five to ten percent of the decisions they are making, Batu said of the two clusters that exist at Grand today. Those interventions might be to step in if there are fundamental disagreements that cannot be resolved, or might be to call time on a project that just hasnt worked.So far, given that Grand Games is less than a year old, it hasnt had many challenges to this structure: its only worked on two games and both are now out in the world and doing very well. (Cue investors banging on its door.)The big question will be whether Grand Games can sustain that track record as it brings on more staff and creates more of these production clusters. Investors are willing to bet that there is a good chance it will.Istanbul is producing some of the worlds finest gaming studios and within that ecosystem the founders of Grand Games stood out with their vision to create world-class genre-defining casual games that players love to play, said Suranga Chandratillake, General Partner at Balderton Capital,in a statement. The speed with which they have built a brilliant team culture and achieved success with their first two games demonstrates their talent and commitment. We are excited to be working with a team with sky-high ambition and passion for gaming.

Defiant is a new early stage VC firm focused on B2B SaaS and fintech coming out of stealth today. Joseph Pizzolato (pictured right) and Cam Rail (pictured left), the duo at the helm of the firm who met when they were six years old, have already secured $30 million and plan to raise as much as $70 million for their initial fund.Based in London and Lisbon, Defiant plans to invest in early stage startups at the late seed or Series A stages. However, unlike many of the new early stage VC firms, Defiant is willing to lead or co-lead funding rounds. The goal is to spend anything between $1 million and $10 million per deal.While Pizzolato has already been an investor working for Felix Capital and Vitruvian Partners before, his co-founder Cam Rail has a different background. He joined one of the biggest market makers in the world and then moved to Macquarie Bank in London to build the prop trading desk. He then created his own startup called Stackup Risk and sold it to Creativemass.What makes Defiant different from your average early stage fund is that the company wants to rely heavily on data to find the next promising investment. For that reason, the firm is building its own suite of products that will help the investment team and also foster inbound interest.Our thesis is that the future of venture is going to be pretty different to what it is today. And its going to be a lot more technologically enabled, a lot more sophisticated around the use of data, AI products, managing partner Joseph Pizzolato told TechCrunch.We dedicate a third of our budget as a fund to product building. Again, I dont think theres any fund in Europe who does that from an OPEX perspective, he added later in the conversation.According to him, most VC firms havent changed much over the past 50 years. Even newer firms are run the same way they were back then.Image Credits:DefiantDefiants main product is Morpheus, an internal tool to source new deal. When users upload a pitch deck to the platform, it is automatically analyzed by an LLM to extract relevant data, such as annual recurring revenue, cost of acquisition, number of employees, etc.Everything is then stored in a database so that it can serve as the basis for a competitive analysis. Companies can be filtered and sorted based on different criteria. Defiant has also built a scoring formula for those startups.And then what we do is we enrich it with external sources. We go to TechCrunch, we go to LinkedIn, we go to PitchBook. We go to whatever it is, anything in the public domain. We also pay for a bunch of data sets. We pull down and we build these profiles, Pizzolato said.Over time, as the Defiant team uploads more data and sees how companies evolve stage after stage, it can spot some over-performers and under-performers. This tools acts as the data infrastructure backbone of the VC firm.The second product is called Blueprint, and its a way to help founders understand how their startups stack up against the competition and what a VC thinks about the business.Founders enter data and get a report that ranks their companys metrics against similar companies in the space. Of course, this tool is also a great way to generate dealflow and gather fresh data for Defiants own database. Defiant also offers templates for KPI dashboards or Series A funding decks.Up next, the firm is working on a macro analysis product to find the next big investment themes based on large data sets.So far, Defiant has raised money from family offices and individuals working for the tech industry, such as general partners at Atomico, Cherry Ventures, Hedosophia, Salesforce Ventures, Earlybird, Vitruvian, GRO, Mubadala and Seek Ventures. Now, lets see if the Defiant team can turn this investment thesis into a portfolio of 15 to 20 high-performing startups.

Stratasys Ltd. (NASDAQ: SSYS), a leading provider of 3D printing solutions, has unveiled its third Mindful Manufacturing ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) and Sustainability Report. This report, developed in alignment with the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and referencing Sustainability Accounting Standards Board (SASB) criteria, highlights the companys advancements in sustainable practices and ESG initiatives. Stratasys aims to solidify its role as a preferred supplier for environmentally responsible additive manufacturing (AM) solutions.The Israeli company has made notable strides in reducing its environmental footprint. Stratasys consumed 778,365 kWh of renewable energy, resulting in the avoidance of 554 tons of CO-equivalent greenhouse gas emissionsequivalent to planting nearly 9,000 trees. Additionally, water intensity decreased by 11.7%, and greenhouse gas emissions intensity saw a 15.5% reduction. They also expanded its Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) printer program, refurbishing and reselling used printers, and achieved ISO 14001 Environmental Management Certification in both Israel and the EMEA region. Through its Recycling & Returns programs, the company reused 590 tons of products and components.On the social front, Stratasys implemented an Equal Parent Policy, encouraging parental leave across all genders, which led to a 17% increase in employees, predominantly male, taking leave. Employee engagement remains high, with a survey score of 73, supported by 33,713 training hours focused on professional and personal development. The company also established a Strategic Industrial Customer Advisory Board to foster collaboration with industry-leading clients.Sustainability Achievements. Image via Stratasys.Leadership and Innovation Drive Sustainability GoalsScott Crump, co-founder and newly appointed ESG & Climate Champion at Stratasys, emphasized the integration of innovation with sustainable manufacturing. I am honored to bring over 35 years of innovation to a space where additive manufacturing drives sustainable production, Crump stated. His role focuses on advancing research and development for carbon-conscious offerings.Rosa Coblens, Vice President of Sustainability, highlighted the companys strategic positioning in the market. Stratasys is uniquely positioned to deliver impactful decarbonization solutions at a critical time. Our Mindful Manufacturing strategy is a game changer for sustainable 3D printing, she explained. Coblens underscored the importance of collaboration with employees and key industry partners in achieving environmental goals.Stratasys introduced the SAF ReLife solution, which repurposes waste PA12 powder from powder bed fusion printers into high-quality production parts. This initiative not only reduces manufacturing costs but also cuts the carbon footprint by up to 89%. Additionally, GrabCAD Print now features emissions estimation capabilities for FDM technology, allowing users to calculate and minimize their environmental impact effectively.Stratasys Logo. Image via Stratasys.Trends in Sustainable ManufacturingSeurat Technologies recently qualified 6K Additives 316L stainless steel powder for its Area Printing platform. Seurat, operating a pilot factory in Greater Boston on 100% green energy, aims to produce over 25 tons of metal parts annually. The partnership leverages 6K Additives efficient UniMelt process, which achieves over 90% yield and lower energy consumption, reducing emissions compared to conventional atomization.Separately, the UK faces critical material supply challenges linked to its net-zero ambitions. A National Engineering Policy Centre report calls for an integrated materials strategy to reuse and recycle minerals vital for battery and alloy production. The report highlights the need for the UK government to improve material traceability, reduce dependency on imported resources, and invest in recycling infrastructure.The reports proposal for a resource-efficient economy. Image via the National Engineering Policy Centre.Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured Image shows Sustainability Achievements. Image via Stratasys.

A six-meter pedestrian bridge prototype, dubbed Da Vincis Bridge, has been successfully created at the Polytechnic University of Bari in Italy. The project melds Leonardo da Vincis architectural insights with contemporary 3D printing techniques, utilizing waste stone powders to produce an eco-friendly building material. This approach highlights ongoing efforts to reduce constructions environmental impact by incorporating recycled materials into additive manufacturing.WASP 3MT LDM Concrete printer. Photo via Politecnico di Bari, B&Y and WASP.Engineers developed a specialized mortar from waste stone powders combined with a lime-based binder. This low-impact material, formulated by Italian startup B&Y under the leadership of Vincenzo Gurrado, exemplifies how industrial byproducts can be repurposed for structural applications. In partnership with WASP, an Italian firm with expertise in 3D printing technology for construction, the team used a 3MT LDM Concrete printer to fabricate 13 modular blocks. Each block was designed to fit into a stereotomy-based assemblyan approach drawn from da Vincis original self-supporting bridge concept. The use of temporary centering during assembly allowed the blocks to form a stable, arching structure without the need for permanent formwork.Building the bridge. Photo via Politecnico di Bari, B&Y and WASP.The Da Vinci Bridge project resulted from a multidisciplinary collaboration between the Polytechnic University of Baris ArCoD department and industry leaders in 3D printing and stone processing. Professor Giuseppe Fallacara spearheaded the design, while architects Ilaria Cavaliere and Angelo Vito Graziano, along with Mattia Morandi from WASP, optimized the model for fabrication. The project also involved material optimization efforts by B&Y, WASP, and engineers Claudio Gallo and Francesco Ciriello from the Polytechnic University of Bari. This collective expertise enabled the successful integration of sustainable materials into a functional architectural prototype.The Da Vinci Bridge in Action. Photo via Politecnico di Bari, B&Y and WASP.Broader Developments in 3D Printed ConstructionRecent projects across Europe and the United States provide context for the significance of the Da Vincis Bridge.Europes first ISO/ASTM-compliant 3D printed social housing project was recently completed ahead of schedule by Harcourt Technologies Ltd (HTL.tech), a leader in 3D construction printing based in Ireland and the UK. Utilizing COBOD Internationals BOD2 3D construction printer, HTL.tech completed the Grange Close Social Housing Scheme in just 132 days, a 35% reduction compared to traditional construction methods. The project featured load-bearing double cavity walls printed without reinforcement, adhering to EN206 and Eurocode 6 standards.In the U.S., Sustainable Concrete Innovations (SCI), an Ohio-based firm, is transforming the states construction industry by implementing 3D concrete printing for residential projects. Partnering with CyBe Construction, a Dutch company specializing in 3D printing hardware and software, SCI aims to produce homes that are faster, more affordable, and environmentally sustainable. A recent project demonstrated the methods efficiency: a 1,300-square-foot home was erected in eight days, with all 17 wall components printed in just twenty hours.First Social Housing Project compliant with ISO 52939:2023 in Ireland was completed 35% faster than with conventional methods. Photo via COBOD International.Ready to discover who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?What will the future of 3D printing look like?Which recent trends are driving the 3D printing industry, as highlighted by experts?Subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter to stay updated with the latest news and insights.Stay connected with the latest in 3D printing by following us on Twitter and Facebook, and dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry YouTube channel for more exclusive content.Featured image shows the Da Vinci Bridge in Action. Photo via Politecnico di Bari, B&Y and WASP.

Welcome to the latest edition of our 3D printing jobs and career moves update for the additive manufacturing sector.In this edition, well highlight recent developments and movements in the industrys workforce, shedding light on the dynamic landscape of the additive manufacturing sector.Read on for recent hires and facility openings at Equispheres, Xometry, ADDiTEC, GKN Aerospace, Siemens, and more.New hires by Equispheres, NatureWorks, ADDiTEC, Anisoprint, Xometry, and moreKicking off with new hires, Canadian 3D printing powder developer Equispheres has appointed Rob Acton as Vice-President, Sales in North America. Acton brings over 15 years of experience in delivering advanced metal solutions to industries such as aerospace, transportation, and energy.In his previous role as Global Director of Strategic Partnerships at Carpenter, Acton played a pivotal role in expanding the companys additive manufacturing operations. He holds an MBA in Finance from Drexel Universitys LeBow College of Business and a Bachelors degree in Business Logistics from Penn State University.Rob is a solutions-oriented individual with a great understanding of the manufacturing sector in the United States, says Evan Butler-Jones, Vice-President Product & Strategy with Equispheres. He shares our desire to make additive manufacturing more productive and reliable.With this appointment, Equispheres aims to strengthen its leadership team as it continues to advance in the additive manufacturing sector.Rob Acton as Vice-President, Sales in North America at Equispheres. Photo via Equispheres.Biopolymers producer NatureWorks has announced Roger Tambay as Chief Growth Officer and Roger Kempa as Chief Financial Officer. These leadership changes coincide with the companys plans to construct a new manufacturing facility in Thailand, the first phase of its global expansion.Roger Tambay has joined NatureWorks with more than 30 years of experience in the polymer and plastics industries. Previously, he held the position of Vice President of Business Development and Sustainable Packaging at St. Johns Packaging in Canada, where he focused on aligning products with international circular economy legislation.He also founded FilmOrganic, a company specializing in compostable mulch films for agriculture. Tambay holds a B.Sc. in Chemistry from Universit de Montral, an MBA from Concordia University, and B.C.L. and LL.B law degrees from McGill University.Additionally, Roger Kempa, who has served as interim CFO since September 2023, has officially assumed the role with 20 years of global finance experience. His previous roles include Global Finance Director for Joint Ventures at Cargill and board member of Qore, a producer of bio-based 1,4-butanediol (BDO).In May 2024, Kempa secured $350M USD in financing from Krungthai Bank to support the construction of NatureWorks new manufacturing facility. He holds an MBA from Michigan State University and a degree in accounting from the University of Michigan, Dearborn.3D printing materials and service provider CRP USA has named Rom Quintos its new Director of Sales, bringing over 20 years of experience across high-tech industries, including aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets.Quintos has held senior roles such as National Account Manager, Corporate Account Manager, and Sr. Director of Program Management. His expertise spans diverse sectors, including industrial, medical, electrical, agricultural, and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO).A West Point graduate, Quintos began his engineering and supply chain management career before moving into sales leadership roles. Known for building strong teams and driving growth, he will now lead CRP USAs sales strategy from St. Louis, Missouri, focusing on expanding the customer base and integrating Windform composite materials into new markets.Rom Quintos, Director of Sales at CRP USA. Photo via CRP USA.North American built-to-order machine tools provider Cincinnati Incorporated (CI) has announced that Timothy Warning will step down as President & CEO on January 1, 2025, following more than four years of service. This leadership role will be taken over by Alan Oak, a seasoned executive known for driving growth and operational scalability.Oaks extensive career includes serving as Vice President General Manager at BF Goodrich, where he successfully expanded the $180M Engine Controls business, and as Chief Operating Officer at Rhinestahl Corporation, where he delivered significant growth. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and an MBA from Drake University.Having initially planned to retire in 2025, Warning will stay with CI as Vice President & General Manager, filling the role left vacant by the departure of Rakesh Kumar, to ensure a smooth leadership transition.Alan is known as a people leader by putting culture first, inspiring success, and high employee engagement, said CINCINNATI, Inc. Owner, Christina March. His experience, values, and leadership align closely with the legacy that weve built over more than a century. Were forever grateful to Tim for his contributions and look forward to Alan building upon these successes to further solidify CINCINNATIs market leadership.US-based metal 3D printer manufacturer ADDiTEC has named Bernard Chung its new Chief Financial Officer, bringing over two decades of experience in financial leadership. His previous roles include Acting CFO and VP of Finance at Velo3D, along with Accounting Director at Knight-Swift Transportation Holdings.With a background spanning manufacturing, transportation, and technology, Chung is set to play a key role in guiding ADDiTECs financial strategy. His expertise will support the companys efforts to expand its reach and advance innovations in metal additive manufacturing.Brian Matthews, ADDiTECs CEO, said, I am confident that Bernards leadership will help us drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to our customers as we look toward a bright future together.Continuous fiber 3D printing specialist Anisoprint has welcomed Tuan TranPham as its new President of the Americas and APAC, bringing over two decades of experience in the 3D printing industry. TranPham most recently served as Chief Revenue Officer at Azul 3D, where he played a pivotal role in driving the companys growth and strengthening its market position.With a career that includes key roles at Desktop Metal, Colibrium Additive, Stratasys, and 3D Systems, TranPham is known for his ability to develop innovative solutions and cultivate strategic partnerships. His expertise in revenue generation and market expansion will play a crucial role in shaping Anisoprints next phase of growth.As President, TranPham will concentrate on refining sales strategies, accelerating the commercialization of composite 3D printing technologies, and building stronger customer relationships. Industries including aerospace, automotive, oil and gas, industrial, space, consumer, and academia will remain central to Anisoprints focus under his leadership, ensuring the company stays aligned with evolving market demands.Tuan TranPham, President of the Americas and APAC at Anisoprint. Photo via Anisoprint.Berlin-based 3D printing technology developer Quantica has announced Stefan Hollaender as its new CEO, signaling a strategic shift toward industrial manufacturing. With leadership experience at Sony, Microsoft, T-Systems, and Formlabs, Hollaender is well-versed in managing large-scale operations and driving technology initiatives. His appointment reflects Quanticas intent to strengthen its presence in advanced manufacturing.Stepping down as CEO, Claus Moseholm will transition to the role of Executive Chairman. In this position, he will lead efforts to build partnerships and support commercial initiatives, ensuring continuity in the companys strategic objectives.Quanticas revised focus includes working closely with customers to develop applications for 2D manufacturing technologies, such as adhesives, coatings, and functional layers. These efforts aim to address evolving industrial demands while fostering innovation across key sectors.Moreover, Additive Manufacturing Technologies (AMT) has appointed Paul Carlson as its Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), entrusting him with the oversight of sales, marketing, customer support, and channel partner programs. Carlson brings more than 20 years of experience in the AM sector, with a focus on driving revenue growth and building strategic business plans.At 3DXTECH, Carlson led commercial operations and boosted revenue, while at INTAMSYS, he launched the U.S. subsidiary and achieved a 400% revenue increase in two years. His earlier roles at Fisher Unitech and Stratasys included driving growth and completing the Global Leadership Program at Babson College. A University of Minnesota graduate, Carlson will support AMTs efforts to enhance commercial operations and expand globally.Paul Carlson, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) at AMT. Photo via AMT.America Makes has named Dr. Edward D. Herderick as Director of Education and Workforce Development (EWD) at America Makes. He will oversee strategy, program management, business development, and provide subject matter expertise for EWD initiatives supporting additive manufacturing (AM).With nearly 20 years of experience, Dr. Herderick has contributed to industrial AM applications across metals, ceramics, and polymers. As Vice President for Science and Technology Development at NSL Analytical, he focused on AM and aerospace manufacturing services.During his time at The Ohio State University, he led efforts to enhance AM capabilities and established the Medical Manufacturing and Modeling (M4) initiative for medical devices. Holding a doctorate in Materials Science and Engineering from Ohio State, Dr. Herderick aims to strengthen education and workforce initiatives while contributing to the broader AM ecosystem.I am thrilled to join the America Makes team as EWD Director and look forward to building on a successful foundation of programs, stated Dr. Herderick. Supporting people in their educational and career journeys is a lifelong passion and this is a unique opportunity to contribute to the growth of the additive manufacturing industry.Laser scanning solutions provider SCANLAB has announced key leadership changes, effective January 1, 2025. Dr. Alexander Roth will take on the role of CEO, succeeding Georg Hofner, who has led the company since 2002 and played a pivotal role in its growth and global success.Hofner will now focus entirely on his position as CEO of TecInvest Holding AG, SCANLABs parent company.Dr. Roth, an experienced leader in the photonics industry, brings expertise from roles at Rofin Baasel Lasertech, Coherent, and the Fraunhofer Gesellschaft. His leadership in advancing industrial systems and technologies positions him to steer SCANLAB into its next phase of development.Joining him in the management team, Alexander Staudt will assume the role of COO, leveraging his 20 years of experience in electronics production and process optimization from his time at Wrth Elektronik Group.The management team, including Christian Sonner as CTO and Dirk Thomas as CFO, is well-prepared to capitalize on future market opportunities. With the new leadership team, SCANLAB is preparing to seize emerging opportunities and further strengthen its position in the laser scanning market.AI-driven manufacturing services marketplace Xometry has named Sanjeev Singh Sahni its new President.Reporting to CEO Randy Altschuler, Sahni will oversee Xometrys global Operations, Product, Technology, and People teams, focusing on growth, scalability, and operational efficiency. Sahni brings extensive experience from his tenure at Wayfair, where he held senior positions, including Vice President of B2B E-Commerce and Head of B2B & B2C Sales.He was instrumental in developing the companys international supply chain capabilities and led CastleGate Forwarding, Wayfairs digital freight forwarding arm. Before joining Wayfair, Sahni worked as an Associate Partner at McKinsey & Company, advising Fortune 500 companies on transportation and logistics strategies.Ive been following Xometrys ascent for some time now, and I have admired the companys growth as it serves a critical area of the global economy, Sahni said.In his new role, Sahni will support Xometrys mission to connect enterprise buyers with suppliers, leveraging his expertise in operations, technology, and customer experience.Facility openings by Continuum Powders, ASTM International, GKN Aerospace, and moreMoving on to new facilities, Californian sustainable metal powder developer Continuum Powders has launched its new global headquarters and manufacturing facility in Houston, Texas, recognized as North Americas largest sustainable metal powder production site.Officially opening on December 5, the facility incorporates net-zero carbon energy systems, low-emission gas technology, and recycling initiatives, all aimed at minimizing environmental impact and achieving green certification.At the heart of the facility is the Greyhound M2P plasma atomization process, which refines alloyed metal waste into high-quality powders through a single-step method. This innovative approach significantly reduces processing requirements and reliance on mined resources, supporting sectors such as energy, aerospace, and automotive.Increased production capacity, shorter delivery times, and improved supply chain resilience are among the benefits of this expansion. The project also contributes to the local economy by creating jobs and fostering partnerships with Houston-based businesses.Continuums Greyhound M2P 3.0 melt-to-powder plasma atomization system. Photo via Continuum Powders.In other news, ASTM International has been chosen by the U.S. Department of Commerces National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to establish the Standardization Center of Excellence (SCoE) for critical and emerging technologies (CETs). Backed by a $15 million grant, the center aims to strengthen U.S. competitiveness and national security by advancing standards development.The SCoE will prioritize four key areas. These include engaging private sector stakeholders in pre-standardization efforts, creating a workforce pipeline for standards professionals, addressing standards gaps in collaboration with NIST, and developing a comprehensive data hub for stakeholders.ASTMs successful management of centers of excellence for additive manufacturing was instrumental in its selection. Key collaborators include ANSI, ASME, IEEE, UL Standards and Engagement, and other partners experienced in standards development and workforce education.Bengaluru-basedSPARSH Hospitalhas opened a state-of-the-art 3D printing lab at its Infantry Road facility in Bengaluru, offering advanced solutions for orthopedic and personalized medical care. The lab provides end-to-end services, including scanning, model creation, and final customization, all under one roof.The facility has a Bambu Lab 3D printer featuring the Automatic Material System for multi-material printing and an FDM 3D printer, potentially supplied by Jajal Medical (Gujarat), known for converting patient scan data into 3D printed models. These technologies enhance efficiency in patient care through custom prosthetic design and streamlined processes, reducing costs and time for patients and medical professionals.During the inauguration, the hospital demonstrated 3D printing applications alongside virtual reality and robotics, highlighting its commitment to integrating advanced technologies into healthcare.GKN Aerospace has inaugurated a new 150,000-square-foot facility in San Diego, California, doubling its MRO capacity in the region. The $55 million investment enhances the companys ability to support current and next-generation engine components, including GE LEAP andPratt & WhitneyGeared Turbofan models and legacy platforms.Located adjacent to its existing engine site, the expanded facility integrates advanced automation and robotics to improve product reliability, increase efficiency, and reduce turnaround times. The San Diego operations currently employ 900 team members, with plans for significant workforce growth in the coming years to meet increasing demands.Now serving over 400 customers across civil and military aerospace sectors, the facility strengthens GKN Aerospaces global repair network and its commitment to advanced MRO solutions.On another note, Wiltshire Council has approved plans for a 100 million Siemens Mobility digital engineering facility at Southpoint Business Park near Chippenham. The new center will include offices, production facilities, laboratories, warehousing, and a test-track bed for static testing of signaling infrastructure equipment. Siemens Mobility plans to relocate from its current Langley Park site to the new facility, which is expected to open by 2026.Revisions to the original proposal followed consultations with Chippenham Town Council and stakeholders, addressing concerns such as speed limits near the site to encourage cycling. The project has received local support for its economic benefits, including the creation of highly skilled, well-paid jobs and opportunities for local businesses to supply goods and services.A study revealed the Langley Park site was no longer viable for future expansion or meeting Siemens sustainability goals, prompting the move. The existing Chippenham factory, with a legacy dating back to 1897 and contributions to projects like the Elizabeth Line, will be succeeded by this state-of-the-art facility.Siemens new facility. Photo via BBC.Nikon Advanced Manufacturing will officially open its Nikon AM Technology Center in Long Beach, California, on January 14, 2025. Set to run from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM PST, the event highlights Nikons focus on advanced manufacturing and additive technologies for aviation, aerospace, and defense industries.Speeches are planned from notable figures, including Hamid Zarringhalam, CEO of Nikon Advanced Manufacturing, Admiral Mike Mullen, Strategic Advisor, Rex Richardson, Mayor of Long Beach, and Kenko Sone, Consul-General of Japan in Los Angeles. Guests will also participate in a ribbon-cutting ceremony, view technology demonstrations, and engage with Nikon executives.The facility consolidates Nikon AM Synergy, formerly Morf3D, into a secure environment incorporating technologies such as laser powder bed fusion and directed energy deposition. Metallurgy and metrology capabilities will further support engineering innovations, with the center positioned as a key driver for Nikons growth in advanced manufacturing.Who won the 20243D Printing Industry Awards?All the news fromFormnext 2024.To stay up to date with the latest 3D printing news, dont forget to subscribe to the 3D Printing Industry newsletter or follow us on Twitter, or like our page on Facebook.While youre here, why not subscribe to our Youtube channel? Featuring discussion, debriefs, video shorts, and webinar replays.Featured image shows 3D Printing Industry Jobs Board. Image via 3D Printing Industry.Ada ShaikhnagWith a background in journalism, Ada has a keen interest in frontier technology and its application in the wider world. Ada reports on aspects of 3D printing ranging from aerospace and automotive to medical and dental.

The Lotus gives you Jedi powers, sort of.

All change for GmailNurPhoto via Getty ImagesRepublished on January 9 with a new report into the rapidly expanding threat landscape for email users. You are not ready for the threat landscape in 2025. None of us are. This new world is one in which attackers can scrape social media and target us with the familiar tone and content from those we know in ways we cant detect. And it can do so on an industrial scale, automatically and instantly, all through AI. There is one thing you can do to secure your account before its too late.Google is advancing its own AI defenses to combat these threats but it cant succeed, not entirely. And while the company says it now detects more than 99.9% of spam, phishing and malware in Gmail blocking unwanted and potentially dangerous messages before they even reached inboxes, much of this relies on what we have seen beforepatterns and trends. This new world changes everything, AI can tweak every email, polish copy, clinically match imagery, and even adapt on the fly.Gmail is the worlds largest email platform, with some 2.5 billion users it says. As such its the worlds biggest email threat. Successfully attack Gmail and you open a world of opportunity. As McAfee warns for 2025, the risks to trust and safety online have never been greater Thats why its more important than ever for consumers to stay informed about these emerging threats.But as sophisticated as these advances might be, to succeed they rely on each of us making a mistake within our own ecosystems. Downloading and opening an attachment, clicking a link, entering information into a malicious website not checking carefully and letting our guards down. And the one mistake we have all already made is being much too casual in providing our personal contact details.MORE FOR YOUSlashNexts 2024 State of Phishing report painted exactly this picture, with an unprecedented surge in attack volume, the research team detected a 202% increase in phishing messages in the second half of 2024, and credential phishing attacks rising 703% in the same period.In practical terms this means every inbox attacked every week, with novel threats coming constantly. Our analysis shows that 80% of malicious links in attacks are previously unknown zero-day threats, demonstrating that traditional threat intelligence and signature-based detection methods are increasingly ineffective against modern, AI-powered attack campaigns.And just as McAfee, Check Point and others now warn, the prospects for 2025 are much worse. We expect this rapid evolution to accelerate, with AI-generated attacks becoming more sophisticated and harder to detect, SlashNext says.The state of the problem has been perfectly illustrated this week in Netskopes latest report, which warns that over the past year, the number of users clicking on phishing links has increased by nearly triple, from 2.9 in 2023 to 8.4 out of every 1,000 users in the average organization clicking on a phishing link each month. This increase comes despite most organizations requiring users to undergo security awareness training to avoid phishing attacks.There are two types of attacks you need to worry about. The first is highly targeted, and will usually hit you at work. This is where the really powerful AI is being deployed, with attackers mapping organizations and conducting sophisticated operations to steal money or data or both. Successful detection requires user training, strict adherence to rules and IT security. But as The Financial TimesNetskope also flags cognitive fatigue as a major factor driving the worsening threat landscape, with users constantly being bombarded with phishing attempts) as well as the the creativity and adaptability of the attackers in delivering harder-to-detect baits. And while Google account credentials are prized, the consistently top target for credential theft is Microsoft. This is understandable given the enterprise honeypots its credentials open and the drag we have seen in MFA compliance cross the ecosystem. Netskope warns that attackers are targeting [both] Microsoft Live and 365 credentials... As a result, the percentage of users clicking on links targeting Microsoft credentials is closer to 75%. Microsofts popularity as a phishing target is unsurprising because Microsoft 365 is the most popular productivity suite by a large margin.Its little surprise, then, that Microsoft is on a mission to to fully eradicate passwords as an entry mechanism into its ecosystem. It has now stated publicly that its intent is not only to push its entire user base (if it can) to passkeys or other hardware-linked login systems, but also to delete the passwords even as a secondary means of account access.The good news for Gmail users if one can put it that way is that attackers are now finding that other means of pushing phishing links have become more effective than email. We have seen this trend coming for some time, not only is it easier to trick a user into clicking a link in a social media message or post, but its also easier to make it seem that the message or post has come from a trusted source is also more likely to be opened on a mobile device, where the small screen makes it much easier to hide the usual telltale signs of a fake message that are more apparent in email.Beyond messaging, the other new trend is compromised search results, either directly targeting search engine optiimization or by pushing out targeted attacks through specialist sites and forums. The top referrer was search engines, Netskope says, where attackers run malicious ads or use SEO poisoning techniques to get the phishing pages listed at the top of the search engine results for specific terms. Other top referrers included shopping, technology, business, and entertainment sites, where the referrals come from comments, malicious ads, and infected sites. The variety of phishing sources illustrates some creative social engineering by attackers. They know their victims may be wary of inbound emails (where they are repeatedly taught not to click on links) but will much more freely click on links in search engine results.I have reported on this SEO poisoning before, and it was a major theme as attacks surged during the holidays season from Black Friday through Cyber Monday and into the end-of-year holiday break.The second type of attack is more hit and hope, but its where AI will have a wider impact. Mass attacks targeting thousands of even hundreds of thousands of addresses at a time will change. Most of the fraudulent or malicious emails hooked by Google or hitting your Gmail inbox still remain detectable. Enhancing the quality and the look and feel of such phishing lures, and even combining them with calls or other messages from seemingly trusted sources will trick millions of users.But outside of work, those attackers need an address to target. Your Gmail addresses will be found on countless lists and in multiple leaks. You can be certain of that. This is why Googles new shielded email addresses are so critical. Expected to come in a 2025 upgrade, these will enable you to stop giving out your real Gmail address to people or companies that ask for them. You can use aliases linking back to your real address, and then switch those off if you find theyre being targeted. Apples similar system is a sure fire way of drastically reducing phishing mails.Gmail didnt get off to a good start on the security and privacy front, but its much better now and its new upgrades make it an account worth keeping. But only if you use the new security upgrades and common sense to ensure you dont lose your Gmail account (and those it leads to) to hackers or simply through lack of use.Last month, I advised Apple users to run a Safety Check on their accounts, available through iPhones Security & Privacy settings. Google users should do the same. This will show you who youre sharing data with, the apps accessing your information, devices linked to your account and which can access your phone.Google says that to protect your Google Account, it strongly recommends using its account security checkup regularly. Its very easy to do so. Just sign into your Google Account, tap or click on your profile picture, and then select recommended actions. The results are even color-coded. Blue for security tips, yellow for important steps and red for urgent ones. A green shield with a check mark means your account is healthy and no immediate action is needed.All that said, its still much easier for an attacker to get hold of your email address than your cell number, and the simplicity of email phishing outplays all other options. The question for 2025 is whether the new optionality provided by AI enhancement changes any of these trends, as attacks land on target more often.And just to keep minds fully focused, the stats are already alarming per StationXs most recent data:Phishing is the single most common form of cyber crime. An estimated 3.4 billion emails a day are sent by cyber criminals, designed to look like they come from trusted senders; this is over a trillion phishing emails per year.Email impersonation accounts for an estimated 1.2% of all email traffic globally.Around 36% of all data breaches involve phishing.3% of employees will click on a malicious link within a phishing email.Remote workers may be more likely to be targeted than office-based employees. 80% of infosec professionals say theyve seen increased security threats since the shift to remote working. 62% said that phishing attacks had increased more than any other type of threat.Google does offer a big red button to better secure your accountits Advanced Protection Program. But just as I advised Apple users, this is not for you unless youre a journalist, activist, or someone else at risk of targeted online attacks. Dont be lulled into opting in, thinking you need the ultimate level of protection if you dont. It will stop many of your devices and services working as youd expect them to.Adhering to Googles critical recommendations around passwords and MFA, the use of passkeys, and safe browsing will go a long way to keeping you safe. But none of that replaces the need to adhere to basic rules. No apps from outside official stores, no links, no attachments, and no sharing your primary email address when shielded email becomes available. You might also consider a new account and address if yours has been around a while and is already a honeypot for spam and phishing.The other thing you must do to ensure you dont lose your account is to keep using it of course. Its a bit obvious, but if you allow accounts to run stale through lack of use, then Google will delete them. If you do have accounts you dont use but want to keep, just make sure you log into them once in a while. Details here but currently the timeline is set at two-years, so little chance of a surprise.

AI in TelecommunicationsgettyWhen you use your mobile phone, the Internet at your house or anywhere at your business, your work, or consume music, video, image, and text content,you're interacting with telecommunication systems. Telecommunication is core to driving value in todays information economy. To further that value, the use of AI in telecom is driving significant advancements in the telecommunications industry, improving network management, customer service, and operational efficiency.Keeping Telecommunication Infrastructure HummingAs telecommunication and data usage continues to skyrocket, managing the infrastructure that carries those vital bits is critical. AI systems are increasingly keeping an eye on the continued operation of telecommunication infrastructure. These AI-enhanced systems are helping to ensure telecommunication systems dont go down unexpectedly. Beyond simply keeping existing infrastructure running, these AI systems are also assisting with managing and planning telecommunication system capacity as well.AI is able to optimize network performance by analyzing vast amounts of data in real time and then using that data to help predict and resolve network issues before they affect users. In this way, telecom operators can catch issues before they become a big problem. AI-driven solutions optimize bandwidth allocation, manage traffic, and ensure seamless connectivity, enhancing overall network reliability and efficiency. These AI systems also automate routine network management tasks, such as configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of network configuration changes, reducing the need for manual intervention, speeding up network operations, and minimizing human errors, leading to more efficient network management.AI helps telecom companies optimize capacity planning by predicting future demand and allocating resources accordingly. AI models can analyze historical usage data, market trends, and customer behavior to ensure that network resources are efficiently distributed, preventing congestion and improving service quality.These AI models can look at historical data to predict spikes or changes in anticipated usage, and can also be used to plan for big regional events coming up that might impact overall systems. These data-powered systems look at market trends and customer behavior to help make sure that network resources are being effectively distributed and prevent congestion.MORE FOR YOUAnytime you have physical equipment that requires maintenance to avoid unexpected downtime, AI is applied for predictive maintenance. AI is able to help predict when there might be network equipment failures, encouraging proactive maintenance to prevent outages. These AI-powered systems analyze historical data, environmental conditions, equipment usage, and upcoming storms or other factors, in order to forecast potential failures or needs for proactive maintenance.AI in Telecom Improves Customer ExperienceMoving from the back-end operations to the front-end of dealing with customers, telecommunication companies have made big strides in improving their previously often lackluster customer experiences with AI. Almost every telecom provider today uses AI-powered chatbots, messaging assistants, and AI-enhanced email responders to speed up and improve responses to the most common customer service needs.AI systems are handling customers daily needs from upgrading and downgrading accounts, requests for new devices or plan changes, troubleshooting and providing guidance on using telecommunication systems and devices, and handling routine billing or customer change needs.While this is all table-stakes now in the telecommunication industry, where AI really shines is when there are network issues or outages, as less common as they should be with AI in the loop. When theres a network issue, theres a very large volume of customer interaction and inquiries. Human-based support would quickly be deluged and unable to respond with customer wait times of many hours. AI-powered customer interaction is jumping in to provide instant response and support.These AI-powered systems with their 24/7 availability and fast responses have significantly reduced wait times for service, increased problem resolution, and allowed human support to focus on the more difficult or time-intensive needs. that people have had for service. While AI systems are far from perfect, by and large, these chatbots are doing a pretty good job at handling the vast majority of the typical inquiries that telecom operators get.Pricing for telecommunication services is really highly variable. Different plans have different prices at different times with different incentives. People often get many upgrade offers with different bonus structures as well as incentives from competitors to switch carriers.Pricing is remarkably complicated in telecommunications. AI-driven dynamic pricing models adjust pricing for telecom services based on demand, competition, and customer usage patterns. By analyzing real-time data, AI helps telecom companies optimize pricing strategies, maximize revenue, and make competitive offers.Likewise, telecom firms are swimming in data. Its no surprise that they are leveraging this data to improve their sales and marketing. The telecom industry, probably even second to the finance industry, is the most data intensive of all industries. Telecom operators are making a lot more use of AI to analyze customer data and create very personalized marketing campaigns and offers that are targeted to individual customers taking into account their individual preferences and usage patterns. Telecom companies use AI-driven insights to enhance customer engagement, reduce churn, and increase loyalty by delivering more relevant and personalized experiences.Protecting Telecommunication Systems with AIKeeping telecommunications systems running requires continuously keeping telecom infrastructure and systems safe and secure. AI-based systems are increasingly being put to use spotting security threats, cyber attacks, and fraudulent activities from customers and outsiders.AI detects and prevents fraudulent activities, such as identity theft and unauthorized access to telecom services. Machine learning models analyze user behavior, call patterns, and transaction data to identify suspicious activities in real-time, allowing telecom providers to mitigate fraud risks quickly.AI also enhances network security by looking at the patterns in usage data to detect and respond to cyber threats in real time. AI-enhanced systems analyze network traffic, identify anomalies, and block potential attacks before they cause harm.So as you use your devices, check your phone, cruise the internet, and watch streaming videos every day, think about how AI in telecom ensure you get the digital delivery and telecommunications you need.