S. Korean firms seek to build footholds in U.S. defense market with legacy, high-tech weapons

Technology

By Song Sang-ho
WASHINGTON, Oct. 14 (Yonhap) — About a dozen South Korean companies on Monday showcased their cutting-edge military products, including an unmanned ground vehicle, border patrol drone and automatic artillery bore cleaner, at a major exhibition in Washington, amid growing prospects for defense industrial cooperation with the United States.
The Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition kicked off its three-day run Monday, bringing together more than 770 enterprises and exhibitors from over 90 countries at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center. Some 35,000 people are expected to join the event, organizers said.
A group of South Korean companies installed the “Korea Pavilion” as they seek to carve out a foothold in the U.S. market at a time when Washington is seeking to leverage regional allies and partners to strengthen logistical readiness under a “regional sustainment framework.”

A K9 self-propelled howitzer, manufactured by Hanwha Aerospace Co., is on display during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington on Oct. 14, 2024. (Yonhap)

The Korean exhibitors included Hanwha Aerospace Co., Poongsan Corp., Korea Defense Industry Corp., Taekyung Electronics Co. and SooSung Defense Industries Ltd.
Hanwha Aerospace displayed the K9A2, the newest variant of its K9 self-propelled howitzer equipped with an auto turret capable of handling ammunition automatically, as well as a ground uncrewed transport (GRUNT) — a hybrid electric vehicle meant to support infantry operations.
“In the midst of the rapidly changing security environment, the South Korea-U.S. alliance should move forward on a path to strengthening bilateral defense industrial cooperation, and through this, we believe the alliance can be further solidified,” Jeff Sung, director of communications at Hanwha Aerospace, told Yonhap News Agency.
“The two countries have already been developing interoperability through combined exercises, and based on this, we can create a synergistic effect in technological cooperation and development, as well as the maintenance, repair and overhaul sector, which could serve as a catalyst for regional security,” he added.

A ground uncrewed transport (GRUNT), produced by Hanwha Aerospace Co., is on display during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington on Oct. 14, 2024. (Yonhap)

Expectations for defense industrial cooperation between South Korea and the U.S. have been rising as they have been firming up defense cooperation under the global security landscape full of uncertainties stemming from North Korea’s growing security threats, its deepening military cooperation with Russia, Moscow’s protracted war in Ukraine and instability in the Middle East.
To prop up their cooperation, Seoul and Washington signed an arrangement in November last year to prioritize the supply of defense materials and goods to each other. They have also been looking to ink a reciprocal defense procurement agreement designed to curtail trade barriers.

Poongsan Corp.’s ammunition products are on display during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington on Oct. 14, 2024. (Yonhap)

Poongsan Corp. put on display a wide variety of ammunition products, including 155-mm artillery projectiles. The company has focused largely on the sporting ammunition segment, but it has been seeking to expand its business opportunities to other countries as well.
Also participating in the exhibition was Taekyung Electronics Co., which showcased a “lighting broadcasting drone” used for border patrol missions. It is equipped with an electro-optical/infrared system, a search light and a communication function.

Taekyung Electronics Co.’s border patrol drone is on display during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington on Oct. 14, 2024. (Yonhap)

“We are seeking to advance into the global export market with our product designed for border patrol missions in the military domain and for public safety purposes in the civilian sector,” said Y.S. Choi, the general manager of the strategy planning headquarters of the company.
SooSung Defense Industries presented an automatic artillery bore cleaner, which has been applied to South Korean artillery systems like K9 howitzers and K2 battle tanks. It said that the product would help significantly reduce the number of personnel and the amount of time required to clean artillery bores, compared with a manual cleaning process.
“We hope that this exhibition will serve as a good opportunity to promote our product,” An Ji-hwan, the company’s president, said.
Aside from South Korean firms, those from Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Israel, Norway and others have also set up their country-specific pavilions to highlight their domestic industrial capabilities.

SooSung Defense Industries’ automatic bore cleaner is on display during the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) 2024 Annual Meeting and Exposition at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington on Oct. 14, 2024. (Yonhap)

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Tech Moves: OpenAI nabs top Microsoft AI researcher; Lime taps Amazon VP as CTO

Technology

Sebastien Bubeck. (LinkedIn Photo)

Sebastien Bubeck, a top researcher from Microsoft who was most recently vice president of AI and a distinguished scientist, is joining OpenAI.

The Information first reported on Bubeck’s departure, describing him as one of Microsoft’s “most prominent artificial intelligence researchers.”

Bubeck joined Microsoft a decade ago and previously was vice president of generative AI research.

“Sebastien has decided to leave Microsoft to further his work toward developing AGI (artificial general intelligence),” a Microsoft spokesperson said in a statement. “We appreciate the contributions Sebastien has made to Microsoft and look forward to continuing our relationship through his work with OpenAI.”

Microsoft has invested more than $13 billion into OpenAI, which just raised a massive $6.5 billion funding round.

The partnership gives OpenAI substantial computing resources and funding, while Microsoft gets access to cutting-edge AI technology.

More recently Microsoft has reportedly been developing its own large language model separate from OpenAI’s GPT-4. OpenAI execs, meanwhile, say Microsoft isn’t moving fast enough to provide computing power.

OpenAI just opened an office in Bellevue, Wash., near Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond.

— Jon Jenkins, who previously led Amazon’s cashierless technology efforts, joined mobility giant Lime as its new chief technology officer.

Jenkins was previously vice president of “Just Walk Out,” Amazon’s tech system used by the company’s grocery stores and other third-party retailers to allow for checkout-free shopping experiences.

“I’m excited to be a member of the team bringing sustainable, convenient, affordable transportation to people around the globe,” Jenkins wrote on LinkedIn. “We’ve got a lot of fun technical challenges to solve as we innovate toward the future of shared transportation.”

Jenkins was previously director of engineering at Hestan Smart Cooking, head of engineering at Pinterest, and co-founded Seattle-based cooking startup Meld.

Yejin Choi specializes in natural language processing, one of the key ingredients of modern AI systems. (University of Washington Photo)

— Artificial intelligence researcher Yejin Choi, who previously announced plans to leave the University of Washington and the Allen Institute for AI (Ai2) in Seattle, will join Stanford University next year as a professor in the Computer Science Department and a senior fellow at the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI).

In the interim, before officially starting at Stanford in the summer of 2025, Choi will be working at Nvidia as senior director of LLM research, as a “gap year,” she confirmed via email. Her last day at the University of Washington will be Dec. 31 of this year. 

Choi was previously named a 2022 MacArthur Fellow and one of Time’s Most Influential People in AI for her work in natural language processing.

— Rare studio chief Craig Duncan is taking over as head of Xbox Game Studios, replacing longtime Microsoft leader Alan Hartman, who is retiring next month, according to The Verge.

— Kyler Schmitz joined Seattle EV charging infrastructure startup Electric Era as chief revenue officer. Schmitz previously spent more than nine years with Amazon Web Services.

— Seattle biotech startup Kayothera added two industry veterans to its board of directors: Bruce Carter, former CEO of ZymoGenetics, and Paul Sekhri, CEO and chairman of vTv Therapeutics.

Carthage company provides new technology to rail operator

Technology

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CARTHAGE, Mo. — AnoDynamix, a diesel engine performance solutions provider based in Carthage, has partnered with OmniTRAX rail operator to launch a new system that will reduce fuel use and create reductions in emissions.OmniTRAX has 28 domestic rail operations and has successfully deployed North America’s first Plasma AirJet System tailored for locomotives offered by AnoDynamix. The pilot program is part of AnoDynamix’s new initiative to elevate rail fleet performance.”We’re excited to collaborate with OmniTRAX on this pioneering initiative,” said Kevin McKelvy, president and CEO of AnoDynamix, the distributor of the Plasma AirJet system.
“OmniTRAX’s commitment to operational excellence is evident throughout their organization, from leadership to operational teams. As more railroads explore this technology, its widespread adoption promises substantial reductions in emissions and fuel consumption across the sector,” McKelvy said in a news release.Developed by CLACK Technologies, Anodynamix employs a patented PurePurple Tech within the engine component system to reduce particulate emissions and enhance fuel efficiency.Mary Pruitt, CEO of Clack Technologies, said in the release that “AnoDynamix’s and OmniTRAX’s adoption of our patented technology underscores their roles as trailblazers in the railroad industry.”

Washington County races: Grant mayor and city council

Technology

Two candidates are running for mayor of Grant in November’s election and three are running for two seats on the city council.Mayor Jeff Huber is not running for re-election; council members Tom Carr and Jeff Giefer are vying for the seat. Three candidates are running for the two open council positions: incumbent Ben Cornett and Lindsay Cremona and Tina Lobin.General information about the Nov. 5, 2024, election is online at twincities.com/news/politics/elections including information on candidates for races in Ramsey, Dakota and Washington counties. To find out what’s on your ballot, where to vote and other election information, visit the Minnesota Secretary of State’s elections page at sos.state.mn.us/elections-voting.Grant mayorTom CarrAge: 65Tom Carr (Courtesy photo)What would your top priorities be if elected? Keep taxes low, our rural character should be maintained, no changes to our current lot density, maintaining our roads with the current policy and working on better communications with our residents. Nothing is ever perfect so all of these things need to be looked at proactively and reactively as we go forward.What qualifies you to hold this position? I have 22 years of experience serving on the Grant City Council. I also I grew up in Grant and so did my children and I know what it takes to keep the city a great place to live.What do you think is the primary role of government? To provide for the safety and quality of life of the residents within the scope of whatever government you are part of. This would include fire, police, roads, fiscal responsibility and good communication with the public. So in a city like Grant those are the primary focus and then work with the other agencies and elected officials with things we don’t directly have control over.How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? Listening to others is key. Not just hearing but listening and trying to understand their point of view. That includes information provided for review and any other data required. People want to be heard and know that what they are sharing is important. Because it is to them. It may not mean there will be agreement but at least feeling the process was good. We are fortunate in Grant that the many things in State and Federal Government have no place in what the city deals with. And in Grant that is a good thing.Website or contact information: 651-303-8001Jeff GieferAge: 57Jeff Giefer (Courtesy of the candidate)What would your top priorities be if elected? 1. Preserve Grant’s Rural Heritage: I will continue to fight to preserve our zoning standards that protect the rural character of Grant. My opponent, a realtor and current Council Member, has been pushing to remove the variance process for existing lots under 1-acre, which would pave the way for increased density and development. This is against the advice of our City Planner and City Attorney, who warn that this change risks turning Grant into another Lake Elmo by opening the door to the Met Council’s influence. This can be fact-checked by reviewing the May and June City Council meetings, which are linked to on my website. As mayor, I will ensure we maintain the 5-acre lot size, 10-acre density, and retain all parts of our zoning to protect our rural community. 2. Strengthen Citizen Engagement and Increase Transparency: Transparency is key to keeping trust between leaders and residents. As mayor, I will foster a more welcoming and open atmosphere in City Council meetings, making it easier for residents to participate and voice their concerns. I am committed to listening, responding, and ensuring that your feedback shapes decisions. Through regular meetings, forums, and one-on-one conversations, I will always prioritize your input. 3. Improve Our Roads: While our current road policies prioritize fiscal responsibility, there’s much room for improvement. During my door-to-door campaigning, I’ve heard many residents express concerns about road conditions and safety. I will work to secure Federal, State, and County funding to improve our roads. I believe residents should continue to have the choice of what kind of road they want. I will respect citizen input and ensure our road policies are focused on safety and efficiency. 4. Fiscal Responsibility: I will work hand-in-hand with council members and staff to ensure the cities’ budget reflects resident input while maintaining high-quality services. Every decision will be made with transparency, ensuring there are no hidden agendas or divisive tactics. I am committed to running a responsible budget that reflects the values of our community.What qualifies you to hold this position? Growing up in rural Minnesota, I learned the values of hard work, personal responsibility, and community service—values that have guided me over the past 8 years of service to the City of Grant. First, as a member of the Planning Commission, and now for the last 6 years on the City Council, my focus has been on preserving Grant’s rural character by maintaining the 5-acre minimum lot size, 10-acre density, and keeping public sewer and water out of our city. As mayor, I will continue to protect these important measures. After a successful 35-year career in Information Technology, managing global projects and multi-million-dollar budgets, I have the leadership skills to face Grant’s challenges. I have always respected diverse viewpoints, welcomed community input, and worked with others toward common goals. As mayor, I will not only work to protect what makes Grant special, but also ensure we enhance our quality of life, such as pursuing Federal and State funds to improve our roads—while still respecting the choices of our residents. Our community deserves a fresh approach. Grant has had the same two mayors over the past 22 years, and resident engagement has declined during this time. I am committed to listening, respecting, and acting on citizen input, ensuring your voices are heard and your concerns addressed at every City Council meeting. Together, we will move forward transparently, with decisions guided by the needs and feedback of Grant’s residents. In short, I have the experience, the commitment, and the passion to be Grant’s first “full-time” mayor and to serve you with dedication.What do you think is the primary role of government? I believe the primary role of local government in a small rural city like Grant is to protect individual rights, ensure public safety, and create an environment where families and small businesses can thrive without unnecessary interference. The government’s focus should remain on essential services like infrastructure and public safety, using tax dollars wisely and avoiding overreach. Supporting small businesses is crucial, as many families support their families by operating a small business. However, we must balance this with maintaining the peace and quiet of our neighborhoods. By fostering an environment where families can run successful small businesses while preserving the character of our residential areas, we ensure Grant remains a prosperous community that holds true to the values that make it a great place to live.How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I believe the best way to grow as a leader is by being willing to listen and learn from those with different perspectives. For me, it starts with listening carefully and allowing people the time to share their views fully. I don’t interrupt because I’ve found that true understanding comes from hearing the whole story. After listening, I reflect on what’s been said and look for areas where we can find common ground. This doesn’t mean compromising my values, but rather being open to new insights that might help me make better decisions. Respecting opposing viewpoints—especially those that challenge my own—has helped me become more thoughtful and informed as a leader. I also recognize that every opinion comes from a person’s own life experiences, and I respect that when engaging in conversations. Learning from these interactions not only helps me grow as a leader but also builds a stronger sense of collaboration. By understanding where others are coming from, I’m better equipped to make decisions that reflect the needs of everyone in our community, not just those who agree with me. This kind of mutual respect and cooperation is key to keeping our community strong.Website or contact information: https://www.giefer4grant.comGrant City Council (elect two)Benjamin CornettAge: 39Ben Cornett (Courtesy of the candidate)What would your top priorities be if elected? Preserving Our Rural Landscape I will work to uphold our current zoning ordinances, ensuring that Grant retains its special rural charm. Ensuring Public Safety, I am dedicated to maintaining strong partnerships with neighboring communities to provide 24/7 police and fire safety services. Fostering Smart Growth I recognize that Grant face developmental pressure, but I believe we can do so without compromising our values. I will support intelligent development that aligns with our existing ordinances, allowing for growth that respects our rural heritage.What qualifies you to hold this position? Currently hold the position with experience in Government as well as Business.What do you think is the primary role of government? The safety of its citizens is the primary role of government. It’s why people create governments in the first place.How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? In my previous company we welcomed differing opinions, to assume that your idea and approach is always the best is a poor way to achieve the best possible outcome. This is easily achieved by listening to the view points and stances of others.Website or contact information: https://www.votebencornett.comLindsay CremonaAge: 38Lindsay Cremona (Courtesy of the candidate)What would your top priorities be if elected? I would ensure that Grant remains a rural residential community. I will protect and preserve Grant as a diverse community of homesteads, small businesses, farms, and scenic views that define Grant. Grant isn’t a cookie-cutter city, and I want to keep it that way for generations to come. I would like to connect our community. Grant is filled with talented people. We could explore having a community event where residents can come together. This allows for an opportunity for our community to support local should they desire. Of course, no tax dollars should be used to promote private interests, and I would ensure as such. It is also important that we have an open, transparent government that encourages citizen participation and input. I would be committed to ensuring that our city council keeps our residents informed and welcomes citizen engagement. In addition, it would be a priority of mine to implement common sense road maintenance and safety. Through my canvassing efforts, it has been clear that these matters are important to Grant residents. The city council is here to serve its residents, and I prioritize listening to our residents. These top issues would be front of mind for me as a council member, as these are matters that our residents care about.What qualifies you to hold this position? I have always been the type of person to get involved in my community. I love living in Grant and am proud to live in our rural, small-town community. I have the energy and ingenuity needed to provide solid representation for our city. I am not afraid of hard work, and I am reliable and resourceful. As an attorney practicing civil litigation, I am adept at navigating through difficult situations while remaining professional and respectful. I also have extensive experience working collaboratively with others as I served as Rutherford Elementary’s PTA president for 2 years, am a current Den Leader for our local Cub Scouts Pack, and a member on a Habitat for Humanity committee. I am well-versed in working with others and understand the importance of utilizing and championing each team member’s strengths so we can achieve a common goal. I love living in Grant and would be honored to serve our community.What do you think is the primary role of government? The primary role of government is to provide the basic outline of the rules for our city and then step away and let residents live without being micromanaged or over governed. In addition, the government should provide general, collective services to our residents, such as road maintenance and safety so that our residents can safely enjoy living in our city.How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I follow the approach of sitting down and truly listening to the person and their position with respect. I do not have all the answers, and when I am talking with someone who disagrees with my opinion, I have an open mind—listening to them with the understanding that I may leave that conversation with my opinion modified or changed. I also ask questions so I can understand why we disagree. I want to understand what is important to them so we can find common ground and perhaps a solution that works. At the end of the day, we don’t all have to agree on everything. But we do need to treat everyone with respect. And by taking the time to have a real conversation with someone, I have found that I have learned how to work well with someone even if they have different opinions than my own.Website or contact information: http://www.votecremona.comTina LobinAge: 56Tina Lobin (Courtesy of the candidate)What would your top priorities be if elected? I would really like to have the planning commission reinstated after being disbanded. Work to bring public input/comment back in a welcoming environment and have that played back with monthly council meetings. Create a fair road paving policy.What qualifies you to hold this position? I served one term after getting elected in the 2012 election. While serving I was appointed Emergency Preparedness Coordinator and Animal Contact. I am currently the fire warden for Grant. I have run my own business for 36 years, 18 of those in Grant. I’ve kept up to date on Grant government proceedings.What do you think is the primary role of government? The role of the city of Grant government is to provide road maintenance, fire and police protection and protect property right of its residents.How do you work to understand, and then learn from, opinions that differ from your own and people who disagree with you? I ask a lot of questions and use that feedback to resolve issues. I am open minded and listen to everyone. To those I may disagree with, I will still listen and value their opinion.Website or contact information: [email protected]

Robotics in Education: Preparing Students for a Tech-Driven World

Technology

A conversation with robotics trailblazer Jasmine Lawrence

Jasmine Lawrence is Product Manager at X, the moonshot factory, where she is deeply involved in The Everyday Robot Project. This innovative initiative aims to develop a groundbreaking learning robot—one with the potential to assist people in their daily lives as they learn and evolve.

Before joining X, Jasmine worked on significant projects at Facebook, including the Blood Donations and Portal teams, previously known as Building 8, where she served as a Technical Program Manager. Prior to her role at Facebook, she was the Technical Program Manager at SoftBank Robotics America. In this role, she led a diverse team in the creation of software for social, humanoid robots, showcasing her expertise in the field.

Jasmine’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, with specializations in devices and artificial intelligence, earned from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Human-Centered Design & Engineering from the University of Washington, reflecting her commitment to combining technical expertise with user-centric design principles.TrendingMeet John Capurso, Visioneer CEO – Mobile Medical Records

STEM Today: What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing STEM fields, particularly in robotics and artificial intelligence?

Jasmine Lawrence: I advise them to start getting hands-on experience with programming and creative problem-solving. Several organizations offer free online programming courses (like Code.org and Codecademy) where you can learn the basics and grow your skills through exciting projects and games. There are also several in-person boot camps and summer camps where you can join a community of other learners and sometimes even attain a certificate for a specific programming language or technology. This exposure can help you explore where your interests, strengths, and growth opportunities are. They can also help you make friends with others pursuing STEM.

ST: What do you see as the future of robotics in education, and how can students and educators use this tech?

Lawrence: Robotics in education is a strong tool for teaching computer science principles to students, starting from a very young age. It helps them bring the outcomes of their code into the real world, where they can see the impact of what they’ve created. In the future, I hope to see the costs of these learning platforms decline so that they become more accessible worldwide. Educators need more support to equip them with the context to facilitate this learning. I’ve noticed that Math and science teachers tend to carry the burden when STEM programs are introduced. In the future, I imagine free, supplemental education for K12 teachers to ensure these vital skills can reach the next generation

ST: Why is STEM education considered crucial for child development in today’s world?

Lawrence: STEM education is crucial because our world increasingly relies on technology to solve our toughest global and personal challenges. Even if a child does not pursue a career in STEM, STEM education can help children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity. It can also help them learn how to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. Lastly, STEM education can shift children into a confident producer mindset rather than a laid-back consumer mindset. When equipped with the tools to create, they can take an active role in changing the world. 

ST: What are some ways to make STEM education more engaging and accessible to children of all backgrounds?

Lawrence: To make STEM education more engaging, students should get hands-on experience with various STEM-related activities like robotics, not just coding. My high school offered an engineering program from Project Lead the Way, where we explored various engineering fields, from civil to electrical to aerospace. In these age-appropriate projects, we built bridges, rockets, and more! The curriculum drew on our experiences from other classes like art, English, and physics, and we realized that not all STEM roles leave you stuck in front of a computer writing code. 

Reducing costs and increasing inclusion are how we can make STEM education accessible to more students. Quality STEM education is still limited to schools in higher-income zip codes. National efforts are needed to equip all schools with some level of access to STEM education programs and educator support.

ST: How can we work to promote gender diversity and inclusion in STEM education from a young age?

Lawrence: Our lack of gender diversity and inclusion is causing us to miss critical ideas and perspectives in today’s technology. To mitigate this, schools could have more female and BIPOC educators, STEM speakers, and role models leading STEM courses. This could also help underrepresented students see that STEM is a viable career path for them. Organizations like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, and Code 2040 are working to close gender and racial gaps in STEM. Collaborations between these organizations and schools that lack representation could bolster the support for underrepresented groups. 

ST: How can schools and educational institutions better incorporate STEM so every child can get a great education?

Lawrence: Here are a few ways: 

Provide more hands-on learning opportunities.

Make STEM education more engaging and accessible to children of all backgrounds.

Promote gender diversity and inclusion in STEM education from a young age.

Provide more support for STEM teachers.

Invest in STEM infrastructure and resources.

Partner with STEM/robotics organizations and businesses.

Create a culture of innovation and creativity.

Encourage students to think critically and solve problems.

Robotics in Education: Preparing Students for a Tech-Driven World

Technology

A conversation with robotics trailblazer Jasmine Lawrence

Jasmine Lawrence is Product Manager at X, the moonshot factory, where she is deeply involved in The Everyday Robot Project. This innovative initiative aims to develop a groundbreaking learning robot—one with the potential to assist people in their daily lives as they learn and evolve.

Before joining X, Jasmine worked on significant projects at Facebook, including the Blood Donations and Portal teams, previously known as Building 8, where she served as a Technical Program Manager. Prior to her role at Facebook, she was the Technical Program Manager at SoftBank Robotics America. In this role, she led a diverse team in the creation of software for social, humanoid robots, showcasing her expertise in the field.

Jasmine’s educational background includes a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science, with specializations in devices and artificial intelligence, earned from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Additionally, she holds a Master’s degree in Human-Centered Design & Engineering from the University of Washington, reflecting her commitment to combining technical expertise with user-centric design principles.TrendingMeet John Capurso, Visioneer CEO – Mobile Medical Records

STEM Today: What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing STEM fields, particularly in robotics and artificial intelligence?

Jasmine Lawrence: I advise them to start getting hands-on experience with programming and creative problem-solving. Several organizations offer free online programming courses (like Code.org and Codecademy) where you can learn the basics and grow your skills through exciting projects and games. There are also several in-person boot camps and summer camps where you can join a community of other learners and sometimes even attain a certificate for a specific programming language or technology. This exposure can help you explore where your interests, strengths, and growth opportunities are. They can also help you make friends with others pursuing STEM.

ST: What do you see as the future of robotics in education, and how can students and educators use this tech?

Lawrence: Robotics in education is a strong tool for teaching computer science principles to students, starting from a very young age. It helps them bring the outcomes of their code into the real world, where they can see the impact of what they’ve created. In the future, I hope to see the costs of these learning platforms decline so that they become more accessible worldwide. Educators need more support to equip them with the context to facilitate this learning. I’ve noticed that Math and science teachers tend to carry the burden when STEM programs are introduced. In the future, I imagine free, supplemental education for K12 teachers to ensure these vital skills can reach the next generation

ST: Why is STEM education considered crucial for child development in today’s world?

Lawrence: STEM education is crucial because our world increasingly relies on technology to solve our toughest global and personal challenges. Even if a child does not pursue a career in STEM, STEM education can help children develop critical thinking skills, problem-solving skills, and creativity. It can also help them learn how to work collaboratively and communicate effectively. Lastly, STEM education can shift children into a confident producer mindset rather than a laid-back consumer mindset. When equipped with the tools to create, they can take an active role in changing the world. 

ST: What are some ways to make STEM education more engaging and accessible to children of all backgrounds?

Lawrence: To make STEM education more engaging, students should get hands-on experience with various STEM-related activities like robotics, not just coding. My high school offered an engineering program from Project Lead the Way, where we explored various engineering fields, from civil to electrical to aerospace. In these age-appropriate projects, we built bridges, rockets, and more! The curriculum drew on our experiences from other classes like art, English, and physics, and we realized that not all STEM roles leave you stuck in front of a computer writing code. 

Reducing costs and increasing inclusion are how we can make STEM education accessible to more students. Quality STEM education is still limited to schools in higher-income zip codes. National efforts are needed to equip all schools with some level of access to STEM education programs and educator support.

ST: How can we work to promote gender diversity and inclusion in STEM education from a young age?

Lawrence: Our lack of gender diversity and inclusion is causing us to miss critical ideas and perspectives in today’s technology. To mitigate this, schools could have more female and BIPOC educators, STEM speakers, and role models leading STEM courses. This could also help underrepresented students see that STEM is a viable career path for them. Organizations like Girls Who Code, Black Girls Code, and Code 2040 are working to close gender and racial gaps in STEM. Collaborations between these organizations and schools that lack representation could bolster the support for underrepresented groups. 

ST: How can schools and educational institutions better incorporate STEM so every child can get a great education?

Lawrence: Here are a few ways: 

Provide more hands-on learning opportunities.

Make STEM education more engaging and accessible to children of all backgrounds.

Promote gender diversity and inclusion in STEM education from a young age.

Provide more support for STEM teachers.

Invest in STEM infrastructure and resources.

Partner with STEM/robotics organizations and businesses.

Create a culture of innovation and creativity.

Encourage students to think critically and solve problems.

Washington restaurants’ profits plummeting, solutions are scarce

Technology

Anthony Antone, President and CEO of the Washington Hospitality Association, has raised concerns about the financial health of the restaurant industry in the state.
According to a 2020 report, while the national average profit margin for restaurants stands at 4%, Washington’s margin has plummeted to 1.5%, marking a 60% decrease.
Antone told KIRO Newsradio the decline is due to several factors.
“Increased labor costs, rising food and beverage expenses, and stringent regulatory requirements are all contributing to the financial strain on our restaurants,” he said.
He noted that menu prices in Washington are 12% higher than the national average, yet this has not been enough to offset the increased costs. Additionally, restaurants in the state employ 20% fewer staff than the national average, which has impacted customer service.
MyNorthwest News: Massive meat and poultry recall due to listeria impacts major grocery chains
The average full-service restaurant in Washington generates about $1.1 million in sales, but with the current profit margin, the average take-home pay for owners is only around $16,000 per year.
“Many owners are essentially working for free or at a loss,” Antone explained. “This is not sustainable, and it’s driving many out of business.”
Antone emphasized that the challenges facing the industry are not just financial but also operational.
“We’ve raised prices, but we’re hearing from guests that dining out has become too expensive,” he said. “At the same time, we’re employing fewer staff, which means the level of service has declined. It’s a no-win situation.”

Antone suggested several potential solutions to address these challenges. One approach is to adjust portion sizes to reduce costs without significantly impacting customer satisfaction. Another is to adopt new technologies to improve efficiency and reduce labor costs. However, he acknowledged that technology is currently unproven and expensive, making it a risky investment for many small businesses.
Antone called for greater transparency and patience from the public as the industry navigates these difficult times.
“Our guests were amazing during COVID-19, supporting us through outdoor dining and other challenges,” he said. “We need that same level of support and understanding now as we work to adapt and survive.”
MyNorthwest Weather: Rain, cooler temps and possible mountain snow on tap for WA this week
The Washington Hospitality Association is also advocating for policy changes to help alleviate some of the financial pressures on restaurants. This includes seeking relief from certain regulatory requirements and pushing for measures to address the rising costs of labor and supplies.
In the meantime, Antone urged restaurant owners to be proactive in managing their businesses.
“It’s important to stay informed and be willing to make tough decisions,” he said. “Whether it’s adjusting your menu, rethinking your staffing, or exploring new technologies, every little bit helps.”
As the industry continues to grapple with these challenges, Antone remains hopeful that with the right support and strategies, Washington’s restaurants can weather the storm and emerge stronger.
“It’s a tough time, but we’re resilient,” he said. “With transparency, patience, and innovation, we can find a way forward.”
Bill Kaczaraba is a content editor at MyNorthwest. You can read his stories here. Follow Bill on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here. 

August Manufacturing Technology Orders Fall Short of 2023

Technology

October 14, 2024
Amt – The Association For Manufacturing Technology
News

Summary

Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the USMTO report published by AMT, totaled $360.8 million in August 2024.

August Manufacturing Technology Orders Fall Short of 2023

MCLEAN, Virginia – Oct. 14, 2024 – Orders of manufacturing technology, measured by the U.S. Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) report published by AMT–The Association For Manufacturing Technology, totaled $360.8 million in August 2024. These orders for metalworking machinery increased 22.7% from July 2024 but fell 12% short of August 2023 orders. Year-to-date orders reached $2.81 billion, a decline of 11.5% compared to the first eight months of 2023.While orders continue to lag behind those placed in 2023, the level of order activity remains above historic levels. August 2024 orders are 3.8% above those placed in a typical August. This trend indicates the industry is still undergoing a period of normalization following the COVID disruptions rather than a true decline. Historically elevated capacity utilization rates across durable goods manufacturers indicate a very real need for additional investment in manufacturing technology.

Contract machine shops, the largest customers of manufacturing technology, increased both the number of units ordered and the value of their orders for the first time since March 2024. This growth in a key customer segment is a welcome sign after a sluggish July saw the lowest value of orders since May 2020 and the fewest units ordered since July 2010. Since job shops typically absorb elevated capacity needs from OEMs, this buying trend indicates that production could continue to grow.
Manufacturers in the aerospace sector increased the value of their orders by 13% from July to August 2024, but the number of units increased by nearly 27% in that same time. This indicates their purchases are for additional capacity, which is confirmed by the persistently increasing capacity utilization rates in the sector. While machinery orders from manufacturers of aerospace parts have been strong in the past few months, the ongoing strike of Boeing machinists has the potential to dampen this demand. It would be tempting to compare this to the 2023 United Autoworkers strike, which had almost no impact on orders for manufacturing technology from the automotive sector. However, at that time, the automotive industry had already been pulling back orders after a historically elevated buying cycle over the summer of 2023. Additionally, capacity utilization rates were falling and inventories growing leading into the strike. The aerospace sector is in a decidedly different position, with increased orders, a buying cycle on an upswing, and capacity utilization increasing for the past three years. Only time will tell how the Boeing strike could impact machinery orders.

Although August 2024 orders fell short of those placed in 2023, the outlook for the remainder of the year remains optimistic. The electric atmosphere at September’s IMTS, the largest manufacturing technology trade show in the Western Hemisphere, was a welcome sign that manufacturers are in need of additional capacity as well as solutions to improve quality and efficiency. With the upcoming U.S. presidential election and the Federal Reserve beginning to reduce interest rates and signaling additional reductions, two of the major issues giving pause to additional capital investment will be alleviated by year’s end. Given these factors, as well as the coming expiration of bonus depreciation of capital equipment, the momentum of order activity in the last four months of 2024 will likely accelerate and could carry over into 2025, as forecast by experts at AMT’s annual MTForecast conference.

About the USMTO Report

The United States Manufacturing Technology Orders (USMTO) Report is based on the totals of actual data reported by companies participating in the USMTO program. This report, compiled by AMT – The Association For Manufacturing Technology, provides regional and national U.S. orders data of domestic and imported machine tools and related equipment. Analysis of manufacturing technology orders provides a reliable leading economic indicator as manufacturing industries invest in capital metalworking equipment to increase capacity and improve productivity. 

About AMT

AMT–The Association For Manufacturing Technology represents U.S.-based providers of manufacturing technology – the advanced machinery, devices, and digital equipment that U.S. manufacturing relies on to be productive, innovative, and competitive. Located in McLean, Virginia, near the nation’s capital, AMT acts as the industry’s voice to speed the pace of innovation, increase global competitiveness, and develop manufacturing’s advanced workforce of tomorrow. With extensive expertise in industry data and intelligence, as well as a full complement of international business operations, AMT offers its members an unparalleled level of support. AMT also produces IMTS–The International Manufacturing Technology Show, the premier manufacturing technology event in North America. 

About IMTS

IMTS–The International Manufacturing Technology Show is where the creators, builders, sellers, and drivers of manufacturing technology come to connect and be inspired. Attendees discover advanced manufacturing solutions that include innovations in CNC machining, automation, robotics, additive, software, inspection, and transformative digital technologies that drive our future forward. Powered by AMT–The Association For Manufacturing Technology, IMTS is the largest manufacturing technology show and marketplace in the Western Hemisphere. With more than 1.2 million square feet of exhibit space, the show attracts visitors from more than 110 countries. IMTS 2022 had 86,307 registrants, featured 1,816 exhibiting companies, saw over 7,600 people attend educational events, and included a Student Summit that introduced the next generation to manufacturing. Be the change at IMTS 2024, Sept. 9-14, 2024. Inspiring the Extraordinary. 

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