Freehand Raises $75M, Emerson Unveils DeltaV, and XCMG Showcases AI at Boao Forum

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Welcome to this week's edition of Industrial AI Weekly.

In this edition, we delve into a variety of exciting developments in the realm of AI and industrial automation. Guardián Forestal and the Mexican government have launched a new program utilizing AI and satellite imagery to certify that avocados exported to the U.S. are sourced from non-deforested orchards. Meanwhile, Strider Technologies has teamed up with Ionic Mineral Technologies to enhance strategic intelligence in the critical minerals supply chain, focusing on protecting technology and supply chains from geopolitical risks.

Additionally, PJM Interconnection has approved 715 new generation projects, leveraging AI tools to improve the efficiency of project evaluations, aiming to generate over 200 GW of electricity. In the manufacturing sector, Intellect and eMaint have partnered to integrate AI-driven connected workflows, enhancing efficiency and compliance across various manufacturing operations. Stay tuned for more insights and updates on how AI is shaping the future of industrial automation.

Freehand Secures $75M to Enhance AI for Supply Chains

Freehand, an AI startup, has raised $75 million in Series B funding to improve its AI agents for managing supply chain spend for major companies like Meta, Johnson & Johnson, and Pfizer. Read more

ShipSigma Secures Investment from Inverness Graham

ShipSigma has received a majority investment from Inverness Graham, a private equity firm, to enhance its AI-powered supply chain solutions. Read more

AI Certification for Avocado Supply Chains in Mexico

A new program by Guardián Forestal and the Mexican government uses AI and satellite imagery to certify that avocados exported to the U.S. are from non-deforested areas. Read more

Strider Technologies Partners with Ionic Mineral Technologies

Strider Technologies has partnered with Ionic Mineral Technologies to enhance strategic intelligence in the critical minerals supply chain. This collaboration focuses on safeguarding Ionic MT's technology and supply chain from geopolitical risks as the company expands its operations. Read more

PJM Interconnection Approves 715 New Projects with AI

PJM Interconnection has approved 715 new generation projects, totaling over 200 GW, using AI tools to enhance evaluation efficiency. The projects include a mix of storage, natural gas, solar, and wind resources. Read more

Emerson Unveils DeltaV Platform for Data Centers

The Emerson DeltaV Automation Platform is designed to boost data center efficiency through precision control and AI-driven insights, integrating critical infrastructure for improved project delivery and uptime. Read more

Intellect and eMaint Partner for AI in Manufacturing

The collaboration between Intellect and eMaint focuses on integrating various aspects of manufacturing operations through AI-driven connected workflows. Read more

American Rheinmetall Wins U.S. Army Contract for AI Vehicles

American Rheinmetall has secured an 18-month contract from the U.S. Army to provide autonomous, hybrid-powered uncrewed ground vehicles. This project, part of Project Sustainment, aims to enhance Army logistics by automating supply transport. Read more

XCMG Showcases AI for Sustainable Mining at Boao Forum 2026

At the Boao Forum for Asia in Perth, XCMG outlined strategies for sustainable mining, highlighting AI's role in efficiency and emission reduction. They also secured an export order with Fortescue for eco-friendly equipment. Read more

Insignary and Barrier Networks Partner for AI-Driven Security

Insignary and Barrier Networks have formed a partnership to enhance software supply chain security in the UK, focusing on binary-level software verification to address increasing risks and regulatory obligations. Read more

WEPSEA 2026 to Showcase AI and Sustainability in Packaging

The World Expo of Packaging Industry Southeast Asia (WEPSEA) 2026 will be held in Jakarta, focusing on AI innovations and sustainability within the packaging industry. Read more

EKA Solutions Launches AI Agents for Logistics

EKA Solutions Inc. has unveiled four AI-powered agents within its EKA Omni-TMS™ platform to enhance operations in the transportation and logistics sectors. These tools aim to boost productivity and cut costs for trucking, broker, logistics, and shipper businesses. Read more

Turner Construction Partners with innDex for AI Workforce Management

Turner Construction has selected innDex as its technology partner to implement AI-driven workforce management at the United Nations project in New York City, utilizing facial recognition for enhanced security. Read more

Backswing Ventures Invests in Isengard Industries for AI Munitions

Backswing Ventures has invested in Isengard Industries to enhance the production of AI-driven precision strike systems and counter-UAS capabilities. This move aims to bolster the defense industrial base amid rising geopolitical tensions. Read more

Hellbender Expands in Pittsburgh, Creating 500 Jobs

Hellbender has moved its global headquarters to Hazelwood Green and expanded its manufacturing operations in Pittsburgh, aiming to create over 500 jobs in the next five years. Read more

ShipBob Introduces AI Fulfillment Connector

ShipBob has launched an Anthropic-verified AI fulfillment connector to improve supply chain operations, allowing brands to integrate AI tools into their live operations for enhanced efficiency. Read more

LightSource Launches AI Workforce for Procurement

LightSource has launched an AI Workforce operating system to modernize procurement processes, aiming to cut RFQ cycles from two weeks to 15 minutes. The platform has processed over 3,300 items in its initial months. Read more

Signant Health Launches AI Tool for Clinical Supply Management

Signant Health has introduced Forecasting & Planning Assist™, an AI tool aimed at improving clinical supply management by enabling experts to manage data and monitor risks efficiently. Read more

Brewer Science Acquires Heraeus Epurio's Semiconductor Chemicals Business

Brewer Science has completed its acquisition of the semiconductor chemicals business from Heraeus Epurio. This acquisition is intended to bolster the U.S. semiconductor supply chain by integrating the production of ultrapure electronic chemicals. Read more

Mariana Minerals Raises $310M for AI-Driven Mineral Production

Mariana Minerals has secured $310 million in Series B funding led by Khosla Ventures to boost its AI-driven critical minerals production, focusing on projects in Utah and Texas. Read more

SHINE Leads AI Projects for U.S. DOE's Genesis Mission

SHINE has been chosen for two projects under the U.S. Department of Energy's Genesis Mission, focusing on AI advancements in nuclear fuel recycling. Read more

Nauticus and Strangeworks Partner on Undersea Fiber-Optic Networks

Nauticus Robotics, Inc. and Strangeworks have announced a collaboration to enhance the deployment of fiber-optic sensing networks for maritime infrastructure protection. Read more

HD Hyundai and Fraser Industries Modernize U.S. Shipyards

HD Hyundai has partnered with Fraser Industries to enhance U.S. shipyards using AI and digital solutions, focusing on construction, operations, and workforce training. Read more

Emerson Appoints New Chief Technology and AI Officer

Emerson has appointed Rudy Sengupta as Senior Vice President and Chief Technology and AI Officer, effective August 15, 2026. Sengupta will lead the company's technology and AI strategy, succeeding Peter Zornio. Read more

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Freehand Raises $75M, Emerson Unveils DeltaV, and XCMG Showcases AI at Boao Forum - Industrial AI Weekly #67

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