“The place to improve the world is first in one’s own heart and head and hands, and then work outward from there.”
– Robert M. Pirsig, “Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance”
This is a published version of the AMT Tech Report newsletter. You can sign up to get the Tech Report in your inbox here.
1. Please, Taiwan, I Want Some More
I am asking nicely, for crying out loud! After (probably) securing Taiwan’s approval, TSMC may begin producing 2-nanometer chips in the United States – but the company’s Arizona facility, built as part of the CHIPS Act initiative, would require a $30 billion investment to do so. In recent remarks, Taiwan's economic affairs minister noted Taiwan’s shifting policies have pushed the decision on expanding overseas to TSMC. While mass 2-nm production outside of Taiwan may begin after 2025, R&D will remain there.
2. Underrated: Exoskeletons
I’m just saying: We might be putting a little too much stock into humanoid robots. Exoskeleton technology had a strong presence at CES 2025, with more than 10 companies and universities showcasing innovations. Highlights included Human in Motion Robotics' hands-free XoMotion, Hypershell’s Carbon X hip exoskeleton, and German Bionic's Apogee Ultra for industrial use. Exoskeletons claimed 1% of CES awards, reflecting growth in this field, which enhances mobility, fitness, and workplace safety.
3. Robot Arms Building Canadian Homes
Canadian companies like Promise Robotics are using AI and robotic arms to revolutionize home construction, addressing Canada's housing shortage by automating tasks like assembling walls and roofs. These innovations promise to halve construction time, boost productivity, and attract interest from builders. Other firms, like Horizon Legacy, are developing portable 3D printing robots to enhance affordability and sustainability.
4. AI Decision-Making Explained
Meta Reality Labs unveiled HOT3D, an open-source dataset featuring 833 minutes of multiview 3D videos showing humans manipulating objects from an egocentric perspective (from the point of view of the person completing the task). Collected via Project Aria glasses and Quest 3 headsets, it includes comprehensive annotations like 3D hand and object poses. HOT3D improves machine learning for tasks like 3D hand tracking and object pose estimation, enhancing AR, VR, and robotics.
5. Don’t Mess With 3DBenchy!
You’ve been warned – and now they’re cracking down! 3DBenchy’s Creative Commons BY-ND 4.0 license, which forbids derivative works, is now being enforced. Models based on the popular 3D printing benchmark are being removed from sites like Printables. While Prusa voluntarily pulled their models, Creative Tools and NTI claim no involvement. This highlights the importance of adhering to license terms, even for widely shared designs.
To get the latest tech developments delivered directly to your inbox, subscribe to the weekly Tech Report here.
To hear the latest in additive manufacturing, material removal, automation, and digital manufacturing, subscribe to the AMT Tech Trends podcast here.
