As the new year kicks off, we’re seeing trends in technology advancement, spending, inflation, and new deals put into motion. Between technology to assist disabilities, a multi-billion dollar aircraft deal, and health inflation, the trends for 2025 have already begun in the realm of manufacturing.
A New Communication Device Aims to Assist People With Neurogenerative Diseases and Motor Disabilities
JIB (a company with a mission to develop technology for people with motor disabilities) and Sculpteo (a 3D printing company) are teaming up to produce a communication device that utilizes eye-tracking technology. The device aims to assist people with neurodegenerative diseases and motor disabilities.
The 3D-printed case by Sculpteo pairs with the JIB Eye Device, which allows users to communicate nonverbally through eye movements. The Sculpteo case adds durability to the device, ensuring its longevity during daily use and potential drops while keeping up with the ever-changing demands and updates of tablet technology.
Thermal Processing is Changing the Game for Food Safety
As technology continues to develop, old concepts can be revitalized and reimagined. That’s been the case for thermal processing, which has been a vital component in ensuring the safety and quality of food. Through thermal processing, heat is applied to food in an effort to lessen microorganisms and ensure that food products last longer.
Hornel Foods’ director of lab services, Sally Staben, explained the process, noting, “Even though it has been around for a long time, progress in technology and innovation present opportunities to improve it even further.”
Some of the new focuses of thermal processing include new heating methods, updated monitoring, temperature control, and maintaining advanced technology at an affordable level.
Sumitomo Plans to Buy Dunlop Brand From Goodyear
Two tire brands, Sumitomo Rubber Industries and Goodyear Tire & Rubber, have agreed on a sale price for Sumitomo to acquire Goodyear’s Dunlop brand. The cost of the sale is $701 million.
The deal hasn’t yet closed, but it will likely be completed sometime this year. Dunlop Tyres is just one of the tire brands owned by Goodyear, which includes brands like Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. and Douglas Tires.
Lockheed Martin Enters a Multi-Billion Dollar Deal for Aircrafts, Avionics, and Sensors
Lockheed Martin is an aerospace and defense company that is one of the biggest contractors in defense, global security, and aerospace. The U.S. military recently contracted the company to build 145 F-35 jet fighter planes for $11.8 billion.
The technologically advanced aircraft boasts updated avionics. The jet fighter bomber is equipped to handle aerial reconnaissance, ground attacks, and air defense missions, making it one of the most powerful and technologically advanced options on the market.
Hospital Costs Skyrocket as Health Inflation Jumped to 7.5% in 2023
Expenditure Accounts Team analysts at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services have determined that hospital cost inflation has drastically risen between 2022 and 2023. The inflation went from 3.2% in 2022 to a staggering 10.4% in 2023. Additionally, the final healthcare spending numbers went up to $4.9 trillion.
The numbers were first reported in January’s issue of Health Affairs. The analysts concluded that 92.5% of the population is insured and spending from both private health insurance companies and Medicare increased spending.
2024 Venture Funding Reflected the Year’s Patterns
At the end of 2024, December’s venture funding didn’t take any twists or turns. Like the rest of the year, it focused on optical interconnects, systems that use light to transmit signals to different integrated circuits. The funding was primarily focused on data centers and AI clusters, which were at the forefront of photonics venture funding throughout 2024.
