Supporting a smart manufacturing shift across industry sectors by offering robot systems, Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs), mobility solutions (mobile platforms, mobile robots etc.) and technologies (arc welding, assembly, bonding and sealing, die casting, extrusion etc.), Kuka is confident of its new operating ecosystem iiQKA significantly simplifying robot use. Forming the base of an entire ecosystem that provides access to a powerful selection of components, programmes, apps, services and equipment that are easy to install, operate and use, iiQKA is designed and developed to facilitate newcomers to implement automation without specialised training. Also announcing the upgradation of its simulation software Kuka.Sim.4.0, Kuka is confident of automation benefitting in the medium-term against Covid-19 disruption. As per Peter Mohnen, CEO, Kuka AG, automation can be beneficial in the medium-term against the Covid-19 disruption for manufacturers rethinking their vulnerable, globally networked production and supply chains.

Big shift to flexible automation systems

Stating in his address to the shareholders in the 2020 annual report that the company implemented a cost-cutting drive and focused on a stable financial position, Mohnen averred that Kuka was one of the very few ‘full-range’ suppliers. Keeping a close eye on the developments taking place across the world markets that it is presently in, the company – with sales revenues of EUR 2.6 billion and an employee strength of 14,000 – is confident of its Kuka.Sim.4.0 software to help reach a new level of planning reliability, simplicity and cost efficiency. Stressing on the upgraded software facilitating easy offline programming of the robot and fast cycle time analysis, Kuka is anticipating a big shift to flexible automation solutions with quickly adaptable production cells instead of rigid systems. It is highlighting the prowess of Kuka.Sim.4.0 software in its ability to support the import of CAD data that aids configuration of safety spaces graphically in 3D and to simulate the stopping behaviour of robots.

Affected in 2020 as projects were postponed or abandoned completely, Kuka is of the view that the auto industry is facing a fundamental structural transformation that offers opportunities but poses enormous challenges at the same time. Confident that the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software will particularly aid components suppliers with its ability to facilitate the planning of robot applications across industry sectors, including auto, the company is looking at a growing use of new technologies such as AGVs and AI-based software solutions. Helped by China’s auto industry’s tremendous thrust on robot installation since 2016 in terms of growth, Kuka is banking on the upgraded software’s capability in significantly reducing the area required by a cell. Roland Ritter, Portfolio Manager, Kuka AG, mentioned that it also contains a new robot language called the ‘Kuka Robot Language’ (KRL), which provides two user views for programming the robot. One view is for the experts and the other is for beginners. Ensuring same data is being worked upon by the virtual controller and the real controller, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 supports the new KR Scara and KR Delta robots from its manufacturer. It also assures 100 percent data consistency.

Features, and more features

Aiding the creation of a customised component library using own CAD data along with Kuka.Sim.Modeling add-on, the Kuka.Sim.4.0 software is also supported by a new ‘Connectivity’ add-on that allows users to commission the cell virtually and create a digital twin for greater planning reliability and the best possible implementation. Interestingly, the customised component library could be as kinematic systems, sensors, material flow or physical behaviour. Using behavioural emulators such as WinMOD and SIMIT, the software, with the Arc Welding add-on, aids users to speed up their offline programming for welding applications. The approach positions or the optimum orientation of the robot for the welding process can be defined, for example. A big advantage of the new software, according to Ritter, is export possibilities. Integrators, he adds, will benefit from the ability to export the simulation as a 3D PDF, which can be simply opened with an Acrobat Reader.

Detailed information in 2D for mechanical commissioning can also be provided via the export feature. One of the highlights of this is product presentation using a virtual reality headset. Tablets and smartphones also deliver impressive simulation results on the go via the Mobile Viewer app, informs Ritter. Signing a major contract with Daimler to supply four-figure number of robots and linear units (KR Fortec and KR Quantec), and other Kuka technologies such as software and controllers, the company has maintained a positive outlook despite Covid-19. Working towards strengthening its position as a global player, Kuka is driving the goal of making automation available to everyone. Looking at conquering new areas and new markets, it is stressing on the potential for cobots – sensitive robots – in the auto industry.

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Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has marked FY2026 as a pivotal year of transformation, emerging as an independent, pure-play personal mobility company following the successful demerger of its Commercial Vehicles business.

With Tata Motors split, the company renamed Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, a move Chairman N Chandrasekaran described as ‘more than a structural milestone’ that positions it to build a differentiated, future-ready enterprise with a strong presence in India and a global footprint through Jaguar Land Rover.

In his address at the company’s 81st AGM on 8 July 2026, Chandrasekaran highlighted resilient performance amid global headwinds, including supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions in West Asia, as well as a temporary production pause at JLR due to a cyber incident. Despite these challenges, the India passenger vehicles business delivered robust results.

The domestic PV business achieved record sales of approximately 642,000 vehicles in FY2026, representing 15.3 percent growth – nearly double the industry average. India business revenue reached a record INR 584.65 billion, up 20.7 percent YoY, with EBITDA margins holding steady at around 7 percent and profit before tax (before exceptional items) rising approximately 33 percent. The company maintained a strong balance sheet with a net cash position of INR671 billion.

Over the past six years, the business has grown nearly 5x in volume and 6x in revenue, swinging from significant cash burn to a free cash flow surplus while elevating its market position from 4.8 percent share in FY2020 to 14.2 percent in Q1 FY2027, securing the No. 2 rank in the Indian passenger vehicle market. The company has sustained EV market leadership for seven consecutive years and surpassed 300,000 cumulative electric vehicle sales.

Chandrasekaran emphasised the success of the multi-powertrain strategy, noting strong demand for models such as the Nexon and Punch, the reintroduction of the iconic Sierra and outperformance in CNG vehicles. The company also re-entered the South African market as part of its international expansion.

Looking ahead, Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles has set clear ambitions for the decade to FY2031. The company aims to grow the business 10x, scaling to over 1.2 million annual sales, achieving 20 percent market share and attaining double-digit EBITDA margins. Plans include the launch of 6 new nameplates and more than 20 product refreshes, with EVs expected to contribute over 30 percent of sales volumes.

On the JLR front, despite a 21 percent revenue decline to GBP 22,911 million due to external disruptions, the business demonstrated operational resilience and progress on next-generation models.

A leadership transition saw PB Balaji take over as CEO. For the year ahead, JLR is focusing on modern luxury, North American growth and customer personalisation, supported by new vehicle launches.

On a consolidated basis, the company reported revenue of INR 3,355 billion and PBT (before exceptional items) of INR 25.19 billion.

Beyond financials, the company continues to advance sustainability and community initiatives, reaching over 1.8 million citizens through CSR efforts and aligning with the Tata Group’s Project Aalingana to achieve Net Zero by 2040, with electrification central to its strategy.

Chandrasekaran concluded with confidence for FY2027, citing a strong product pipeline, enhanced collaboration between TMPVL and JLR – including the new facility in Panapakkam, Tamil Nadu – and greater use of digital technologies and AI.

“Our ambition remains clear. To build trusted, aspirational and globally competitive mobility brands that connect meaningfully with customers,” he concluded.

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Electric vehicle fleet company Hala Mobility has announced the promotion of Shivam Agarwal to the position of Chief Business Officer (CBO). In his new role, Agarwal will lead the company’s commercial strategy, including enterprise partnerships, business growth, market expansion and customer success as it continues to scale its operations.

Agarwal has been part of Hala Mobility's leadership team, having previously led business development, enterprise sales and network expansion. His work has contributed to the company’s growth from its early stages to its current position within the EV mobility sector.

Shrikanth Reddy, Founder & CEO, Hala Mobility, said, "Shivam has been one of the key architects of Hala's growth journey. His deep understanding of customers, strong execution capabilities, and ability to build long-term strategic partnerships have contributed significantly to where we are today. As we enter our next phase of expansion, his leadership will be critical in scaling our commercial operations, deepening enterprise relationships, and building new growth opportunities while staying true to our focus on sustainable and profitable growth."

Shivam Agarwal, added, "Hala has always been driven by a simple belief - that sustainable mobility can transform both businesses and livelihoods at scale. I'm grateful for the trust the leadership team has placed in me and excited about the opportunity ahead. As EV adoption accelerates across India, we remain focused on building strong customer partnerships, expanding our ecosystem, and creating sustainable growth while delivering meaningful value to our enterprise partners, driver community, and the broader mobility ecosystem."

Hala Mobility operates a fleet of more than 15,000 electric vehicles across multiple cities in India, supporting over 100,000 gig workers. The company has integrated fleet operations, battery swapping, technology platforms, and financing into its business model. Looking forward, the company plans to expand its fleet to 32,000 vehicles and increase its presence to 13 cities.

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Sting Energy and Alan Walker have released the official video for ‘The Sting Within Me,’ an anthem inspired by the sounds of Formula 1. The track originated from an observation that Formula 1 engine sounds resemble the word ‘Sting,’ a concept that has since developed into a campaign across music and motorsport.

The video aims to translate the feelings of anticipation, tension, and celebration associated with a race weekend into a visual experience. It incorporates engine sounds and race-day atmospheres, following the track's live debut at the Barcelona Grand Prix.

Vandita Pandey, VP Marketing at PepsiCo, International Beverages, Hydration and Energy, said, “Few ideas get the chance to evolve the way this one has. What started as a fan observation became a global anthem – and now a video fans can experience. With the official video of ‘The Sting Within Me’, we’re bringing the sound, speed and emotion of Formula 1 to screen in a way fans can see, hear and feel. This story has always belonged to the fans and creators who made it bigger.”

Alan Walker, said, “When you're building a track from raw sounds, you start visualising it from day one. This track carries the rhythm and tension of race weekend, so the official video had to match that energy. Barcelona showed me what that emotion feels like live - this video is about bringing that same feeling to screens everywhere.”

Chandni Mehta, CEO, Kinnect Media, said, "This campaign was always about taking the energy of Formula 1 beyond race weekend and turning it into something fans could participate in. From music and creators to social storytelling and live experiences, every element was designed to bring audiences closer to the sport. The official video is the culmination of that journey – bringing the worlds of music, motorsport and fandom together in one shared experience.”

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American autonomous technology company May Mobility has announced the appointment of Balajee Kannan as Senior Vice-President of Autonomy Core Engineering, effective 29 June 2026.

Kannan will lead the development of autonomy capabilities, the scaling of vehicle deployments and the execution of the company’s ride-hail strategy.

He comes with over 25 years of experience in robotics and autonomous systems and previously served as the Vice-President of Autonomy at Motional, where he led programs for Level 4 driving. His career also includes roles at Argo AI, Amazon and GE.

In his new position, Kannan will manage autonomy performance, machine learning, perception, behaviour, mapping and localisation. He will work with Jacob Crossman, Senior Vice-President of Autonomy Engineering and CEO Dr Edwin Olson to oversee technical strategy.

“I’ve spent more than 25 years in robotics and autonomy, and believe this industry is now at a critical inflection point where breakthrough technology is meeting real-world scale. May Mobility stands out for its bold vision and passionate individuals dedicated to the mission, and I’m excited to help shape the next generation of autonomous systems alongside this team,” said Kannan.

Dr Edwin Olson, CEO and Founder, May Mobility, said, “Balajee is one of the most accomplished autonomy leaders in the industry, with a proven track record of turning breakthrough technologies into reliable, deployed systems. His technical expertise and leadership will be instrumental in preparing our autonomy system to scale to new markets globally.”

May Mobility has completed over 550,000 rides and 1.1 million autonomous miles in the U.S. and Japan. The company has also recently appointed Thomas Fennimore as Chief Financial Officer and Matthew Wood as Vice-President of Autonomy Verification & Validation.

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