HIJACKING HAND TOOLS
Cybersecurity research warns that hand tools with smart features can be vulnerable to cyber attacks. In its research, Nozomi Networks’ Labs found vulnerabilities in a Bosch Rexroth smart pneumatic torque wrench that the company says is commonly used on vehicle production lines. The wrench’s smart functions allow it to send activity data to a central server for logging, as well as to receive remote reprogramming for different torque settings. Because of this, it is also possible for outside entities to send signals to the tool, or even install new code, changing the tool’s function or hijacking it entirely. The company also noted that automating an attack of this kind would be easy, allowing a perpetrator to take down an entire production line and then try and ransom control back to the user.
ANDROID ASSISTANTS
Robotics startup Figure has announced a signed partnership with BMW Manufacturing to deploy its humanoid robots in the automaker’s facilities in the United States.This new partnership marks the first commercial deal that Figure has signed since it was first founded in 2022. While the company did not disclose how many robots BMW will be using, the partnership will start with small quantities and then expand if performance targets have been met, according to Brett Adcock, chief executive at Figure. Figure’s humanoid robots will be deployed in BMW’s manufacturing facility in Spartanburg, South Carolina for the trial run. Here, the robots will be integrated into manufacturing processes including the body shop, sheet metal and warehouse after being trained to perform specific tasks such as heavy manual labour. The robots are expected to be on the manufacturing floor in the next 12 to 24 months.
