As data center operators increase rack densities and accelerate the adoption of direct liquid cooling, the requirements for cooling infrastructure are rapidly evolving.

In the previous issue, we explored the first wave of maintenance innovations transforming defense: AI-driven predictive and prescriptive tools, the rise of right-to-repair, and additive manufacturing at the frontline. These trends illustrated how autonomy, foresight, and resilience are being embedded directly into operational units. In this second part, we shift focus to the system-level enablers that connect, simulate, and optimize maintenance at scale — from digital twins and robotics to connected logistics, XR-based training, and performance-based logistics frameworks. Together, they extend tactical innovations into full-spectrum readiness.

New self-healing, anticorrosive, and antimicrobial coatings can reduce maintenance costs, and their use is expected to increase in the coming years.

A new global survey of more than 1,700 senior executives reveals that industrial AI is advancing faster than expected.

Industrial robotics is experiencing a transformative shift, driven by rapid advancements in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and automation technologies. No longer confined to repetitive assembly tasks, robots have become central to the future of manufacturing, logistics, healthcare, and industrial maintenance. As companies demand greater efficiency, precision, and adaptability, robotics is evolving from a supportive tool to a strategic asset.