CapEx Sales, LLC

06/16/2026

U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at its fastest pace in four years, driven by strong demand for AI-related infrastructure, increased factory output and efforts by companies to secure materials ahead of anticipated cost increases. The Institute for Supply Management's Manufacturing Purchasing Managers Index rose to 54.0 in May, marking the fifth consecutive month of expansion and the strongest reading since 2022.

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — U.S. manufacturing activity expanded in May at its fastest pace in four years, driven by strong demand for AI-related infrastructure, increased factory output and efforts by companies to secure materials ahead of anticipated cost increases.

06/15/2026

Researchers are developing AI-powered robotic systems capable of learning physical tasks directly from human experts, a capability that could eventually influence how robots are trained across industries, including manufacturing. A new international project known as FARMAR will combine artificial intelligence, robotics and human instruction to create autonomous systems that learn workflows through observation and demonstration rather than traditional programming.

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — Researchers are developing AI-powered robotic systems capable of learning physical tasks directly from human experts, a capability that could eventually influence how robots are trained across industries, including manufacturing.

06/15/2026

06/12/2026

Maintenance teams in automated manufacturing environments are increasingly turning to AI-driven planning and operational support tools as factories struggle with aging workforces, growing asset complexity and pressure to reduce unplanned downtime. The shift is driving greater interest in systems capable of embedding AI directly into maintenance operations, helping teams manage expanding volumes of operational data, prioritize repairs and improve asset reliability without significantly increasing headcount.

ITASCA, Ill. — Maintenance teams in automated manufacturing environments are increasingly turning to AI-driven planning and operational support tools as factories struggle with aging workforces, growing asset complexity and pressure to reduce unplanned downtime.

06/11/2026

This week President Trump signed a long-anticipated executive order asking artificial intelligence (AI) companies to provide models to the federal government to assess their capabilities ahead of a full release. The order seemingly signaled a shift from the hands-off approach the White House had previously taken toward artificial intelligence.

'Adversaries are operating at machine speed and the Government is operating at bureaucracy speed.'

06/10/2026

🔍 Here's Your Wednesday Reboot with CapEx!

This week, we're diving into how CTS Connects helps solve five complex leak test sealing challenges—improving efficiency, accuracy, and performance in critical testing applications.

Plus, learn about a simple yet effective tool organizations can use to help combat phishing schemes and strengthen cybersecurity awareness.

Read more: https://conta.cc/3QyQpU7

06/09/2026

Siemens has launched a workforce development initiative aimed at helping military veterans and transitioning service members move into manufacturing, automation and digital engineering careers as manufacturers continue struggling with skilled labor shortages.

BIRMINGHAM, Mich. — Siemens has launched a workforce development initiative aimed at helping military veterans and transitioning service members move into manufacturing, automation and digital engineering careers as manufacturers continue struggling with skilled labor shortages.

06/08/2026

The pressure is understandable. Smart factory investment is not slowing down. The Manufacturing Leadership Council’s 2026 Smart Factories and Digital Production Survey found that more than 90 percent of respondents expect to maintain or increase smart factory and production technology investments in 2026, while nearly half say they are scaling digital initiatives either at one factory or across multiple sites.

The question is not whether AI can be useful, but whether it can be integrated without compromise.

06/04/2026

Modern factories rely on industrial control systems and industrial Ethernet networks to support automation and efficiency. However, many facilities still use legacy Ethernet infrastructure that lacks modern security protections, increasing risks to production continuity, intellectual property and operational safety.

Industrial Ethernet remains critical, but outdated systems pose significant cybersecurity risks.