US technology industry

A US jury has ruled that Apple must pay a record $5.7 billion in a patent dispute over haptic technology, the vibration feedback used in its devices. The verdict ranks among the largest patent damages awards in US history and is expected to trigger appeals and scrutiny of how Apple licenses touchscreen feedback technology.

A US appeals court has upheld the designation of AI company Anthropic as a supply chain risk, a ruling with implications for the Pentagon's ability to work with the firm. The decision, reported by CNBC, is drawing attention in technology and defense circles as it could affect federal contracting with major AI developers and raises questions about security scrutiny of leading AI companies.

A Wall Street Journal analysis examines projections that US investment in artificial intelligence could reach roughly 9% of GDP, a level of spending comparable to historic infrastructure booms. The piece notes that the technology industry is counting on this wave of capital continuing, raising questions about whether such unprecedented outlays on data centers and computing power are sustainable or realistic.

Donald Trump has appointed Jay Clayton, described as his intelligence chief, to a new White House role overseeing artificial intelligence policy. The move, reported by the Guardian, puts a senior administration official in charge of coordinating the government's approach to AI, drawing attention in both technology and political circles.

A Fortune commentary argues the United States should create a dedicated Department of AI, warning that without centralized oversight and coordination, the federal government risks allowing artificial intelligence disruption to push the US economy 'over the brink'. The piece adds to a widening debate in Washington over how to govern rapidly advancing AI while keeping America competitive, as lawmakers and industry leaders weigh whether existing agencies are equipped to handle the technology's economic impact.

The week ahead in business is expected to centre on the release of the US Federal Reserve's meeting minutes, which investors will comb for signals on interest rate policy. Attention will also fall on major retailers reporting sales figures, offering a read on consumer spending, alongside developments in AI safety following continued industry and regulatory focus on the technology's risks.

Schneider Electric is reportedly close to a deal worth around $20 billion to acquire PTC, the US industrial software company, according to the Financial Times. The acquisition would mark a major move by the French energy management group deeper into industrial software, expanding its automation and digital technology offerings. Details of the talks, including timing and final terms, have not been confirmed by either company.

Fast Company reports on what the leaders of the biggest artificial intelligence companies are seeking from US policymakers. The piece examines the industry's policy agenda in Washington, as AI firms push for regulatory frameworks, federal support, and rules that shape how the technology develops. Discussion centers on the growing influence of AI executives on government decision-making.

Ouster, Inc., the lidar sensor maker traded on US markets under the ticker OUST, is drawing attention from options traders, with its options chain data being tracked by investors watching for positioning around the stock. LiDAR names remain volatile as the autonomous vehicle and industrial sensing sectors fluctuate, making Ouster a frequent subject of trader interest.

Aleph Alpha, the German artificial intelligence company, is being discussed as Europe's answer to US AI firms like OpenAI. The Heidelberg-based startup has positioned itself around sovereign, transparent AI for governments and businesses, attracting backing from German industry and politicians keen to reduce dependence on American technology. Commentary is mixed, with supporters praising its European focus while skeptics question whether it can compete with far larger rivals.

President Trump has named intelligence chief Jay Clayton to lead a new White House task force on artificial intelligence, giving it 120 days to assess AI risks and recommend the federal government's role. The review, however, starts without new regulatory authority or binding power over industry, prompting questions about how much practical impact its recommendations will have on US AI policy.

Marvell Technology is being highlighted alongside two other US stocks positioned to benefit from industrial policy backed by national security spending. The pick centers on companies whose growth is tied to federal investment in semiconductors, defense, and strategic manufacturing. Investors are watching these names as government spending on security-critical industries continues to shape the market.

A Plainfield, Connecticut robotics company has been awarded a $1.3 million contract from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement to develop enhanced robot dogs. The deal highlights the growing use of robotic systems by federal law enforcement agencies. The arrangement is likely to draw attention from both the robotics industry and critics of ICE's expanding surveillance and enforcement technology.

Senator Mike Rounds met with leaders of AI company Anthropic at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology to discuss the future of artificial intelligence. The visit highlights growing attention to AI policy in Washington and the industry's engagement with lawmakers, as well as South Dakota's push to position itself in the national conversation on emerging technology.

The White House has created a task force focused on artificial intelligence, charged with evaluating the risks posed by the rapidly advancing technology. The move signals growing concern in the US administration over AI's potential impact on safety, the economy and national security, as governments worldwide scramble to keep pace with the industry's development.

Chinese AI firm DeepSeek has teamed up with Huawei to improve the programming tools for Huawei's Ascend AI chips. The collaboration is aimed at making it easier to run AI models on domestic Chinese hardware, part of a broader push to reduce reliance on US chip technology amid ongoing export restrictions.

US solar manufacturer First Solar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against China's JA Solar, according to Reuters. The case escalates intellectual property tensions in the solar industry, where Chinese companies dominate global manufacturing and US rivals are increasingly asserting their technology patents.

Supra has been awarded a contract by the US Defense Logistics Agency to extract scandium, a rare metal used in aerospace and defense applications. The deal highlights growing US efforts to secure domestic supplies of critical minerals, and the announcement is being picked up by technology and industry outlets.

US yarn producer Parkdale Mills has acquired CiCLO technology, according to industry outlet Specialty Fabrics Review. CiCLO is a textile additive technology designed to help synthetic fabrics biodegrade faster, reducing microfiber pollution. The deal gives one of the world's largest spun yarn makers direct ownership of the technology as demand grows for lower-impact fibers in apparel and home textiles.

ArchKey has acquired US Communications & Electric, a move the company says will expand its technology solutions capabilities. The acquisition, reported by industry outlet EC&M, strengthens ArchKey's footprint in electrical and communications infrastructure services. Details on the deal's financial terms and expected integration timeline have not been disclosed, and little wider discussion has emerged so far beyond the initial trade press coverage.

President Trump has begun referring to artificial intelligence as 'super intelligence' while major technology companies signed an agreement at the White House. The rebranding coincides with a new accord between the administration and tech giants, prompting discussion about how the government is framing AI policy and the industry's growing closeness to the presidency.

Writer Derek Thompson argues that commentary on American hostility toward artificial intelligence overlooks a key explanation for the backlash. He suggests the public's frustration goes beyond jobs, misinformation or safety fears, pointing instead to a reason that most coverage of AI skepticism fails to capture. The piece has drawn attention among technology readers debating why US attitudes toward AI have grown more negative despite the industry's rapid growth.

Pittsburgh International Airport has introduced a new robot pilot program, placing automated machines into its day-to-day operations. Airport Experience News reported the launch, though details on the robots' specific duties, the technology partners involved, or how long the trial will run have not been disclosed. The move fits a wider trend of US airports testing automation to help travellers and streamline terminal services, and observers will be watching how the experiment performs.

Wawa has named a new chief information officer, according to trade press reports. The convenience store and fuel chain's leadership change in its technology division was picked up by retail and c-store industry outlets. Details on the incoming executive's background and start date were not included in the initial coverage.

First Solar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions, according to press releases issued via Business Wire and Stock Titan. The US solar manufacturer is alleging the companies infringed its panel technology patents. Details of the specific patents, damages sought, and the defendants' responses have not yet been made public.

First Solar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against China's JA Solar and a Corning subsidiary. The US solar manufacturer is alleging that the companies' thin-film solar technology infringes its intellectual property. The case adds to ongoing trade and technology tensions between American and Chinese solar companies, and investors are watching for any impact on First Solar's market position and litigation costs.

SRC has been selected for an Other Transactional Agreement to develop its Ghost Mantis technology as part of the US Air Force's LASS prototype program. The agreement positions the company's technology for evaluation in an Air Force initiative, though details on the scope and value of the award have not been disclosed.

Moog and Niron Magnetics plan to present motor technology that eliminates rare-earth magnets at AUSA 2026, a major US defense exhibition. The partnership highlights growing interest in supply chains less dependent on rare-earth materials, which are largely sourced from China and have become a strategic vulnerability for defense manufacturers. Details of the specific systems to be demonstrated were not disclosed in the announcement.

First Solar has filed a patent infringement lawsuit against JA Solar and American Panel Solutions over TOPCon solar cell technology. The case escalates intellectual property disputes in the solar manufacturing sector, where First Solar, a leading US panel maker, is seeking to protect its proprietary technology against competitors' panels sold in the American market.

Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal has introduced a legislative framework that would establish a national charter system to regulate artificial intelligence in the United States. The proposal aims to rein in AI development through federal oversight. Details beyond the announcement are limited so far, and reaction from lawmakers, industry and the public is still emerging.

A group of US lawmakers is arguing that Congress should step in to regulate artificial intelligence. The debate centres on whether federal legislation is needed to set rules for how AI systems are developed and used, an issue that has divided officials in Washington and is being weighed as the technology spreads rapidly across industries.

Securitas Technology has acquired Sonitrol of El Paso, a security services provider operating in the Texas border city. The deal expands Securitas Technology's electronic security footprint in the region, adding Sonitrol's commercial security customer base and monitoring operations to its portfolio. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. Industry watchers see the move as part of ongoing consolidation in the commercial security and alarm monitoring sector, where large players continue buying regional providers.