Many manufacturing AI pilots fail to scale due to economic miscalculations, writes Jags Kandasamy, CEO and co-founder of Latent AI, because companies often invest heavily in pilots without considering infrastructure realities, leading to prohibitive costs when attempting to replicate pilots across multiple locations. Kandasamy suggests designing AI for scale from the beginning, optimizing models for real-world constraints such as compute power and connectivity, and adopting a hybrid approach that combines edge and cloud-based solutions.

California Institute of Technology researchers have achieved a major breakthrough in quantum memory extension by converting quantum electrical signals from superconducting qubits into mechanical sound waves. Using a chip-based mechanical oscillator, this approach preserves quantum states up to 30 times longer than traditional qubits. The method slows energy loss and reduces interference, significantly enhancing the duration that quantum information can be reliably stored for future processing.

Smart Take: I first heard about quantum computing around 25 years ago, but it still seems to be on the horizon. The technology is certainly exciting -- if it ever arrives in a scalable and practical way! What do you think?

Addressing toxic employees during culture change is crucial, say Mohamed Saleh and John Dyer in the "Behind the Curtain: Adventures in Continuous Improvement" podcast. Saleh and Dyer stress that failing to act against employees who undermine change sends a message that leadership is not committed to transformation. They recommend clearly defining company values, reinforcing them during coaching and setting explicit expectations and consequences for those who violate behavioral standards.

Zuri Gardens is a groundbreaking 13-acre development in Houston near Hobby Airport, designed to provide affordable, energy-efficient housing through 3D printing. Set to feature 80 homes averaging 1,360 square feet each, the project is backed by HiveASMBLD, Cole Klein Builders, and the City of Houston. The first 3D-printed home is expected to be completed in October, with units priced in the mid- to high $200,000s and eligible for substantial down payment assistance.

Ethical supply chain management is becoming crucial for sustainable procurement, emphasizing transparency, accountability and professionalism as not just compliance but as a competitive advantage, writes Simon Annan, the president of the Ghana Institute of Procurement and Supply, who highlights the importance of ethical behavior in enhancing trust and contributing to the "Triple Bottom Line" of people, planet and profit. "By embedding ethics into every link of the supply chain, organizations can drive value, inspire trust and contribute meaningfully to a more equitable and sustainable world," Annan writes.

Digital health technologies and decentralized trials are helping to increase women's participation in clinical research by addressing barriers such as rigid schedules and caregiving responsibilities. Wearable devices, mobile apps and at-home diagnostics are allowing for more flexible and inclusive study designs, writes research physician Anita Phung.

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