News

When BlueTIDE 2026 comes to Sail Newport on August 27, some of the most promising emerging technologies in the region will be on display in Showcase Alley.

In a recent TechStrong TV conversation, Value Stream Mapping pioneer Jack Maher argues that manufacturing’s classic Lean toolkit—value stream mapping, Kanban, and process analysis dating back to the 1950s—is entering a new phase.

In a recent Taking Measure blog post, NIST researcher Will Spencer describes how materials like ketchup or ceramic suspensions change viscosity under different forces, sometimes flowing freely and sometimes acting almost solid.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) often feels like a buzzword disconnected from the realities of daily manufacturing operations. While industry conversations promise “autonomous factories” and “digital transformation,” the practical application of AI in small to mid-sized job shops and discrete manufacturers can seem unclear.

At the final session of Innovate Newport’s Blue Tech Talks on June 30, a clear message surfaced: the state, particularly around Narragansett Bay, has all the ingredients to become a global hub for ocean tech. Not someday—now.

IndustryWeek’s article “We Needed Automation to Reshore Our Supply Chain” describes how TAC Industries, a Springfield, Ohio-based manufacturer that produces cargo nets for the U.S. Air Force, used automation as the key lever to bring critical hardware sourcing back from Asia to the United States.

After a round of virtual qualification demonstrations, a group of companies has been selected to move forward to the live, in-water demonstrations happening August 27 in Newport, Rhode Island.

On June 25, something meaningful happened at New England Institute of Technology. A group of graduates walked across the stage—not just to mark the end of a program, but to step into entirely new careers.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed an artificial intelligence model, called Safe Step, that is designed to help people evacuate more safely during fires by continuously steering them toward routes with the lowest danger, not just the closest exit.

Rhode Island’s manufacturing sector is facing a pivotal moment—one that will shape the future of the industry for decades to come. A recent Providence Business News article highlights a pressing reality: nearly 80% of the state’s manufacturers are approaching ownership transition without a clear succession plan in place.

The more optimized a supply chain became, the more competitive it would be. However, the past several years have challenged that assumption.

Polaris Tech Bridge was proud to sponsor and support the Blue Innovation Symposium, hosted by Blue Venture Forum, at the Wyndham Newport Hotel.

Attendees raised concerns ranging from day-to-day operational hurdles—like transportation and logistics challenges—to broader systemic issues such as talent pipelines and regulatory navigation.

Polaris Tech Bridge was proud to sponsor and support the Blue Innovation Symposium, hosted by Blue Venture Forum, at the Wyndham Newport Hotel.

For Rhode Island manufacturers—many of whom rely on imported materials, components, or equipment—refunds could translate into thousands (or more) in returned funds, potentially including interest.

Last week was National Apprenticeship Week and in recognition, Polaris MEP is excited to spotlight new opportunities for manufacturers to strengthen their workforce through Registered Apprenticeships.

In today’s rapidly evolving manufacturing landscape, one challenge continues to rise above the rest: the growing skills gap. One of the most powerful solutions? Apprenticeships.

Fire protection in warehouses is not just about sprinklers; it requires ongoing planning, training, and practice to maintain system effectiveness. The best way to address common issues is by embedding fire safety into facility culture.