Category: Uncategorized

Originally published on 3M News Center

As countries prioritize energy security and enhance industrial competitiveness in an increasingly complex global landscape, investment in resilient, sustainable energy solutions has come into sharp focus. A recent 3M survey conducted by Morning Consult* across 10 countries revealed that 69% of respondents anticipate job growth in the energy sector over the next decade, and 75% believe their governments should invest more in creating jobs in the clean energy sector.

“Building a more secure energy future will require the accelerated adoption of existing approaches as well as the development of new science-based technologies,” says Wendy Bauer, group president, 3M Transportation and Electronics Group. “By focusing on areas where we can make the greatest impact, 3M can scale solutions to help strengthen our energy infrastructure. Our history of innovation in the energy sector underscores our commitment to meeting long-term energy needs across the value chain.”

Energy generation solutions

Green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy sources, is pivotal in the transition to clean energy systems. 79% of the global survey respondents support government policies promoting green hydrogen as an alternative energy source. 3M has developed advanced catalyst technologies that help enhance the efficiency of electrolyzers, the components that split water into hydrogen and oxygen. These innovations not only help improve performance but can also help our customers overcome their barriers to scaling up their production. This solution can facilitate broader adoption of green hydrogen and help contribute to significant reductions in carbon emissions.

Nuclear energy remains an important alternative for reliable and low-carbon power generation, with 62% of the global survey respondents recognizing its potential. 3M offers a range of products that can help our customers enhance their safety and efficiency in nuclear power plants. For instance, 3M’s radiation-shielding materials are used by customers to help protect against radiation, and 3M’s stable isotopes can help our customers speed up the handling of fuels. These solutions can help support the safer and more efficient operation of customers’ nuclear facilities, contributing to a balanced energy mix.

While the global energy landscape shifts towards more renewable sources, oil and gas continue to play a significant role. 3M’s innovative solutions aim to help improve efficiency in this sector. For example, 3M Glass Bubbles help enhance drilling efficiency and potentially reduce energy consumption. Additionally, these 3M Glass Bubbles are used in pipeline insulation to help our customers maintain optimal temperatures, thereby helping them improve their energy efficiency in oil and gas transportation.

As industries work to reduce their emissions, 3M also offers technologies tailored for carbon capture. 3M Structured Sorbent Sheets for Direct Air Capture are engineered specifically to capture CO₂ from atmospheric air, at which point the captured CO₂ can then either be sequestered permanently underground or used to produce green concrete or other advanced materials.

Energy transmission solutions

The global energy transition requires not only cleaner energy generation but also efficient and resilient transmission systems to move electricity from generation sites to areas of demand. As power grids integrate more renewable energy sources, the need for advanced transmission technologies intensifies.

3M’s Aluminum Conductor Composite Reinforced (ACCR) is a high-temperature, low-sag (HTLS) overhead transmission conductor that helps utility customers enhance grid capacity and reliability. 3M ACCR provides significant advantages in upgrades of thermally limited lines without requiring new towers or right of way; across long spans or difficult terrain; in extreme climate conditions and weather challenges; and in sensitive areas where preserving ecosystems or urban landscapes is particularly important.

By integrating 3M ACCR, utilities and grid operators can strengthen their transmission networks to accommodate growing energy demands while also helping reduce the need for costly and disruptive infrastructure upgrades.

Energy distribution solutions

A resilient and intelligent electrical grid is essential to meet the increasing energy demands of modern economies. As grids integrate more renewable energy sources and decentralized power generation, utilities require advanced monitoring and diagnostic solutions to help ensure reliability and efficiency.

3M’s Sensored Cable Accessories provide real-time data on electrical grid performance, helping utilities detect faults, optimize energy distribution, and reduce their downtime. By integrating sensors into cable accessories, these smart grid solutions can help utilities enhance predictive maintenance, minimize outages, and improve overall grid resilience. This technology can play a crucial role in modernizing energy infrastructure, helping ensure a seamless transition to more dynamic and sustainable electricity networks.

Energy consumption and efficiency solutions

As the demand for cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and digital storage grows, data centers are consuming increasing amounts of electricity. Efficient energy management is essential to helping our customers meet their sustainability goals while also maintaining reliable performance. 3M Air Containment Barrier Film uses 80% less material than polycarbonate sheets typically used and can be installed in framed panels or directly to server racks. Easy to install and assemble, the film improves heat management for longer server life and lower carbon impact, promoting greater sustainability. By helping to optimize thermal management, 3M solutions support the development of more energy-efficient data centers.

Improving energy efficiency in buildings is crucial for reducing overall energy consumption. Aligned with the 77% of the global survey respondents who support solutions that enhance building energy efficiency, 3M offers innovative products such as window films and natural pozzolans. 3M Window Films are engineered to help improve efficiency by reflecting solar heat, thereby reducing the need for air conditioning and lowering energy costs. Additionally, 3M Natural Pozzolans contribute to the performance of concrete, reducing the need for cement in the mixture and the associated carbon footprint.

3M’s wide-ranging solutions to help support the energy economy encompass energy generation, transmission, distribution, and consumption. 3M’s global team is dedicated to driving innovation for customers and positioning 3M as a key collaborator in the transition to energy security.

*The 3M 2025 State of Science Insights survey was conducted between Nov. 19 and Dec. 17, 2024, among a national sample of 10,959 Adults in each of 10 countries (U.S., U.K., Canada, Germany, France, Brazil, Mexico, China, Japan, and South Korea). The interviews were conducted online and the data was weighted to approximate a target sample of adults for each market. Results from the full survey have a margin of error of plus or minus 1 percentage point for global results, and 3 percentage points for each individual country.

Everywhere you turn, someone is talking about AI — AI this, AI that. No wonder some people roll their eyes at the mention of artificial intelligence. For some, it’s all smoke and mirrors, just a glorified spreadsheet rather than a technological breakthrough capable of real cognitive reasoning.

And just when you think you’ve caught up, something new appears. First, we had simple machine learning and AI, then came Generative AI, and now Agentic AI is all the rage. If you feel like you’re constantly playing catch-up, you’re not alone.

But whether you love it or loathe it, AI isn’t going anywhere. In fact, some tools are now designed to think, create, and learn—just like Keysight’s Eggplant Intelligence.

The Thinking, Creating, and Learning Framework

This framework simplifies AI by breaking it into three key functions:

Thinking involves decision-making and adaptability, much like Agentic AI, which enables AI to make choices based on real-time data.Creating is tied to generative AI capabilities, allowing AI to generate test cases and user scenarios autonomously.Learning follows the principles of traditional machine learning, pioneered by Alan Turing in 1950, and enables AI to improve over time based on historical data.

So, what’s the real difference between these AI types? How do they impact software testing? And does anyone actually care? The short answer: there are plenty of differences, they have a huge impact, and yes, you should care.

Before we unravel these questions, let’s take a trip down memory lane to understand how we got here.

The Birth of AI in Software Testing – Keysight Eggplant’s Heritage

Back in 1947, Alan Turing gave a lecture that introduced the idea of a machine’s ability to exhibit intelligent behaviour and learn just like a human. Since then, ‘machine learning’ and artificial intelligence has evolved considerably, and in 2018, Keysight Eggplant integrated such tools into its Digital Automation Intelligence (DAI) platform, which is now known as Eggplant Test. This was groundbreaking then and remains so today, enabling automated software testing to:

Identify all user journeys – Machine learning algorithms analyze applications and uncover every possible user journey to generate test cases automatically, improving test coverage and reducing manual effort.Prioritize test cases – By learning from historical test runs and code changes, the system can pinpoint high-risk areas and prioritize testing where it matters most, optimizing testing time and resources.Detect anomalies – AI can track normal system behavior, spot deviations, and flag potential defects early in the development cycle.Adapt test scripts – Automated scripts dynamically adjust to application changes, minimizing maintenance and improving long-term test stability.

This goes beyond simple test automation. Imagine changing your payment gateway on an eCommerce site—Eggplant can auto-generate new test cases to reflect the update without requiring hours of script rewrites. That’s the power of intelligent automation.

But AI in software testing isn’t just about running test cases. Keysight Eggplant Test has also led the way in image-based testing, optical character recognition (OCR), and computer vision—critical for automating graphical user interface (GUI) testing in complex, secure environments.

Generative AI – Automating Test Creation

Next up: Generative AI, the “Creating” part of the framework. This subset of AI revolves around understanding and generating human-like language through natural language processing (NLP), including large language models (LLMs).

Generative AI can be used to automate test cases, reducing manual effort while improving accuracy. But Keysight is taking it a step further—our Gen AI capabilities are in development to generate test case frameworks directly from software requirements documentation, allowing testers to refine them rather than start from scratch once launched.

Security is also a major priority, which is why when Eggplant Test with Gen AI is launched it will operate using secure, offline, technology-agnostic LLMs. Unlike cloud-based solutions, our models will be deployed on-premises, ensuring complete control over sensitive data and compliance with strict security regulations.

Cloud-based AI testing tools that use ChatGPT pose risks, such as “shadow prompting,” where unchecked user inputs generate unreliable outputs. While techniques like prompt engineering can mitigate this, on-premises AI solutions eliminate the risk altogether.

Agentic AI – The Next Evolution

Now, we arrive at Agentic AI, the “Thinking” part of our framework. This evolution introduces intelligent agents that can autonomously design, execute, and optimize test cases. Using chain of thought, a technique that stacks multiple commands to perform complex tasks, these agents perform intricate testing, ensuring all possible user interactions and edge cases are covered.

Another breakthrough is computer use agents (CUA) such as large action models (LAMs), which automate browser-based processes by interacting with web applications just like human testers. This is crucial for end-to-end web testing across various devices and browsers.

And then there’s large vision models (LLaVA), which enhance technologies like traditional computer vision to interpret and validate visual data, verifying UI elements and graphical components in applications.

Sound familiar? It should. Eggplant Intelligence already integrates elements of AI, Gen AI, and Agentic AI into a single platform. Our system optimizes test coverage, automates interactions across digital environments, and executes tests just as a human would, all while remaining offline and compliant with AI governance laws in the UK, EU, and US.

AI Testing Compliance – The Keysight Advantage

Many testing tools rely on cloud-based AI architectures, making them non-compliant with the EU AI Act and other regulatory frameworks. Cloud-based solutions often fail to meet the strict security demands of regulated industries, leaving organizations exposed to potential privacy violations.

For industries like aerospace, defense, and healthcare—where data security is non-negotiable—cloud-based AI testing tools are simply not an option. Storing customer or intellectual property data outside a secure firewall can lead to legal consequences and hefty fines.

This is why Keysight Eggplant is the only AI-powered testing solution that prioritizes security, transparency, and governance. Our on-premises approach ensures that all sensitive data remains secure, meeting even the most stringent compliance requirements.

And let’s be clear—using cloud-based AI for test script generation or test reports is not only risky but illegal in many jurisdictions. GDPR and other data protection laws prohibit storing customer data outside of an organization’s firewall, making cloud AI tools a liability for compliance-conscious businesses.

The Future of AI in Software Testing

AI in testing isn’t just about keeping up with the latest buzzwords. It’s about making smart, future-proof choices that balance innovation with security, scalability, and compliance.

Keysight Eggplant has been pioneering AI-driven testing since 2017, long before many of today’s players entered the field. As AI evolves, we continue to push boundaries, ensuring our platform remains at the cutting edge of secure, offline AI testing.

So, if you’re serious about automated software testing and need a future-proof, AI-driven platform that doesn’t compromise security, compliance, or flexibility—it’s time to take a closer look at Keysight Eggplant.

Contact us today for a 14-day free trial or have a read of the Ultimate AI Testing Playbook.

Originally published on Forbes

Justina Nixon Saintil, IBM’s VP and global head of corporate social responsibility, predicted in a recent interview that “AI agents will become the norm, and soon, managers will need to understand how to manage hybrid teams composed of humans and AI employees.”

Continue reading here on Forbes

Southern Company

ATLANTA, February 25, 2025 /3BL/ – The Board of Directors of Southern Company announced the election of James O. (Jimmy) Etheredge as an independent director, effective Apr. 1, 2025. Board committee assignments have not yet been determined.

“Jimmy’s extensive leadership experience makes him an invaluable addition to our board,” said Southern Company chairman, president, and CEO Chris Womack. “His proven track record in leading large teams, discovering innovative solutions, and understanding various industry sectors, including utilities, aligns with our company’s objectives. Moreover, his ongoing involvement with organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta and several non-profits, further underscores his strategic acumen and commitment to service and excellence.”

Etheredge was CEO – North America of Accenture plc from September 2019 until August 2023 and a special advisor to the CEO and board until July 2024. His responsibilities as CEO included driving results through an 80,000-member team and executing Accenture’s strategy and consulting, interactive, technology (including AI, cloud and others) and operations practices.

From December 2016 until September 2019, he was Senior Managing Director of US Southeast, responsible for leading Accenture’s business in ten states. In this role, he oversaw the firm’s business across all consulting specialties and client industry segments within the region.

Etheredge joined Accenture in 1985, became a partner in 1997 and an executive partner in 2011. During his career, Etheredge advised clients in the utilities industry both in the U.S. and worldwide.

A native of middle Georgia, he earned a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology and serves as a trustee of the Georgia Tech Foundation. Etheredge serves on the board of Encora Digital LLC and as deputy chair of the board of the Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta. He also serves on the boards of Woodruff Arts Center, the Atlanta Police Foundation, Techbridge and Atlanta Area Council Boy Scouts.

About Southern Company 
Southern Company (NYSE: SO) is a leading energy provider serving 9 million customers across the Southeast and beyond through its family of companies. Providing clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy with excellent service is our mission. The company has electric operating companies in three states, natural gas distribution companies in four states, a competitive generation company, a leading distributed energy distribution company with national capabilities, a fiber optics network and telecommunications services. Through an industry-leading commitment to innovation, resilience and sustainability, we are taking action to meet customers’ and communities’ needs while advancing our goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Our uncompromising values ensure we put the needs of those we serve at the center of everything we do and are the key to our sustained success. We are transforming energy into economic, environmental and social progress for tomorrow. Our corporate culture has been recognized by a variety of organizations, earning the company awards and recognitions that reflect Our Values and dedication to service. To learn more, visit www.southerncompany.com.

SOURCE Southern Company

For further information: Southern Company Media Relations, 404-506-5333 or 1-866-506-5333

The logistics industry is growing rapidly, but labor shortages pose a risk of disruption. Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines bold strategies to close the skills gap and build a resilient workforce for the future.

The logistics industry is expanding rapidly, with the World Economic Forum projecting that the global logistics industry will surpass $18 trillion by 2030, underscoring its critical role in global trade. However, this growth is accompanied by persistent labor shortages and evolving skill requirements as the sector evolves post-COVID, integrates new technologies, and adapts to changing customer demands, particularly the rise of e-commerce. With an estimated 78 million logistics workers needed worldwide by 2030, the sector must act boldly to attract, train, and retain talent.

In his article, “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge” published by the Fast Company Executive Board, Glen Clark, CEO of DP World – U.S./Mexico and Regional Head of Contract Logistics, outlines a proactive approach to addressing this critical issue through bold strategies and collective action.

In his article, Clarks identifies three key challenges and potential solutions.

First, he highlights the issue of labor shortages across the industry. The logistics sector has a persistent worker shortage, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting nearly 450,000 job openings in transportation and warehousing as of June 2024, “one of the highest vacancy rates across industries.” An industry survey found that 37% of respondents are experiencing high workforce shortages, with more than half reporting that these labor shortages are affecting customer service.

Clark then examines the rise of technological advancements as the logistics sector evolves into a sophisticated, high-tech network. With 75% of companies investing in digital tools such as AI, IoT, and blockchain. This shift has created a demand for highly skilled professionals in strategic planning, data analytics, and operations management, alongside traditional blue-collar roles like warehouse workers and truck drivers.

Lastly, Clark identifies potential solutions by focusing on workforce development strategies. Meeting workforce needs requires “robust training programs tailored to both white-collar and blue-collar workers” and “pathways to transition into modern ‘new-collar’ roles,” he writes. Collaboration between businesses and governments is essential to train a future-ready workforce. Initiatives should include vocational training, apprenticeships, STEM education, and continuous upskilling for both white-collar and blue-collar workers.

The Path Forward:

A future-ready logistics workforce will require continuous innovation, collaboration, and investment in both people and technology. By bridging the skills gap, embracing emerging technologies, and fostering strong partnerships between businesses, educators, and policymakers, the industry can build a resilient labor force capable of driving long-term growth. As global supply chains become more complex, the ability to attract, train, and retain top talent will be the key to ensuring that logistics remains the backbone of the global economy.

Read the full article here: “Building Tomorrow’s Logistics Workforce: Bold Strategies for a Global Challenge”.