Rocket Lab has unveiled "Rosie," a new robotic manufacturing system that will accelerate production of the Electron rocket. "We can process a complete Electron now in 12 hours," said CEO Peter Beck.

As skiing and snowboarding continue to grow in popularity, standards to ensure the safety of equipment and recreation areas are being developed and refined in an effort to minimize injuries. Some of the most essential standards include specifications for snow sports helmets, procedures for testing ski-boot-binding systems and jump design guidelines for terrain parks.

By the end of this year, all workers at Toyota factories will be using exoskeletons as personal protective equipment to minimize the risk of fatigue and injury. The company began using the technology in 2015 and started formally studying it last year.

The Federal Highway Administration's proposed update to the National Bridge Inspection Standards includes new rules for highway bridge inspections and mandates an ongoing bridge inventory while focusing on structural or safety-related deficiencies needing immediate attention. The agency has also proposed changing the definition of "professional engineer" to align with the definition used in the National Tunnel Inspection Standards.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., will introduce a bill that would require companies to obtain Clean Water Act permits for PFAS discharges. Gillibrand, who believes PFAS should be added to the Environmental Protection Agency's Toxic Release Inventory, says her bill would require the EPA to create limits for PFAS releases and identify sources of the substances in waterways.

Sprint vowed to reduce its carbon footprint and increase reliance on sustainable energy over the next several years, setting new targets for converting to renewable energy sources by 2025. It plans to reduce its carbon emissions 30% by 2021 through a pair of power purchase agreements with the White Mesa Wind project.

United States Steel Corporation plans to cut its greenhouse gas emissions by 20% by 2030, according to a company announcement. "These reductions will be equivalent to the amount of CO2 being generated by more than 850,000 average-sized homes each year," said company president and CEO David Burritt.

Canada can ensure all of its provinces, territories and municipalities have safe drinking water by establishing a national health-based standard for lead, write Michele Prevost, Bruce Lanphear and Marc Edwards. Canada should also create a federal water commission, along with identifying the location of lead pipes, controlling corrosion and conducting ongoing monitoring, they write.

Veterinary surgeons at Tufts University used a 3D-printed model to plan a complicated, rare surgery on a French bulldog with a congenitally deformed spine. The technology allows surgeons "to make a plan, execute it on the printed bone, and then check to see if the plan worked," says veterinary orthopedic surgeon Mike Karlin, and veterinary neurologist Ane Uriarte said it has become a useful teaching tool.

Social media career networking is expanding beyond LinkedIn to include connections found on hobby apps such as Meetup and even dating apps like Tinder or Bumble. "There's no guarantee that you'll land a job interview from somebody you meet in a group for pottery enthusiasts, but there's no telling where a connection with someone can eventually lead," writes Chris Porteous, CEO of Grey Smoke Media/My SEO Sucks.

Mexico City recently signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with global standards developer ASTM International. The agreement is specifically focused on internationally recognized standards maintained by the organization's committee on amusement rides and devices. Paulina Reyes, vice president and executive director, IAAPA Latin America, noted IAAPA brought technical experts together with the government of Mexico City to work on amusement ride safety and related legislation that could reference ASTM International standards. Read more.