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Draper and Partners Awarded ARPA-H Funding to End Cold-Chain Dependence for Cell Therapies and Cancer Drugs

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CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Draper received up to $7.3 million other transaction award (OTA) from the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) for Phase 1 of the agency’s BioStabilization Systems (BoSS) program, which aims to develop new methods to produce, store, and transport cell-based biologic medicines at room temperature. ARPA-H has committed funding of up to $87 million across the four-year program. 

The Reversible Ambient Temperature (RAB) team includes Draper as the Administrative Lead and Likarda as the Technical Lead. Other performers on the RAB team are Case Bioscience, CPSI Biotech, Fresenius Kabi, MiNK Therapeutics, and Sabrina Spencer, Ph.D., University of Colorado.

Biologics are complex medical treatments made from living organisms such as cells, genes and proteins that target specific parts of the immune system or natural body processes to stop inflammation or fight diseases, including certain cancers. Because biologics are made from living tissue, they are extremely fragile and sensitive to temperature changes. To maintain their viability, biologics must be kept frozen at ultra-cold temperatures in an unbroken “cold chain” from factory to patient. This cold chain is expensive, complex, and hard to scale. As a result, biologic treatments are only available at a handful of specialized medical centers.

BoSS seeks to overcome this temperature barrier by pursuing new technologies that enable the development, transport, and storage of biologics at room temperature, without any refrigeration. By bringing long-term shelf-life stability to cell-based therapies and biologics, BoSS is taking a “200-degree leap” – from -196°C to room temperature – to make life saving cell therapies as easy to store and ship as aspirin.

“Medicines manufactured from living cells represent a significant advancement in our ability to treat certain diseases and cancers. But the nature of these therapeutics, particularly the unbroken cold-chain requirement, makes them prohibitively expensive and inaccessible to most Americans,” said Kathryn Brinsfield, vice president and general manager, Biotechnology Systems at Draper. “The goal of this program is to expand patient access by eliminating the deep freeze requirement.”

The BoSS performer teams will work across two technical areas: interventions to stabilize cells for storage and then reactivate them on demand, and the creation of novel processing systems that ensure these interventions are efficient and scalable for manufacturing.

The RAB team’s biostabilization strategy, led by Likarda, will focus on simultaneous control of cell state, physical environment, and the cellular stress responses activated during freezing, dehydration, storage, and recovery. The bioprocessing engineering, led by Draper, will convert the manual steps of biostabilization into an automated, commercially viable workflow and will develop custom instruments to scale up the processes.

“The RAB team brings together deep expertise in cryoprotection, encapsulation, and cell state, with a focus on protecting cell viability throughout the stabilization and reanimation process, and the team has direct experience bringing products to market. Working in parallel, our interdisciplinary engineering team will develop the customized instruments needed to transfer these processes to clinical manufacturing environments,” said Jason Fiering, distinguished technical staff at Draper.

The performer teams will progress through a four-year, multi-phase program structure, with performance evaluated against increasingly stringent benchmarks for cell viability, production speed, and shelf-life stability.

This research was, in part, funded by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H). The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the official policies, either expressed or implied, of the United States Government.

About Draper

Draper is a non-profit research, development, and manufacturing company that solves some of the nation’s most important challenges. With more than 2,800 employees working in collaboration across 12 locations, Draper delivers transformative, mission-driven solutions that successfully meet our customers’ requirements. These efforts focus on four critical mission areas: Strategic Systems, Space Systems, Electronic Systems, and Biotechnology Systems. To extend our legacy into the future, the Draper Scholars program engages with the next generation of innovators while DraperSPARX™ seeks to partner with startups and small businesses that can further our mission. To learn more about Draper, visit www.draper.com. Follow Draper on Linked In and Instagram. 

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SOURCE Draper Laboratory

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Real Time Automation Announces New 435NBX-S2E Gateway with Expanded ASCII to Allen-Bradley PLC Connectivity

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October 7, 2026

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PEWAUKEE, Wis., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Real Time Automation, Inc. (RTA), today announces its release of the new 435NBX-S2E hardware module, a single serial ASCII and single Ethernet port protocol gateway that directly communicates to Allen-Bradley PLCs including CompactLogix, ControlLogix, FlexLogix, MicroLogix, SLC 5/05, PLC-5E, Micro820, Micro850 and Micro870 PLCs.

“Integrators can jump straight in with the familiar 435NBX configuration workflow they already trust, moving raw ASCII data from a scanner, scale, printer or RFID reader straight into the PLC with minimal PLC code,” said John Rinaldi, RTA CEO. “What’s new under the hood is native Micro800 support and automatic PLC discovery built right into the browser configuration page, so you can find your controller, map your data and walk away without extra hardware.”

Key Benefits:

Saves Engineering Time: Built-in PLC discovery and zero required ladder logic (no MSG instructions, no EDS/AOP configuration) cut commissioning from hours of custom coding to a five-minute browser setup.

Reduces Hardware & BOM Costs: Native Micro800 support eliminates the need for external serial plug-in modules, extra protocol converters or paying for unused secondary ports.

Eliminates Training Curves: By utilizing the identical tag-handshake architecture field engineers already know, existing standard code templates remain completely intact with zero retraining required.

What’s New:

Micro800 Support: Manufacturers can leverage serial ASCII data in small-scale applications without having to write tedious custom messaging logic or buying expensive, complex communication cards.

Cost-Effective Design: A streamlined hardware footprint and single-port design offer a cost-effective option for high volume and OEM customers.

Automatic PLC Discovery: Automatically discover networked Allen-Bradley PLCs using the built-in browser-based configuration page, eliminating the need for engineers to know the IP address of their PLCs or purchase any extra hardware that would enable discovery.

Trusted ASCII Functionality

The S2E carries the same 435NBX functionality that controls engineers, integrators and OEMs already trust onto a new hardware platform that expands functionality while keeping core ASCII string manipulation unchanged. The 435NBX provides:

Full serial ASCII handling on RS-232 and RS-485

Flexible message parsing by character length, bus idle time or custom delimiters

Configurable leading and trailing delimiters for outbound strings

Simple browser-based web interface that matches the classic 435NBX workflow

Availability

The 435NBX-S2E is now RTA’s standard single-port ASCII gateway, succeeding the 435NBX-NNA1 which has officially transitioned to end-of-sale status. The 435NBX-S2E is available to order immediately.

About Real Time Automation

Real Time Automation (RTA) builds industrial connectivity products that move machine data between serial devices, PLCs, networks, historians, and higher-level systems. Founded in 1989 and based in Pewaukee, Wisconsin, RTA supplies protocol gateways, edge historians, and embedded connectivity source code used by system integrators, OEMs, and manufacturers.

Products are configured in a browser, ship from stock, carry a five-year warranty and have no licenses or subscriptions. Support is from RTA engineers in the United States.

For more information about the 435NBX serial ASCII to Allen-Bradley PLC gateway, visit: https://www.rtautomation.com/product/435nbx/, call us at 800-249-1612 or email us at solutions@rtautomation.com.

Media Contact:
Valerie Harding
PR for RTA, Ripple Effect Communications
Tel: 617-536-8887
Email: Valerie@RippleEffectPR.com

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SOURCE Real Time Automation

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Fast Company Honors World-First Fleet-Capable Downward Drilling Robot; DEWALT Is the Only Tool Manufacturer Recognized in 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards Program

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October 7, 2026

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DALE™, developed in collaboration with global mobile robotics leader August Robotics, honored among 1,000 applicants across more than 30 categoriesThe groundbreaking robot was recognized for redefining data center construction by delivering concrete drilling with unmatched speed, safety, and efficiency to the world’s hyperscalersDALE drills at speeds up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, reduced project timelines by more than 300 weeks across 44 data center construction phases, and achieved over 99% accuracy drilling more than 385,000 holes

TOWSON, Md., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand renowned for relentless innovation on the jobsite, today announced that the world’s first fleet-capable, downward drilling robot, DALE™, has been named a winner in Fast Company’s 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards. The awards recognize innovative technologies developed by established companies, startups, and research teams that are making meaningful progress toward transforming the lives of consumers, businesses, and society. This year’s innovations demonstrate the potential to create significant impact in the years ahead.

As the only tool manufacturer represented in the program, DALE was recognized in the “Enduring Impact: 15+ Years in Business” category honoring companies with an established track record of navigating history, culture, and evolving product lines to continue driving tomorrow’s progress.

After earning strong industry attention at World of Concrete earlier this year, the robot has entered the market as a breakthrough solution optimized for data center construction. As data center development accelerates at an unprecedented pace, rapid execution has become a key advantage for hyperscalers working to bring new computing capacity online. Designed to dramatically improve how concrete drilling is performed, DALE brings a new level of speed, safety, and operational efficiency to the jobsite. Its arrival marks a major step forward for the industry, raising the bar for innovation at a time when faster, smarter building methods are more critical than ever.

“It is incredibly meaningful to see this work acknowledged by Fast Company,” said Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker. “Our teams set out to address a major challenge facing large scale infrastructure projects: how to help crews move faster without compromising consistency, safety, or control. This recognition reflects the strength of that effort and the value of bringing advanced automation to one of the most demanding construction environments. Working alongside August Robotics, we have introduced innovation that helps customers increase output, simplify execution, and better support the pace of modern building.”

During the pilot program, the downward drilling robot achieved drilling speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional methods, helped reduce schedules by more than 300 weeks across 44 phases of data center construction, and delivered over 99% accuracy across more than 385,000 holes. With fast-swap batteries and remote monitoring, DALE™ is built to maximize uptime and support continuous drilling operations. Features such as automatic dust extraction and AI-driven quality assurance help leave sites clean and ready for immediate MEP installation, accelerating downstream work. Built on August Robotics’ advanced autonomous, fleet-ready platform, DALE™ provides efficient, high-volume drilling for server rack stops and MEP supports, while strengthening DEWALT’s broader data center offering alongside its PERFORM AND PROTECT™ tools and ICC anchoring solutions.

Over 1,000 applicants across more than 30 categories participated in the Fast Company 2026 Next Big Things in Tech Awards. To learn more about this year’s honorees visit: https://www.fastcompany.com/next-big-things-in-tech/list.

To learn more about the robot and DEWALT’s industry-leading solutions for jobsite professionals, visit www.dewalt.com.

For information on August Robotics and its autonomous mobile robotics solutions for construction, visit www.augustrobotics.com.

About DEWALT
DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, celebrates 100 years in business by continuing to provide our customers with total jobsite and outdoor solutions. By applying its latest technology to the challenges of today’s skilled trades, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future and is pioneering the next generation of tools, outdoor equipment and forward-looking technologies. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH®. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Stanley Black & Decker
Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company’s approximately 41,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world’s builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company’s world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About August Robotics
August Robotics is a leading international mobile robotics company that builds robots to improve lives and boost productivity by automating dirty, dangerous and dull jobs. Founded in 2017, August Robotics has expanded worldwide and partners with market leaders to develop new robotic applications across industries including construction, commercial and industrial fit-outs, and exhibitions. For more information, visit www.augustrobotics.com, or follow August Robotics on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and X.

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SOURCE DEWALT

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Vidu Launches Q4 Preview, Making Flagship AI Video Creation Accessible to Everyone

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October 7, 2026

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SINGAPORE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Vidu today launched Q4 Preview, the first public preview of its next-generation flagship model for expressive audio and video. The model delivers improvements in character performance, camera work and visual effects. With launch pricing starting at $0.014/sec, Vidu Q4 Preview brings flagship AI video generation within reach of a broader creative community, opening new possibilities for visual storytelling.

Vidu Q4 Preview supports up to 15 image references, up to 3 audio references, and 2K or 4K output with 10-bit color depth. It is designed for independent creators, small studios and production teams working across narrative and commercial projects.

A production-ready shot often takes more than one attempt. Creators may need to refine a character’s expression, compare camera angles or test different openings before a scene works. Vidu Q4 Preview makes that process more affordable.

“Advanced video models should prove themselves beyond carefully selected demos. Every improvement in efficiency should ultimately give creators the freedom to try one more shot or make one more version,” said Yihang Luo, co-founder and CEO of Shengshu Technology.

Authentic Acting. Perfectly in Character.

Vidu Q4 Preview is designed to better coordinate facial expression, emotion, body movement and voice. From a quiet glance to a full-scale action sequence, the model aims to make performances feel more natural and give characters greater emotional range.

The model’s performance and reference capabilities include:

Character performance: More nuanced expressions, clearer emotions, and more natural movement.Voices that stay in character: Up to 3 reference audio clips to guide voice consistency and emotional delivery.Multi-image reference: Up to 15 reference images to define characters, wardrobe, props, products and environments within one creative setup.

These reference capabilities help creators keep visual and vocal choices aligned across a scene. For narrative shorts, that means more deliberate control over how a scene is staged and how its characters perform.

Cinematic Storytelling. Electrifying VFX.

Vidu Q4 Preview improves coordination between camera movements, cuts and on-screen action. In chase scenes, fights and other dynamic sequences, camera work is designed to follow the action more coherently, while explosions, fireworks, particles and other effects fit more naturally into the surrounding scene.

Key improvements include:

Impactful VFX: Explosions, fireworks, particles, and more—with striking visual impact.Masterful camera control: More coherent cuts and dynamic camera movements in complex action sequences.Premium visual quality: 2K and 4K support, with improvements in lighting and aesthetics.

With multiple output resolutions, including 2K and 4K, Vidu Q4 Preview supports different stages of production, from early creative tests to high-resolution delivery.

More takes. Better shots.

Launch pricing starts at $0.014/sec, with output options spanning 540p, 720p, 1080p, 2K and 4K. Vidu Q4 Preview enables up to five times as much output for the same budget under comparable output specifications and billing conditions.

For independent creators and small studios, lower iteration costs can mean more opportunities to develop an idea beyond its first attempt. Advertising teams can compare creative concepts and opening sequences; e-commerce teams can develop variations for different products and audiences; and filmmakers can test character performances, storyboards and pacing before moving further into production.

Built with creators, from Day One.

Vidu is releasing Q4 Preview ahead of the full Q4 model, so creators can use it in real creative projects and help shape the final release. Feedback on performance, creative control and everyday production needs will help inform further improvements.

Vidu Q4 Preview reflects Shengshu Technology’s commitment to helping more creators explore ideas, refine their work and bring their stories to life.

Vidu Q4 Preview is now available through Vidu’s web product and API platform. Launch promotional pricing starts at $0.014/sec. Final pricing, supported resolutions, feature availability and usage terms may vary by plan and region. Full pricing details and promotional terms are available on the official Vidu website.

About Shengshu Technology

Shengshu Technology is an AI company developing world models that bridge the digital and physical worlds, with research spanning video generation and embodied intelligence. Its Vidu AI video generation platform helps creators turn text, images and audio references into videos for storytelling and commercial content production, with tools for guiding character performance, camera movement and visual effects. For more information, visit Shengshu Technology official website.

 

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SOURCE ShengShu Technology

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