PISMO BEACH, CA—LightManufacturing LLC has developed a method for rotomolding plastic parts that is powered by solar energy rather than natural gas.

DETROIT—The world’s largest automakers are scrambling to find alternatives to a resin that’s critical for making brake- and fuel-system components. A March 31 explosion at chemical maker Evonik Industries halved the global supply of an ingredient used to make the resin, called PA-12.

KARIYA, Japan―Denso Corp. has developed a new, more efficient radiator that is 40 percent smaller and lighter than previous models. The radiator’s tank is molded from a plant-derived resin.

FORT COLLINS, CO—Robert Harvey disputes the claim that robots are job killers. In fact, the sales manager at custom automation supplier CBW Automation says it’s the opposite—robots keep U.S. companies competitive.