MOLINE, IL—Deere & Co. is using artificial intelligence and machine vision to detect and fix porosity defects in welds on its tractors.

A gentle nudge is often a more effective way to bring out the best in a worker than a firm push. Two common scenarios where this approach applies are just-hired workers and veteran ones that need to learn a new task.

Sales of electric vehicles (EVs), particularly plug-in hybrids and full battery electrics, are growing faster than expected, according to a study released earlier this year by the Boston Consulting Group.