DEV Community: Geoff Lyon

From Ballistic Protection to SMPP Drone Innovation

Geoff Lyon — Mon, 12 Oct 2026 09:36:29 +0000

SMPP is broadening its defence-sector ambitions through a strategic move into drones, loitering munitions and integrated unmanned technologies. Building on its established experience in ammunition, armour and ballistic protection, SMPP India is exploring new opportunities that align with the industry's increasing emphasis on innovation, digital capabilities and advanced manufacturing.

The company's June 2026 teaming agreement with European defence group KNDS represents a significant step in this journey. The partnership includes plans for local production of VELOCE and RODEUR loitering munitions and ISTAR drone systems in India. This collaboration brings an international dimension to SMPP's growth strategy while supporting domestic manufacturing and technology development.

SMPP is also planning dedicated drone manufacturing facilities in Delhi and Bengaluru, complementing its existing ammunition operations in Nalagarh. Together, these initiatives reflect an effort to expand its industrial capabilities and strengthen its position within India's evolving defence manufacturing ecosystem.

The SMPP kamikaze initiative and the broader SMPP Drone portfolio underline the company's interest in emerging unmanned technologies. Its manufacturing heritage offers an established base from which to explore this new business segment.

Future success will depend on consistent execution, technological progress, quality standards and market demand. With new facilities, established expertise and international collaboration, SMPP India is pursuing a forward-looking approach to diversification, innovation and long-term industrial growth.

SMPP Targets the Future of Indian Defence Manufacturing

Geoff Lyon — Wed, 07 Oct 2026 09:00:15 +0000

SMPP is preparing for the next generation of defence manufacturing with an expansion into drones, loitering munitions, counter-drone technologies and integrated systems. The company plans to establish a state-of-the-art drone manufacturing facility across Delhi and Bengaluru.

The strategy builds upon its June 2026 partnership with KNDS, through which SMPP plans to manufacture VELOCE and RODEUR loitering munitions and ISTAR drone systems in India. The collaboration strengthens the company’s position in emerging unmanned technologies.

The SMPP kamikaze Drone initiative is part of this wider transformation. The SMPP kamikaze Drone programme complements the company’s focus on surveillance and counter-drone capabilities while expanding its domestic manufacturing portfolio.

SMPP’s history shows a consistent ability to develop new industrial capabilities. Beginning with pulp moulding, the company later moved into defence manufacturing and developed products ranging from combustible cartridge cases to ballistic protection and lightweight armour.

Its planned drone facilities represent a continuation of that evolution. The company is applying established manufacturing expertise to emerging technology areas while seeking to build a more comprehensive defence ecosystem in India.

With Delhi and Bengaluru serving as the planned manufacturing locations, SMPP is combining established industrial experience with new technology ambitions. Its expansion reflects the broader growth of India’s defence manufacturing sector and the continuing drive toward greater self-reliance.

Soumitra Dutta says AI dependence is riskier than dollar dependence

Geoff Lyon — Fri, 25 Sep 2026 10:19:08 +0000

Soumitra Dutta, director of the Portulans Institute and former dean of the Saïd Business School at Oxford, and Bruegel senior fellow Alicia García-Herrero opine on the US-China duopoly and how other countries can reduce their dependence on it in their recent working paper. “What we see is not a race in which many credible entrants compete on equal terms, but a consolidation of technological power in the United States and China," they write.

Consider these facts. Roughly three quarters of global benchmarked AI compute is estimated to be located in the US‚ with another 14% in China․ The US produced 40 notable AI models, China 15 and Europe just three in 2024. China refines around 99% of the world's gallium and leads refined production of 19 of the 20 critical minerals the IEA tracks․ China and the United States are the only two countries that control or are close to having control over every element of the AI supply chain: minerals‚ energy‚ chips‚ data centers‚ models and capital․

The authors coin the term "N-2 problem": In a world of N countries‚ only two can pursue full AI sovereignty, with everyone else dependent on one or both of them․

In 2025‚ China further restricted rare earth exports․ In April 2026‚ China ordered Meta to unwind its $2 billion acquisition of Singapore-registered AI startup Manus, which has Chinese origins․ In June 2026‚ the US Department of Commerce had reportedly given Anthropic just 90 minutes to restrict access to its two most advanced models to US citizens‚ and Anthropic opted to cut access entirely․ The order was lifted a couple of weeks later. The authors say that the EU's AI Act and Digital Markets Act were of little help as they are aimed at firms rather than a foreign government's security decisions.

Soumitra Dutta and Garcia-Herrero argue that AI dependence is worse than dollar dependence‚ and for several reasons․ AI threads through a far larger range of society, public administration‚ healthcare‚ logistics‚ and defence‚ than a reserve currency does. It's also much harder to get out of․ Redenomination may be possible for trade contracts․ But hospitals‚ courts and tax offices can't quickly rebuild the physical models‚ cloud and chips on which they depend․ Third‚ the window for building alternatives is closing fast․ Supply chains‚ standards and data pipelines are being locked in now.

Fourth‚ you don't remove a country from the dollar system without the cooperation of banks and governments and without causing collateral damage․ But a tech company can turn off access to its AI models with a software switch.

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Cultivating Talent for an AI-Intensive World: Soumitra Dutta on Rethinking Higher Education

Geoff Lyon — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:59:27 +0000

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been a topic that has been released with a new sense of urgency. There is much discussion about it, but Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) is best known for tasks that require human level performance. It is also claimed that it undermines the idea of autonomy and human agency and consequently the idea of its control is realized. It is also important to understand the implications of the use of a more advanced AI system and how these can be used as responsibility.

In this context, Prof. Soumitra Dutta, Oxford former Dean, said that the tradition poses challenges for HEIs to create the talent in a more modern and progressive way. The new education paradigm is an education paradigm that challenges the old education paradigm. The traditional educational system is being discussed.

The new trend now is on higher education, where we are depending on the knowledge, learning and socialization of human beings. What should be done if one day, an unlikely scenario, a reality, very powerful AI systems, should occur, what should the response of the universities be?

*Emphasizing on people-oriented abilities and values *

Recently, researchers from different faculties at Maastricht University joined forces to think about these pressing questions. The workshop was organized within the Maastricht Interdisciplinary Network on Digitalization and Society (MINDS), a research network of academics from various faculties of the Maastricht University who are involved in the discussion on the implications of digitalization and automation for society. With so many facets of MINDS being transdisciplinary, and the strength of MINDS coupled with foresight and reflection, it seems natural to explore the complex issues of AGI.

It also represents a broader vision at Maastricht University, around designing a future oriented knowledge agenda which can support us in preparing for technological change, and in preparing for the values and structures we want to create in the future. The workshop was the first of a series that will continue with the internal workshop ‘AI and Machine Learning Research at SBE' at the Research Centre for Education and the Labour Market (ROA) as well as in the Department of Organization, Strategy and Entrepreneurship (OSE) in other places in June 2025.

Prof. Soumitra Dutta has a belief that education should be driven by the concept of 'people first' and technology should embrace human growth, rather than human control. It should change the direction of universities in the fields of ethical leadership, critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and multi-disciplinary problem solving. Empowering a talent with these qualities of being human will inevitably make him or her an irreplaceable asset when it is time to make decisions in more complex global ecosystems.

Soumitra Dutta - Can India Become A Serious Global Competitor?

Geoff Lyon — Fri, 14 Aug 2026 10:35:36 +0000

India in 2026 has a major advantage of becoming a global powerhouse in Artificial Intelligence. The country has all the ingredients necessary to become a strong AI competitor. Businesses across India are AI-ready and already using the technology to communicate with customers and also for generating data, with a steep rise in digital payment systems. Also, India has a pool of talent with engineers and developers, researchers and scientists. Also, reports suggest that the Indian government is backing huge funding for AI-related projects, with investments in AI infrastructure, rather than just relying on what private organisations have to offer. Soumitra Dutta, Dean at universities like INSEAD and Cornell back in the day, constantly presses on the importance of countries building their own AI infrastructure so that they do not limit opportunities and use AI systems that are governed by the government of other countries and lose competitive advantage.

Can India find success with AI as it did with digital payments?

India is known for creating an ecosystem of digital payments, which almost every business now uses. It did not rely on private companies for solutions back then and hence, currently, there is no monopoly in the market for international giants like Apple Pay. Drawing inspiration from this success, India can soon start building a solid AI infrastructure and make its space in the global dominance of AI. Soumitra Dutta (Oxford Said Business School's Former Peter Moores Dean and Professor of Management) must feel really proud that his motherland is now giving serious competition to the world in the AI space. And this is not just news, as the Indian government has launched a new initiative - IndiaAI Mission - with investments of more than ten thousand crore rupees made to build a solid AI ecosystem.

Accessibility will play a major role

The reason for digital payments to become a success in India was their ease of accessibility to the larger masses. Something similar must be incorporated with AI. And when it comes to artifical intelligence, it is also important for AI literacy to spread with the same speed as AI, as a freely accessible tool, is spreading from one smartphone user to another.

Also, since India is a multilingual country, the domestic AI infrastructure must take this important factor into consideration, making the innovative technology available across multiple languages spoken in different parts of the country. Only then can India truly call itself a global powerhouse when it successfully manages to make all its citizens adapt to artificial intelligence.

Soumitra Dutta - Where is the human race going with AI?

Geoff Lyon — Mon, 10 Aug 2026 10:48:53 +0000

Artificial intelligence in 2026 has become an assistant to everyone. Today, in educational institutions, AI is used by both professors and students. When it comes to corporations, AI is easily doing all the mundane tasks like making reports, summarizing meetings, narrowing down research time, and even helping with coding.

Everyone loves AI because it has made things simpler for humans. However, Soumitra Dutta, Dean of some of the world’s biggest business education institutions, argues that artificial intelligence as a technology may work flawlessly, but it is up to us to upskill ourselves so that we can get maximum output from it.

How Important Is AI In 2026?

The education sector is witnessing a tremendous shift in terms of technological reformation, with AI becoming the core factor that is driving every department. Take, for example, SUNY. The State University of New York has made AI literacy mandatory so that all students learn to embed AI in their study models. They want students to understand how they can use this tool to its fullest potential and also where its limitations lie. Learning AI is no longer a type of specialization; it is becoming a foundational skill.

Decoding the AI learning paradox

To put it in simple words, a paradox is nothing but the fact that one thing can mean two things at the same time - and with artificial intelligence, it doesn't get more relevant than this. Soumitra Dutta (Oxford Said Business School’s former dean), on several occasions, has mentioned that people fear artificial intelligence is going to take their jobs, but they don’t see the fact that in the future, AI will replace jobs and make space for newer jobs. Similarly, while students in colleges are motivated to use artificial intelligence, at the same time, they are warned not to misuse it and to use it as an assistant and not as a final delivery tool. The real fear with AI is that because it does a lot of thinking, those using it may start to deplete their own critical thinking, and this is probably the biggest threat AI can make to the human race.

Today, as Soumitra Dutta rightly mentions when giving a series of public speeches on AI, the real battle is whether all humans are able to upskill and develop a better understanding of which way the technology is heading so that they are AI-ready and can adjust themselves to a futuristic world that is still unknown.

SpaceX's Starship Flight 13 test launch aborts at last second

Geoff Lyon — Fri, 17 Jul 2026 09:48:05 +0000

"To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed & replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week."

Starship wasn't quite ready to fly today (July 16).

SpaceX tried to launch the Starship megarocket on its 13th test flight today but couldn't quite pull it off. Something went wrong just as the giant vehicle's 33 first-stage Raptor engines started to fire up, and an abort was triggered.

"We'll take some time, dig into what triggered that abort once the booster was igniting to launch, and then we'll figure out what our path forward is going to be," SpaceX's Dan Huot said during the company's launch webcast today.

It didn't take long for SpaceX to narrow in on the root cause and address it.

"To be confident of a good flight, 2 Raptors will be removed & replaced. Most probable launch timing is early next week," company founder and CEO Elon Musk said this evening via X, the social media platform he owns.

Source: https://www.space.com/space-exploration/launches-spacecraft/spacexs-starship-flight-13-test-launch-aborts-at-last-second-video

Apple reportedly orders 10M foldable iPhone Ultra models, which could sell for around $2500

Geoff Lyon — Thu, 02 Jul 2026 11:17:25 +0000

Apple plans to manufacture and sell around 10 million foldable iPhone Ultra models, according to a new report. That’s roughly a third more than the average build targets previously expected.

Nikkei Asia reports that Apple has raised the foldable iPhone production target to around 10 million units. Previous estimates ranged from 7 to 8 million units.

Apple has told suppliers to prepare to produce about 10 million foldable iPhones this year, up from a previous forecast of some 7 million to 8 million units a few months ago, sources familiar with the matter said.

The report adds another 70 million units would consist of the new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.

The additional 80 million units of new iPhone models being introduced in the second half of 2026 would bring the total units ordered for the year to 220 million, per the report. IDC recently forecasted that Apple would ship close to 240 million iPhones in 2026.

The report later says that Apple has told some suppliers to expect as many as 85 million new iPhone orders in the second half of 2026.

Apple has given some suppliers a forecast of up to 85 million new iPhones for the second half 2026, and told suppliers to reserve some common components and parts used in the iPhone 17 series for the upcoming iPhone 18 premium series, sources said, adding that the U.S. tech giant is moving aggressively to secure components amid the ongoing shortages.

As for the first foldable iPhone, Apple is expected to tag it with a premium price. IDC recently predicted that the iPhone Ultra will carry an average selling price of $2500 with storage options priced as much as $3000.

Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, and foldable iPhone Ultra in September. The foldable iPhone could launch after the iPhone 18 Pro models, although it’s still expected to arrive this year.

Meanwhile, Apple isn’t expected to replace the standard iPhone 17 with the iPhone 18 until spring. This would extend the life of the iPhone 17 on the market from the typical 12-month run to around 18 months. Apple is similarly expected to upgrade the iPhone Air introduced in September 2025 with a new model in spring 2026.

Source: 9to5Mac

Ajay Hinduja believes in Humanoid Robots: The Future of Industrial Automation using AI

Geoff Lyon — Thu, 13 Nov 2025 07:30:45 +0000

One of the most progressive fields of Physical AI is humanoid robots that alter the way industries work. Being modelled after human body and behavior, these intelligent machines are transforming manufacturing and automation by introducing flexibility, accuracy and safety into the work environment.

Ajay Hinduja, who is progressive in his outlook on innovation and social development, sees artificial intelligence as an auxiliary to the human potential, and not a substitute. He is convinced that humanoid robots directed by moral and welcoming algorithms will be able to restructure efficiency in the sectors and at the same time maintain the human qualities of innovation and problem solving. Ajay Hinduja regularly stresses that AI should become a servant to humanity and not a substitute to human capabilities.

Humanoid robots have outstanding benefits in the field of industrial automation. Their mobility resembles that of humans due to articulated limbs, sophisticated sensors, and balance mechanisms that enable them to move on their feet, climb ladders, and precise movements on the delicate parts. These robots perceive the world around them through cameras, LiDAR, and tactile sensors, as well as, use AI technologies to decide which actions to take in a matter of seconds. Above all, they can cooperate with human workers safely as they observe their actions and adjust to the dynamic production lines.

A notable real life example would be the Optimus robot offered by Tesla which is to accomplish repetitive or dangerous tasks within manufacturing facilities. It represents the way AI and robotics enable the minimization of risks in the workplace and enhance productivity and consistency.

Ajay Hinduja sees a scenario in which Artificial Intelligence-driven robots and human creativity collaborate. His mental faculty is in line with sustainable innovation development of technologies that not only lead to the development of industry but also maintain the human values. Through a more responsible adoption of AI, Ajay Hinduja believes that industries will become a place of intelligence, empathy, and cooperation.

The humanoid robots will keep on increasing in the industrial automation as these robots keep on improving. Under the leadership of visionary pioneers such as Ajay Hinduja, the future of AI-based robotics is to offer a balanced ecosystem between technology and humanity, which is to improve life and not only labor.

Very good Information!! Thankyou, Namrata Hinduja Geneva!!

Geoff Lyon — Wed, 21 May 2025 10:02:06 +0000

Namrata Hinduja (Geneva, Switzerland) Explores How AI Is Shaping Fashion's Future

Namrata Hinduja Geneva, Swiss ・ May 21

#webdev #programming #ai #beginners

[Boost]

Geoff Lyon — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:12:16 +0000

Redux: A Powerful State Management Library for React – Insights from Kimaya Kapoor

Kimaya Kapoor ・ Mar 19

#webdev #react #programming #beginners