The 2016 Pi IoT Smarter Spaces Design Challenge is asking participants to invent IoT-powered solutions that allow users to control the multiple internet-enabled devices in any environment — be it their home, workspace, media room, garden and more. [ + ]

In Mouser Electronics' latest Innovation Spotlight interview, celebrity engineer Grant Imahara speaks with TDK President Jon Nelson on the subject of energy management and storage. [ + ]

Specialist equipment rental company TR Pty Ltd has been acquired by UK-based rental business Vp plc. Vp announced the purchase of the entire issued share capital of TR, committing to pay $17.4 million on completion of the acquisition, with an assumed net debt of $6.6 million. [ + ]

MU's US-304 portable ultrasound imager, powered by ST's STHV800 pulser, is aiming to increase the quality of point-of-care medical diagnostics in Africa. [ + ]

Rockwell Automation has announced the election of Blake D Moret, a 30-year veteran of the company, as its president and CEO, effective 1 July 2016. [ + ]

IoT network operator Thinxtra has begun deployment of the SIGFOX public network following the announcement of its partnership with SIGFOX earlier this month. Base stations and antennas have now been installed on top of the tallest buildings in Australia: Sydney Tower Eye and Melbourne Eureka Tower. [ + ]

National Manufacturing Week 2016 will give attendees the opportunity to see innovative manufacturing solutions in action. This year's demonstration program will feature robotics, safety, cleaning, welding and riveting solutions to give visitors a first-hand experience of how new technologies can work for their businesses. [ + ]

Experts from Telit USA are conducting a workshop all about the latest IoT connectivity and cloud platform developments. [ + ]

element14 community members have been challenged to use motor control technology to create innovative mobility solutions that will improve the lives and accessibility of people living with disabilities. [ + ]

STMicroelectronics has surpassed two billion unit sales of its STM8 microcontrollers less than two years after reaching one billion unit sales, noting particularly strong success in China. [ + ]

IoTzone will be exhibiting at Connect EXPO, to be held at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre from 19–20 April 2016. [ + ]

Renesas Electronics has announced changes to its representative directors, in line with the company's new growth strategy to thrive in the global marketplace. [ + ]

Mouser Electronics has announced a global distribution agreement with Imagination Technologies, a technology company with a broad range of silicon IP. [ + ]

Wavelink has made several suggestions to help ensure WLAN infrastructure is designed and implemented properly. [ + ]

Scientists have created a new way of displaying information on packaging. Instead of reading a label, consumers could be interacting with an electronic screen. [ + ]