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Why Bodi.Me’s Continuous R&D Is Critical to Your Business

August 19th, 2026

Recent blog post as seen on Bodi.Me

Continuous innovation is the heart and engine of Bodi.Me.

Fashion fit technology cannot stand still because bodies, garments, workforce demographics, regulations and business systems are constantly evolving. Continuous research and development keeps sizing technology relevant, accurate, scalable and commercially valuable.

When a business partners with Bodi.Me, it does not simply adopt Size-Me as a sizing solution. It gains a long-term technology and operational partner—and access to a specialist digital team with deep knowledge of body data, garment construction, fit, size demand and apparel supply chains.

More than a sizing solution

Successful innovation is not about adding technology for its own sake. It is about identifying the right technical solution for a real operational problem.

Bodi.Me listens closely to its customers’ challenges, including:

Excess stock in some sizes and shortages in others

High volumes of size-related returns and exchanges

Expensive emergency uniform re-orders

Limited visibility of future size demand

Complex international uniform programmes

Technology that is difficult to integrate or use

?We translate these challenges into cost-effective technical tools that can be implemented within existing e-commerce, ordering and uniform-management workflows.

Our Size-Me fashion fit technology works with only a few simple, non-intrusive wearer inputs. It does not require photographs or body scans during standard use.

Behind that simple experience lies more than a decade of extensive research. Bodi.Me continuously analyses, validates and enriches its proprietary body-data resources, with a growing knowledge base now representing nearly one million body profiles.

These expanding datasets are used to continually retrain, test and refine our machine-learning models. In parallel, we constantly improve and personalise the wearer journey while advancing our proprietary algorithms to address the specific fit requirements of different garments—including particularly complex, gender-neutral or non-standard garment collections.

The objective is clear: make advanced technology simple for the wearer, easy for the customer to implement and capable of generating measurable value through better production planning, stock allocation and size distribution.

Read the full installment here.

Posted in Clothing, Guest Post | No Comments »

Introducing Apex Optics: Precision Rifle Optics for Duty and Field Use

August 19th, 2026

In military, law enforcement, and professional shooting environments, equipment is judged by performance under pressure, not by specification sheets or marketing claims. An optic either tracks correctly, holds zero, and remains usable under stress, or it doesn’t.

Apex Optics was developed with that standard in mind. The focus is straightforward: build precision rifle optics intended for duty use, where reliability, innovation, repeatable mechanical function, and usable optical performance are critical requirements.

All Apex optics are manufactured and assembled in Japan using Premium ED Japanese glass. The optical system is designed to provide clear resolution, usable contrast in variable lighting, and consistent performance across the full field of view. Internally, stainless steel components are used in the mechanical system to support long-term durability and repeatable tracking under sustained use. Each optic is assembled under controlled manufacturing and inspection processes to maintain consistency across production.

The design approach prioritizes function over feature density. Controls are intended to be predictable and repeatable, with an emphasis on mechanical integrity and ease of use under operational conditions.

Apex Optics is proud to share three of our products built around these principles.

Apex Edge 1-10×24 LPVO

The Edge 1-10×24 is Apex Optics’ Low Power Variable Optic (LPVO) designed for carbine use where both close-quarters speed and mid-range precision are required from a single optic.

The 1x setting is built for rapid, both-eyes-open engagement with minimal distortion and a consistent sight picture. At higher magnification, the optic provides usable detail for positive identification and precision shot placement at distance, without sacrificing clarity across the zoom range.

The optical system uses our Premium Japanese ED glasswith fully multi-coated lenses to maintain consistent light transmission and contrast through changing conditions. Internally, stainless steel components are used in the adjustment system to support repeatable tracking and long-term mechanical stability under recoil, sustained useand extreme temperature ranges.

The first focal plane HCR™ (Hybird Combat) Reticle remains usable across the entire magnification range, supporting both rapid engagement and holdover-based shooting without changing sighting systems or methods.

The Edge 1-10×24 is intended as a single optic solution for users who need to cover a wide engagement envelope with one platform.

Apex Vapor™ 1-4×22 Variable Zoom Prism Sight

The Vapor™ 1-4×22 Prism is a compact optic intended for carbine platforms where size, speed, and simplicity are prioritised, but magnification is still required beyond a fixed red dot.

Unlike traditional LPVO systems, the prism design provides a fixed optical path with a true 1x setting for close-range work and 4x magnification for mid-range identification and precision. The Vapors reticle remains visible at all times, allowing the optic to be used without illumination if required.

The FIRE™ reticle is etched directly into the optical system and remains constant across all conditions. Illumination is available for enhanced visibility, but the reticle itself does not rely on electronics to remain usable.

The compact prism housing reduces overall system length compared to most variable optics, making it suited for setups where rail space and handling characteristics are constrained.

The Vapor™ 1-4×22 is intended for users who want a lightweight, always-available sighting system that bridges the gap between red dot speed and low-magnification target identification.

Apex Ion™ 1×25 Enclosed Red Dot Sight

The ION™ 1×25 is a closed-emitter red dot sight designed for duty, carry, and professional use where durability, speed, and reliability are essential.

Built around a true 1x optical system with a wide 25mm objective window, the ION™ 1×25 delivers a clear, unobstructed sight picture for rapid target acquisition and confident engagement. Its design supports both-eyes-open shooting, allowing users to maintain situational awareness while achieving a fast, intuitive aiming reference.

Rather than a single-dot configuration, the ION™ 1×25 features the MRX™ multi-dot reticle system, giving users adaptable aiming options for a variety of shooting scenarios. Paired with multiple brightness settings, the system is engineered to maintain reticle visibility across changing lighting conditions, from low-light environments to bright daylight and high-glare conditions.

The closed-emitter design helps protect the optical system from debris, moisture, and impact during field use, supporting consistent performance in demanding environments. Japanese ED glass and multi-coated lenses help maintain clarity, contrast, and visual precision, while the rugged mechanical design is built to hold zero through extended operational use. The Ion™ 1×25 is intended for users who require a straightforward, enclosed red dot system for duty, training, and field environments. It will be available later this summer.

Apex Optics is focused on producing optics intended for duty, competition, and field use where mechanical consistency and optical performance are the primary requirements.

Additional product information, specifications, and availability details are available on our website, www.apexoptics.co

The Edge™ 1-10×24 and Vapor™ 1-4×22 are available now, and the Ion™ 1×25 will be available later this summer.

Posted in Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Accuracy X, Inc Unveils Multi-Sight MAX System

August 19th, 2026

Patented mount delivers ultra-low direct-mount depth with swap-anytime sight versatility.

Hardy, Va. (August 2026) – Accuracy X, Inc (AXI), the makers of the world’s proven most accurate pistols, has introduced the Multi-Sight™ MAX System, a patented optic-mounting platform that pairs the ultra-low profile of a direct mount with the durability and configurability the company has built its reputation on. The new system expands, rather than replaces, the original Multi-Sight System, which remains in production and fully supported.

Direct-mounting a red dot has traditionally forced shooters to trade away long-term reliability and versatility. The Multi-Sight MAX ends that compromise. At the core of the system is the company’s patented Index-Recoil Lug, engineered to absorb the shear forces that break fasteners, destroy optics, and shift zero. The result is absolute zero retention across repeated plate changes.

The system’s patent-pending Direct Depth Mounting System routes mounting screws directly into the slide instead of through a threaded plate, allowing Accuracy X to machine deeper pockets and seat optics lower than conventional direct mounts. The resulting height-over-bore is the lowest achievable on a pistol slide.

Configurability comes from the SLOT Sight™ System paired with a new Rapid Change Interface, which lets shooters swap front and rear sight blades, from suppressor height to compact co-witness, without removing the red dot. A front-mounted co-witness option addresses snag concerns raised by some law enforcement agencies, and an integrated, ambidextrous slide racker rounds out a competition-ready feature set.

The Multi-Sight MAX supports the three most popular optic footprints, the Leupold DeltaPoint Pro, Aimpoint ACRO, and Trijicon RMR, which together account for about 95 percent of red-dot sights in use. Additional modules and accessories are planned.

“For years, shooters have had to choose between the ultra-low profile of a direct mount and the reliability and versatility of a robust system,” said Steve Huff, president of Accuracy X. “We refused to accept that compromise. The Multi-Sight MAX gets the dot as low as it can go and lets you tune your entire setup without ever touching your red dot. When excellent isn’t good enough, this is what comes next.”’

Watch an in-depth technical breakdown of the Multi-Sight MAX system and discover how this low-profile, modular sight mounting platform revolutionizes versatility for handguns in the recent video “The Ultimate Optic Solution: Deep Dive Into the Multi-Sight MAX System.” The video discusses machining tolerances, optic compatibility, co-witness options, and why this system is changing the game for competitive and tactical shooters alike.

It is available now for licensed partners. Full specifications will be available at www.accuracyx.com.

Posted in Admin, Optics, Press Release | No Comments »

Black Diamond – Men’s Technician Pro Mid Approach Shoes

August 19th, 2026

Black Diamond has introduced a heavier, over the ankle approach boot to their footwear lineup.

The goal was to combine the fit and comfort of a running shoe with stability and edging performance of an approach shoe.

Features:

Built with BD.dry™– BD’s engineered waterproof/breathable/windproof solution
Refined toe box for edging precision and performance
Super foam max cushion midsole with forefoot plate maximizes comfort
Vibram® Megagrip outsole, dual density hybrid midsole, and an engineered TPU plate
Nubuck leather upper and BD.dry ™ waterproof/breathable liner

BD calls this color “Olive.” Offered in sizes 7-13.

blackdiamondequipment.com/products/mens-technician-pro-mid-approach-shoes

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ManTech Marks 70 Years of Creating Innovative Military Solutions

August 19th, 2026

This year marks a 70-year milestone for the War Department’s Manufacturing Technology enterprise, which has been solving challenges beyond industry partners’ investment capacity and risk tolerance for decades and has spawned separate service and agency specific programs.

The ManTech program was established in 1956 to solve manufacturing problems that were too costly for industry partners to take on, said Emil Michael, undersecretary of war for research and engineering, during a commemorative event at the Pentagon yesterday.

He added that investments in the enterprise have been the unseen force behind precision-guided munitions, stealth aircraft, combat vehicles, advanced microelectronics and other advances.

For instance, the Navy ManTech program is using robots to increase submarine construction, and the Army ManTech program is using the investment capital to build ballistic helmets for troops. Also, the Defense Logistics Agency ManTech program has restored domestic production capability for legacy defense microelectronics, thereby extending the life of critical weapon systems.

As military systems become more complex, investments have evolved to tackle broader challenges in the defense industrial base, with a focus on workforce, public-private partnerships and collaboration, Michael said.

“We’re moving fast to bring on new entrants, lowering the barriers for entry, so that agile startups, nontraditional defense contractors and commercial innovators can rapidly plug into our ecosystem,” he said.

The department has been increasing the number of industry competitors, Michael pointed out.

“And it’s working,” he said. “There’s been more defense tech investment dollars in new entrants than ever before.”

The department is working on ways to help them succeed, so that it has a more robust, competitive ecosystem.

“We have processes. We have procedures. We have things that are not designed for small companies, for new entrants, for new innovators to succeed as easily as the big guys,” Michael said, adding that it’s incumbent upon the department to give those small companies and new innovators a helping hand to ensure they have a shot at working for the Pentagon.

One of the ManTech enterprise’s primary vehicles to build at speed and scale is the Manufacturing Innovation Institute, which has more than 2,200 member organizations that have trained over 700,000 workers and students.

The department’s ManTech program showcased cost-effective, innovative technologies during events at the Pentagon yesterday and today. Technologies included additive manufacturing, robotics, advanced materials for munitions, combat vehicle modernization, microelectronics and artificial intelligence.

The enterprise doesn’t develop weapon systems — it develops the manufacturing capabilities needed to build them, through collaboration across the military services, War Department agencies, industry, academia and public-private partnerships.

Many of today’s advanced defense systems, including stealth aircraft, submarines, advanced munitions, combat vehicles and radar systems benefited from ManTech enterprise manufacturing investments. A few of their other many advances include:

The Air Force ManTech program lowered production costs for active electronically scanned array radar used aboard ships, aircraft and on the ground.
The Army ManTech program introduced advanced armor materials and robotic welding to improve production speed, quality and worker safety. They also helped modernize cannon tube production, reducing production time by about 50%.
The Navy ManTech program developed a ceramic coating that extends the service life of submarine seawater valves to match the operational life of the sub, saving more than $100 million in life-cycle costs.

By David Vergun, Pentagon News

Posted in Guest Post, Manufacturing | No Comments »

Bundeswehr Orders Further Mobile Rescue Stations from Rheinmetall – Order Worth Over € 500 Million

August 18th, 2026

Rheinmetall will supply further mobile rescue stations to the Bundeswehr. As an extension of a previous order, the armed forces are set to receive a total of 149 additional protected and unprotected systems, with a gross value of over €500 million. This call-off under a framework contract awarded at the end of 2024 is the largest order to date that the contractor, Rheinmetall Project Solutions GmbH, has ever received. Production of the rescue stations is due to begin in the first quarter of 2027.
With the order booked in July 2026, the total number of rescue stations rises to 165 systems, with a gross value of over € 600 million. In December 2024, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) had commissioned Rheinmetall to supply up to 137 rescue stations to the Bundeswehr. At that time, ten ballistically protected and six unprotected systems were ordered.

Call-offs for further armoured and unarmoured systems are included as an option in the contract. Training for the relevant personnel will also be provided.

The rescue stations are part of the Modular Medical Facilities system. Within the Bundeswehr’s medical service, these highly mobile rescue stations ensure that the troops receive initial emergency medical care. If required, four soldiers can set up and dismantle the systems within a very short time. This incorporates a lesson learnt from the war in the Ukraine, namely that highly mobile systems are necessary for medical support.

Each rescue station comprises two containers that can be operated together or separately. Each container is fitted with a generator and air conditioning, and can operate independently for several days. Should one generator fail, the entire system can continue to operate using the generator from a single container.

The system features a fully equipped emergency treatment station, as well as four additional treatment stations. All the medical equipment is mounted on Airliner rails and can be configured according to the user’s requirements.

The system can be transported using different carrier vehicles used by the Bundeswehr. It can be set up at a longitudinal and transverse inclination. A custom lifting system was developed for this purpose, as no off-the-shelf system could meet the specified requirements.

The Bundeswehr is procuring both protected and unprotected versions of the system. This involves the refurbishment of an existing system. However, the new rescue station replaces a complex tent structure with a highly modular 3:1 container manufactured by Rheinmetall Mobile Systeme GmbH. The new system can be transported and set up in more challenging terrain.

Posted in Admin, Contracts, International, Medical, Press Release | No Comments »

Blue Ops, a Red Cat Company, and Havoc Partner to Develop Open-Architecture Autonomous Maritime Defense Systems

August 18th, 2026

Companies plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software across Blue Ops’ USV portfolio to establish operational fleets

SALT LAKE CITY, Aug. 17, 2026 — Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (Nasdaq: RCAT) (“Red Cat” or the “Company”), a U.S.-based provider of advanced all-domain drone and robotic solutions for defense and national security, and Havoc, a leader in all-domain collaborative autonomy, announced a partnership today, formalized through Red Cat’s maritime division, Blue Ops.

Under the partnership, Blue Ops and Havoc plan to integrate Havoc’s collaborative autonomy software and command-and-control capabilities across multiple Blue Ops uncrewed surface vessels, including the Variant 7 and additional platforms as they are introduced. The integration is intended to enable coordinated multi-vessel operations and expand the range of autonomous functions available to U.S. and allied defense customers.

The partnership builds on Blue Ops’ Modular Open Systems Architecture (“MOSA”) approach to maritime systems, which is designed to support the rapid integration of autonomy, sensors, communications, payloads, and other mission technologies based on evolving operational requirements. Havoc’s collaborative autonomy technology has been successfully deployed on behalf of the U.S. Department of War in multiple operational contexts.

“This partnership is exactly what our open-architecture strategy was built for,” said Barry Hinckley, President of Blue Ops. “Our goal is to build the best small USVs in the world while making it easy to integrate leading technologies from across the U.S. and our allies. Havoc has developed a powerful collaborative autonomy solution and integrating it with Blue Ops platforms gives customers greater choice and flexibility while accelerating how quickly advanced autonomous maritime capabilities can be fielded.”

Blue Ops and Havoc also plan to establish operational fleets at Havoc’s headquarters in Rhode Island and Blue Ops’ headquarters in Florida. These locations will provide U.S. and allied defense customers and partners with access to integrated Blue Ops and Havoc systems for live demonstrations, testing, training and operational evaluation, including both single-vessel autonomy and coordinated multi-vessel operations.

“Havoc’s primary strategy is to pair our leading-edge collaborative autonomy software with platform manufacturers who have already proven innovation, excellence, and scale,” said Paul Lwin, CEO and Co-Founder of Havoc. “Blue Ops is the perfect partner to continue our journey because they are building an open, flexible family of maritime systems that align directly with how we believe autonomy should be deployed. By integrating Havoc across the Blue Ops portfolio, we can give operators the ability to command and coordinate multiple autonomous vessels while preserving the flexibility to adapt as operational requirements evolve.”

Additionally, the companies plan to work together to expand market access for their respective technologies. Blue Ops and Red Cat intend to introduce Havoc’s autonomy and command-and-control capabilities to their government and commercial customers, while Havoc intends to market Blue Ops’ family of USVs to its customer base. Together, the companies plan to pursue opportunities requiring integrated autonomous maritime systems.

The partnership provides a framework for continued technical integration, demonstrations and joint customer engagement as the companies further develop their commercial relationship.

Posted in Admin, Industry, Maritime, Press Release, UxS | No Comments »

BLADE’s Hunter WOLF Robotic UGV Scheduled for Evaluation with the 82nd Airborne Division (TiC)

August 18th, 2026

Third Army training event demonstrates Hunter WOLF adaptability and utility across diverse mission requirementsFREDERICKSBURG, Va., Aug. 17, 2026 — The U.S. Army is expanding the evaluation of the Hunter WOLF unmanned ground vehicle (UGV) from HDT Robotics, LLC dba BLADE, through a Transition in Contact (TiC) event with the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Polk, Louisiana. The training and evaluation is taking place August 20, 2026.

The Hunter WOLF from BLADE (formerly HDT) continues to prove its maturity with TiC event with the 82nd Airborne.

The Hunter WOLF is a robotic multi-mission ground vehicle designed to reduce the physical burden on soldiers. With a payload capacity of up to 2,800 lbs, it supports logistics and casualty evacuation (CASEVAC) missions while helping to solve the military’s “last tactical mile” of supply challenge. By carrying critical equipment, supplies, and personnel, it extends operational duration, keeps soldiers in the field longer, reduces fatigue, and allows them to operate at safer distances. Built specifically for dismounted military operations, it delivers mobility, payload, and power in a compact system engineered to perform in demanding environments where commercial vehicles fail.

The training event will provide hands-on experience for soldiers from one of the Army’s premier rapid-response units. Known as the “All-American” Division, the 82nd Airborne can deploy worldwide within 18 hours and specializes in parachute assault and other key military operations.

“No two Army units operate the same way,” said Tom Van Doren, President of Robotics, BLADE. “The value of these evaluations is seeing how the Hunter WOLF supports different mission sets, environments, and operational priorities. Every event helps validate the flexibility of the platform and identify new ways it can reduce workload and help keep soldiers out of harm’s way.”

During the training, soldiers will operate and evaluate the Hunter WOLF in real-world scenarios, gaining experience in system operation and mission integration. The vehicles will be configured to support a variety of mission requirements, including communications, logistics, casualty evacuation, mobile power generation, and equipment transport.

Specifically, configurations include:

Two Vehicle-mounted Tactical Radios (AN/VRC-158)
Autonomy
Five Universal Battery Chargers (UBC)
Casualty Evacuation (CASEVAC)
15kW Mobile Power Export (120/240VAC inverter offload)
Extended Cargo Rails for Equipment Transport

“The 82nd Airborne brings a unique operational perspective centered on agility, mobility, and rapid deployment,” said John Conway, VP of Business Development, Robotics, BLADE. “Training units like this help demonstrate how the Hunter WOLF can integrate into light / mobile infantry operations while delivering the support soldiers need to stay focused on the warfighting mission.”

This event follows previous Hunter WOLF training and evaluation activities conducted with U.S. Army units earlier this year, including the 3rd Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, and the 101st Airborne Division. Collectively, these engagements are providing valuable soldier feedback while demonstrating the platform’s adaptability across multiple mission requirements and operational environments.

www.hdtglobal.com

Posted in Army, Contracts, Press Release, Robotics | No Comments »