In the age of increasing automation around the home, the yet-to-be-commercially-available ThreadRobe is taking things to new heights. [ + ]

Master Electricians Australia (MEA) has questioned the capacity of ACTU boss Sally McManus, following her appearance on the ABC's 7.30 current affairs program last week. [ + ]

Schneider Electric has successfully defended its iconic brand, Clipsal, from intellectual property infringement by Clipso Electrical. [ + ]

Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have demonstrated efficient solar energy storage in a chemical liquid. The stored energy can be transported and then released as heat whenever needed according to a report on Science Daily. The research has been published in scientific journal Energy & Environmental Science. [ + ]

The federal government's Smart Cities and Suburbs program has been officially opened by Assistant Minister for Cities and Digital Transformation Angus Taylor. [ + ]

The annual Vivid Sydney festival is back on this year, bigger and better than ever. Billed as "the world's largest festival of light, music and ideas", the event runs for 23 days (26 May to 17 June 2017) and will transform the harbour city with its colourful creative canvas. Last year's Vivid Sydney attracted a record 2.31 million attendees, and hopes are for more this year. [ + ]

Prysmian Group has delivered what it says is the densest and highest fibre count underwater optical cable ever made to provide broadband connection between Siu Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island and the Tseung Kwan O (TKO) Industrial Estate data centre hub located on the mainland. [ + ]

Brisbane-based energy group Lyon Solar says the current global attention on South Australia and its power issues is welcome. [ + ]

Schneider Electric has been recognised at the 2017 IF Design Awards ceremony in Munich, receiving recognition for the Easergy T300, Resi9 DB60 and Avatar On products. [ + ]

The board of Master Builders Australia has announced the appointment of Denita Wawn as chief executive officer of MBA effective 20 March 2017. [ + ]

The Federal Court has dismissed proceedings brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) against electrical cable manufacturers, wholesalers and their executives for alleged cartel conduct. [ + ]

With driverless vehicles and drones poised for mass adoption, the International Symposium on Digital Earth & Locate17 will provide a forum for government, industry and start-ups to collaborate and become players in the emerging global smart cities industry. [ + ]

Did you know that after just one hour of sitting, 90% of our fat-burning enzymes stop working and our bodies start to hibernate and shut down? Or that occupants of naturally ventilated buildings are more tolerant of their thermal environment, despite experiencing significantly warmer temperatures than those in air-conditioned spaces? [ + ]

New research has revealed that the Western Australian Government is likely to receive a much smaller windfall than forecast from the partial privatisation of Western Power, while the loss of ongoing revenue will leave the state's budget worse off in as little as four years. [ + ]

The annual Go Green in the City competition is on for the seventh year running, courtesy of Schneider Electric. [ + ]