Every year, on the first Thursday of May, the tech world pauses for World Password Day. It’s a reminder that even in our smart world, simple passwords are the weakest link. Started by Intel in 2013 and now backed by major companies, its goal is simple: to help you protect your digital life. The Problem: You Are the Weakest Link.

Artificial intelligence and robotics are rapidly reshaping industries and education, the NAO robot stands out as a powerful example of how technology can enhance – not replace – human interaction. Designed as a humanoid robot with advanced capabilities, NAO is widely used across education, research, and healthcare, offering a unique platform for both learning and innovation.

On April 23, 2026, the AI community came together at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University (VILNIUS TECH) for the very first AI Nexus event, organized by MERIT project. The goal was simple but meaningful: invite students, researchers, faculty, and industry professionals to connect, share, and strengthen the growing AI ecosystem in a more informal and engaging setting.

A few days ago, at the TechLab of UPC Manresa, within the framework of the Girls in ICT Day and with the support of the Digital Europe MERIT project, students took part in a very special workshop: creating an intelligent system capable of controlling plant irrigation by sending messages to a mobile phone.

As part of the MERIT project activities, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech), in collaboration with LUT University and industry partners, hosted a seminar on Welding, IoT, Automation and Advanced Manufacturing on April 7, 2026.

The event brought together over 40 participants, with strong representation from Estonian manufacturing companies, highlighting the growing interest in digital transformation and advanced industrial technologies.

Industrial IoT expands what industry can measure and control—but it also expands what can be targeted. The moment we connect machines, sensors, gateways, and platforms into an end-to-end system, we create a larger “attack surface”: more devices, more software, more interfaces, and more pathways into operations. In traditional IT, confidentiality often dominates the security conversation; in industrial environments, availability and safety frequently take priority, because downtime can mean halted production, damaged equipment, or hazardous situations.

Practical, hands-on learning is an essential part of modern engineering education. Within the MERIT project, Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) has integrated advanced industrial technologies into teaching environments to help students better understand how smart manufacturing systems operate in real life.

On March 31, we celebrate the World Backup Day – a reminder that, in a world increasingly shaped by digital technologies, the safety of our data is something we can no longer afford to overlook. 

Every year on March 26, International Data Centre Day shines a spotlight on one of the most critical yet often unseen pillars of our digital society: data centres. From streaming a video to accessing cloud platforms, from online education to artificial intelligence, nearly every digital interaction relies on these powerful infrastructures.