Innovators

South Korean consortiums leading the realisation of industrial metaverse

Consortium achievements illustrate the capability of industrial metaverse in 3 industry whitepapers Technology is evolving to support modernisation and enable innovation in industry. South Korea’s National IT Industry Promotion Agency (NIPA) is supporting local technology development, eventually promoting the efforts and success to an international audience. Though often conflated with gaming and social networking, metaverse is an important tool that can improve operations and is increasingly being leveraged for industrial environments. In 3 recently released whitepapers, NIPA and Frost & Sullivan detail the cases of successful industrial metaverse implementation in the country. By sharing these cases, NIPA is expressing the capability of domestic technology and promoting Korean expertise internationally. Junam Lee, Director at NIPA for the Metaverse Convergence team says, “We believe that we have lots of advanced technologies to share and cooperate with nearby countries in terms of geography and culture.” Most organsations cannot easily execute industrial metaverse technology due to budget and customisation requirements. These papers identify ways that this innovative technology can be implemented right now. Supporting flexible manufacturing in the automotive industry One of the papers published details the benefits of the industrial metaverse and how it has supported the manufacturing industry, specifically automotive. The automotive industry, which is a major part of many Asian economies, is evolving to require flexible manufacturing systems for electric and autonomous vehicles. This paper outlines the path to industrial metaverse realization that enables flexible manufacturing. The consortium led by Shutagen, a technology service company, was able to achieve business and manufacturing agility through industrial metaverse with a deployment at the Hyundai Ulsan plant. XR devices to enable multiple use cases Another paper looks at the use of extended reality (XR) devices and how they support the expansion of metaverse use in industry. The consortium project aimed to develop a mass-produced […]

Is life getting better for China’s tech billionaires?

Wenting He, PhD candidate of International Relations, Australian National University. According to the latest Bloomberg Billionaires Index, Pony Ma, co-founder of Tencent Holdings, is once again China’s richest person, now with a net worth of more than A$65 billion, placing him 27th globally. Close behind him in the rankings are bottled water tycoon Zhong Shanshan, and Zhang Yiming, the main co-founder of tech giant ByteDance, which owns TikTok. Only a few years ago, China’s ruling Communist Party launched a crackdown on billionaires and other business leaders. Some were publicly jailed. Others simply disappeared from public view. Ma’s resurgence might seem like a positive signal of a more permissive market environment. But as we watch China’s private sector grow, we should remember it follows China’s unique playbook. The ascent of Tencent Ma’s wealth primarily comes from his stake in Tencent, which he co-founded in 1998 with its headquarters in Shenzhen. As China’s economy grew, Tencent became a world-leading internet and technology company. Tech billionaire Pony Ma at a government meeting in 2018. Song Fan/AP Tencent is well-known for QQ and WeChat, which quickly became two of the most popular instant messaging apps in China and connect more than a billion people. Tencent is also the largest video game vendor in China, with popular games such as “Honour of Kings” and “League of Legends”. Last month, Tencent released “Black Myth: Wukong”, China’s first-ever “AAA” video game. AAA is a globally recognised gaming industry buzzword that refers to major, high-budget, standalone productions. The much-hyped game surpassed 10 million sales across platforms within three days of its release, becoming one of China’s most successful games of all time. The game itself draws on a 16th century Chinese novel called “Journey to the West” and features various Chinese landscapes. Its popularity aligns with Beijing’s ongoing efforts to boost China’s international cultural appeal. China’s state-owned media outlet Xinhua […]

In-Depth Interview with BLT: Metal AM Printing’s Shift from Technology-Driven to Cost-Driven

Additive manufacturing isn’t just about comparing build volume sizes across different manufacturers. While build volume is a technical consideration, it’s only part of the bigger picture. To truly penetrate the industrial sector and usher in the era of mass production, our products must be manufacturable and affordable for customers. They need to be efficient, high-quality, and stable, with an excellent cost-to-performance ratio. In the past, competition might have focused on specific metrics, but now it’s more about whether your equipment can help customers run consistently over long periods, if the manufacturers can offer comprehensive industry solutions, and if it can help customers be profitable. Only under these conditions will the industry fully embrace the technology. Cost-driven production is the most solid foundation for applying this technology effectively in the field. ——-Jia Xin, Deputy General Manager at Bright Laser Technologies (BLT) Metal additive manufacturing is gradually entering the stage of large-scale application. BLT has achieved revenues of approximately USD 170 million, marking a 34.24% year-over-year increase, with a net income attributed to shareholders of around USD 19.6 million, a 78.11% increase year-over-year, making it the leading publicly traded AM company globally by market capitalization. At the 2021 TCT Asia show, BLT introduced the concept of the “Era of AM Mass Production,” marking the transition of additive manufacturing from the experimental validation stage to large-scale application. As the focus shifts from being technology-driven to cost-driven, metal additive manufacturing is steadily advancing towards the era of mass production. Jia Xin, Deputy General Manager of BLT, gave an exclusive interview at the 2024 TCT Asia show to further explain BLT’s strategies and the technological innovations driving this shift. Transitioning from Experimental Validation to Mass Production Jia Xin pointed out the evolution of additive manufacturing from its initial stages of experimental validation to its current […]

Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2024 introduces ‘Hosted Buyer Programme’

Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou from 4-6 March is committed to building a platform for the manufacturing sector to discover the latest technologies in smart production. Nearly all of the exhibition space at the show’s 2024 edition has been claimed, reflecting the event’s widespread recognition within the industry. To streamline interactions between exhibitors and buyers and ensure mutually beneficial exchanges, the event organisers have launched the ‘Hosted Buyer Programme’. This scheme is designed to facilitate effective business matchmaking, helping participants to expand their business network and nurture new opportunities. Under the programme, VIP buyers can also expect to receive a wide range of exclusive benefits and privileges. As it enters 2024, China’s manufacturing sector is poised for a new era of advancements. Policy initiatives are steering the sector into an era of advanced industrial practices and intelligent production solutions, with the objective of maintaining the country’s leadership in global manufacturing. On New Year’s Day, a government article was released, emphasising the importance of ‘new industrialisation’ – a national development strategy focused on upgrading and modernising the country’s manufacturing sector – as a path to achieving a higher standard of economic growth. The article proposed seven key initiatives, including the deployment of new smart manufacturing projects, a heightened focus on developing smart products and equipment, and the further enhancement of smart factories and supply chains. In alignment with this recommendation, the Central Economic Work Conference on 11 December 2023 stressed the need to stimulate industrial innovation by fusing technological advancement with a committed focus to new industrialisation. The conference called for the acceleration of artificial intelligence development and the transformation of the country’s traditional industries. Meanwhile, a separate government conference held the same month reaffirmed that 2024 would be a decisive year for the implementation of the national new industrialisation plan. Reflecting […]

The Interview: Lia Nicholson, Head of Sustainability, Terrascope, Singapore

Transforming the decarbonisation of business, What exactly do you do? As Terrascope’s Head of Sustainability, I build strategic partnerships with key stakeholders to drive corporate decarbonisation at scale. This involves collaborating with industry associations, government officials, regulators, enterprises and other organisations, to identify and unlock opportunities that will significantly reduce carbon emissions and limit global warming to 1.5°C. In addition to building partnerships, I collaborate with our data, engineering, product and design teams to optimise the emissions data and insights that our software provides to clients. We help them define clear and actionable steps to transform their operations and supply chains, resulting in positive impacts on both their carbon footprint and bottom line. Prior to joining Terrascope, I was a climate negotiator in the United Nations and senior advisor to the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS), a bloc of 39 countries facing existential climate risks, and considered the moral voice for climate action. I also spent several years with the C40 Cities Climate Leadership in West Africa, where I trained staff in mayor’s offices across Abidjan, Accra, Dakar and Lagos to prepare city-level carbon inventories and develop Paris Agreement-aligned climate action plans. How are your efforts currently making a difference to climate conditions? At Terrascope, we are focused on accelerating “big” net zero journeys across critical sectors and geographies. We believe that collaborating with large companies and stakeholders in the real economy presents a unique (and largely untapped) opportunity to drive decarbonisation at scale. Combining our deep expertise in data science, machine learning and sustainability, we work closely with clients and partners to identify and unlock decarbonisation opportunities that may have been overlooked. We place special emphasis on accurately measuring and managing value chain emissions, known as Scope 3, which can make up to 90% of a company’s carbon […]

The Interview: Sojung Lee,TeamViewer, APAC President

How is your company finding current business conditions? As the industry progressively adjusts to post-pandemic life, we are optimistic that the rapid digitalisation of the past three years will continue to impact businesses and their need for remote connectivity solutions. During the pandemic, companies experienced the benefits of remote access to IT and OT devices, reducing travel and resulting in increased efficiency and cost reduction. On top of it, the Industrial Metaverse, facilitated by augmented- and mixed reality, has gained momentum. Already today, but even more in future, frontline workers will be supported by digital tools running on wearables such as smart glasses, to make their jobs smarter, easier, and increase their productivity. We are looking forward to continuously support our customers with our solutions for remote access, IT support and workplace digitalisation for frontline workers. Where do you see potential areas of growth? We see a lot of growth opportunities in the APAC region. Recently, we have opened regional headquarters in Singapore and Korea which emphasises our ambition in these markets. In Korea, for instance, we can report great developments. We are partnering up with Hyundai Motor Company and will provide them with our industry-leading enterprise augmented reality platform and artificial intelligence capabilities. We will help Hyundai Motor to develop an intelligent manufacturing platform and enhance productivity, accuracy and worker safety in a smart factory. How is 2023 shaping up for your company? We are certain that our solutions are highly relevant for customers as they help them to manage remote operations securely, increase efficiency and sustainability as well as overcome labour shortage. Especially in APAC, we see an acceleration of our business and we are positive that this will continue in 2023. Areas for development? In 2023, we will continue our journey to become a more enterprise-focused software […]

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Zoomlion ramps up efforts to strengthen global Cooperation through BRI

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has carved out a path for the world to consolidate economic cooperation by creating a platform for promoting multilateralism, inclusive growth, peace and cohesion. In line with the vision of BRI, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd., a leading high-end equipment manufacturing enterprise, is advancing its pledge to bring commercial and economic prosperity to the rest of the world through BRI, building a global community with a shared future. Zoomlion helps build Africa’s tallest building – the “Iconic Tower” in Egypt While BRI is evolving into a beacon of economic growth for participating countries, Zoomlion has set up multiple R&D hubs and trade platforms across the globe and has been providing products and services in over 80 countries, serving customers in sectors including hydropower, nuclear power, road, and bridge construction. Its ongoing construction of BRI projects, designed for both commercial and cultural purposes, have been game-changers in those countries where they have fuelled connectivity, creativity, and trade activities. Landmark projects include Padma Bridge which is dubbed “the Dream Bridge of Bangladesh,” Colombo Lotus Tower, and Iconic Tower in Egypt. Zoomlion has made six acquisitions over the past few decades, through which the company has forged a greater creative synergy to drive innovation in the global machinery industry, unleashing new possibilities brought by its state-of-the-art technology to boost productivity and efficiency. Despite the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2021, all the companies acquired by Zoomlion have achieved 30 percent year-on-year increase in revenue, helping the local government to boost employment and tax revenue. Zoomlion’s acquisition of Compagnia Italiana Forme Acciaio SpA (Cifa), a leading machinery innovators and manufacturers based in Italy, demonstrated Zoomlion’s five pillar management strategy of inclusiveness, rules, responsibility, co-creation, and sharing. Cifa has been incorporated into […]

Schaeffler starts production of 2in1 electric axles in China

Another milestone has been reached on the way to becoming a leader of innovation in electric mobility: Global automotive and industrial supplier Schaeffler celebrated the start of production of 2in1 electric axles at its production plant in Taicang, China. The electric axle system comprises an electric motor and transmission. The production start marks a further milestone in Schaeffler’s electric mobility business and is proof of the company’s successful involvement in this sector. Schaeffler attaches great importance to local production to ensure it can respond quickly to its customers’ needs around the globe. “Schaeffler is striving to become a leader of innovation in electric mobility. The volume production of our 2in1 electric axles has strengthened our position in this market,” said Dr. Jochen Schröder, President of the E-Mobility business division at Schaeffler. “With the innovative strength of a global automotive and industrial supplier and our strong expertise in industrialization, we are a preferred partner for our customers.” The 2in1 electric axle from Schaeffler: A highly efficient and compact system solution The 2in1 electric axle from Schaeffler is an electric drive solution within Schaeffler’s electric axle system product portfolio. This system integrates the reduction transmission and the electric motor into one compact unit. With an outstanding torque density of the transmission, this electric axle is characterised above all by compactness, high power density, high level of system efficiency, and superior acoustic behavior. With a modular design, it can satisfy different usage requirements and can be used for various vehicle platforms. The first Chinese car model equipped with this product will be launched in the near future. Following its market launch in China, the Schaeffler 2in1 electric axle will also be used by a European automotive manufacturer. Since establishing an independent business division at the beginning of 2018, Schaeffler’s ongoing commitment to […]

DIZO – the first brand in the realme TechLife Ecosystem announces global launch

– DIZO, the global AIoT brand, with ‘Be Different’ as its tagline, promises to bring ‘Smart Tech Life for Every Different You’– DIZO will focus on entering four major product categories – Smart Entertainment, Smart Home, Smart Care and Accessories– DIZO comes with realme’s support in 3 key aspects – Industrial Design, Supply Chain and AIoT experience that works perfectly with realme GURUGRAM, India- DIZO, the first brand under the realme TechLife ecosystem, announced its global launch today. More than just being a technology brand, DIZO embarks on a philosophy and a journey that aims to empower everyone to enjoy their desired life, enhanced by Smart TechLife. Pronounced ‘dee-zoe’, the new brand aims to break the clutter of tech similarities and offer solutions that are aligned to the needs of every different consumer. Urging its consumers to “Be Different”, DIZO wishes to offer the technology that complements the individuality of a consumer, empowers them, and becomes an extension of their personalities. Built around the mission to offer a Smart Tech Life for Every Different You, DIZO along with realme is committed to bringing the best of both brands to its consumers. In fact, DIZO has unflinching support from realme around three key aspects – Industrial Design, Supply Chain and AIoT experience that works perfectly with realme Link. Congratulating the DIZO team, Madhav Sheth, Vice President, realme and Chief Executive Officer, realme India and Europe said, “This is a momentous occasion as DIZO goes live with its mission to offer innovative and diversified AIoT solutions to its consumers. The new brand will enable consumers to experience a smart, efficient, and interconnected life. “Being the first brand in the realme TechLife ecosystem, I am very excited to tell you that DIZO already has great products in the pipeline to offer to […]

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Lödige Industries supports dnata’s cargo modernisation project at Changi Airport

Lödige Industries, a leading global provider of cargo terminal solutions, has announced that it has been selected by dnata Singapore Pte Ltd to modernise and upgrade its cargo warehouse at Changi Airport. Designed to handle an annual turnover of 550,000 tonnes, the facility will incorporate new advanced ULD handling equipment and control technology, replacing and enhancing existing warehouse fittings. “Our company continuously strives to make investments that enable us to offer enhanced services to our customers,” says Sam Gould, dnata Singapore’s Head of Cargo. “The new ULD handling equipment seamlessly integrates with our existing procedures and helps ensure the safety of our staff as well as the cargo they handle.” The project, which Lödige Industries will deliver by May 2021, includes replacing existing equipment with a modern turntable transfer vehicle, control system hardware and software, and slave pallet movers for flexible cargo handling. The equipment is designed to enhance the warehouse’s ability to handle peaks and extend the terminal lifespan by 15 to 20 years while reducing costs by minimising ULD damage. Ranga Jayaweera, General Manager (Singapore) for Lödige Industries, points out: “Installing the new equipment (within just four weeks) while cargo operations continue, requires careful project planning and management to minimise the impact on dnata and its customers. We incorporated a practical and cost-efficient component redundancy in the project, which will reduce impact during construction, handle peaks and avoid unplanned downtime in the future.” The introduction of slave pallet movers to the warehouse adds a versatile and highly maneuverable cargo handling tool that allows for safe and efficient build-up and breakdown activities anywhere in the warehouse. About Lödige Industries Lödige Industries is a leading global supplier of logistics systems with headquarters in Germany. With offices around the world Lödige Industries provides material handling solutions for a wide range of […]

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