Innovators

UNISOC and China Unicom deploy world’s first E2E Network Slicing Solution

Shanghai – UNISOC and China Unicom have successfully deployed the world’s first 3GPP-compliant end-to-end network slicing selection solution, enabling 5G smartphone and data terminal network slicing to 3GPP standards. The solution allows devices to independently and flexibly select network slices through APP ID, FQDN, DNN and other identifiers in China Unicom’s 5G SA trial commercial network, bringing broader development prospects for the transformation of industry verticals. Network slicing is among the most important features of 5G network architecture, the key entry point for 5G to empower thousands of industries. However, network slicing technology is highly complex and a technical solution must run through multiple network levels. Network slicing in devices had become a constraint to the development of end-to-end network slicing, while technical bottlenecks lie in the limitations of chips and terminal operating systems. In a scheme equipped with the UNISOC 5G chip, this solution supports 5G smartphones and data terminals for all slice selection strategies under 3GPP specifications, and optimizes the users’ business experience. The two sides have recently completed technical verification on China Unicom Beijing’s 5G SA trial commercial network, laying a technical foundation for the diversified development of 5G industrial applications in the future. Earlier this year, China Unicom launched the world’s first 5G terminal priced under 1,000 yuan, the 5G CPE VN007. Powered by the UNISOC V510, the CPE VN007 supports an end-to-end 5G network slicing selection solution through a software upgrade, completing test verification. This will lower the commercialisation threshold for 5G network slicing, and rapidly empower 5G industry application scenarios across the spectrum. UNISOC is a leading fabless semiconductor company committed to R&D of core chipsets for mobile communications and AIoT. With 4,500 staff, 17 R&D centers and 7 customer support centers around the world, UNISOC has become one of the largest […]

Next-generation sorter for supply chain automation

The Körber Crossbelt Sorter empowers businesses to create truly unified automation solutions to excel in today’s increasingly complex supply chain landscape. Supply chains must handle more products, more suppliers and fulfill through various channels. Consumer expectations for choice, convenience and speed add to this complexity. To maintain a competitive edge, businesses need automation technologies to handle the evolving challenges of ecommerce and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). “Körber has the goal of strategically aligning supply chain technologies and expertise to the needs of customers and the industry,” says Stephan Gӧttsche, chief executive officer at Körber Supply Chain – Automation. “The Körber Crossbelt Sorter exemplifies this. One in three companies still manages supply chain processes manually. This is one of many initiatives we are taking to expand our portfolio and capitaliSe on our 30+ years of expertise in system integration to design automation systems for today and tomorrow’s demands.” The Crossbelt Sorter seamlessly integrates with any materials handling equipment (MHE) to create unified automation systems. Be it conveyors, shuttles, or beyond, the Crossbelt Sorter uniquely links the MHE of different functional areas – receiving, storage, multi-stage picking, or dispatch. Hence, the Crossbelt Sorter dynamically distributes goods based on any criteria to the proper destination at any stage in the process. Furthermore, the sorter’s modular design enables quick and simple integration with the existing system landscape. The result is a higher level of automation, enabling shorter reaction times, increased efficiency and higher throughput. Examples of success include transport of up to 14,000 containers per hour, carrier changeovers in only 10 minutes, and conveying speeds of 1.8 m/s. “Conquering today’s supply chain complexities requires higher levels of automation,” said Pieter Feenstra, chief sales officer for Körber Supply Chain – Automation. “Intelligently linking different material handling components is necessary to excel in today’s market. Körber […]

MOC-TCI Asia Chapter Conference 2020 July 6-7, 14.00

Hosted by the National University of Mongolia, the members from the two networks, MOC and TCI Asia will gather in this virtual conference to explore how the new normal is shaping and exchange experiences on how Asian clusters and innovation ecosystems are fast adapting to it. On the first day, July 6, the members of the MOC Asia Network will share the conceptual frameworks of clustering and the new normal throughout Asia, including among others country cases from Mongolia and Taiwan, and tackling the new challenges around online teaching. The second day, July 7, at the TCI Asia webinar, we will showcase how global clusters are working in practice in times of coronavirus and adapting to the new normal, with a focus on rethinking the existing cluster development models and global trends. We will showcase global cases and stories from Asian members, of how clusters and economic development organisations are making a difference in the path to economic recovery. Look at the speakers and agenda here. For more information, please get in touch at ei@num.edu.mn

Suprema launches Suprema Mobile Access contactless solution

Suprema, a global leader in security and biometrics, has announced ‘Suprema Mobile Access’, a new mobile contactless solution and complete platform for managing, issuing and tracking access credentials using smartphones. As access control systems have evolved beyond physical access cards, access control solutions using mobile phones as a credential were introduced. Suprema Mobile Access employs a smartphone application with NFC (Near Field Communication) and BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) to communicate with card readers, allowing access to doors and other secured assets. Suprema Mobile Access simplifies the management of access cards as the entire process goes online, without face-to-face interaction, allowing users to remotely manage credentials, issuing and revoking them in real-time. Using Suprema’s ‘AirFob Portal’, the Mobile Access management portal, one can issue mobile access cards to users via email. Using a link in the email, users can then install Suprema’s mobile app ‘AirFob Pass’ on their Android or iOS phone. Once the app has been installed, the mobile access card is ready to be used. Like a physical card, users can tap smartphones on a mobile enabled card reader to access doors and other controlled items. For a seamless user experience, the app supports background mode, which eliminates the requirement to wake up the phone in order to get access. To ensure the security of user data on the platform, Suprema Mobile Access is designed from the ground up with enhanced security features including data encryption throughout the process of issuing and using credentials. The backend server for Suprema Mobile Access is managed separately and the server encryption keys are protected with special proprietary methods. The solution has been certified by an independent audit to be compliant with the ISO 27001 standard for Information Security Management, signifying Suprema’s continuing commitment to the protection of private information as the highest […]

Aquila address waste processing/recycling industry with specialist glove

Aquila address recycling industry with specialist glove

The Aquila RE05F represents the purpose designed personal protection approach of Aquila for the waste processing and recycling industries, where the range of risks varies widely from process to process. Glove development for these applications makes life safer and more comfortable for operatives – in the case of the RE05F this is typically in a picking role at the conveyor belt stage where it provides extra protection from fast moving objects. The RE05F is cut resistant and double-coated with foam and full flat nitrile which provides excellent abrasion resistance. This is achieved with 100% cut resistant yarn throughout the glove (not just on the palm), followed by a two-stage foam and flat dip process, making the glove waterproof and chemical resistant, whilst maintaining an excellent grip and appropriate dexterity to suit general purpose usage. Related Aquila products for the waste processing/recycling industries include much of their impact protection range featuring TPE (thermal plastic elastomer) on back of hand and fingers for protection against fast moving hard/sharp objects at picking stations on conveyor belts. Good examples are the TOG4B with genuine Alkimos cut 4 yarn guaranteeing full cut resistance not just on the palm but throughout the glove. An additional nitrile coating with sandy finish greatly aids grip levels in both wet and dry environments, with excellent oil and chemical resistance. The sister TOG6W includes an extra comfortable brushed liner for added warmth – suitable for temperatures down to -30°C. Further information may be found at: www.aquilaglove.com

Coronovirus-drives-sales-Aus-Asia-MN-Websites

Coronavirus drives sales of hi-tech mobile x-ray units

Micro-X’s DRX Revolution Nanos are in hot demand. The Adelaide-based company reported to the Australian Securities Exchange that sales of its flagship lightweight mobile x-ray machine had reached $1.8 million for the quarter with $1 million worth of sales in the past 20 days. With almost four weeks of the March quarter remaining, the result has already dwarfed December quarter DRX Revolution Nano sales of $384,000 and is almost on par with the $1.9 million in sales achieved in the entire 2019 financial year. There is a requirement for urgent delivery of the latest batch of orders within a four-week time frame. These additional purchase orders are for delivery to Asia and Europe. The company said while the orders through its distributor Carestream Health did not specify the end customer, it was understood that due to the size and urgency of the orders, some of these Nano units were to be deployed in connection with the ongoing COVID-19 coronavirus outbreak. While the standard lead time for the delivery of a Nano is between 8-12 weeks from order date, Micro-X says it has been able to deliver its recent February orders within a time frame of approximately four weeks from order date. Early-stage diagnosis of coronavirus is by a blood test to confirm the infectious agent, and a chest x-ray is used as an essential part of diagnosis of the development and progression of the severity of the illness. Like with pneumonia, a chest x-ray is used to detect fluid in the lungs, particularly with patients presenting with severe acute respiratory distress. Micro-X managing director Peter Rowland said the mobile x-ray imaging units offered a flexibility of use most suited to the requirements of infection control procedures and also the nature of temporary hospital quarantine buildings. “With the alarming state of […]

Innovation through formulation

Azelis is excited to launch its new tagline: ‘Innovation through formulation’, which is a reinforcement of the company’s continuous investment in technical expertise. Over the years, the speciality chemicals and food ingredients distributor has been investing resources, both financial and non-financial, in strengthening its innovative services: adding new application laboratories in all regions, creating innovative and award-winning formulations, whilst offering formulation support to its customers. Azelis’ owner EQT fully supports the company’s direction and offers guidance and advice to further strengthen this role. Highlights & rationale – ‘Innovation through formulation’ is the company’s new tagline and reflects the new strategic direction. – Azelis has expanded its number of labs from 12 to 60 since 2012 and increased the number of its lab professionals, creating a talented pool with over 1.000 years of cumulative experience in application laboratories. – The company is proud to have won more than 20 innovation awards in the past three years, all given by independent industry organisations. – Strong application and formulation support is in line with Azelis’ ambition of becoming the benchmark for the industry and market leader in providing innovative solutions to its customers. Azelis creates value with and for its partners by turning ideas into market-leading solutions that drive growth. The company routinely provides its customers with innovative formulations that address the most stringent market requirements and consumer trends. This is made possible through its 60 application laboratories worldwide, along with its experienced, market-focused sales teams. Azelis has expanded its number of labs from 12 to 60 since 2012 and significantly increased the number of its lab professionals, creating a talent pool with over 1.000 years of cumulative expertise in application laboratories. The high number of application labs allows the company to serve the local market needs while at the same time helping […]

SKF enters the world of manufacturing using world-class digital technology

SKF’s operations in Sweden are set to be given a boost with the inauguration of a completely new, fully-automated and digital production process in Gothenburg, adapted for the manufacture of spherical roller bearings. The new production unit is the first of its type to be put into operations within the SKF Group and is part of a programme of next generation manufacturing technology within the company. “The production flow is totally unique within the bearings industry, and constitutes a new manufacturing standard for us, which we will replicate into numerous facilities within the Group. “The investment programme is important for us if we are to utilise our manufacturing capacity even more efficiently, as well as increasing our global competitiveness and the flexibility we can offer our customers,” says Luc Graux, Director of Manufacturing for the SKF Group. Using the help of digital technology, the entire value chain in the production process is connected, from the inflow of input components to the delivery of the product to the end user. In addition, the next generation of mobile infrastructure is combined with the manufacturing process, in order to enhance efficiency. “The new production unit will open up new possibilities for us to reduce lead times and to improve flexibility and efficiency in our production,” says Sten Karlsson, project manager for the new production unit. Parallel to the investment in Gothenburg, similar investments are planned for Schweinfurt in Germany and Flowery Branch in the USA. Over a million bearings per year are manufactured in the Gothenburg facility. The majority of these are exported. The products are used in heavy industry, such as mining, steelworks, paper machines, wind turbines, train gearboxes, fans and pumps.

Building the case for manufacturing automation to drive business growth

By Shermine Gotfredsen, General Manager SEA & Oceania, Universal Robots New Zealand’s manufacturing industry has continued to expand almost every month since October 2012, based on the Bank of New Zealand-Business NZ performance of manufacturing index[1]. The sector was lifted by a construction boom that started during the rebuild of Christchurch post-earthquake. However, manufacturing as a percentage of the economy has declined in the long-term, from about 26 percent of gross domestic production (GDP) 40 years ago to about 13 percent in 2009[2]. To ensure manufacturing momentum continues, New Zealand manufacturers must look to innovative new ways to achieve business growth and expansion into regional and international markets. Recent research from Universal Robots, which surveyed the Australian and New Zealand manufacturing community indicates a growing emphasis on automation and particularly robotics as a way to increase competitive advantage. Almost half of ANZ manufacturers have invested in automation in the past year. Meanwhile, a vast majority of manufacturers plan to invest in automation in the coming year, with more than half of those respondents planning to install robotics solutions. This growth in automation investment has no doubt been driven by an increased focus on business innovation. Due to New Zealand’s geographical isolation creating higher freight overheads, and greater labour costs compared to countries such as China, many local manufacturers have felt pressure to consider automation as a way to increase productivity and profits. The decision to automate is typically based on a number of factors, namely the need to improve business performance, reduce production time and improve the quantity and quality of output. One such company exploring the use of automation to enable greater production flexibility and output is Auckland based injection moulding company TCI New Zealand, which deployed Universal Robots cobots to help automate specific production processes, such as labelling […]

Partnership, collaboration, and technology investment crucial for growth

The Internet of Things (IoT) and data analytics are transforming the manufacturing space; and data is the new currency. Currently, human intervention is needed for logical and reasonable decision making; however, with the rise of cognitive technologies, machines will be empowered to detect constantly changing manufacturing scenarios and respond in real time with minimum human intervention. To be successful, manufacturers need to invest in artificial intelligence (AI) technology to improve plant efficiency and productivity, and build partnerships and collaborations that drive data-driven intelligence. “The automotive industry will lead in terms of the adoption of cognitive technologies in manufacturing,” said Frost & Sullivan Industrial Automation & Process Control Senior Research Analyst Nandini Natarajan. “With vehicles turning autonomous, the industry’s focus will shift to technologies like machine vision and predictive analytics. These technologies will be widely used to predict dangers and prevent road accidents.” The Dawn of Artificial Intelligence—Foreseeing Manufacturing in the Cognitive Era, part of Frost & Sullivan’s Industrial Automation & Process Control Growth Partnership subscription, finds that the development of smart and safe robots using machine learning techniques will continue to remain a prime area of focus for cognitive factories. The global industrial robotics market is expected to double in and value to reach $70.26 billion by 2023, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.1 percent. The study gives a detailed account of cognitive computing, its application in manufacturing, and the competitive landscape through proven use cases such as IBM supercharging operations for Schaeffler, Google’s use of AI to optimise energy savings, and FANUC’s futuristic factory with NVIDIA’s AI platform. AI will be a critical catalyst in overcoming current manufacturing challenges such as security concerns, lagging government initiatives, and a slowdown in cognitive technology growth due to conservative manufacturing mind-sets. Key trends in cognitive manufacturing include: A […]

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