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Thai agritech startup to use satellite images and AI for farming

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A startup company in Thailand called Ricult is planning to use satellite imagery and artificial intelligence to provide precision agritech services to farmers.

The company recently raised $2 million in new investment, bringing its total funding to $5 million, according to Nikkei. Among its backers are the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and Bangkok Bank.

Ricult – which takes its name from the middle of the agriculture – says it is particularly targeting small-scale farmers with its services. [Read more…] about Thai agritech startup to use satellite images and AI for farming

Wing AI partners with KiwiBot to develop robotic delivery services

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Wing AI is partnering with KiwiBot to develop robotic delivery services.

The companies say the partnership will “help make consumer deliveries easier, safer, and more affordable in the Covid-19 pandemic”.

Wing is a 24/7 mobile assistant app powered by humans and artificial intelligence. It is the only on-demand concierge app that learns about its users to better tailor and improve its services. [Read more…] about Wing AI partners with KiwiBot to develop robotic delivery services

Panasonic trials new robotic technologies at Tokyo station

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Panasonic is partnering with JR East Mechatronics to conduct trials for station services using robots at Takanawa Gateway Station, which opened in March, this year. (See video below.)

The trial was intended to provide guidance and help passengers with limited mobility move easily. This was the second trial of the autonomous robots at a train station, following the first one at Saitama-Shintoshin Station in December, last year.

East Japan Railway Company, the parent of JREM, positions Takanawa Gateway Station as the entrance to a new hub for international exchange planned around the station. [Read more…] about Panasonic trials new robotic technologies at Tokyo station

Scientists create ‘first’ map of agroforestry and ecosystem services in Asia-Pacific

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A team of scientists have mapped for the first time the research trends in agroforestry and the current state of knowledge in the Asia-Pacific region, as well as the research gaps about the ecosystem services provided by agroforestry, in a new study.

The team, Seongmin Shin, Khaing Thandar Soe, Haeun Lee, Tae Hoon Kim, Seongeun Lee and Mi Sun Park from Seoul National University in the Republic of Korea, found that the number of agroforestry-related articles in the region has been growing fast but is still small compared to all the literature globally on the subject.

India and China were noted as hotspots of research, which is not surprising given the two nations’ supportive policies and institutes of agroforestry. [Read more…] about Scientists create ‘first’ map of agroforestry and ecosystem services in Asia-Pacific

Opinion: Innovation is in need of better platforms to support its growth

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By Frederick Bravey, business development manager, SVV

Innovation is adapting faster with no signs of slowing down. In this fast-paced environment, innovation is in need of better platforms to support its growth. Corporations today are facing extensive challenges in getting new innovative ideas to market.

​According to ​Harvard Business School​ ​professor​ ​Clayton Christensen​, ​there are over 30,000 new products introduced every year, and 95 percent fail​, ​resulting in huge amounts of time wasted on failed concepts.

However, corporations are now looking toward new ways to greatly reduce their lead time as well as expanding their horizons beyond their current business models. [Read more…] about Opinion: Innovation is in need of better platforms to support its growth

Hyundai Robotics launches its first ‘mobile service robot’

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Newly created company Hyundai Robotics has launched its first “mobile service robot”.

The company held an research and development presentation for the mobile service robot – which has been named “UNI” – at its Yongin Research Lab recently.

The first part of the presentation was a demonstration, and the second part consisted of a presentation of Hyundai Robotics’ achievements so far. [Read more…] about Hyundai Robotics launches its first ‘mobile service robot’

Honeywell forms business units for unmanned aerial systems

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Honeywell has formed a new business unit dedicated to the growing Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Urban Air Mobility (UAM) industries.

The UAS business unit will continue Honeywell’s momentum and leadership in these emerging markets, utilizing Honeywell’s technology, software, services and certification expertise to meet customers’ needs in these markets.

Mike Madsen, president and CEO, Honeywell Aerospace, says: “Urban Air Mobility and Unmanned Aerial Systems will play an increasing role in the future of aerospace, with potential applications in all-electric urban air taxi vehicles, hybrid-electric unmanned cargo drones, optionally piloted airplanes, delivery drones and everything in between. [Read more…] about Honeywell forms business units for unmanned aerial systems

Webinar: A closer look at the EC’s Digital Services Act

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Title: The Digital Evolution – E-Commerce Directive to Digital Services Act and a look at the German Council Presidency
Registration link: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/7620775972725344270

When the EU passed the E-Commerce Directive (ECD) 20 years ago it built a solid ground for the years to come and it found long lasting balance between regulation and entrepreneurial freedoms.

It was not perfect in the beginning and there are still questions about details nowadays. [Read more…] about Webinar: A closer look at the EC’s Digital Services Act

inVia Robotics expands into Asia with Kantsu implementation

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Kantsu has selected inVia Robotics, a provider of warehouse automation solutions, to supply autonomous mobile robots that automate fulfillment operations in its primary distribution center in Osaka, Japan.

inVia’s modular automation system, which includes a fleet of 200 autonomous mobile robots and AI-driven software, will modernize Kantsu’s e-commerce fulfillment process.

It will automate the picking process and allow warehouse workers to sort at rates of 800-900 units per hour per person, says inVia. [Read more…] about inVia Robotics expands into Asia with Kantsu implementation

TPM to offer AI-driven on-demand manufacturing platform from ZVerse360

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Digital manufacturing technology company ZVerse has partnered with TPM to license its AI-enabled on-demand manufacturing platform, ZVerse360.

TPM will run production through the ZVerse360 platform and fulfill projects through its in-house production group, as well as leverage into TPM’s extensive manufacturing customer base across the Southeast.

The ZVerse360 platform aims to simplify and accelerate the design-to-production process, through an end-to-end solution for on-demand digital manufacturing, including CAD as a Service (CADaaS), instant quoting, e-commerce, workflow management and access to the ZVerse production partner network. [Read more…] about TPM to offer AI-driven on-demand manufacturing platform from ZVerse360