PowerUP Asia 2024, a two-day virtual conference focused on power semiconductor technologies and industry developments in Asia, opens tomorrow, June 11.
Organized by AspenCore, publisher of EETimes Asia, EETimes India, and EDN Asia, PowerUP Asia builds on the success of the inaugural event last year and features keynotes and discussions on some of the latest power electronics trends, including wide-band gap (WBG) devices such as gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC), power ICs, packaging, test and measurement, and related technologies.
Speaker lineup this year includes the following:
Collins Wu, Regional Vice President, Power & Discrete Marketing APeC Region, STMicroelectronics: Enabling High Performance Industrial and Automotive Solution with WBG
Alex Lidow, CEO & Co-founder of Efficient Power Conversion, Efficient Power Conversion (EPC): Why GaN for Untethered Robotics
Dr. Mrinal K. Das, Senior Director of Technical Marketing, onsemi: Market Dynamics of Automotive SiC Revolution for Electrification
Dr. Kwok Wai Ma, Senior Principal Engineer, Industrial and Consumer Power, Infineon Technologies Asia Pacific: Recent Advance and Outlook in SiC and GaN Technologies, For a Greener Future
Simon Keeton, Group President, Power Solutions Group, onsemi: A Pathway to Sustainable Energy: Optimized Energy Harvesting and Efficient Grid Integration
Michael (Hyung Mook) Choi, Vice President of Power Business, UTAC Group: Enhancing Power Semiconductor Packages for High-Performance Computing Processors
Bosheng Sun, Systems Engineer, Texas Instruments Inc.: A Totem-pole Bridgeless PFC with Extreme Low Ithd, Re-rush Current Control, High Power Density and Integrated E-meter Function
Nicholas Le Bas, Oscilloscope Product Manager and Application Engineer, Rohde & Schwarz: Measurements of Currents and High Voltages with Oscilloscopes
Mike Zhu, Sr. Product Applications Engineer, Qorvo Inc.: Qorvo SiC FETs Excel in ZVS Soft-switching Applications
Sasikala Thangam, Applications Engineer, Texas Instruments Inc.: Choosing Suitable Gate Driver Protection Approach for High Power Systems
Deric Waters, Systems Engineer and Distinguished Member of Technical Staff (DMTS), Texas Instruments Inc.: Power System Implications of the New USB Power Delivery 3.2
Jason Khor, Senior Manager, Engineering, Arrow Electronics: Optimizing Power Architectures and Designs for Next-generation Low- and High-power Applications
Panel Discussion
WBG devices have been seeing increasing adoption over the past few years, especially as manufacturers put power efficiency on top of their agenda amid the increasing trend towards decarbonization, in line with the global “net zero” goal.
As electronics and semiconductor technologies advance, businesses are creating a wide range of products that offer advantages in a number of applications for the industrial, automotive, and consumer industries, among others.
At PowerUP Asia 2024, a panel of industry experts from some of the leading companies will discuss the challenges that designers currently face, the obstacles that still need to be removed for widespread adoption of WBG devices, the latest innovations that are fueling further growth of the GaN and SiC market, and the future of the WBG industry.
With the theme The Role of GaN and SiC Technologies Towards Drive for More-Efficient Power Electronics, the panel discussion will feature the following experts:
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Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA) convenes export symposium on February 9
The Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA) convened a symposium on February 9, chaired by Engineer Majd al-Din al-Manzalawi, Secretary-General and Chairman of the Association’s Industry and Scientific Research Committee, to address the challenges and opportunities presented by the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a law governing manufacturing standards for Egyptian exporters.
The Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA) convened to discuss the importance of technology in keeping factories compliant with export requirements of the EU.
The symposium invited Mr Wassim Merheby, CEO of Verofax and a technology and AI (artificial intelligence) expert, along with Dr. Hossam Ezz al-Din, Director General of the Industrial Pollution Control Program at the Ministry of Environment, and several heads of specialized committees, to focus on the urgent need for Egyptian exports to align with the green economy principles outlined in the CBAM law.
The discussion emphasized the imperative for Egyptian exports to adhere to the green economy principles outlined in the CBAM law. Key topics included the integration of automated quality data, aggregated across supply chains to streamline compliance processes, access to finance opportunities with prominent European institutions, and enhancing industry performance to support a sustainable economy in Egypt.
Wassim Merheby of Verofax explains how Egyptian exporters could achieve greater profit and seize a greater share of the EU market through compliance with CBAM.
Merheby highlighted the timeline for compliance, noting that registration for the new EU export regulations system would commence on January 1, 2025, with full implementation scheduled for January 2026. Merheby urged Egyptian factories to adapt promptly to the new international legislation, to avoid export bans and hefty tariffs of up to 35%.
The symposium underscored the importance of automating the processes in exporting factories to efficiently meet carbon footprint standards, thereby enabling Egyptian exporters to provide high-quality and validated data. This automation is made possible through Verofax’s comprehensive Lifecycle Assessment Solution, which integrates over 130 systems, ensuring seamless verification of recycled goods, emission reductions, and quality data aggregation for exports to the EU.
Hossam Ezz El-Din, Director General of the Industrial Pollution Reduction Program at the Ministry of Environment, outlined the program’s objective to incentivize industries to adopt environmentally compliant and sustainable practices through finance packages of loans and grants, funded by the European Union.
El-Din elaborated on available financing programs, detailing two types of program: loans, and grants. The Central Bank of Egypt has directed these programs to local banks, including the Ibad program, valued at 135 million euros and expected to conclude by the end of the year. Additionally, a new program named Green, valued at 268 million euros, will commence in 2025, offering a grace period of one to two years and repayment over 5 years. This program also allows borrowing in foreign currency and repayment in Egyptian pounds.
The symposium concluded with a call for continued collaboration among government bodies, financing institutions, and industries to facilitate smooth transition towards environmentally compliant production practices, thereby ensuring Egypt’s competitiveness in international markets.
YouTube: https://youtu.be/i88vJzpjPsM source: Symposium on Carbon Tax – Egyptian Businessmen’s Association discusses the importance of technology in factory compatibility with EU export requirements; Elmahrousa News, February 9th, 2024.
About Verofax Verofax is a blockchain-enabled Asset Digitization & Traceability Solution provider, assisting various industries in automating data validation for EU commodity exporters, integrating a Lifecycle Assessment Solution that automates data aggregation across supply chains for seamless EU Carbon Border Compliance. Integrated with Microsoft IoT hub, validated on Azure Cloud, and in compliance with ISO 14064/14067. Our patented computer vision prevents double counting, and our digital passport on an immutable ledger enables validated data for smooth exports to the EU. Learn more about our automated Lifecycle Assessment Solution at www.verofax.com, or contact us at info@verofax.com.
About Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA) The Egyptian Businessmen’s Association (EBA) is a leading organization dedicated to advancing economic development, entrepreneurship, and sustainable business practices in Egypt. With a diverse membership representing various industries, the EBA catalyzes innovation, advocacy, and partnership-building to drive inclusive growth and prosperity. Visit www.eba.org.eg.
For media inquiries: Wassim Merheby, CEO, Verofax Email: info@verofax.com
Sunbank is a Joint Venture With Samsung Renewables and the City of Summerside
BluWave-ai announced today the signing of a contract with the City of Summerside (PE, Canada) to deploy and activate its AI-driven Smart Grid Optimizer for Summerside’s Solar Farm: Sunbank.
BluWave-ai Summerside Sunbank
Sunbank boosts the city’s renewable generation with 21.6 MW of solar and a 10 MW/20 MWH hour battery, augmenting a 12 MW wind farm supplying the city. Integrated with Microsoft Azure, the cloud-based software solution from BluWave-ai optimizes the operation of Sunbank to make the most of available renewables, which cuts net energy costs and reduces the carbon footprint of the city.
Depending on weather conditions, solar and wind energy generation is highly variable and, as such, is not dispatchable. Dispatchable generation can be requested to supply needs at short notice to handle peaks in demand and shortfall in other supply. Most power grids today use dispatchable gas-fired and other fossil-fuel-fired power plants or, in Summerside’s case, importing energy from the mainland via subsea cable, which is generated with a mix of non-renewable and renewable sources. With a maximum peak load of about 35 MW, Summerside can manage most of this peak demand with clean energy if it is made dispatchable.
Energy storage such as Sunbank’s provides the capability to capture energy during surplus periods and release when needed to meet system demand. Intelligent control is needed to maximize the use of renewable energy, predicting demand and generation ahead of time to optimally schedule charging. This includes discharging energy storage and any shortfall required from other sources to avoid curtailing or wasting that energy. This is where BluWave-ai’s Smart Grid Optimizer comes into play.
BluWave-ai and the City of Summerside’s collaboration has expanded from North America’s first AI-enabled energy dispatch announced in 2019 to the first end-to-end AI-optimized smart grid in North America in 2021. This integrates control of local energy assets including solar and energy storage at the city’s sports arena complex, which delivered a 100% solar-powered concert in 2022. With this contract, the solution integrates the utility-scale Sunbank solar and energy storage facility, providing more effective dispatchable clean energy capacity to meet the city’s needs.
“With the Canadian Federal Government’s target for net zero electricity grids by 2035, a key to retiring natural gas peaking plants and coal-fired thermal plants, will be to manage fluctuating renewables in the context of the needs of the grid,” said Devashish Paul, CEO BluWave-ai. “Leveraging 26 USPTO patents filed in the area of grids and optimization embedded in our AI products, this project at Sunbank will be a key AI-enabled battery dispatch project applicable to smart grids across Canada by 2035.”
Summerside’s state-of-the art smart grid with BluWave-ai’s Smart Grid Optimizer showcases a solution that is applicable worldwide as system operators and power utilities strive to build in more renewables to reduce fossil-fuel generation and corresponding emissions. With increased renewable capacity in the system, responding to demand peaks and avoiding curtailing renewable energy during lower demand periods is a significant problem. For example, California curtails about five percent of its solar and wind energy each year: clean energy that would have powered 370,000 homes in the state. In addition to the capabilities in operation at Summerside, the Smart Grid Optimizer can be augmented with BluWave-ai EV Everywhere to corral the rapidly growing, large capacity of energy storage from EVs and behind-the-meter EV chargers connected within electricity distribution grids to further uptake renewables with AI-managed active charging.
“As the global conversation at COP28 centered on reducing worldwide emissions and addressing climate change, the City of Summerside has proactively implemented substantial measures to greatly diminish our carbon footprint. Our collaboration with Bluwave-ai showcases the pioneering end-to-end AI-controlled smart grid in our city, deploying cutting-edge innovation to deliver tangible outcomes in emission reductions and energy cost savings. The integration of Sunbank into our operations marks a significant stride towards achieving net zero energy for our community,” said Dan Kutcher, Mayor of the City of Summerside.
“Wind and solar farms all over North America need to be turned into effective dispatchable energy assets to maximize use of clean energy,” said Thomas Triplet, Senior Director of Engineering, BluWave-ai. “With a combination of Sunbank’s renewable energy expertise and BluWave-ai’s AI-driven optimization, we can provide this capability, reducing the reliance of electricity systems on fossil-fuel generation without sacrificing capacity to handle demand peaks.”
For more information on the BluWave-ai Smart Grid Optimizer or for independent power producers who want to meet with BluWave-ai’s Smart Grid Optimization experts at Distributech in Orlando, Florida, at Booth 1325, Kiosk 1 (Feb. 26-29), please contact info@bluwave-ai.com.
Seyond and Avikus on track to hit significant product delivery milestone
Seyond (formerly Innovusion), a leading global provider of high-performance LiDAR solutions for autonomous vehicles and smart transportation, and Avikus, a pioneer in ship autonomous driving solutions, announced a significant step forward in their collaboration.
Seyond is set to deliver its award-winning, ultra-long range LiDAR sensor, Falcon, to Avikus and their customers at scale. This is a critical milestone in Avikus and Seyond’s shared mission of creating safer and smarter boating.
“We are honored that Avikus has selected our industry-leading LiDAR sensors to advance the development of autonomous technologies for boats,” said Junwei Bao, CEO of Seyond. “The opportunity for continued growth within the intelligent shipping industry is an exciting prospect. We look forward to facilitating more efficient and accurate detection on the world’s oceans and waterways through our work with Avikus.”
“We are excited to work with Seyond on developing cutting-edge solutions for the recreational boating industry”, said Dohyeong Lim, CEO of Avikus. “Seyond’s high-performance LiDAR is important for us to deal with the many sensing challenges”.
This collaboration promises to provide Avikus with the resources needed for highly precise, long-range detection, advanced navigation assist and improved autonomous functionality across several new models to deliver an unparalleled boating experience. The first models leveraging Falcon’s 500-meter detection range will be introduced this summer, with additional models planned for late 2024.
About Seyond Seyond is a leading global provider of image-grade LiDAR technology, powering a safer, smarter and more mobile world across the automotive, intelligent transportation, robotics and industrial automation sectors. Founded in Silicon Valley with strategically placed research and manufacturing facilities across the globe, Seyond is crafting LiDAR solutions that elevate autonomous driving and fuel the advancement of smart infrastructure development. The company’s dynamic portfolio – including ultra-long range flagship LiDAR sensor Falcon, mid-to-short range LiDAR sensor Robin and perception service software platform OmniVidi – powers automotive and ITS solutions for partners like NIO, Faraday Future, Exwayz and Hexagon. Currently, over 200,000 Falcon units are in use, and the product continues to be mass-produced today.
About Avikus
AVIKUS, a startup specializing in autonomous navigation solutions, was established in December 2020 by HD Hyundai, the world’s No. 1 shipbuilder. The company’s accolades include the successful completion of an autonomous operation demonstration of a 12-seater cruise ship over the 10km Pohang Canal for 40 minutes without human intervention, as well as the world’s first autonomous navigation cross the ocean with their HiNAS (Hyundai Intelligent Navigation Assistant System) Control. AVIKUS presented its autonomous navigation technology at CES 2022, and recently announced the successful completion of phase 2 of its autonomous navigation solution, HiNAS Control, in conjunction with winning the orders of 23 large ships from two of the world’s major ship builders
XTS and Sinma Digital Lead the Way in Automated Storage and Efficiency
XTS Technologies Sdn. Bhd. (XTS Technologies or the Company), an expert integrator of smart-factories, proudly unveils Haipick, the world’s first 11-metre tall Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robot (ACR) system, in a collaborative appreciation dinner recently with Sinma Digital Commerce Sdn. Bhd. (Sinma Digital), themed ‘Move on to a New Journey.
Xteven Teoh, Founder and Managing Director of XTS Technologies Sdn. Bhd.; Chung Dao, Director of XTS Technologies Sdn. Bhd.; Lee Kia Shen, Chief Executive Officer of Sinma Digital Commerce Sdn. Bhd.; Lee Kia Wei, Chief Operating Officer of Sinma Digital Commerce Sdn. Bhd. [L-R]
This groundbreaking system, leveraging Automated Case-handling Technology (ACT), is set to revolutionise industrial efficiency and precision, aligning seamlessly with the demands of Industry 4.0.
XTS Technologies, known for its Automated Sorting Conveyor (ASC), Automated Storage and Retrieval Systems (ASRS), and Dimensioning, Weighing and Scanning (DWS) solutions, reinforces the commitment to innovation with Haipick AGV Picking Robot. Ensuring top-tier accuracy and efficiency, Haipick, along with XTS’ suite of technologies, plays a vital role in elevating global warehousing and logistics capabilities. The Company’s global presence in the US, Europe, and Japan solidifies its position as a key player in international automation and e-commerce sectors.
Xteven Teoh, Founder and Managing Director of XTS Technologies said, “XTS Technologies leads in robotics solutions and warehouse logistics automation in Malaysia, rooted in a commitment to Beyond Industrial 4.0. Our focus extends beyond technological innovation to encompass environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and strong governance. In projects like our AGF Forklift and AGV Sorting Robot automaton project in collaboration with Padini Holdings, we emphasise sustainability through automation, reducing carbon footprint and enhancing energy efficiency towards the nation’s carbon neutral goals.”
He added, “Our team’s dedication to redefining manufacturing processes drives industry advancement ensures our contributions positively impact society and the environment. We are excited about a future where our innovations in technology play a crucial role in fostering a sustainable and efficient industrial landscape, epitomising the essence of Beyond 4.0.”
“Sinma Digital’s strategic growth is enhanced by our excellent financial health, a trajectory that will be further accelerated through collaboration with XTS Technologies,” stated Lee Kia Shen, Chief Executive Officer of Sinma Digital, “XTS’ innovative solutions bring superior efficiency and precision, which is crucial for our expansion and operation excellence. This partnership minimizes human error and optimizes space use, reinforcing our confidence in a promising future.”
Sinma Digital is the first ecommerce warehouse in Malaysia to utilize the Haipick system, where the automation allows Sinma to handle incoming spike in volume by multiple folds with the growth in the industry.
Chung Dao, Director of XTS Technologies as well as Sinma Digital, brings a wealth of experience and strategic insight to the table. He said, “The launch marks a milestone for XTS Technologies and Sinma Digital with the introduction of Haipick, the world’s first Autonomous Case-handling Mobile Robot system. This event underscores our commitment to technical and service excellence, innovation, and exceeding market expectations.
At XTS, we are also placing a heightened focus on enhancing our financial stability, and this strategic financial strengthening is fundamental to the company’s continued success and growth.
The journey with Sinma promises transformation and innovation. Our clients and partners’ ongoing support is crucial in our pursuit of excellence and leadership in technology, thank you for being a part of our vision for a future shaped by groundbreaking innovation and technological mastery.”
Chung Dao plays a vital role in advancing both companies’ financial stability and optimising operational processes for seamless functionality.
XTS Technologies and Sinma Digital’s partnership marks a significant milestone in their journey, blending technological innovation with strategic foresight. Their combined efforts are setting new standards in the industry, driving progress and efficiency in the Malaysian and global digital landscapes.
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 concluded on December 15th at the iconic International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney). The event, organized by Koelnmesse Pte Ltd and ACM SIGGRAPH, a renowned special interest group within the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), marked a tremendous success in shaping the future of animation, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and related Computer Graphics and Interactive Techniques technologies. With 5,690 attendees hailing from more than 40 countries and featuring 30 exhibiting brands, the conference and exhibition exemplified the industry’s vibrant dynamism and rapid growth.
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Conference Chair June Kim said, “As the curtain falls on SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 in Sydney, it stands out as a brilliant success. Thousands of visitors from over 40 countries experienced innovation at its peak, with over 30 leading brands and impactful presentations setting new standards in computer graphics and interactive techniques. From keynotes by luminaries to groundbreaking showcases and awards, we’re grateful for the support of computer, animation, and tech visionaries. Special thanks to our partners in Sydney for being tremendous hosts.”
Key Highlights and Achievements
The SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Conference and Exhibition represented a vibrant showcase of the latest developments in the Computer Graphics (CG) arena. Luminaries Jun Murai of Keio University and Joe Letteri from Weta FX, shared invaluable insights with their keynote presentations on “Internet Civilization: A New Frontier for Humankind” and “Innovation & Avatar: The Way of Water” respectively.
The event buzzed with intellectual stimulation. Featured sessions included speakers like Rob Bredow of Industrial Light & Magic, and Paul Debevec of Netflix, who offered unique perspectives, touching on themes ranging from the synergy of art and technology to the frontiers of virtual production. Forward-thinking panels delved into the latest trends in Character Animation, VFX, Digital Humans, and the future of computer animation tools.
The Conference also took a compelling look into how a hybrid society is emerging via extended reality by exploring how with Digital Twin, artifacts, space, and humans can be replicated in a digital form. One of the highlights was a real-time demonstration that demonstrated how digital twin, big data visualization, and extended reality can connect from Sydney to other cities via Super Speed Connectivity.
Much conversation at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 revolved around Generative AI, a topic that was brought up at numerous sessions. These sessions delved into the intricacies and applications of Generative AI, providing valuable insights, and expanding the overall understanding of this cutting-edge technology.
Fostering Future Talent and Education
The theme ‘Connecting Stories’ rang true among participants, who described how important it was to convey how their technology was being applied in an everyday sense – whether it be to help blind people navigate, or an apparatus that uses sign language. Students, Researchers, and Academics mingled with those from industry, sharing their ideas and work in progress.
Attracting newcomers to the industry is important, and so SIGGRAPH Asia sought ways to proactively interest the young. Another notable highlight of the conference was the Computer Animation Festival, which featured an eclectic mix of 38 films, ranging from narrative shorts to scientific visualizations. It included works from the inaugural Junior Computer Animation Festival, which brought to life the event’s commitment to fostering new talent.
Technological Showcases and Inclusivity
SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 was a technological extravaganza. Emerging technologies were showcased that are set to redefine the industry. Over 900 Technical Papers were submitted to SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 and juried by more than 180 experts and over 3,000 anonymous peer reviewers.
Courses and Talks sessions, particularly those focusing on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence on the tools the industry uses, were a window into the future of the industry. New tools offer potential in lowering the barriers to entry for more artists and designers to join the computer graphics and interactive techniques sectors.
Inspiring panel discussions underscored how SIGGRAPH Asia places emphasis on creating a neuro-diverse and inclusive community, providing a nurturing environment for discussions and learning as to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI).
Recognizing Excellence
Outstanding individuals and teams were celebrated through multiple esteemed awards programs (). Among the notable honorees, Australian artist Paul Brown received the prestigious Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement in Digital Art from SIGGRAPH ACM and Singaporean Associate Professor Yong Tsui (YT) Lee was honored with the SIGGRAPH ACM Outstanding Service Award in recognition of his nurturing and fostering of the SIGGRAPH Asia community and Conference.
An intriguing Exhibition
Visitors to the SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Exhibition left with their imaginations ignited by the boundless potential of technology. From healthcare and transportation to the vast realms of space and entertainment, technology was showcased as a powerful force bringing visualization and interactive tools into our everyday lives. Prominent industry leaders, including FORUM8, Adobe, NVIDIA, Industrial Light and Magic, MSI, Vicon, and Weta FX exhibited, offering glimpses into the future of Animation & Visual Effects, Augmented Reality, Cloud-based Systems, Computer Graphics, Interactive & Innovative Technologies, Gaming Technologies, Imaging, Virtual Reality & Simulation, Visualization, and much more.
People attended Demoscene to see the very cutting-edge of computer demonstrations, and the Experience Hall to participate in an immersive Art Gallery, an Extended Reality (XR) program, and witness the emergence of the very latest Emerging Technologies for CGI, special effects (FX) and animation.
Adding to the allure of the event were the exhilarating Exhibitor Talks, featuring influential speakers from Adobe, Canva, DNEG, Foundry, Gigabyte, NVIDIA, and Pixar Animation Studios, who enthralled and inspired audiences with the latest advancements in technology and the innovative techniques that are shaping the future.
To Tokyo and Beyond
As SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 drew to a close, it left an indelible mark on Sydney participants, many of whom had never attended a SIGGRAPH event prior. Hosting the event in Sydney is a reflection of the nation’s growing importance in the global computer graphics industry. The local surge in activities in both 2D and 3D animation work is evident in the increasing demand for artists and expansion of local production companies in these fields, and insofar as local companies are expanding their capabilities and adopting new technologies for series work.
Conference Chair June Kim encapsulated the spirit of the event, expressing gratitude to the supporters and looking forward to the next edition in Tokyo: “I am deeply grateful to all the local and international supporters for making this edition in Sydney exceptionally memorable and successful. We eagerly anticipate the next gathering in Tokyo in early December 2024!”
Commenting on the importance of SIGGRAPH Asia, Rob Coleman said, “It has truly been an honour to co-chair the Computer Animation Festival at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023.” He added, “My SIGGRAPH journey began in 1992 in Chicago; the Electronic Theater at that event left an indelible impression on me. Back then, the internet didn’t exist, which meant that SIGGRAPH was the hub for seeing the latest in computer graphics. At that time, I had a limited view of the field; however, attending SIGGRAPH introduced me to a world of diverse content… Witnessing the exceptional global talent showcased this year is incredibly rewarding.”
Attendee, Philippe Huibonhoa, 24, University of Technology Sydney
Philippe Huibonhoa delighted in the fact that he could participate in most aspects of the conference. He observed that, “We, through the innovation and technology, like we as humankind, are getting closer, especially with the advances in AI. We’re finding ways to connect in ways that we couldn’t, couldn’t never have dreamed of, [which he saw] especially in the Art Gallery.”
Maria Zelenskaya, Griffith University
From the many papers submitted, and from those chosen to exhibit, there were multiple groundbreaking technology advancements that were acclaimed at SIGGRAPH Asia 2023. The people’s choice Best Demo Award at the Emerging Technologies Awards went to a team from the University of Queensland that worked on a project to create a smart home assistant that uses gesture controls to provide Auslan (Australian Sign Language) responses for Deaf users. She said that it is quite fulfilling to enhance Deaf accessibility and that she was inspired to continue. She said her SIGGRAPH journey started as a student, and continues now as a PhD and that their work showcases avatars’ potential for the Deaf community. ”I think it’s really great to show how they can be used for something really powerful and inspiring.”
Access Keynote Speakers, Conference Chair and Program Chairs Bios and high-resolution profile images HERE.
Download SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 press kit and high-resolutions images HERE.
Complete SIGGRAPH Asia 2023 Winners List, available .
FURTHER PROGRAM SUMMARIES
A true highlight of the SIGGRAPH Asia conferences, Real–Time Live! offers an exhilarating and one-of-a-kind experience in which audiences are treated to a live spectacle and competition, one in which the finest minds in real-time graphics and interactive techniques bring their creations to life. Sally Coleman, currently pursuing a practice-based PhD with UTS Creativity & Cognition Studios, clinched victory for both Best in Show and People’s Choice awards. Her innovative music project, Big Sand, a lively animated sci-fi virtual band crafted with Unreal Engine and brought to life through motion capture technology, stole the spotlight. Notably, the entire Real-Time Live! was live streamed on Twitch for the first time, extending its reach to a global audience.
Birds of a Feather (BOF) sessions provoked lively discussions among those who shared interests, goals, technologies, arts and/or backgrounds, inspiring new opportunities for collaboration.
The Doctoral Consortiumbrought PhD students to meet and discuss their work with each other and a panel of experienced SIGGRAPH Asia researchers in an informal and interactive setting.
At the Technical Communications program, international experts from academia and industry presented novel ideas, shared insights from production, and discussed innovative interdisciplinary applications in progress.
The Business & Innovation Symposiumsought to find an intersection between technology, creativity, and business, to power transformation: the key topic was Generative AI and connecting stories across business, technology, and community.
Demoscene thrilled with cutting-edge computer demonstrations, while a vintage technology museum delighted with a nostalgic treasure trove, featuring cherished relics like Game Boys, antiquated computers, classic arcade machines, and an array of other cherished artifacts.
The Experience Hall, featuringArtGallery, XR, and EmergingTechnologies, served as a captivating fusion of art and technology, unveiling uncharted worlds and cultures to visitors. The Emerging Technologies program took attendees on a mesmerizing journey where levitation and mid-air visualizations left them enthralled. At one station, the NTT Corporation introduced groundbreaking wearable technology designed to enhance the piano learning experience. In the XR space, visitors were beguiled by projects that spanned from 3D embodiment to AR garment customization, and immersive VR experiences that transported them to entirely new dimensions. Alongside the Art Gallery, Art Papers returned this year, for which there were a healthy number of submissions.
The Posters gallery encapsulated state-of-the-art proposals in computer graphics and interactive techniques, providing a comprehensive glimpse into the forefront of innovation.
ACM SIGGRAPH is an international community of researchers, artists, developers, filmmakers, scientists, and business professionals with a shared interest in computer graphics and interactive techniques. A special interest group of the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM), the world’s first and largest computing society, our mission is to nurture, champion and connect like-minded researchers and practitioners to catalyze innovation in computer graphics and interactive techniques.
ACM SIGGRAPH offers two of the premier technology conferences in the world, one in North America and one in Asia. Attended by tens of thousands of computer graphics professionals, SIGGRAPH and SIGGRAPH Asia are highly respected venues for the presentation of new computer graphics technology and research. For more information, please visit www.siggraph.org.
About Koelnmesse
Koelnmesse Pte Ltd is one of the world’s largest trade fair companies. Its more than 80 trade fairs and exhibitions have the broadest international scope in the industry, as 60 percent of the exhibitors and 40 percent of the visitors come from outside Germany. The Koelnmesse events include leading global trade fairs for 25 sectors, such as Imm Cologne, Anuga, IDS, INTERMOT, Interzum Cologne, Photokina, Gamescom, and the International Hardware Fair Cologne. Koelnmesse is ACM SIGGRAPH’s event organizer for the last 15 editions of SIGGRAPH Asia. For more information, please visit www.koelnmesse.com.sg.
BluWave-ai EV Fleet Orchestrator shows 13% improvement in efficiency for COP28 Tesla taxi fleet connected via Smartcar’s vehicle API
Aligned with COP28 Transport Day and the UAE’s sustainability goals, BluWave-aiand Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) announced the results of their collaboration to introduce a revolutionary AI software-driven energy optimization solution for DTC’s fleet of 200 Tesla electric vehicles (EVs) in a world’s first-ever achievement. Dubai Taxi has an ambitious electrification program, replacing conventional fossil-fueled taxis with Teslas in order to meet its sustainability targets, one of the first taxi fleets in the world to do this.
BluWave-ai and Dubai Taxi
The solution, BluWave-ai EV Fleet Orchestrator automatically solves the problem of when, where, and by how much an EV taxi should charge in order to be charged and ready for service at the right times and avoid missing out on trips while charging. The system optimizes road network and charging/grid side operations in real-time, 24×7 eliminating the need for human operators to manually make decisions to deal with operational challenges. It also reacts to changes in the road network as well as in the charging infrastructure availability.
The deployment of BluWave-ai’s EV Fleet Orchestrator with DTC’s electric fleet has demonstrated significant improvement in operating efficiency for the overall fleet:
– 12% increase in revenue from the EV fleet – 13% increase in EV paid trip distance driven – 52% decrease in fossil fueled vehicle km driven to cover EVs while they charge – Reduced or eliminated need for fast charging, which will result in extended EV battery life.
By going live with BluWave-ai’s EV Fleet Orchestrator, DTC is the first taxi operator to deploy the AI approach. The results show that by saving operational costs, the system quickly pays for itself. As part of the solution, a dashboard is included that provides an easy comprehensive view of the savings and reduction in emissions.
BluWave-ai’s EV Fleet Orchestrator solution runs on a comprehensive city-wide taxi trip demand model built from trip records spanning multiple years of taxi operations. It pulls in operating data from the EV taxi fleet in real time using a direct over-the-air telematics integration to Tesla vehicles via the Smartcar API, as a result of a partnership between the two companies. By registering the DTC Tesla taxis with BluWave-ai via the Smartcar API, real-time data on taxi telematics and state of charge was instantly fed to AI models. These models predicted where and when to best charge and position vehicles for fare maximization while maximizing electric miles on the road and using energy at favourable times for the grid.
“Smartcar is proud to bring our vehicle API technology to the BluWave-ai EV Fleet Orchestrator,” said Sahas Katta, CEO of Smartcar. “This partnership is pivotal in helping reduce carbon emissions from vehicle fleets by enabling BluWave-ai to seamlessly integrate with DTC’s Tesla EV fleets, power AI-driven optimization, and accelerate the path to realizing operational benefits.”
“By hooking up our EV Fleet Orchestrator to the network, once live data comes through to the cloud and starts training models, it quickly is able to optimize the system performance and deploy those models for DTC’s fleet,” said Devashish Paul, BluWave-ai founder and CEO. “We are proud to work with DTC as a forward-thinking taxi fleet operator, having validated the benefits in both operational costs and lifetime cost of ownership.”
To learn more about BluWave-ai’s EV Fleet Orchestrator and how to deploy for your electric vehicle fleet, or to schedule a free consultation meeting at COP28 Dubai with BluWave-ai CEO and lead technical staff, contact info@bluwave-ai.com
eDrivingSM, a Solera company and leading global provider of digital driver risk management solutions, today announced the launch of its new EcoReport sustainability reporting solution to help fleets globally manage Scope 1, 2, and 3 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
To view the logo (Click Here) EcoReport is the latest development in eDriving’s partnership with driving data analytics leader, Greater Than, which has already seen the introduction of the EcoDrive feature in eDriving’s award-winning digital driver safety app, MentorSM. The EcoDrive enhancement to Mentor empowers drivers to reduce carbon emissions and EV battery consumption by an average of 20% while ensuring their safe return home each day.
Now, with the launch of EcoReport, companies can quantify their driving-related CO2 emissions while showcasing the results of their climate impact reduction efforts in a ready-made Environmental, Social & Governance (ESG) reporting solution. Key features include:
Measures CO2 driving emissions
Enables benchmarking, goal setting, and progress reporting
Facilitates seamless reporting for fleets across Scope 1, 2, and 3
“We’re set to see radical change in 2024 as mandatory ESG reporting regulations come into play for more companies, and the management of value chain emissions becomes a critical focus for some of the world’s largest organisations,” said Ed Dubens, CEO/Founder of eDriving. “Don’t panic! We take away the pain and administrative burden of reporting by converting your Mentor driving data into a comprehensive ESG report to meet the needs of all stakeholders while taking your organisation’s culture of safety and sustainability to another level.”
ESG reporting requirements will ramp up in 2024, as some of the main regulations take effect. This includes the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) that will apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2024. The European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) will also become effective on the same date. Regulations are also incoming in other parts of the world, with the United States having proposed the Enhancement & Standardization of Climate-Related Disclosures for Investors and Australia welcoming the Climate related financial disclosure (2022) from July 2024.
EcoReport simplifies ESG reporting for fleets of all sizes by leveraging data from the Mentor by eDriving smartphone solution and compiling it into a detailed report that incorporates all the driving-related data fleets need to share with customers, supply chain partners, and investors alike.
With Scope 3 (value chain) emissions playing such a leading role in sustainability goals for large organisations, EcoReport can be easily adopted or shared by partner companies to help all players in the value chain obtain emissions data that matters.
“We’re so proud of eDriving for elevating their role in safety and sustainability management to help fleets get to grips with ESG reporting requirements,” said Liselott Johansson, CEO, Greater Than. “Globally, more fleets will be seeking a solution that enables them to fulfil legislation, meet the pressures of stakeholders, demonstrate their sustainability commitments, and win potential new deals – eDriving has just launched that solution.”
Revolutionising driver risk management for over 25 years, eDriving is the trusted partner of choice for many of the world’s largest sales, service, and delivery fleets, supporting over 2,000,000 drivers in 125 countries with award-winning digital driver risk management solutions. Its smartphone-based Mentor programme identifies and remediates drivers’ risky habits behind the wheel with scoring, training, coaching, and gamification, achieving up to an 89% reduction in risky driver behaviour over 18 months.
The integration of Greater Than’s EcoDrive feature enables eDriving to extend Mentor’s value proposition beyond a comprehensive driver safety solution as a holistic driver safety AND sustainability solution. Now, with the addition of EcoReport, eDriving is demonstrating its expertise in ESG management, delivering a truly end-to-end solution that helps organisations to measure, report on, and reduce emissions.
About Solera Solera is the global leader in vehicle lifecycle management software-as-a-service, data, and services. Through four lines of business – vehicle claims, vehicle repairs, vehicle solutions and fleet solutions – Solera is home to many leading brands in the vehicle lifecycle ecosystem, including Identifix, Audatex, DealerSocket, Omnitracs, LoJack, Spireon, eDriving/Mentor, Explore, cap hpi, Autodata, and others. Solera empowers its customers to succeed in the digital age by providing them with a “one-stop shop” solution that streamlines operations, offers data-driven analytics, and enhances customer engagement, which Solera believes helps customers drive sales, promote customer retention, and improve profit margins. Solera serves over 300,000 global customers and partners in 100+ countries. For more information, visit www.solera.com.
About eDriving eDriving, a Solera company, helps organisations around the world improve safety, reduce injuries, licence endorsements, carbon emissions, and total cost of fleet ownership through its patented digital driver risk management programmes. These include the Mentor by eDrivingSM smartphone app with FICO® Safe Driving Score; the patented, five-stage Crash-Free Culture® risk reduction programme; and the Virtual Risk Manager® platform, all designed to work together within a privacy-first, data-secure environment that supports drivers and their managers every step of the way. eDriving is the digital driver risk management partner of choice for many of the world’s largest organisations, supporting over 2,000,000 drivers in 125 countries. Over the past 25 years, eDriving’s research-validated programmes have been recognised with over 120 awards around the world. For more information, visit www.edriving.com.
About Greater Than Greater Than is a driving data analytics company that specialises in understanding driver impact on the roads. Through the power of artificial intelligence (AI), Greater Than converts GPS data into driver scores that predict crash probability and climate impact. The scores can be further enhanced with additional intelligence including an analytics dashboard, prevention tool, and summary reports.
Insurance companies, underwriters, fleet solution providers, mobility providers and other owners of GPS data use Greater Than’s analysis to optimise driver risk management, achieve insurance profitability, manage sustainability & ESG reporting, and monetise GPS data. Greater Than (GREAT.ST) is listed on Nasdaq First North Growth Market. FNCA Sweden AB is the Company’s Certified Adviser. Learn more at www.greaterthan.eu.
Way back in 2013, Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi envisioned “IT+IT=IT; Indian talent + Information technology = India Tomorrow.” This timeless statement, etched in the annals of time, resonates anew in his recent clarion call that “this era is a golden opportunity for India” and “the work done now will impact the next 1,000 years.” It is with this resolute belief that global future tech events leader Trescon, with its Strategic Partner Cyberverse Foundation, proudly presents the inaugural Digital Acceleration & Transformation Expo (DATE) on 23rd and 24th November 2023 in New Delhi, India.
Image caption:Shri. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Cyberverse Foundation, a Strategic Partner of DATE
Aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of AatmaNirbhar Bharat and echoing the essence of “Make in India,” DATE embodies India’s audacious strides in technology. The event heralds a transformative epoch where the future is driven by technology, inspiring innovation for the generations to come with streams like artificial intelligence, blockchain, cloud, cybersecurity, data analytics, eSports, Greentech, Fintech, IoT, metaverse and more as priorities.
Underpinned by the theme “Tech Reimagined: Unleashing the Power of Tech for Good,” DATE marries technology and societal impact, encapsulating the essence of Prime Minister Modi’s prophetic words.
“In the heart of India’s digital transformation, we introduce DATE, not just as an event, but as a movement that will shape a more inclusive and prosperous future for our nation. DATE is not only a monumental leap in technology but also a commitment to India’s growth story” declares Mohammed Saleem, Founder & Chairman of Trescon.
Trescon, a pioneering force in the global business events and services sector, takes immense pride in its close-knit relationship with India’s vibrant tech community. With roots embedded in India, Trescon attributes a substantial part of its success to this very community that propels innovation forward.
“Naveen Bharadwaj, Group CEO of Trescon, emphasises, ‘Our roots in India run deep, and the energy of the Indian tech community has propelled us to where we are today. DATE is the embodiment of India’s technological prowess and its limitless potential, forging a path that resonates with the Prime Minister’s visionary words – “Future is driven by technology.”
Shri. Yaduveer Krishnadatta Chamaraja Wadiyar, Chairman of the Advisory Board at Cyberverse Foundation, a Strategic Partner of DATE, perfectly encapsulates the vision, stating, ‘Cyberverse Foundation’s mission resonates deeply with the ideals of DATE. It’s about empowering India’s tech ecosystem, fostering innovation, and fortifying cybersecurity. This strategic partnership seeks to build a resilient digital future for India.
Amid dynamic initiatives, DATE addresses global challenges through five central themes: Future Tech Frontiers, Green Quotient, Fintech Revolution, Beyond Experience, and To Trust or Not to Trust. The event aims to host over 100 global speakers, across 10 conference streams and 3 stages, with more than 100 exhibitors and 3,000+ attendees, delivering an immersive tech experience.
DATE is supported by Indian organisations, including the Data Security Council of India (DSCI), Cybersecurity Centre of Excellence (CCoE), Karnataka Digital Economy Mission, Government of Telangana, GESIA IT Association, Gujarat, and Digital Lenders Association of India (DLAI), as well as international organisations like UAE’s DIFC Innovation Hub, Indonesia’s KORIKA, Oman IT Society, and Intaj Jordan.
Today, Dematic announced the global launch of its Noise Reduction Portfolio, a comprehensive solution to address loud work environments across supply chain facilities. The offering includes before and after 3D noise mapping audits throughout a facility, enhanced rollers, slats, and belt conveyors that can reduce noises at their source by up to 15 decibels.
Dematic Sliding Shoe Sorter
“The well-being of our customers and their employees is a high priority that includes protecting hearing when working in loud environments like distribution centers,” says Andy Randles, Senior Director, Global Lifecycle Support. “By implementing this portfolio of technology, our customers can take the noise levels down in their facilities from a concert hall to a classroom chat. It’s a huge step forward in improving work environments.”
To diagnose noise levels, Dematic uses 3D noise mapping to conduct on-site testing at customer facilities that visually identifies acoustic hazards, similar to the way a heatmap identifies temperature hazards. Dematic then builds a noise model to simulate how upgrading equipment would reduce noise levels. The company recommends upgrades and installs quiet rollers, slats, and conveyors as needed. Dematic conducts a second test after installation to demonstrate the difference before and after the upgrade was made.
“We’re proud to provide such a comprehensive noise reduction portfolio,” says Randles. “Reducing noise levels in facilities is not only meaningful for worker health and safety, but also to job satisfaction. We’ve heard from customers that morale and productivity among workers goes up when noise levels are lower.”
According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), approximately 22 million workers in the U.S. are exposed to noise loud enough to damage their hearing each year. Similarly, studies in Europe have found up to 30 million workers are exposed to occupational noise that endangers their hearing. Results of research studies like these underscore the importance of furthering technology and solutions that protect worker hearing and improve safety.
The new portfolio continues Dematic’s focus on reducing noise levels in customer facilities so workers can better communicate and hear safety sounds. In 2022, Dematic introduced new noise reduction features on its linear sorter that included quiet shoes, merge wedges, and slider belts.
For more information about Dematic, visit dematic.com or follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter.
About Dematic Dematic designs, builds, and supports intelligent automated solutions empowering and sustaining the future of commerce for its customers in manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution. With research and development engineering centers, manufacturing facilities, and service centers located in more than 35 countries, the Dematic global network of over 11,000 employees has helped achieve successful customer installations for some of the world’s leading brands. Headquartered in Atlanta, Dematic is a member of KION Group, one of the world’s leading suppliers of industrial trucks and supply chain solutions.
Disclaimer: This release and the information contained herein are for information purposes only and do not constitute a prospectus or an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States or in any other jurisdiction. This release contains forward-looking statements that are subject to various risks and uncertainties. Future results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain factors, for example, changes in business, economic, and competitive conditions (including with respect to further developments in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic), regulatory reforms, results of technical studies, foreign exchange rate fluctuations, uncertainties in litigation or investigative proceedings, and the availability of financing. We do not undertake any responsibility to update the forward-looking statements in this release.
![Xteven Teoh, Founder and Managing Director of XTS Technologies Sdn. Bhd.; Chung Dao, Director of XTS Technologies Sdn. Bhd.; Lee Kia Shen, Chief Executive Officer of Sinma Digital Commerce Sdn. Bhd.; Lee Kia Wei, Chief Operating Officer of Sinma Digital Commerce Sdn. Bhd. [L-R]](https://photos.acnnewswire.com/20240118.XTS.jpg)
