TOKYO, Dec 3, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has received a Minister of the Environment Award for Climate Action 2024 for development of its JHT-Y/JHT-YI series of large-capacity centrifugal chillers adopting the HFO-1234yf refrigerant with a low GWP(1). The award, sponsored by the Japanese Ministry of the Environment, was presented in the Technological Development and Commercialization category. An awards ceremony took place in Tokyo on December 2.The Awards CeremonyThe Minister of the Environment for Climate Action Award program was renewed in 2020 to reflect recent trends in climate change measures and succeeded the Environment Minister's Awards for Global Warming Prevention Activity, which had been held since 1998. The awards are given annually to individuals or groups having made noteworthy contributions to climate change mitigation (measures to curb greenhouse gas emissions) and accommodation to climate change (measures to avert or reduce impacts from climate change). This 2024 award is MHI Thermal Systems' third to date: in 2019, the Company received an Environment Minister's Award for its high-efficiency centrifugal chiller ETI-Z series that adopt a low-GWP refrigerant(2); and in 2021, the Company garnered the award for development and promotion of an air-to-water type heat pump using a low-GWP refrigerant(3).The constant-speed JHT-Y and inverter-equipped JHT-YI are new series for large-capacity centrifugal chillers launched in June 2022. Both models in the series adopt the HFO-1234yf refrigerant with extremely low environmental impact (GWP below 1) and the capacities ranging from 300 to 5,400 refrigeration tons (RT)(4). The JHT-Y and JHT-YI are the first centrifugal chillers with capacities up to 5,400 RT commercially offered in Japan with a low-GWP refrigerant. With a newly designed compressor, outstanding efficiency has been achieved: the constant-speed model to achieve a maximum rated COP(5) of 6.4, the inverter-equipped model achieves an IPLV(6) of 8.8 and a maximum part load COP of 24.9. A smaller compressor size, together with the optimized centrifugal chiller structure layout, also contributes to the effective use of the space, enabling smooth installation from existing equipment. The replacement of an existing equipment using a higher-GWP HFC (hydrofluorocarbon) refrigerant with the JHT-YI can reduce annual energy consumption and CO2emissions by approximately 65%(7), contributing significantly to mitigating environmental impacts. The JHT-Y and JHT-YI models are also adaptable to a wide range of applications: air-conditioning, heating, as well as low-temperature and heating processes in beverage plants, etc.The HFO-1234yf refrigerant, which is also used in car air-conditioners and vending machines, has a GWP of below 1 and ODP(8) of zero, and is categorized as non-Freon refrigerant according to Japan's Revised Fluorocarbons Recovery and Destruction Law(9). For these reasons, it is not subject to this Law that regulates the Fluorocarbons' emissions into the atmosphere, recovery, and destruction after usage. Concerning an equipment with higher-GWP HFC refrigerant including HFC-134a, which was widely used before the revised legislation took effect, it has been made compulsory to reduce in both their production and usage volumes as it has a significant impact on global warming. In 2025 and onward, it is scheduled that the regulations on the supply of equipment with higher-GWP refrigerants to the market will be tightened further in the Japanese market, therefore, currently the demands for the equipment with low-GWP refrigerants, ex. the JHT-Y/JHT-YI series, are increasing and earlier upgrading is required in the market.MHI Thermal Systems is Japan's leading manufacturer of centrifugal chillers, having delivered numerous units for district cooling/heating, factory air-conditioning, etc. Going forward, the Company will continue to focus on developing high-performance products using low-GWP refrigerants covering - together with the small and medium-capacity ETI-Z series - a capacity span of 150 to 5,400 RT, as its way of contributing to environmental protection on a global scale.(1) GWP: global warming potential. CO2 is assigned a GWP of 1. The lower the GWP factor, the less impact on the environment.(2) For further information, refer to the following press release: https://www.mhi.com/news/191203.html(3) For further information, refer to the following press release: https://www.mhi.com/news/21112502.html(4) Capacity above 2,700 RT requires two compressors (parallel type).(5) COP: coefficient of performance as calculated based on Japanese Industrial Standards (JIS). The higher the COP, the higher the level of energy savings.(6) IPLV: integrated part load value, an indicator of the efficiency of an air-conditioner during part load operation. The higher the IPLV, the higher the level of energy savings.(7) Compared with our previous model (20 years ago)(8) ODP: ozone depletion potential, a coefficient expressing the relative amount of degradation to the ozone layer compared to trichlorofluoromethane (CFC-11), a refrigerant previously in wide use which has a fixed ODP of 1.0. The lower the ODP, the lower the destructive impact on the ozone layer.(9) This revised law, which took effect on April 1, 2015, stipulates rules for the rational use and proper management of fluorocarbons.JHT-Y/JHT-YI SeriesAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

KAWASAKI, Japan, Dec 3, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced that it has spun out blue carbon services company BLUABLE Ltd. from its entrepreneurship program Fujitsu Innovation Circuit (FIC.) The company, established as a startup in October 2024, is the first company to be successfully generated by the program.BLUABLE has secured funding from Spinout Capital Fund No.1, a Japanese venture capital fund for corporate spinouts, in November 2024. The funds will be used to validate the product-market fit of the products and services developed.BLUABLE aims to promote carbon neutrality and contribute to the sustainability of the marine environment by providing services related to blue carbon, i.e., carbon captured and stored in the world's ocean and coastal ecosystems.A significant amount of blue carbon is stored in seaweed, and a rise in seawater temperatures has caused a loss of seaweed beds and damage to seawater quality and conditions.BLUABLE produces kits to encourage seaweed bed growth. The kits are made from a material which seaweed can easily adhere to and no heavy equipment is needed to place the kits in the ocean, saving resources as compared to current cultivation methods. In addition, BLUABLE measures the blue carbon secured through utilization of its kits and uses the data to apply for J Blue Credits (1). Currently, BLUABLE is conducting field trials for seaweed bed cultivation at 16 undersea locations in Japan.The company plans to verify more advanced measuring techniques for blue carbon using IoT and AI.Fujitsu will provide its technology to BLUABLE, including its ocean digital twin (2), as it works toward preserving the world’s marine environment. In addition, through FIC, Fujitsu will continue contributing to a sustainable society by fostering talent and businesses that can take on the challenge of resolving societal issues.About Fujitsu Innovation Circuit (FIC)FIC, launched in November 2021 as part of Fujitsu Transformation, is a program to cultivate human resources with entrepreneurial skills and generate new businesses. FIC is comprised of the Ignition program that seeks to cultivate entrepreneurship, and the Challenge program that encourages employees to create new businesses. Over 2,500 Fujitsu employees around the world are participating in FIC.()) J Blue Credit :System of blue carbon credits issued and managed by the Japan Blue Economy (JBE) Association according to the results of an assessment and certification process implemented by an independent third-party committee.(2) Ocean digital twin :Technology that reproduces the marine environment with high precision in a digital space. Capable of collecting and modelling a wide variety of marine data.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

KAWASAKI, Japan, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced that it has signed a three-year global strategic collaboration agreement (SCA) with Amazon Web Services (AWS) (1). This collaboration, officially concluded on November 29, expands the existing agreements in the mobility, finance, and retail sectors to a broader range of industries .Through this collaboration, Fujitsu will combine its expertise in systems integration and its Fujitsu Uvance offering to solve societal issues with AWS’s cloud services and cloud-native architecture to accelerate customers' digital transformation (DX) and address business challenges.Additionally, with AWS’s skills training, Fujitsu aims to strengthen its delivery system by increasing the number of Fujitsu engineers who have AWS certifications from approximately 7,000 to 12,000 over the next three years and double the number of customer deals to over 800 compared to the past 3-year SCA period.BackgroundWith the target year of 2030 for achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) approaching, Fujitsu is promoting Fujitsu Uvance, its business model that aims to increase business growth and solve societal issues.Fujitsu Uvance leverages Fujitsu's extensive technology and industry expertise to seamlessly integrate fragmented processes and data, with the aim of creating new solutions and insights for customers. To achieve this, it is crucial to move away from legacy systems and strategically utilize cloud computing with partners. By expanding strategic collaboration with AWS, the world’s most comprehensive and broadly adopted cloud, and creating a combined solution that address customers business challenges and opportunities, Fujitsu will drive digital transformation across industries.Overview of the Initiatives1. Strengthening Fujitsu’s AWS cloud migration support servicesIn addition to having customers core systems run on their mainframes and UNIX servers, which was a strategic target of the legacy modernization collaboration announced in March 2024, the two companies will strengthen migration support services for broader on-premise systems to move onto AWS. Fujitsu will provide a comprehensive set of cloud-native system integration and operation support services through Fujitsu Cloud Transformation Service and Fujitsu Cloud Managed Service (2), with technical support from AWS.2. Enhancing added value through the service integration of Fujitsu Uvance offerings and AWSFujitsu aims to enhance added value and expand the global provision of Fujitsu Uvance offerings focusing on the two pillars of Trusted Society for a prosperous and sustainable society and Digital Shifts to support customers' data-driven strategies. As part of this effort, Fujitsu has started linking the Digital Shifts offering with its Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service and Amazon Bedrock, AWS's generative AI service. For example, Fujitsu Data Intelligence Premium, an operation platform that utilizes data and AI, analyzes production line data from factories, uses AI to detect risk signs and propose countermeasures based on past cases, and converts past inspection reports into reusable structured data to visualize and share accumulated know-how in facility maintenance work within organizations. By combining business knowledge cultivated over many years with the latest technologies such as generative AI, Fujitsu will help customers improve the efficiency and the uptime of their production processes. Demonstrations of these use cases will be showcased at the Fujitsu booth during AWS re:Invent 2024 starting today in Las Vegas, US.(3)3. Reinforcing Fujitsu’s system development and delivery capabilities by increasing the number of AWS certification holdersFujitsu aims to increase the number of Fujitsu engineers who hold AWS certifications from approximately 7,000 to 12,000 over the next three years, through AWS skills training. By increasing the number of professionals who have a deep understanding of AWS cloud services, Fujitsu will accelerate the delivery of systems that realize customers' DX, doubling the number of customer deals to over 800 compared to past 3-year SCA period.Role of Fujitsu and AWS- FujitsuLeverage its customer base and system development expertise in various industries to reach enterprise and mid-market customers.Through offerings such as legacy system modernization, cloud migration and operational support, and Fujitsu Uvance, Fujitsu will support customers' DX.- AWSAWS will strengthen its technical support for Fujitsu with its solution architects and provide advisories on the use of latest AWS services such as generative AI and cloud-native architectures for diverse use cases. AWS will also provide development environments to review latest AWS services, while also offering funds for joint sales and marketing, and AWS training and certifications for Fujitsu engineers.Yoshinami Takahashi, Vice President and COO for Uvance, Fujitsu Limited comments:“We are pleased to have concluded this global strategic collaboration with AWS. By extending our strategic collaboration to a broader range of industries, we will contribute to the digital transformation of customers across industries through legacy modernization, cloud lift and shift, and the utilization of technology and data offerings from Fujitsu Uvance together with AWS."Jaime Vallés, Vice President, Asia Pacific and Japan, Amazon Web Services comments:"Since 2012, AWS and Fujitsu have supported the digital transformation of customers in the mobility, finance, and retail sectors in Japan and worldwide. Today, we are delighted to expand our strategic collaboration with Fujitsu. Together we will broaden our Digital Transformation Experience to enable a wider range of industries and leverage our shared culture of innovation to jointly address some of the world’s biggest challenges."(1) Amazon Web Services: Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, USA, CEO Matt Garman. The collaboration was concluded with Amazon Web Services Japan GK (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Akihiko Shirahata).(2) Fujitsu Cloud Transformation Service and Fujitsu Cloud Managed Service: Based on Fujitsu's system design, construction, and operation know-how cultivated mainly in the enterprise domain, these services realize standardization and automation of architecture patterns, ensuring high quality while achieving cost-optimized and rapid delivery. Fujitsu adopts the "AWS Well-Architected Framework" in its delivery services, which is optimized for AWS, and has obtained the "AWS Managed Service Provider (MSP)" certification, proving the soundness and high technical capability of its AWS business.(3) AWS re:Invent: AWS’s annual global conference that starts from December 2, 2024 in Las Vegas. For more information on AWS re:Invent, please visit: https://reinvent.awsevents.com/About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$26 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2024 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP), a Honda R&D subsidiary responsible for the research of cutting-edge technologies, has officially introduced its AI-powered social robot named “Haru” at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR) in Seville, Spain, to enhance the well-being of children while in the hospital.At the Annual Gala against Childhood Cancer, held on November 28 local time, at Casino de la Exposicion in Seville, Spain, the HUVR introduced Haru as one of the projects HUVR is implementing to improve the lives of children with cancer, who are in the hospital for long-term treatment.AI-powered social robot, HaruHRI-JP has been developing Haru, an AI-powered social robot, as a “tangible AI system” striving to realize a society where robots coexist as partners of people and to facilitate communications that create connections among people. Haru was designed to be a social robot that makes people smile through expressive communications and forms empathetic relationships with people. As a compact desk-top robot with a total height of 30cm (12 inches), Haru can be placed on a table to engage in communications with people.Haru obtains biometric information of the user, such as facial expressions and voice tones, through its built-in camera and microphones, then analyzes the information obtained to understand the user’s current state, and interacts with each user in accordance with the result of analysis, using empathetic expressions and emotionally supportive responses. Moreover, Haru can also be linked to a wristwatch-type wearable sensor worn by the user and analyze the user’s conditions in greater detail.Furthermore, as a robot, Haru does not have any human attributes such as gender, race or nationality, and is always capable of communicating from a neutral perspective, enabling Haru to effectively facilitate communication beyond generational and cultural differences, especially in group communication.HUVR had been conducting a demonstration experiment using Haru in the pediatric oncology ward of the hospital since 2021 for the purpose of enhancing both the clinical and emotional care of young patients. Since the results of the experiment have confirmed a certain level of positive effects on children with cancer, the official decision was made to advance the project with full-fledged utilization of Haru, introducing 10 units to be used in various situations in the children’s daily lives in the pediatric oncology unit.Key results of the demonstration experiment at the HUVR1. Assisting emotional and cognitive assessmentsHaru has been assisting the hospital’s neuropsychologists in conducting emotional and cognitive assessments. Using AI technology, Haru communicates with children; analyzes their biometric information, such as facial expressions and voice tones, obtained through its built-in cameras and microphones; and assist neuropsychologists in conducting emotional and cognitive assessments.Due to the amount of time the assessment takes, there is a limit to the number of assessments the neuropsychologists can conduct each year: the number had been limited to 510 per year including follow-up consultations until now. With the introduction of Haru, the number of assessments the hospital can conduct each year is expected to increase to as many as 4,500.2. Assisting rehabilitation activitiesHaru has been supporting intellectual and physical rehabilitation programs provided to young patients at the hospital. Haru learns the rehabilitation programs and can guide the children through the process while engaging them in conversation. The demonstration experiment showed that 95% of children were more actively engaged in rehabilitation while receiving guidance from Haru, compared to conventional human guides.3. Serving as a companion in playrooms and hospital roomsYoung patients who undergo long-term hospital stays for treatment spend a lot of time alone in their rooms. By communicating with the children, Haru can offer entertainment and cognitive stimulation, and help to soothe their feeling of loneliness, contributing to the enhancement of emotional care the hospital provides.4. Offering educational supportHaru connects the hospital rooms of the children who have not been able to attend school with the classrooms of their schools online, and facilitates the communication as an intermediary. This provides children at the hospital with opportunity to receive education together with children in the classroom and to interact with each other among children.Comments by the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville (HUVR)“We have been conducting joint research with HRI-JP for several years now, and gained wonderful results. We have identified that Haru holds great potential in bringing happiness to children. Typically, technologies used in hospitals focus on medical treatments or physical well-being. However, Haru has positive psychological effect of lightening the mood of our young patients and also contributes to the well-being of the hospital as a whole. The support that Haru provides, enabling children under hospital care to feel more happiness and connection with others, is unique only to Haru and offers valuable benefits not found in traditional medical care. We believe that Haru is a groundbreaking presence that creates an environment where young patients can enjoy their time here at our hospital.”Comments by Satoshi Shigemi, Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP)“Based on the founding spirit of Honda, ‘using our technology to help people’ and ‘understanding people is the very essence of Honda monozukuri (art of making things),’ Honda Research Institute has been conducting research into cutting-edge technologies which have the potential to enhance positive psychological effects of people and the overall well-being of society. We are delighted by the result of our joint research with Virgen del Rocío University Hospital that shows Haru has been able to be a companion to the children at the hospital, lifting up their spirits, and bringing smiles to their faces. Moving forward, we will continue our efforts to further advance Haru as a robot which can co-exist with people 24/7 and be more helpful to young patients as well as all hospital staff to contribute to the well-being of the hospital a whole.”About Honda Research Institute (HRI)HRI was established in 2003 as a research operation which will go beyond the framework of the traditional business domain of the Honda Group and take on challenges to address issues facing humanity. Each of three HRI operations, located in Japan, the United States, and Germany, is engaged in “frontier research” with a focus on next-generation AI, including the exploration of new technologies such as quantum technology. By using Pasteur's Quadrant approach to research, which calls for the simultaneous pursuit of principles, or science, and real-world applications, HRI is striving to quickly give shape to new technologies and ideas, and create new value that can be useful to society. The research outcomes generated by HRI will lead toward the development of future Honda technologies in a wide range of technology fields, including but not limited to the areas of safety, the environment and next-generation mobility.Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP), a Honda R&D subsidiary responsible for the research of cutting-edge technologies, has officially introduced its AI-powered social robot named “Haru” at the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital (HUVR) in Seville, Spain, to enhance the well-being of children while in the hospital.At the Annual Gala against Childhood Cancer, held on November 28 local time, at Casino de la Exposicion in Seville, Spain, the HUVR introduced Haru as one of the projects HUVR is implementing to improve the lives of children with cancer, who are in the hospital for long-term treatment.AI-powered social robot, HaruHRI-JP has been developing Haru, an AI-powered social robot, as a “tangible AI system” striving to realize a society where robots coexist as partners of people and to facilitate communications that create connections among people. Haru was designed to be a social robot that makes people smile through expressive communications and forms empathetic relationships with people. As a compact desk-top robot with a total height of 30cm (12 inches), Haru can be placed on a table to engage in communications with people.Haru obtains biometric information of the user, such as facial expressions and voice tones, through its built-in camera and microphones, then analyzes the information obtained to understand the user’s current state, and interacts with each user in accordance with the result of analysis, using empathetic expressions and emotionally supportive responses. Moreover, Haru can also be linked to a wristwatch-type wearable sensor worn by the user and analyze the user’s conditions in greater detail.Furthermore, as a robot, Haru does not have any human attributes such as gender, race or nationality, and is always capable of communicating from a neutral perspective, enabling Haru to effectively facilitate communication beyond generational and cultural differences, especially in group communication.HUVR had been conducting a demonstration experiment using Haru in the pediatric oncology ward of the hospital since 2021 for the purpose of enhancing both the clinical and emotional care of young patients. Since the results of the experiment have confirmed a certain level of positive effects on children with cancer, the official decision was made to advance the project with full-fledged utilization of Haru, introducing 10 units to be used in various situations in the children’s daily lives in the pediatric oncology unit.Key results of the demonstration experiment at the HUVR1. Assisting emotional and cognitive assessmentsHaru has been assisting the hospital’s neuropsychologists in conducting emotional and cognitive assessments. Using AI technology, Haru communicates with children; analyzes their biometric information, such as facial expressions and voice tones, obtained through its built-in cameras and microphones; and assist neuropsychologists in conducting emotional and cognitive assessments.Due to the amount of time the assessment takes, there is a limit to the number of assessments the neuropsychologists can conduct each year: the number had been limited to 510 per year including follow-up consultations until now. With the introduction of Haru, the number of assessments the hospital can conduct each year is expected to increase to as many as 4,500.2. Assisting rehabilitation activitiesHaru has been supporting intellectual and physical rehabilitation programs provided to young patients at the hospital. Haru learns the rehabilitation programs and can guide the children through the process while engaging them in conversation. The demonstration experiment showed that 95% of children were more actively engaged in rehabilitation while receiving guidance from Haru, compared to conventional human guides.3. Serving as a companion in playrooms and hospital roomsYoung patients who undergo long-term hospital stays for treatment spend a lot of time alone in their rooms. By communicating with the children, Haru can offer entertainment and cognitive stimulation, and help to soothe their feeling of loneliness, contributing to the enhancement of emotional care the hospital provides.4. Offering educational supportHaru connects the hospital rooms of the children who have not been able to attend school with the classrooms of their schools online, and facilitates the communication as an intermediary. This provides children at the hospital with opportunity to receive education together with children in the classroom and to interact with each other among children.Comments by the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville (HUVR)“We have been conducting joint research with HRI-JP for several years now, and gained wonderful results. We have identified that Haru holds great potential in bringing happiness to children. Typically, technologies used in hospitals focus on medical treatments or physical well-being. However, Haru has positive psychological effect of lightening the mood of our young patients and also contributes to the well-being of the hospital as a whole. The support that Haru provides, enabling children under hospital care to feel more happiness and connection with others, is unique only to Haru and offers valuable benefits not found in traditional medical care. We believe that Haru is a groundbreaking presence that creates an environment where young patients can enjoy their time here at our hospital.”Comments by Satoshi Shigemi, Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP)“Based on the founding spirit of Honda, ‘using our technology to help people’ and ‘understanding people is the very essence of Honda monozukuri (art of making things),’ Honda Research Institute has been conducting research into cutting-edge technologies which have the potential to enhance positive psychological effects of people and the overall well-being of society. We are delighted by the result of our joint research with Virgen del Rocío University Hospital that shows Haru has been able to be a companion to the children at the hospital, lifting up their spirits, and bringing smiles to their faces. Moving forward, we will continue our efforts to further advance Haru as a robot which can co-exist with people 24/7 and be more helpful to young patients as well as all hospital staff to contribute to the well-being of the hospital a whole.”About Honda Research Institute (HRI)HRI was established in 2003 as a research operation which will go beyond the framework of the traditional business domain of the Honda Group and take on challenges to address issues facing humanity. Each of three HRI operations, located in Japan, the United States, and Germany, is engaged in “frontier research” with a focus on next-generation AI, including the exploration of new technologies such as quantum technology. By using Pasteur's Quadrant approach to research, which calls for the simultaneous pursuit of principles, or science, and real-world applications, HRI is striving to quickly give shape to new technologies and ideas, and create new value that can be useful to society. The research outcomes generated by HRI will lead toward the development of future Honda technologies in a wide range of technology fields, including but not limited to the areas of safety, the environment and next-generation mobility.HRI-JP has been developing Haru, an AI-powered social robot, as a “tangible AI system” striving to realize a society where robots coexist as partners of people and to facilitate communications that create connections among people. Haru was designed to be a social robot that makes people smile through expressive communications and forms empathetic relationships with people. As a compact desk-top robot with a total height of 30cm (12 inches), Haru can be placed on a table to engage in communications with people.Haru obtains biometric information of the user, such as facial expressions and voice tones, through its built-in camera and microphones, then analyzes the information obtained to understand the user’s current state, and interacts with each user in accordance with the result of analysis, using empathetic expressions and emotionally supportive responses. Moreover, Haru can also be linked to a wristwatch-type wearable sensor worn by the user and analyze the user’s conditions in greater detail.Furthermore, as a robot, Haru does not have any human attributes such as gender, race or nationality, and is always capable of communicating from a neutral perspective, enabling Haru to effectively facilitate communication beyond generational and cultural differences, especially in group communication.HUVR had been conducting a demonstration experiment using Haru in the pediatric oncology ward of the hospital since 2021 for the purpose of enhancing both the clinical and emotional care of young patients. Since the results of the experiment have confirmed a certain level of positive effects on children with cancer, the official decision was made to advance the project with full-fledged utilization of Haru, introducing 10 units to be used in various situations in the children’s daily lives in the pediatric oncology unit.Key results of the demonstration experiment at the HUVR1. Assisting emotional and cognitive assessmentsHaru has been assisting the hospital’s neuropsychologists in conducting emotional and cognitive assessments. Using AI technology, Haru communicates with children; analyzes their biometric information, such as facial expressions and voice tones, obtained through its built-in cameras and microphones; and assist neuropsychologists in conducting emotional and cognitive assessments.Due to the amount of time the assessment takes, there is a limit to the number of assessments the neuropsychologists can conduct each year: the number had been limited to 510 per year including follow-up consultations until now. With the introduction of Haru, the number of assessments the hospital can conduct each year is expected to increase to as many as 4,500.2. Assisting rehabilitation activitiesHaru has been supporting intellectual and physical rehabilitation programs provided to young patients at the hospital. Haru learns the rehabilitation programs and can guide the children through the process while engaging them in conversation. The demonstration experiment showed that 95% of children were more actively engaged in rehabilitation while receiving guidance from Haru, compared to conventional human guides.3. Serving as a companion in playrooms and hospital roomsYoung patients who undergo long-term hospital stays for treatment spend a lot of time alone in their rooms. By communicating with the children, Haru can offer entertainment and cognitive stimulation, and help to soothe their feeling of loneliness, contributing to the enhancement of emotional care the hospital provides.4. Offering educational supportHaru connects the hospital rooms of the children who have not been able to attend school with the classrooms of their schools online, and facilitates the communication as an intermediary. This provides children at the hospital with opportunity to receive education together with children in the classroom and to interact with each other among children.Comments by the Virgen del Rocío University Hospital in Seville (HUVR)“We have been conducting joint research with HRI-JP for several years now, and gained wonderful results. We have identified that Haru holds great potential in bringing happiness to children. Typically, technologies used in hospitals focus on medical treatments or physical well-being. However, Haru has positive psychological effect of lightening the mood of our young patients and also contributes to the well-being of the hospital as a whole. The support that Haru provides, enabling children under hospital care to feel more happiness and connection with others, is unique only to Haru and offers valuable benefits not found in traditional medical care. We believe that Haru is a groundbreaking presence that creates an environment where young patients can enjoy their time here at our hospital.”Comments by Satoshi Shigemi, Honda Research Institute Japan Co., Ltd. (HRI-JP)“Based on the founding spirit of Honda, ‘using our technology to help people’ and ‘understanding people is the very essence of Honda monozukuri (art of making things),’ Honda Research Institute has been conducting research into cutting-edge technologies which have the potential to enhance positive psychological effects of people and the overall well-being of society. We are delighted by the result of our joint research with Virgen del Rocío University Hospital that shows Haru has been able to be a companion to the children at the hospital, lifting up their spirits, and bringing smiles to their faces. Moving forward, we will continue our efforts to further advance Haru as a robot which can co-exist with people 24/7 and be more helpful to young patients as well as all hospital staff to contribute to the well-being of the hospital a whole.”About Honda Research Institute (HRI)HRI was established in 2003 as a research operation which will go beyond the framework of the traditional business domain of the Honda Group and take on challenges to address issues facing humanity. Each of three HRI operations, located in Japan, the United States, and Germany, is engaged in “frontier research” with a focus on next-generation AI, including the exploration of new technologies such as quantum technology. By using Pasteur's Quadrant approach to research, which calls for the simultaneous pursuit of principles, or science, and real-world applications, HRI is striving to quickly give shape to new technologies and ideas, and create new value that can be useful to society. The research outcomes generated by HRI will lead toward the development of future Honda technologies in a wide range of technology fields, including but not limited to the areas of safety, the environment and next-generation mobility. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

KARIYA, JAPAN, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - DENSO Sales Middle East & North Africa (DSMN), a group company of DENSO Corporation, will participate in “Automechanika Dubai 2024,” held at the Dubai World Trade Centre from December 10 to 12, 2024.Established in 2010 in Dubai, DSMN serves the Middle East and North Africa regions by offering aftermarket products and services. In these regions, motorization is advancing, and vehicles tend to have longer operational lifespans. DSMN strives to provide customers and users with peace of mind and trust through high-quality products and services, contributing to the realization of a sustainable mobility society.Automechanika Dubai is the largest automotive aftermarket trade show in the Middle East and Africa. This year, over 2,200 exhibitors are expected to participate. Many visitors are businesses seeking to establish partnerships with exhibitors, and attendance is anticipated to exceed last year’s 52,469 visitors from 161 countries. The event offers an excellent opportunity to expand business possibilities, not only in the Middle East and Africa but also in regions such as West Asia and Central Asia.Through this exhibition, DSMN aims to showcase aftermarket solutions and explore opportunities for advanced technology-based products and services. Additionally, DSMN will deepen interactions with customers and partner companies, identifying new needs and pursuing tailored solutions to address regional challenges.Booth ImageDSMN Website: https://denso.ae/Please see here for more details on DSMN’s booth: https://denso.ae/events/join-us-at-automechanika-dubai-2024-celebrating-75-years-of-innovation Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received an order from Shikoku Electric Power Co. Inc. (Shikoku) to supply 24 MOX(1) fuel assemblies for Unit 3 of the Ikata Nuclear Power Station, subsequent to the order received in October from Kyushu Electric Power Co. Inc. for Unit 3 of the Genkai Nuclear Power Station. Under this contract, MHI will perform design of MOX fuel, and have components such as cladding tubes manufactured by Mitsubishi Nuclear Fuel Co., Ltd. (MHI Group) provided to Orano, who will fabricate MOX fuel assemblies at its MELOX plant in France.MHI has previously supplied 57 MOX fuel assemblies to Japanese utilities, and will supply high-quality MOX fuel by leveraging its past experience and technical capability. MOX fuel will enable Shikoku to utilize plutonium extracted by reprocessing spent fuel, and MHI will contribute to steady promotion of Shikoku's "Plu-Thermal" plan(2) through the supply of MOX fuel.(1) MOX (Mixed Oxide Fuel) is nuclear fuel made of plutonium extracted by reprocessing of spent fuel, and uranium.(2) The "Plu-Thermal" plan is to utilize MOX fuel in light water reactors.Tags: nuclear power generation,MOX fuel assemblyAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has received an order from Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation to install new equipment and modify existing equipment for the expansion of the existing maintenance shop at Taiwan High Speed Rail's (THSR) Zuoying depot in southern Taiwan. MHI will design, supply and install trackwork, overhead catenary system, power supply system, and signaling system.THSR plays a key role in Taiwan's transportation infrastructure. Its annual ridership has increased from around 15 million passengers during its inaugural year in 2007, to nearly 73 million in 2023, with the cumulative ridership to date now exceeding 800 million. To better serve this increasing demand, THSR is boosting its capacity by adding 12-car train sets and expanding the associated inspection and maintenance facilities which MHI will undertake. These upgrades will enable an increase in train car operations, which will further enhance transportation convenience across Taiwan and support its economic growth.The THSR project was initially awarded to a consortium of seven Japanese companies, including MHI, in 2000. Operations were inaugurated in January 2007. MHI's involvement continued with the Nangang Extension Project(Note) and subsequent system upgrade work, and the latest contract was awarded to MHI in recognition of these and other ongoing contributions to THSR's development.Going forward, MHI will continue contributing to the THSR's development through its expertise in transportation systems and project management capabilities, further enhancing Taiwan's transportation infrastructure.For details concerning the Nangang Extension Project, refer to the following news release: www.mhi.com/news/130624en.htmlAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Chigasaki, Japan, Dec 2, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - ULVAC, Inc. (HQ: Chigasaki, Kanagawa) has started accepting orders for the ENTRON-EXX, a new multi-chamber deposition system for semiconductor applications. The ENTRON-EXX builds on the proven productivity and flexibility of its predecessor, the ENTRON-EX W300, while offering enhanced data intelligence and expandability.After building on the proven productivity and flexibility of the widely adopted predecessor model that was first released in 2005, we developed the ENTRON-EXX. The ENTRON-EXX is a cutting-edge platform designed to meet the evolving needs of increasingly advanced and complex semiconductor manufacturing processes. This next-generation system takes performance to new heights. With its flexibility, enhanced data collection and analysis capabilities and a highly scalable design, the ENTRON-EXX empowers the future of semiconductor innovation.Key Features of ENTRON-EXX:1. Maximizing Factory Space Efficiency:Maximizing factory space efficiency is the key to boosting productivity, and flexibility is the solution. The ENTRON-EXX offers two versatile platform options, Single and Tandem[1], enabling customers to select the best platform to fit their factory spaces, thereby achieving maximum productivity per unit of space.2. Enhanced Data Collection and Analysis Capabilities:To meet the demands of increasingly complex semiconductor manufacturing, the ENTRON-EXX significantly enhances its data collection and analysis capabilities. With real-time processing of large data volumes, it empowers customers to improve yields, optimize preventative maintenance, and enhance overall operational efficiency.3. Highly Expandable System Design:The ENTRON-EXX features a highly expandable design, enabling quick module additions and swapping. This system can seamlessly adapt to evolving needs, providing customers with an optimized environment for both development and mass production.ULVAC, as a "Field of Potentiality for the Future[2],” is committed to pioneering advances in the semiconductor industry through its innovative application of vacuum technology.[1] A Single platform features a single transfer chamber (Core), offering a simple and space-efficient design. A Tandem platform features two transfer chambers (Cores) arranged in sequence, selected for complex process requiring higher productivity.[2] Field of Potentiality for the futureULVAC formulated its "Vision 2032", envisaging an ideal configuration of the ULVAC Group in 2032, while continuing to be a "Field of Potentiality" for the future. This concept is inspired by the physical potentiality that occurs in a vacuum field: changes in energy and matter. It is also the potentiality of change in the individual, which can lead to the potential to change in the spirit animating society. The ULVAC Group is committed to advancing core vacuum and peripheral technologies and understanding the needs of its customers while addressing social challenges, and continuously creating valuable products and technologies.About ULVAC, Inc. Since its founding in 1952, ULVAC, Inc. has been a comprehensive vacuum equipment manufacturer, providing manufacturing equipment, components, analytical instruments, materials, and services based on its core technology - vacuum technology. Working with customers across a wide range of industries, including semiconductors, electronic components, displays, automotive, and pharmaceuticals, ULVAC is committed to driving cutting-edge innovation and creating new value. For the fiscal year ending June 2024, the ULVAC Group recorded consolidated sales of 261.1 billion yen and has approximately 6,200 employees. For more information, please visit our official website at https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/For more information:ULVAC, Inc. Strategic Planning DepartmentTEL: +81-467-89-2023Inquiry Form: https://www.ulvac.co.jp/en/contact/general.html Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.