DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, announced the debut of Season 4 of the Factory Tomorrow video series sponsored by Siemens and Banner Engineering. The newest season of the series explores the next wave of innovation in industrial automation solutions for global manufacturing.The modern factory is defined by technology that enables more efficient production and deeper insights into the critical data of day-to-day operations. Season 4 of the Factory Tomorrow video series uncovers how breakthroughs from industry leaders like Siemens and Banner Engineering are driving efficiency, providing actionable insights into daily operations, and forming the future of global production."Looking ahead at the products and technologies shaping the world of manufacturing, we are on the cusp of a new frontier," stated Eric J. Halvorson, senior marketing technology manager at DigiKey. "The speed to market for manufacturers today must be faster and more efficient than ever. DigiKey takes pride in partnering with the top automation products manufacturers in the world and we put their products in the hands of customers faster than anyone. Working with top-line manufacturers such as Siemens and Banner Engineering allows us to enable the vision of our customers and help them make it a reality.""Manufacturers constantly strive to be more responsive to their customers and more resilient within their value chain ecosystems," said Chris Stevens, senior vice president of automation at Siemens. "To achieve this, their production capability must become increasingly adaptive. Siemens helps by providing the world's most complete portfolio for designing, automating, and executing production in any industry. Working with DigiKey, we provide thousands of manufacturers access to Siemens solutions daily, enabling them to continue their journeys to more adaptive production.""The factory of tomorrow looks different for everyone," said Bob Bergsgaard, director of marketing at Banner Engineering. "One path that we often talk about is to think big, start small, and scale fast. Partnering with DigiKey gives customers access to Banner's extensive toolbox of easy-to-use solutions—including sensors, lighting, indication, machine safety, industrial wireless, and connectivity products—so they can take a low-risk approach to testing ideas and implementing new solutions in minutes, not months."The first of three videos in the series, "Manufacturing the Digital Thread," explores how innovators like Siemens are enabling digital transformations in the manufacturing world. Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are used to create digital representations of complex manufacturing systems. The video also highlights how real-time simulation, data analysis, and predictive maintenance are creating the factories of tomorrow.The second video, "Breaking Through with Industrial IoT," explores how Banner Engineering is leading the charge with plug-and-play solutions for sensing, wireless connectivity, and machine safety. The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) focuses on machine-to-machine communication and allows for user-friendly automation, higher efficiency, and longer asset longevity.The third and final video, "The Future of the Factory Floor," highlights how DigiKey, Siemens, and Banner Engineering view technological breakthroughs to fill the gaps across the factory floor. The next generation of intelligent manufacturing will be shaped by AI, real-time data, and enhanced human-computer interaction.To learn more about the video series and how DigiKey is supporting innovative industrial automation solutions for global manufacturing, visit the DigiKey website.DigiKey releases Season 4 of its Factory Tomorrow video series featuring innovative industrial automation solutions for global manufacturing.

DigiKey, a leading global commerce distributor offering the largest selection of technical components and automation products in stock for immediate shipment, announced today that Lippincott, DigiKey's renowned branding agency, has been awarded Gold in the Graphis Design Awards 2025 global design competition for DigiKey's brand refresh.The Graphis Design Awards 2025 highlight award-winning creative work that sets new global design industry standards. Graphis Awards competitions are recognized as some of the most prestigious in the creative industry, honoring exceptional talent and visionary work worldwide. The winning project, a result of the dynamic partnership between DigiKey and Lippincott, was honored for creating a new brand purpose and visual identity and showcasing its ability to accelerate progress for designers, buyers, and builders.The updated logo and brand system is an evolution of the company's historic look that allows for design flexibility across digital platforms while reinforcing an engineered feel in a more modern, timeless way. It was designed to emphasize progress and connection with suppliers and customers while reflecting DigiKey's digital-first, forward-looking perspective. The refreshed brand identity also features a simplified company name to better reflect its deep technical product and digital solutions portfolio."DigiKey is honored to receive this prestigious recognition in partnership with Lippincott," said Tim Carroll, vice president of digital business at DigiKey. "Being recognized at this level is a tremendous honor and reaffirms our commitment to creating the best experiences possible for our global customers, suppliers, and team members.""We are thrilled with the work we completed in partnership with DigiKey. Every element of the brand was considered and optimized to support the company's long-term strategy — all in the language familiar to designers and engineers," said Tim Cunningham, senior partner at Lippincott.The Graphis Design Awards attract entries from top-tier design firms and brands worldwide, making this win a significant achievement for DigiKey and Lippincott.For more information about DigiKey's brand refresh, please visit the DigiKey website.Lippincott, DigiKey's brand agency, won Gold in the Graphis Design Awards 2025 global design competition for DigiKey’s brand refresh work.

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These challenges call for a balanced regulatory framework that seeks protection for its users and integrity in the market.Tech transformations driving iGaming growthTechnology is now one of the key factors that have contributed to the growth and development of iGaming in Canada. Better software development, better RNG mechanisms, and further improvements in game mechanics have created more immersive and fair gaming experiences. The new innovations build trust among gamers, which is key in a competitive, regulated market.One of the most prominent changes taken over by iGaming is blockchain technology. This added more transparency and security to the gaming platforms since it allowed players to check and verify the transparency of any transaction. Similarly, cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, also found their place within the industry, allowing users who value anonymity to have faster and a bit more secure transactions.Another sphere of interest in the chain of technology transformation is cybersecurity. Online gaming is getting more popular; correspondingly, cases of data leakage become more current. In turn, modern gaming platforms are trying to implement encryption technologies, multi-factor authentication, and AI-driven fraud detection systems as grounds for player data protection. This makes the platform both safer and in compliance with the strict regulatory requirements defined by a province like Ontario.Challenges facing the iGaming industry in CanadaContrasting with the growth that is happening in the sector, certain challenges lie ahead for the iGaming industry in Canada. The trend of offshore operators going forward and gaining players motivates some government efforts to bring license conditions closer to those of land-based casinos. In turn, this has major implications for responsible gambling initiatives and player protection policies. Another threat to regulated operations is that unregulated operators often bypass Canadian tax laws, leading to revenue loss that should go to the country.Another critical issue with the easy accessibility of online platforms is problem gambling. With more players accessing iGaming, it will increase the addictive habit of gambling; hence, the a need to develop tighter safeguards and player protection.A regulatory model to beatOntario has been quite literally leading the charge in regulating iGaming in Canada. The decision of this province to open its market to private operators in April 2022 set a model that could balance competition with strict regulatory oversight. After that, the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario and iGaming Ontario oversee private licensing to make certain that standards related to data protection, responsible gambling, and game fairness are followed to the letter.The Ontario framework allows for a host of player protections, such as self-exclusion programs, deposit limits, and easy access to support regarding problem gambling. This kind of regulatory approach has already attracted a wide range of international operators, enhancing competition and offering Canadians more choices in the iGaming market.Battling offshore operators: A growing concernUnregulated offshore operators are one of the biggest challenges for regulators in Canada. Operating outside of any available Canadian authority, compliance with local regulations could hardly be achieved. Hence, a large number of those seldom execute measures on responsible gaming, protection of personal data and even taxation.Canadian regulators may be considering even more severe action to loosen such operators' stranglehold. For example, drawing in internet service providers and financial institutions could block access to unlicensed platforms, thus ultimately draining their capacity to operate in the country.ConclusionThe more popular iGaming becomes throughout Canada, the more important thoughtful regulation will be. It will take a balanced approach: one which puts player protection first, cracks down on unregulated operators, and makes sure there is technological innovation if the industry is to keep growing in full safety and fairness for its players.

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The upcoming 21st TAITA-SV Annual Conference, scheduled for Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Santa Clara, California, will focus on the theme "Taiwan's Strategic Layout in the AI Era." The conference will explore how Taiwan leverages its leading semiconductor technology advantages to sustain its core position in the global supply chain while addressing the challenges and opportunities brought by the AI revolution.Colley Hwang, Founder and President of DIGITIMES, will deliver a keynote speech, providing a detailed analysis of the latest advancements in AI technology and their impact on Taiwan's role in the global technology landscape. With the rapid expansion of AI and the rising demand for high-performance computing (HPC), the global technology industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation. According to the latest DIGITIMES Research report, global server shipments are projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6% from 2023 to 2028. Colley Hwang highlighted that Taiwan's share in the high-end AI server market is expected to increase from 74.4% last year to 83.6% this year and exceed 90.2% by 2025, demonstrating Taiwan's strong capabilities and growth potential in AI server technology.Industry leaders share insights: In-depth exploration of technology and future developmentThe afternoon forum will bring together multiple industry leaders and experts to delve into the latest AI advancements and their profound impact on Taiwan's semiconductor supply chain. Colley Hwang, Founder and President of DIGITIMES, will share his insights into the development of AI technology and how it is reshaping the global tech supply chain. Dr. Y.K. Chen, Deputy Chief Technology Officer at Coherent, will explore the prospects of silicon photonics in next-generation semiconductors, while Dr. Kevin Yasumura, Director at Google, will present on the development of optical switches for data centers in the AI era, revealing how AI is driving infrastructure transformation.In addition to insights from technology experts, the forum will feature four leading venture capitalists discussing the future of hard-tech (Hard-Tech), including Dr. Wen Hsieh, Founding Managing Partner at Matter Venture Partners, Dr. Alex Fang, Managing Partner at Entrada Ventures, Tong Chao, Partner at Tyche Partners, and Dr. Huang Lee, Managing Partner at Taiwania Capital. These experts will analyze how Taiwan can leverage its semiconductor strengths to tackle the challenges brought by the rapid adoption of AI, and ensure supply chain security and stability from multiple perspectives, including technology innovation, policy development, and geopolitics.Dinner Keynote: Exploring the Future of Biotechnology and HealthcareThe dinner keynote will be delivered by Professor Chi-Huey Wong, with a focus on "Research Toward Healthcare and Biotech Development." As a pioneer in the biotechnology field, Professor Wong's research spans several key areas, including chemical synthesis, protein engineering, cancer treatment, vaccine development, and immunotherapy. He will emphasize the importance of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education for cultivating future innovators and inspiring the next generation to actively engage in scientific research and lead future technological revolutions.Register Now to Secure Your Spot!Key topics such as photonics, advanced semiconductor technologies, and the integration of AI with the semiconductor supply chain. Use the promo code "ILOVETAIWAN" to register for the afternoon panel discussions for free. Don't miss the opportunity to attend the dinner keynote (a paid event) and connect with industry leaders. Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your spot!Registration link: qr.codes/fh7Vb2

Moderna. Grifols. Jubilant Pharma. Novartis. Roche. That is just a sample of the many life sciences and health technologies (LSHT) companies that have invested in Greater Montreal over the past five years. The region's local ecosystem has flourished to become a pilar, showcasing some 1,300 companies and more than 45,000 jobs.Meanwhile, Asian investors have significantly upped their contribution to Montreal's economy with projects worth $341 million in 2023 - a 20% increase compared to the previous year.What's driving the recent surge of investments in Greater Montreal?"Generally speaking, Montreal's highly qualified talent pool and world-class universities along with a competitive cost advantage constitute the main reasons cited by investors," explains Yun Li, Director of Business Development for Asia at Montreal International. "But when it comes to the life sciences industry and Asian investors, there's a common ingredient: artificial intelligence."Home to world-renowned AI expertise First, LHST companies have been increasingly turning to AI to accelerate development of breakthroughs in medicine and health technologies. And Montreal, home to world-renowned researchers such as Yoshua Bengio and Joelle Pineau, has attracted major investments from pharma and biotech companies that seek to leverage technology in their R&D.An example of that is InSilico Medicine, a biotech company with offices in Hong Kong, New York, and elsewhere in the world. In 2023, the company inaugurated its R&D center in Montreal, focused on deep learning for drug discovery. "Montreal's world-class university research programs in AI, its thriving ecosystem of start-ups and the public sector support led the company to choose the region for this new R&D centre," explained the company during the inauguration.Accelerating drug discovery with AI is also what convinced Salt Lake City-based Recursion Pharmaceuticals to set up its own R&D centre in Montreal. More specifically, Recursion seeks to develop machine learning methods and models and, ultimately, create one of the most complete, technology-enabled drug discovery solutions in the industry.Yun Li, Director of Business Development for Asia at Montreal International"Not every city has the assets that we have in Montreal," added Li. "Plus, recent data shows that Montréal offers an impressive 31% cost advantage for businesses in AI and other high-value sectors like IT, fintech, and aerospace compared to the average across the 20 largest metropolitan areas in Canada and the U.S."Home to the world's largest academic centre for deep learningRecursion is among the more than 140 companies that partnered with Mila, the world's largest academic centre for deep learning, and a cornerstone of the city's thriving AI hub. Mila brings together a community of +1,300 researchers - including Turing Award Laureate Yoshua Bengio - and students committed to advancing AI.Beyond life sciences, Mila is very active in AI research related to various subjects, including robotics, language and image, environment and energy, and ethical AI. Since 2019, the centre has hosted one of Samsung's Advanced Institute of Technology (SAIT), where the company conducts advanced research on voice recognition, machine translation, and natural language understanding.Samsung is among a growing number of Asia-based tech companies present in Greater Montreal. Other examples include Panasonic, Sony, Fujitsu, Hitachi Global, and FTP Corporation – all of whom have partnered with Mila to tap into its team of experts.A group of seven entrepreneurs from Seoul AI Hub attend a summer residency program at Mila to advance their startup in various industries, including health sciences and fashionPhoto: Mila, June 2024This Fall, Li will attend BioJapan 2024 to meet with investors and discuss the city's assets for the life science industry and Asian companies. She can be reached on LinkedIn or visit Montréal International online (www.montrealinternational.com).

Raspberry Pi is a widely used computing platform that has gained immense popularity among technology enthusiasts, hobbyists, educators, and professionals. Its small size, affordability, and versatility make it an ideal tool for programming, developing various projects, and building numerous applications and systems. Recently, the TME catalog has expanded to include a variety of new Raspberry Pi products, including the Compute Module 4S (CM4S).Compute Module boards are compact versions of Raspberry Pi single-board computers, specifically based on the Generation 4, Model B. These modules omit standard connectors and instead feature a versatile port, allowing designers and developers to create miniaturized device circuits while benefiting from Raspberry Pi's flexibility and functionality. The CM4S comes in a SODIMM format, meaning it can be easily integrated into a target circuit using a standard RAM socket.Raspberry Pi CM4SAt the core of the CM4S is the Broadcom BCM2711 chip, which houses a quad-core ARM Cortex-A72 processor running at up to 1.5 GHz, delivering considerable computing power in a compact size. The CM4S is available with different RAM configurations: 1 GB, 2 GB, 4 GB, or 8 GB. Unlike the full-size Raspberry Pi models, these boards can also include eMMC storage options of 8 GB, 16 GB, or 32 GB, allowing users to customize the module to fit the needs of their projects.One key difference from the Compute Module 4 (CM4) is that the CM4S lacks built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. However, it does support HDMI, I2C, MIPI (CSI for cameras and DSI for displays), PCM, PWM, SPI, UART, and USB (2.0) interfaces. These ports enable the connection of a wide range of peripherals, including external communication modules if needed.Text prepared by Transfer Multisort Elektronik Sp. z o.o.

Darveen Co., Ltd., a global provider specializing in rugged industrial computer solutions, today announced the RTC-I116, featuring the 12th generation Intel Core processor. Following the success of previous models including the Windows OS-based RTC-I81 and RTC-I101, as well as the Android OS-based RTC-M81 and RTC-M101, which have garnered significant attention from customers worldwide, the newly launched RTC-I116 aims to offer an even more user-friendly, secure, and durable rugged tablet solution.Sleek, slim design with high performanceThe RTC-I116 is a rugged tablet with a sleek, modern design, measuring just 20 mm (0.79") in thickness. Its slim and elegant appearance perfectly combines with powerful features to ensure enhanced efficiency for professional field workers in various environments. The RTC-I116 is powered by a 12th gen Intel Core i7/i5 processor and Intel Iris Xe graphics, providing high-performance processing of large amounts of data, images, and videos. It features an 11.6-inch FHD (1920 x 1080) multi-touch screen, delivering excellent performance and visual effects. With a brightness of up to 1,000 nits, it offers an outstanding viewing experience even under direct sunlight.Stunning Visual PerformanceStay connected anytime, anywhereThe RTC-I116 offers advanced 24/7 wireless connectivity options, including LTE or 5G cellular, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth V5.3, and GNSS. It also features up to eight I/O interfaces, seamlessly integrating various peripheral devices, industrial equipment, and more without the need for adapters. The RTC-I116 provides numerous customizable expansion options, such as NFC readers, smart card readers, and UHF RFID readers, facilitating data collection and authentication processes.Sustained productivityFor field workers who require long battery life on the go, the RTC-I116 is equipped with high-capacity 58.5Wh dual hot-swappable batteries. This allows field personnel to swap batteries on-site without needing to recharge, thereby extending operational time.Sustained Productivity. Dual Hot-Swappable BatteriesRugged and durable designField personnel often work in extreme environments, which is why the RTC-I116 is MIL-STD-810H certified and features an IP66 protection rating. It is resistant to water and dust, capable of withstanding dust, mud, rain, and extreme temperatures ranging from -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F). Even when dropped from a height of 1.2 meters, it continues to operate reliably.Rugged and Durable Design"The RTC-I116 is ideal for deployment in the manufacturing, field mobility, public safety, utilities, and energy sectors. Its comprehensive and meticulous design makes it an excellent choice for field personnel working in challenging environments," said Kevin Liang, General Manager of Darveen.For more information about the Darveen RTC-I116, please visit: https://www.darveen.com/product/11-6-rtc-i116-windows-rugged-tablet-with-intel-core-i-processor/For the Darveen RTC-I116 video, please visit: https://youtu.be/AdOXBV9Ed30?si=Nd34Oi7Iq3uFuc22

The Internet Data Center (IDC) is crucial to the operations of many businesses. The efficiency, cybersecurity, and performance in green energy and carbon reduction of an IDC are crucial to the sustainable development of businesses. Epson, known for leveraging core technologies that are "efficient, compact, and precise" to create globally successful products, has partnered with Chunghwa Telecom IDC to advance its sustainability goals.Based at Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Epson made a pledge to "never pollute Lake Suwa" at its inception and has honored this commitment ever since. Today, Epson continues to work with industry partners to deliver innovative technology solutions in five key areas: office and home printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual technology, and quality-of-life enhancements.Amid these innovations, Epson's commitment to sustainability remains steadfast. In Taiwan, many are unaware that the partnership between Epson Taiwan and Chunghwa Telecom IDC actually began 11 years ago. The primary reason for this collaboration was the need to achieve sustainable transformation goals.Cutting costs and boosting resilience: How Chunghwa Telecom IDC provides worry-free solutions for Epson"Ensuring business resilience and uninterrupted operations is a fundamental requirement," says Sydney Wang, Corporate Governance & Management Unitat Epson Taiwan. Initially, Epson Taiwan operated its own data center, managed by its internal IT team. However, the costs of self-management were too high, and keeping up with rapidly evolving information technology trends was also a significant challenge.This situation prompted Epson to consider the feasibility of outsourcing its IDC services. After a thorough evaluation of service quality and technical capabilities, Epson chose Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's leading data center brand, as its exclusive IDC outsourcing partner in 2013. This decision also involved collaboration with Epson Taiwan Service Net, its subsidiary."We realized that what our company needed was efficient network services, not the extensive resources required to manage network equipment internally. Chunghwa Telecom IDC's services have indeed eased our concerns!" Sydney Wang notes that since partnering with Chunghwa Telecom, Epson's network operation efficiency has significantly improved. Chunghwa Telecom's extensive professional team offers superior network operation costs, quality, and cybersecurity management compared to the earlier self-managed approach.Customer-centric "build first, dismantle later" approach facilitates seamless migration During the data center migration, Chunghwa Telecom's customer-oriented service philosophy left a strong impression on Sydney Wang. She recalls that when they first moved into Chunghwa Telecom IDC, there was a substantial volume of IP and dedicated line services that needed to be transferred. At that time, Chunghwa Telecom prioritized smooth operation and minimal risk for their customers by adopting a "build first, dismantle later" approach, which helped Epson complete the migration swiftly.Although this method was costlier for Chunghwa Telecom, it allowed for a seamless transition without disrupting operations for the customer. This approach underscores Chunghwa Telecom IDC's commitment to putting customer needs first.Nationwide IDC network meets remote backup requirementsIn the global trend towards sustainability and resilience, Chunghwa Telecom IDC's robust resources have become a vital asset for businesses. Sydney Wang noted that based on the "Business Continuity Plan" disaster prevention needs from their headquarters in Japan, it was recommended that the Taiwan subsidiary's IDC backup location be geographically farther.With nearly 20 IDC locations across Taiwan, Chunghwa Telecom swiftly responded to the request by relocating the backup data center from Zhubei to the Wenxin IDC in Taichung City, thereby meeting the requirement for longer-distance backup. Chunghwa Telecom IDC's ample resources to meet customer needs clearly demonstrate its strengths.Emergency bandwidth upgrade ensures normal and remote operations during pandemicDuring the pandemic, Chunghwa Telecom IDC's rapid response proved invaluable to Epson. "After the outbreak, most employees had to switch to working from home within a few days, causing an immediate surge in bandwidth demand!" Sydney Wang recalled that when Chunghwa Telecom received the request, they promptly dispatched personnel to urgently increase bandwidth and enhance capacity, allowing Epson to maintain normal remote operations and proving to be a reliable partner during the upheaval of the pandemic.Proactive alerts and threat mitigation showcase "customer-centric" valuesChunghwa Telecom not only prioritizes customer needs but also excels in technical capabilities and crisis management, helping Epson turn crises into opportunities.Sydney Wang mentioned that in 2021, Epson received an urgent notification from Chunghwa Telecom's billing department about unusual dialing behavior from Epson Taiwan's representative number, with numerous international calls made to a Southeast Asian country outside of working hours. Chunghwa Telecom immediately took action by temporarily blocking international dialing for the number.They also conducted an investigation to rule out the possibility of external line theft and determined that the issue was likely due to a problem with the switching equipment vendor's system. They advised Epson to contact the vendor for further inspection. Epson greatly appreciated Chunghwa Telecom's technical expertise, alert system, and proactive problem-solving approach, and decided to entrust the telephone switch upgrade and maintenance to Chunghwa Telecom. This incident has become a classic example of Chunghwa Telecom's "customer-centric" corporate values.Green energy transformation: partnering for sustainabilitySydney Wang shares during an interview that Chunghwa Telecom will be an important partner for Epson in its journey toward sustainable transformationChunghwa Telecom not only excels with its customer-first approach and robust resources, providing strong support for its clients, but its commitment to energy transformation amidst the global sustainability trend has also been a key factor in Epson's ongoing efforts to strengthen its partnership with Chunghwa Telecom.Sydney Wang pointed out that since its establishment 80 years ago, Epson has actively pursued environmental actions and publicly committed to becoming carbon-negative and underground resource-free (Note 1) in its Environmental Vision 2050." Under this vision, the Epson Group achieved 100% use of renewable energy at its global sites (Note 2) in 2023, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to fully transition to renewable energy.In Taiwan, Epson is also committed to energy transformation, actively using renewable energy in its leased office locations and purchasing green electricity certificates to achieve a 100% renewable energy goal. Similarly, Chunghwa Telecom announced in 2020 that its IDC would use 100% renewable energy by 2030. This commitment to sustainable transformation makes Chunghwa Telecom a valuable ally for Epson in pursuing environmental sustainability and opens up more opportunities for future collaboration.The partnership extends beyond this. As early as 2011, Epson introduced the "Nagano Energy-Saving Patrol" experience from Japan and collaborated with BCSD Taiwan to establish the "Energy-Saving Patrol" in Taiwan. This initiative involves professional volunteers providing comprehensive energy audits for air conditioning, lighting, mechanical and electrical equipment, and office equipment, offering free energy-saving diagnostics to help Taiwanese businesses create low-carbon work environments and implement comprehensive energy-saving plans. By 2023, the Energy-Saving Patrol in Taiwan had audited 365 companies, estimating annual energy savings of 143,087,025 kWh and a reduction of 128,241 metric tons (Note 3) of carbon emissions. Chunghwa Telecom is one of the key partners in this initiative.With its innovative spirit, service beliefs, and commitment to sustainability, Chunghwa Telecom IDC has become Epson's best support partner. Looking ahead, Chunghwa Telecom's cybersecurity, public cloud services, and equipment subscription options—offering leasing instead of outright purchases—will further bolster corporate digital resilience. We look forward to seeing more innovative services from Chunghwa Telecom, becoming an important partner in our journey toward sustainable transformation! Sydney Wang said.*Note 1: Free of non-renewable resources such as oil and metals.*Note 2: Excludes some sales sites and leased properties where the amount of electricity consumed cannot be determined.*Note 3: According to the official data from the Taiwan Energy-Saving Patrol website (as of July 2024): https://www.energy-patrol.com.tw/front/

With automotive electronics becoming a key application area where the global ICT and semiconductor industries are exerting efforts, DIGITIMES hosted the Next-generation Smart Car Innovations and Developments seminar during Semicon Taiwan 2024 with an aim to facilitate communication between Taiwan's chip industry and automotive electronics sector. The event gathered Taiwan-based IC design firms and their system suppliers that have performed brilliantly in telematics and cockpit systems for an exchange of their views on autonomous driving and cockpit solutions through a panel discussion. They also gave advice on foreign market expansion by sharing their real-world experiences.Integrating various automotive AI technologies is key to Level 5 fully autonomous driving In talking about the future development of autonomous driving, Alex Dee, General Manager, Future Innovative Department, First International Computer, noted that as self-driving vehicles advance into Level 5, meaning they are in a fully automated state, how to enhance passenger experience is something to think about, for example, how to make passengers more comfortable, refreshed and avoid feeling car sick. As Dee described it, the car is like the passengers' second home where they may be watching a movie or taking a nap. However, self-driving vehicles must integrate a multitude of AI technologies before they can achieve Level 5.Dee emphasized that when a vehicle is in motion, its surroundings change in an instant. The process from an automotive camera captures an image and instantaneously sends it to the domain controller which then makes an analysis and decides whether to stop or turn the vehicle in a snap of a finger. More importantly, nothing can possibly go wrong during the process. Thus, Dee admittedly pointed out that automotive AI is indeed ahead of AI development in any other field.In consonance with Dee, George Hsueh, Chairman and CEO of SteadyBeat, said the noise cancellation IC that SteadyBeat develops is also aimed at shaping the future riding experience. Hsueh noted that his company's noise cancellation technology helps eliminate the use of heavy automotive soundproofing materials, thereby enabling automakers to design lighter and more energy-efficient vehicles. Specifically, the technology neutralizes the frequency of outside noise. Sound travels at a high speed so the noise cancellation chip must be able to respond relatively quickly in order to reduce outside noise in real-time and allow passengers to enjoy music or video without headphones.Hsueh added that air temperature and humidity affect the way sound travels. Through the collaborations with automakers, his team found that apart from acoustic sensors, vehicles need to include a variety of other sensors. The design requires comprehensive planning and even the integration of various algorithms. It is quite different from traditional noise reduction methods based on digital signal processing (DSP).First meeting automaker requirements, then adding AI and supporting various service application scenarios iCatch Technology and JET OPTO are upstream and downstream supply chain partners. Their representatives shared views on road safety and image recognition at the event. Commenting from the perspective of road safety, iCatch Technology director Chang-Long Lee said that the development of smart cars will need to consider safety both inside and outside the car. That is, the safety of drivers and passengers inside the car and the safety of pedestrians outside the car should both be ensured. Furthermore, with AI and big data analytics increasingly being adopted in automotive electronics, protecting the confidentiality of user information and cybersecurity become increasingly important. Taking display technologies for example, Lee also noted that mini LED and micro LED are being incorporated in vehicles as ambient lights to create a cozy atmosphere or warning lights to catch driver attention. These are already included in international automakers' basic requirements.Glen Tsai, Director of Marketing, JET OPTO, spoke candidly that whether products can meet market demand is what really matters. Taking audio and video equipment upgrades as an example, he said after the pandemic lockdowns ended, airplane passengers care about how old the aircraft is and how fancy the onboard audio and video equipment is. The same applies to automobiles. Manufacturers should first think about how to satisfy such market demand before adding other services. Taking it a step further, manufacturers can combine sensor and cloud technologies to make predictions and thereby provide tailored experiences for drivers and passengers. This is the thing to think about when expanding into automotive AI.Joining forces, iCatch Technology and JET OPTO secured an important order from a foreign customeriCatch Technology and JET OPTO share the same objective, which is to meet the demand from foreign systems and component makers. Lee specifically said that with JET OPTO's good understanding and conveyance of customer needs, iCatch Technology was able to recalibrate its product. He described the process of their collaboration as "being whipped into shape." As a matter of fact, foreign customers have stringent requirements on suppliers. Their recent partner project was required to have no security loophole in the program code and no copyright issue. The back-and-forth communication and recalibration between the two partners and their customers allowed them to win an order of 300,000 units from Panasonic. Such a brilliant performance was the fruit of their long-term collaboration since 2017.Amid rapid development in the global automotive electronics market, Taiwan-based manufacturers have shown the world their technological strength and ability to innovate. Leveraging all kinds of cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, image recognition, noise cancellation and cybersecurity management, they are securing a presence in the global automotive supply chain while continuing to strengthen their partnerships with international conglomerates.The seminar conducted in the form of a panel discussion not only shed light on Taiwan-based manufacturers' enormous potential in the automotive electronics sector but also set a solid foundation for smart car development going forward. As the global market imposes growingly stringent requirements on products for automotive applications, manufacturers need to keep strengthening their R&D as well as innovative capabilities so as to stand out in the fiercely competitive market.Panelists of the Next-generation Smart Car Innovations and Developments seminar from left to right: Alex Dee, General Manager, Future Innovative Department, First International Computer; George Hsueh, Chairman and CEO, SteadyBeat; Glen Tsai, Director of Marketing, JET OPTO; Chang-Long Lee, iCatch Technology Director; Ahsley Chu, show host, IC Broadcasting.