The Taiwan Generative AI Applications Hackathon is kicking off. The contest aims to showcase Generative AI application examples based on cloud computing and the latest Claude 3 large language model (LLM), developed here in Taiwan, to the world.DIGITIMES will hold the "AI Wave: Taiwan Generative AI Applications Hackathon" on May 18-19, 2024. Taiwan has the most extensive tech supply chain know-how in the world, large amounts of consumer data thanks to a high Internet penetration rate, and frequent cyberattacks, all of which together form a perfect setting for developers and innovators looking to create applications. This is what drives DIGITIMES to organize the hackathon with support from the National Development Council. Contestants will use Amazon Web Services' (AWS) Generative AI services, LLMs including the latest Anthropic Claude 3, launched in March 2024, and a code-free application builder AWS PartyRock.The competition will be divided into a hackathon division and an idea exchange division. The hackathon division will comprise six well-known global corporations from different sectors including Advantech, Gogoro, HITACHI, JUMBO TECHNOLOGY, Trend Micro, and Wowprime. Competitors in the idea exchange division will work on problems assigned by the Kaohsiung City Government and FinTechSpace. Teams of two to five members can register for the AI Wave: Taiwan Generative AI Applications Hackathon online now until April 20, 2024, to win awards totaling NT$300,000. Both students and non-students are welcome. Visit the official website for more information.Stepping up their collaborative efforts, DIGITIMES and AWS will hold a series of activities, including Generative AI Workshops and an AWS Cloud Practitioner Bootcamp, to boost the participants' cloud and AI skills before the contest. Moreover, there will also be recruitment tables at the event and one-on-one guidance sessions with industry experts and instructors to help the participating teams build Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) skills and other techniques.DIGITIMES commented "As a Taiwan-based tech media platform with a global influence, we are well aware that Taiwan has a wealth of tech supply chain data that is not found anywhere else in the world and that the global tech sector treasures. Taiwan is also among the countries with a high mobile phone penetration and social media usage, giving rise to abundant and diverse consumer data. Taiwan also has large amounts of cybersecurity data as it often falls victim to cyberattacks. These set up a good foundation for Taiwan's developers and students to bring to reality unique applications that solve problems facing the world today as Generative AI impacts every industry. We hope that our collaborations with AWS and the other global corporations in holding the hackathon will foster more Taiwanese AI talents that transcend national borders and language barriers and together create a Generative AI future."AWS remarked, "Through our talent development initiatives such as AWS Educate, AWS Academy, Cloud Innovation School, and AWS Training Partner programs tailored for various stages, AWS has trained over 100,000 cloud professionals in Taiwan. In the realm of Generative AI, we launched the 'AI Ready' program in 2023, aimed at providing free AI training and education resources to 2 million individuals globally by 2025. This program encompasses eight complementary courses designed to equip learners with AI and Generative AI skills. Additionally, we have partnered with the online learning platform Udacity to offer scholarships to students, while collaborating with Code.org to educate students about Generative AI. We are thrilled to extend a series of hands-on workshops exclusively for developers and students in Taiwan, complementing our existing initiatives. We eagerly anticipate witnessing the remarkable innovations that contestants will unveil during the event. Our ultimate objective is to nurture Taiwan's capabilities in fostering unicorn companies that garner global recognition and admiration."Liao Tai-Hsiang, Director-General of the Economic Development Bureau, Kaohsiung City Government noted that he expects to see the participants use the much-raved-about Generative AI to enable unlimited city development possibilities together with the Kaohsiung City Government. It is also hoped that the collaborations with DIGITIMES, AWS, and other corporate partners will cultivate cloud AI talents that will form a strong support for Kaohsiung's smart technology industry. Not only has Kaohsiung set a dual industry transformation policy – digital transformation and net-zero emission, but it is also working with the central government to drive the Startup Terrace Kaohsiung. The project has successfully brought 175 companies to Kaohsiung from home and abroad, creating more than 5,000 jobs and generating investments close to NT$23 billion and production value totaling NT$53.8 billion.Registrations for AI Wave: Taiwan Generative AI Applications Hackathon are accepted now until April 20, 2024. Click here for more information on the contest.Taiwan Generative AI Applications Hackathon kicks off. Contestants will use cloud computing and the latest Claude 3 LLM to develop generative AI applications. (DIGITIMES)

According to the 2024 Mid-Large OLED Display Annual Report recently published by UBI Research, shipments of OLED panels for tablets are expected to grow from 12 million units in 2024 to 28.4 million units in 2028, with an average annual growth rate of 24.1%.OLED panel shipments for tablets were 1.3 million units in 2022 and 1.8 million units in 2023, forming a small market. However, with the decision to install OLED in Apple's iPads scheduled to be released in 2024, Samsung Display and LG Display are producing OLED panels for iPad-oriented tablets.Samsung Display produces panels for the 11-inch model and LG Display produces panels for the 12.9-inch model. Due to Apple's entry, the OLED market for tablets is expected to grow 6-7 times in 2024 compared to 2023.In addition, panel companies are actively investing in applying OLED not only to tablets but also to various IT products. Following Samsung Display's recent investment in the 8.6G IT line, BOE also invested in the 8.6G IT line, and LG Display is also conducting a paid-in capital increase to secure funds for IT line investment and is planning to sell the Guangzhou LCD line. The OLED market for IT is expected to expand further due to the aggressive investment of panel companies.OLED panel shipments forecast for tablet PCPhoto: UBI Research

The rush to embrace smart technology in the manufacturing and logistics industries means that smart warehouse systems are an increasingly common sight in factories and warehouses. Smart conveyor belts, smart pallets, autonomous mobile robots (AMR), as well as automated handling systems such as robotic arms with integrated AI visual recognition technology are becoming widespread. The traditional paradigm of manual picking, sorting, and handling has been gradually rendered obsolete. The boost in operational efficiency has been accompanied by a reduction in dependence on human resources as well as fewer occupational injuries.Growing demand for smart warehousing has spurred the emergence of related start-ups looking to capitalize on these new business opportunities. A certain start-up in Japan for example leveraged its innovative motion control software and algorithm to incubate an acclaimed smart robotic arm that has since been adopted by smart warehouse projects in Japan, America, and Europe. After careful assessment, the Japanese company decided a little over two years ago to introduce ADLINK's MVP-6200 fanless embedded computer as its robotic arm controller.Proprietary AFM Design Supports High Level of Customization and ExpandabilityTaita Chou, ADLINK's Senior Product Manager of Edge Computing Platforms BU explained that there were several reasons why MVP-6200 was given the nod. Firstly, ADLINK has been working on industrial automation applications for a long time and has built a solid body of knowledge on industrial robot controllers. Secondly, an AI camera is integrated into the start-up's robotic arm, and AI visual recognition technology is employed to execute tasks. ADLINK's extensive experience with Edge AI in recent years was therefore considered another plus.The MVP-6200 itself also incorporated many advanced technical features so this was probably the main reason for its selection. For example, the 12/13-generation Intel Core i9/i7/i5/i3 processor onboard is about 30% faster than the 8/9th generation Intel CPUs generally used in industrial computing today. Memory is also upgraded from DDR4 to DDR5 to boost overall performance by more than 50%, a very considerable improvement. In other words, a robotic arm with MVP-6200 as the controller can pick and move an even larger quantity of goods within the same given period. The attendant increase in order fulfillment rate made for a strong selling point.At the same time, ADLINK's proprietary Adaptive Function Module (AFM) design allowed for a high level of customization and expansion in functionality based on client requirements. In this particular case, ADLINK provided the start-up with a function module corresponding to its signal expansion requirement. Integrating the signals directly into the mainboard eliminated unnecessary accessories and wiring that increase the risk of short circuits or oxidization from card contacts, as well as loose or worn wiring due to vibrations in the arm mounting over extended periods. Both maintenance costs and the potential risk of failure are reduced as a result. Thanks to AFM, the end customer can use a single controller to seamlessly connect 2D/3D cameras, tablet teach pendants, conveyor belt sensors, barcode scanners, and other external hardware. Robotic arms and AMRs can then operate smoothly and precisely together to execute the entire shipping process.ADLINK MVP-6200Embracing Complex Verification Challenges to Meet Customer RequirementsA strategy of diversification was adopted by ADLINK in industrial computing to better meet market and client requirements. Chou noted that in addition to the flagship MVP-6200 series ADLINK also designed the MVP-5200 series for different application scenarios. The two series share the same technical platform but the MVP-5200 is targeted at specialized applications that do not require PCIe expansion slots. Maintaining a flexible approach to design ensured that the product could be adapted to different production environments and effectively meet the needs of different customers.The performance of industrial computers is continuing to increase thanks to new generations of CPUs but this also brings even greater challenges in heat dissipation. Effective heat dissipation is of particular importance in the confined environments of factories and warehouses. It is here that the MVP series from ADLINK demonstrates its outstanding innovation. These models are based on a fanless design that delivers high-performance cooling in a small footprint to ensure the machine's continued stability and reliability under heavy workloads.The MVP series not only satisfies current industrial automation requirements through its powerful processing performance and exceptional heat dissipation. It is also a demonstration of ADLINK's leadership in product design and innovation. These models are suitable for applications that require high-performance AI computing. Their compact footprint and outstanding cooling performance provide users with more flexibility during deployment which translates into even greater value for money and a better overall user experience."ADLINK was not just chosen for the exceptional performance of the product hardware itself, but its total approach to customer service!" said Chou. Instead of just being a traditional hardware vendor, ADLINK went the extra mile by making an in-depth study of the customer's requirements and then satisfied those requirements by providing a tailor-made solution. In this case, ADLINK did not just employ AFM design to seamlessly connect all the external devices specified by the client. To ensure the most stable operating environment, ADLINK also introduced Ubuntu Linux compatibility verification services from Canonical, the original manufacturer, to ensure that no matter what OS updates are introduced in the future, all MVP models will remain fully compatible with the OS; the effort is not limited to Ubuntu either. ADLINK will work to maintain stability and compatibility with other platforms such as Debian, Yacto, and Windows as well.It is worth noting that the new start-up required ADLINK to undergo rigorous whole-machine encryption testing during delivery to maximize supply chain security. The testing ensured every component in the computer was a 100% match for the list of previously verified components. For example, everything on the Flash SSD including the chips, firmware, or even tiny screws had to match or it would fail verification. ADLINK knew that such testing may result in additional hidden costs. Nevertheless, the project will be used with AI applications and industrial automation so this requirement was aligned with ADLINK's ultimate goal. Every effort was therefore made to meet the client's expectations by the company philosophy of putting the client first. It is this in-depth understanding of client requirements and total approach to technical support that gives ADLINK its edge in an extremely competitive market. ADLINK supplies not only high-quality products but is also a one-stop shop for solutions. From hardware to software, and from product configuration to after-market support, a total approach to satisfying customer requirements epitomizes ADLINK's outstanding performance in customer service.Learn more about the MVP-6200 or contact ADLINK for more information about products and solutions.

The highly anticipated annual electric vehicle event, "2035 E-Mobility Taiwan," is set to take place from April 17th to 20th at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center Hall 1. This gathering of industry leaders promises to showcase the latest developments and trends in electric vehicles (EVs). Among the forefront exhibitors is Clientron, renowned for its focus on smart electric cockpits designed for EVs.Clientron's exhibition will feature a comprehensive lineup of smart e-cockpit products alongside a spotlight on all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), emphasizing its "electric system integration solutions" aimed at transitioning from gas-powered to electric vehicles.The impending European Union ban on internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicle sales by 2035 looms large, significantly impacting various automotive sectors, including specialty vehicles like ATVs, agricultural vehicles, and tuk-tuks. Traditionally powered by ICE engines, these vehicles are synonymous with noise, emissions, and vibrations. However, the shift to EVs heralds numerous advantages such as quieter operation, smoother acceleration, reduced emissions, and alignment with carbon reduction initiatives and net-zero emission policies.Navigating this transition poses challenges for manufacturers but also presents avenues for innovation and business growth. Clientron's suite of electric system integration solutions addresses these challenges, facilitating a seamless transition from gas-powered engines to electric systems through the integration of electric motors, batteries, and electronic control systems.Central to Clientron's showcase is the "Electric Vehicle Smart e-Cockpit" solution, recognized as a 2024 Taiwan Excellence Awards recipient. This innovative product encompasses two distinct smart e-cockpits tailored for passenger autos and commercial vehicles. Featuring integrated in-vehicle information systems, including meters, battery power indicators, gear positions, Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), blind-spot detection, and in-vehicle infotainment, the smart e-cockpit ensures a blend of intelligent technology and user convenience.With the burgeoning popularity of EVs and the influx of new models from automakers, there's a surging demand for automotive Integrated Circuit (IC) chips. Leveraging Taiwan's robust chip supply chain, Clientron collaborates with industry-leading manufacturers like MediaTek, Sunplus, PixArt, Novatek, and Holtek to develop an array of automotive IC chip solutions. These solutions find applications across smart e-cockpit systems, virtual onboard units, steering wheel control, visual assistance systems, and more, culminating in comprehensive automotive electronic system integration solutions.Clientron's President and CEO, Kelly Wu, underscores the company's commitment to advancing EV technology, citing Clientron's roots in automotive multimedia systems design. This foundation has equipped Clientron with a profound understanding of automotive structures and principles, enabling the development of an efficient electrical system integration platform for EVs. This platform seamlessly integrates key electrical systems, facilitating the transition from traditional specialty vehicle manufacturing to electric vehicles.As industry-wide advancements in battery technology, infrastructure development with increased charging stations, low maintenance costs, and enhanced driving experiences continue to unfold, the future of electric vehicles appears increasingly promising, paving the way for a sustainable and tech-driven mobility landscape.For more information and to explore Clientron's cutting-edge solutions in the realm of automotive electronics, visit their booth at "2035 E-Mobility Taiwan."Smart eCockpit of Electric Vehicle

According to the 2024 Small OLED Display Annual Report recently published by UBI Research, OLED shipments for foldable phones are expected to increase from 27.4 million units in 2024 to 52.7 million units in 2028.According to the report, Samsung Display's OLED shipments for foldable phones in 2023 will be 13.4 million units, a 6.3% increase from 12.6 million units in 2022. Also, among Chinese panel makers, BOE shipped 6.2 million units of OLED for foldable phones, more than three times the 1.9 million units in 2022, while TCL CSOT and Visionox each shipped 1.1 million units of OLED for foldable phones.Although there is fierce pursuit by Chinese companies, Samsung Display is expected to still take the lead in the foldable phone market. Samsung Electronics, to which Samsung Display supplies panels, is expected to expand the models of the Galaxy Fold series scheduled to be released this year, and Samsung Display's foldable phone panels are expected to be applied first to Apple's foldable iPhone to be released in the future. Based on such technological prowess and competitiveness, Samsung Display's dominance in the foldable phone market is expected to continue for the time being.Credit: Company

What are the differences between cars of the past and present? Today apart from electric vehicles (EV) you see more and more often every day, you might also find cars are getting smarter and come with growingly diverse infotainment and telematic systems as well as safety features such as lane departure warning and forward collision warning. That's tight – EVs and smart cars are the two key mobility trends of the present. At TAIPEI AMPA and AUTOTRONICS TAIPEI 2024, taking place in concurrence with 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan April 17-20 at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 (TaiNEX 1), visitors will get a chance to see the latest new energy cars and state-of-the-art smart vehicle features.The automotive market started to recover as the COVID-19 pandemic came to an end in 2023. On top of rapid developments in energy, semiconductor and ICT technologies, the automotive sector is embracing another wave of growth. The prosperity also gives rise to the scale-up of this year's three joint exhibitions. The event will have approximately 1,000 exhibitors hosting 2,700 booths. Iconic corporations will be present to demonstrate their cutting-edge technologies and maximize their visibility.The event organizer has designed a diversity of activities aimed at enabling visitors to clearly capture iconic corporations' solutions on exhibit. Both the general public and professionals in the automotive sector can enjoy a unique exhibition experience suited to their needs. In particular, "Talent Transistors," "Guided Tours" and a series of "ESG Achievement" activities will be this year's highlight that can't be missed.Debuting in 2024, "Talent Transistors" match talents with employers Human resources have always played a vital role in driving industry development. The automotive sector ushering in a mobility revolution especially welcomes new blood. "Talent Transistors," held for the first time at the 2024 event, provide opportunities for automotive professionals and college students to meet with potential employers. Those who are interested can have a holistic view of the job market and network with industry insiders to pave a career path. Companies get chances to discover and recruit talents while raising their brand visibility, which will in turn help them attract more first-rate professionals to jump on board. There are 13 companies with different specialties participating in "Talent Transistors," including automotive component manufacturers Shou Ie Enterprise, Coplus, Truck Body Parts Industrial, Shih Hsiang Auto Parts, Ying Paio Enterprise, Heng Fu and Inventec Appliances as well as smart mobility solution providers Shing Shing Long Industrial, Chun Hon, Shihlin Electric, Remote Sensing Laboratory, Department of Geomatics, NCKU, ZEROVA and Advantech.Upgraded " Guided Tours" available in three languages to create a premium exhibition experienceThe highly praised "Guided Tours" activity will be upgraded this year. Aside from Chinese and English, the tours will also be available in Japanese to serve the largest buyer group – Japan-based companies. The tour routes will also be expanded to nine, adding two important ones – Automotive Safety Equipment and Systems as well as Golden ESG Achievement. Experts guiding the tours will include Eric Hsing from Maloncars, Singer from Jorsindo Motor Club, Tai Choo Yee from CarPlus, and Mark Phillips from Aftermarket Intel. They will guide visitors for an in-depth look into eye-catching products and technologies on exhibit.Visitors can choose a tour route based on their preferences and professional needs. Exhibitors get chances to share their product R&D experiences and thoughts and receive real-time feedback through on-site communication for future enhancements. This is the aim of the "Expert Guided Tours" activity – creating a win-win situation.A glance at Taiwan's patented technology strength and a Line point game for ESG awarenessTaiwan boasts robust technological R&D capability. Taiwan Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs will host an exhibit titled "Taiwan Patent GO," showcasing winners of the National Invention and Creation Award and outstanding patented products named at the Taiwan Innotech Expo. The exhibit will also shed light on how patents can protect intellectual creations and enable business opportunities. One-on-one consultations with patent attorneys are available for those interested in turning their inventions into profits. Advance booking is required. Spaces are limited so make your reservation early.As part of the continuing efforts to promote ESG, the event organizer has planned ESG sustainability seminars and peer panel discussions to help exhibitors and visitors grasp sustainable development strategies. There will also be a Line points activity jointly organized with companies committed to ESG practices. Visitors to exhibition booths with a gold or green ESG mark can scan a QR code to collect Line points which can be redeemed for succulent plants at the ESG exhibition area. Quantities are limited so act quickly.Presenting the current developments and future trends of the global automotive industry, TAIPEI AMPA, AUTOTRONICS TAIPEI, and 2035 E-Mobility Taiwan will take place April 17-20 at TaiNEX 1. A complete range of all kinds of activities will enable visitors to effortlessly grasp information, build business networks, and get immersed in the mobility revolution. Don't miss out on the chance for an overview of an all-round automotive industry ecosystem.Reserve your spot at https://www.taipeiampa.com.tw/en/index.htmlTAIPEI AMPA 2024 – a perfect opportunity to capture industry dynamics and build business networksPhoto: TAITRA

Glass Acoustic Innovations Ltd. (GAIT) is thrilled to announce a strategic partnership with Nippon Electric Glass Co., Ltd. (NEG), a distinguished leader in glass manufacturing listed on the Japanese Stock Exchange. This collaboration marks a significant evolutionary milestone in the glass and acoustic industries, uniting two industry leaders with a shared commitment to innovation and excellence.In a collaborative effort to meet growing market demands, GAIT and NEG have joined forces to deliver state-of-the-art ultra-thin glass diaphragm technology solutions, integrating glass diaphragms into HiFi speakers, headphones, automotive speakers, marine audio speakers, and much more. NEG, globally renowned for high-quality glass production, specializes in crafting optical and medical glass for a wide spectrum of applications, including display panels, electronic displays, and medical equipment. GAIT, a dominant force in glass diaphragm design and production, offers cutting-edge glass diaphragms across numerous applications that outperform traditional counterparts in every dimension, with enhanced functionality (higher strength and rigidity, proper damping, and accelerated sound propagation speeds), charming aesthetics, and environmental conscientiousness. It is dedicated to the manufacturing and development of a wide range of glass diaphragms from 0.4mm to as thin as 35 µm thickness in loudspeaker membranes to earphone and headphone membranes.Glass diaphragm manufacturers have expanded their focus by venturing into the audio speaker industry, a market valued at approximately US$756 billion, where glass diaphragms in particular account for US$27 billion. The innovative glass diaphragm technology is poised to play a pivotal role in reshaping the audio industry, introducing revamped speaker products and a fresh interpretation of audio that is sleek, contemporary, and refined. Just as visual displays have evolved, with TVs boasting unprecedented resolutions and more sophisticated designs, the audio sector is poised for a similar transformation, shifting beyond traditional "brown goods." The next frontier in consumer electronics will focus on enhancing the audio experience, surpassing even the sophisticated visual upgrades seen with OLED technology.The partnership between GAIT and NEG signifies a historic moment in the glass industry's trajectory. Together, these leading glass and glass diaphragm manufacturers aim to propel the growth and development of glass diaphragm technology into uncharted territory—acoustical glass. By blending NEG's glass technology expertise and GAIT's acoustic craftsmanship, the ceiling for glass diaphragm applications will be limitless—supporting impeccable audio quality from in-ear speakers to large-diameter speakers and beyond. This powerful partnership symbolizes a collective dream: to see glass, touch glass, and HEAR glass.Mr. David Chou, Founder and Chairman of GAIT, and Mr. Mamoru Morii, Director and SVP of NEG, joyfully commemorate the successful establishment of their partnershipMr. David Chou, Founder and Chairman of GAIT, together with the GAIT team, and Mr. Mamoru Morii, Director and SVP of NEG, along with his team, joyously celebrate the establishment of a strategic partnership

Not only has space exploration been a dream of humankind, but it has also played a crucial role driving the innovation and advancement of cutting-edge technologies. Space technology achievements are therefore seen as an indicator of national prestige and power. To keep abreast of the global space industry development trends and to comply with Taiwan's policies to build a solid space industry foundation, the Small and Medium Enterprise and Startup Administration (SMESA) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs sponsors the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program, which is part of Taiwan Accelerator Plus (TAcc+). Organized and executed by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), the program is aimed to achieve three goals: attracting international space startup talents to Taiwan, helping Taiwan-based space startups explore business opportunities and tap global markets, and bridging enterprises with startups for partnerships and global market expansions.To achieve the first goal of attracting international space startup talents to Taiwan, ITRI works with international startup accelerators and incubators and selects foreign space startups with mature critical technologies to come to Taiwan. ITRI provides them reception, education and matchmaking services while helping them connect with Taiwan's space industry and participate in space technology exhibitions.To achieve the second goal of helping Taiwan-based space startups explore business opportunities and tap global markets, ITRI plans to pair Taiwan-based space startups with foreign mentors to guide them on business model optimization and business expansion. ITRI also engages with international startup accelerators and incubators to lead Taiwan-based space startups' foray into worldwide markets.To achieve the final goal of bridging enterprises with startups for partnerships and global market expansions, ITRI endeavors to match foreign startups with domestic industries. The efforts not only promote their collaboration and communication but also help Taiwan-based startups penetrate into the global space industry ecosystem.Thanks to joint government-industry-academia-research efforts, Taiwan's FORMOSAT 1, 2, 3, 5, and 7 missions successfully completed, laying a solid foundation for independent satellite development. This shows Taiwan is capable of making satellites and sounding rockets domestically and more importantly, Taiwan has an outstanding team of aerospace engineers and experts. Having identified the space industry as one of the six core strategic industries, the Taiwan government intends to keep driving space technology advancement and industry development, aiming to establish a presence in the global marketplace.Right after kick-off, the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program 2023 was met with great interest from promising space startups all over the world. A total of 16 teams were selected to come to Taiwan, including German-based deltaVision GmbH in the satellite manufacturing sector, India-based Vellon Space in the launch service sector, and Czech-based Hikade Technologies in the satellite service sector. The International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program 2023 culminated in the signing of six MOUs, intertwining global startups with the Taiwanese space sector. These startups also engaged in over 300 discussions with local suppliers at the Taipei Aerospace & Defense Technology Exhibition, injecting vitality and fresh perspectives into Taiwan's aerospace community.Considering opinions from the Taiwan space supply chain, SMESA has decided the International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program 2024 will highlight satellite manufacturing system integration, sensing and imaging technologies for satellite application, and critical components for rocket manufacturing/launching. The aim is to leverage Taiwan's strength in IC design, satellite manufacturing, ground equipment, and startup ecosystem to build expertise and experience in the space sector.In view of the space technology development progress across different parts of the world, the 2024 program will focus on startup teams from Europe, India, and Japan with a certain degree of maturity. With the success of the 2023 program, this year SMESA hopes to invite 10 startup teams from abroad to Taiwan and matchmake at least two partnership deals with Taiwan-based firms.On top of solid foundations and brilliant performances in the semiconductor, ICT, and precision machinery sectors, Taiwan also has the capabilities to develop and manufacture satellites and rockets domestically. The synergy of the two will allow Taiwan to build up strength in the global space competition, which is set to become a key growth engine for Taiwan's economy.Visit https://taccplus.com/en/international-program/ for more information.Applications for International SpaceTech Startup Supporting Program 2024 are now being acceptedPhoto: ITRI

Silicon Application Corp. (SAC) Group, a member of WPG Holdings, has facilitated the adoption of various industrial applications for its partner brands. Today, at Embedded World 2024—world's largest exhibition for embedded electronics and industrial computing—MediaTek unveiled an array of smart IoT devices. These innovations, developed by partners including SAC Group, MSI, and Cypress Technology (CYP), leverage MediaTek's Genio IoT platform. The device portfolio covers a wide range of applications, including edge computing equipment for factories, warehouse management systems, human–machine interfaces (HMIs), robotics, rugged computers, and in-flight entertainment systems.Among the various applications exhibited, two devices were developed under the collaborative support of the SAC Group and MediaTek: An industrial tablet computer from MSI, which can be utilized in smart agriculture, smart factories, and smart buildings sectors; and a real-time audio and video streaming conversion device from CPY, which allows food and beverage retailers to deliver different audiovisual content to different screens within their stores. Both devices are powered by MediaTek's latest IoT chipset, the Genio 510. In the future, SAC Group and MediaTek will continue to assist global IoT device manufacturers in building smart IoT devices for diverse applications.Hongji Chen, Vice President of Technical Support Center at SAC Group, stated that through the collaboration strategy, which involved FAE teams covering different fields such as software, hardware, and RF, as well as close communication with the original chip manufacturers, SAC Group is able to serve as an extension of MediaTek, providing customers with comprehensive consulting services and technical support from motherboard design to development in order to accelerate customers' adoption of MediaTek's IoT solutions.Alan Liu, Director of the IoT Business Unit at MediaTek, pointed out that the diversity of smart IoT applications often presents device-makers with challenges of fragmentation. To address this, MediaTek is capitalizing on SAC Group's extensive network in the IoT sector. By extending the scope of their decade-long partnership into the IoT domain, they aim to offer more prompt and efficient technical support and service capabilities to IoT equipment system manufacturers.MediaTek is addressing the unmet need for Arm-based smart IoT devices and systems by developing a suite of Arm-based chipsets. These chips are designed for universality, openness, and compatibility, offering system manufacturers around the world high-performance, energy-efficient, and easy-to-integrate SoC solutions. This accelerates product development and time-to-market entry, boosting competitiveness.At the exhibition, MediaTek showcased their latest smart IoT chip, Genio 510, which boasts a 6-nanometer hexacore processor. The Genio 510 supports cutting-edge wireless technologies like 5G and Wi-Fi 6 and offers a variety of I/O options such as PCIE, GbE, USB3.1, and USB 2.0 ports, ensuring broad peripheral connectivity. Genio 510 comes with an integrated AI processor and a 32MP ISP, capable of handling AI tasks like facial and object recognition without an external graphics card. It also supports multiple video codecs, including AV1, VP9, H.264, H.265, and 4K output, delivering sharp images for multimedia IoT uses, such as digital signage in retail.

iCatch Technology, a leading AI image processing IC design company, is pleased to announce its participation in ISC West 2024. Several key technology advancements in battery-powered security camera will be demonstrated live at the event based on its Vi57 AI imaging SoC, including high-quality color pre-roll video, AI-powered audio noise suppression, and rapid press-to-live-view performance.One of the key highlights is the collaboration with OMNIVISION OA07600 video co-processor to enable color pre-roll video on battery-powered camera devices. With this video co-processor, Vi57 can record the pre-event color video footage to assure no critical event is missed at exceptionally low power consumption. Moreover, with the color night vision technology in Vi57, these color pre-event videos can be recorded clearly even under extreme low-light conditions without the need of active lighting to improve the traceability and user experience.Additionally, the AI-powered audio noise suppression feature in Vi57 provides clear audio quality while operating in a noisy environment, making it ideal for two-way audio communication in home security applications. Whether the camera is placed under windy or noisy environments, users can still communicate effectively between the camera and their smart devices.Furthermore, Vi57 offers unparalleled fast-boot performance with an 8-bit SPI interface built-in. This technology not only ensures that crucial events are always securely captured but also enables ultra-low-power camera system design to greatly improve battery life."We are thrilled to showcase the new features realized on our Vi57 AI imaging SoC at ISC West 2024," said Weber Hsu, GM of iCatch Technology. "These advancements can support brand names in bringing home security camera to the next level and we can't wait to share them to the visitors at the exhibition. "ISC West 2024 is a renowned event in the security industry, attracting professionals from around the world to explore the latest security camera innovations. The exhibition will be held from April 9-12, 2024, at the Venetian Expo in Las Vegas.For any request, please drop your message at: https://www.icatchtek.com/RequestsiCatch Technology Debuts Revolutionary Camera Advancements for Home Security at ISC West 2024Photo: iCatch Technology