Category Archives: Technology

Global Study: Fund Managers Say AI Will Transform Asset Management Operations Within 12 Months

BOISE, Idaho, NEW YORK, CHICAGO, LONDON and HONG KONG, July 28: A global study of 178 senior fund manager executives released today by Clearwater Analytics finds a decisive shift in the asset management industry: the majority of fund managers now expect AI to deliver major or transformative change across critical front-, middle-, and back-office functions within the next year.

The study, “GenAI and the Data Divide,” finds 62% of fund managers expect AI to transform how firms generate and summarize data, 58% expect it to transform decision-support and portfolio recommendations, and 57% expect a transformative impact on predictive modeling and stress-testing. Adoption is accelerating alongside it: 95% of firms raised their AI budgets in the past year, and 85% plan to raise them by at least 50% more over the next 12 months.

But the study also identifies what will determine which firms actually capture that transformation. A 23-percentage-point gap exists between how firms rate the completeness of their data versus its accuracy. While 79% believe their data is complete, only 56% consider it accurate. This gap is emerging as a key differentiator between firms seeing measurable returns from their data and those still waiting for theirs to realise value.

 A Year of Operational Transformation

The research reflects a significant consensus among investment professionals regarding where AI will deliver the most profound impact over the next 12 months.

Leading the charge is the automation of content and data synthesis: 62% of fund managers expect AI to facilitate a major or transformative change in creating standardized written outputs and condensing complex data into concise summaries.

The industry’s reliance on predictive modeling is also set for an AI-driven overhaul. 57% of survey respondents anticipate a transformative impact on how their firms analyze historical and current data to forecast outcomes and evaluate stress-test scenarios, for example. Close behind, 58% of fund managers expect AI to revolutionize decision-support systems, specifically in proposing potential actions or parameter changes such as portfolio rebalancing based on specific objectives and constraints.

 Souvik Das, CTO of Clearwater Analytics, said: “Our data shows that the global investment community is no longer just curious about AI. They are deploying it to solve the most labor-intensive aspects of asset management. By automating the heavy lifting of data synthesis and scenario modeling, firms are reclaiming thousands of hours that can now be redirected toward alpha-generating activities.”

Tactical Success in Day-to-Day Operations

The study also provides a status report on the effectiveness of AI tools currently in use. Far from being a theoretical benefit, AI is already delivering measurable tactical advantages in day-to-day tasks:

· Natural Language Interaction: 73% of fund managers surveyed describe their use of AI natural language agents as “effective” for querying data-intensive investment platforms, risk management, and reconciliation.

· Deep-Dive Analysis: 62% of respondents find AI agents effective for delving into complex topics such as regulatory compliance, with nearly half (47%) describing these tools as “very effective.”

· Workflow Automation: The push toward straight-through processing is gaining momentum, with 63% of managers successfully using AI to automate repetitive workflows such as daily report generation.

· Multi-Agent Orchestration: 62% of firms report success in using AI to trigger operations based on specific data thresholds or schedules, indicating a move toward more sophisticated, autonomous system behaviors.

Solving the Data Dilemma

Data quality has always been the industry’s hardest problem. This study shows fund managers now understand why it matters more than ever.

70% of fund managers surveyed say deploying AI has sharpened their focus on data management, with 8% calling the shift in attention “dramatic.” Two thirds (66%) of fund managers now feel their AI tools are effective at managing the unique challenges of alternative data, an historically difficult area to scale.

That progress on alternative data is real. But as noted above, it hasn’t closed the gap that matters most. Only 56% of firms rate their data as accurate or reliable, against 79% who call it complete. AI is sharpening firms’ attention on their data. It has not yet solved the trust problem underneath it.

“What’s striking is that AI adoption is forcing fund managers to confront the fundamentals of data management in a way nothing else has,” added Souvik Das. “The confidence we see in managing alternative data is particularly telling. It suggests that firms that invest in AI are also the ones investing hardest in getting their data right, and that the two have to move together. This is a fundamental shift in the industry’s awareness of complexity.”

The Divergence in Adoption

While the majority of the industry is bullish, the study also highlights a growing gap between leaders and laggards. In several categories—including software delivery and workflow coordination—roughly 12% to 18% of managers still expect “minor or little impact” from AI. This divergence suggests that while the technology is ready, the internal infrastructure and cultural readiness of firms vary significantly.

Introducing PcVue 17

Optimize Energy. Maximize Performance. Secure the Infrastructure

ARC Informatique, publisher of the SCADA/BMS PcVue platform, announces PcVue 17, a major release addressing critical systems challenges: energy efficiency, operational performance, and cybersecurity.

Driving Energy Flexibililty

PcVue 17 improves the energy efficiency of buildings and industrial processes. By centralizing data from multiple sources within a unified ecosystem, it actively optimizes energy demand through optimized control scenarios that can include AI-based forecasting, thus avoiding consumption peaks and reducing energy costs.

Intelligent Assistance for Performance

PcVue 17 introduces intelligent assistance that enables users to configure workflows and orchestrate complex processes through low-code interfaces. By combining AI processing and real-time data analysis, it allows to automate routine tasks and accelerates decision-making across both systems and teams.

On the engineering side, PcVue 17 helps you design faster and be more efficient with enriched object libraries, and flexible modeling capabilities.

Certifications for Critical Infrastructure Cyber-resilience

Backed by IEC 62443-4-1 and IEC 62443-4-2 certifications, ensuring secure development processes and robust product security for industrial automation systems, the platform not only offers high performance, but also remains secure and resilient to cyber threats, thus ensuring operational confidence for critical infrastructures.
 

X721 announces the success of its inaugural mission, designated M001

This marks a major milestone in the development program aimed at reaching the stratosphere by 2028

Mérignac, July 27, 2026 – X721 Enterprise announces the success of its inaugural mission, M001. During this mission, the Heliblade demonstrator officially validated its outdoor test flight, following a prior series of successful tests. This major milestone confirms the maturity of the design and is part of an ambitious development program aimed at reaching the stratosphere by 2028.

Classified as an experimental drone, the Heliblade demonstrator falls into the HALE (High Altitude Long Endurance) and HAPS (High Altitude Pseudo-Satellite) categories.

This first test flight, M001, took place in Nouvelle-Aquitaine on Friday, July 24, at 7:45 a.m. (CET). The flight consisted of two phases, with an initial level flight at 15 meters, followed by a second at an altitude of 35 meters.

This demonstrator is a Heliblade “Model 11” (named in honor of the Blériot XI, a light monoplane produced starting in 1909), consisting of two ultralight wings with a total wingspan of 18 meters and a mass of less than 4 kilograms.

This successful test flight was conducted for and with the support of the French Air and Space Force and the Directorate General of Armaments (DGA).

Unlike conventional stratospheric platforms, the Heliblade relies on an innovative architecture featuring ultralight rotating wings. Its flight stability and structural rigidity are ensured by harnessing centrifugal forces—a novel technological approach that opens new opportunities for the public and private sectors worldwide.

On this occasion, Pierre-Eric Lys, CEO & Chief Engineer of X721, stated:

“Today, centrifugal forces won a small battle against gravity… and I must say we’re quite pleased with the result.

This first flight is a very special moment for the entire team. Just a few minutes ago, the Heliblade was nothing more than a prototype, the result of several years of research, simulations, and testing. On this day, it has become an aircraft by showing its ability to fly in a controlled manner.

Of course, we remain cautious: a successful first flight is just one step. There will still need to be a lot of testing and improvements before we have a fully operational system. But today, we have crossed a major technological barrier.”

The Advantages of the Heliblade

Its design is based on three principles: simplicity, agility, and lightness.

The success of the Heliblade demonstrator paves the way for a new generation of stationary platforms operating within the air-space continuum.

This new flying object will use, in its stratospheric version, ultra-light wings without spars, centrifugal force, and solar electric propulsion powered by high-tech batteries, offering structural rigidity, stability, and exceptional maneuverability.

By 2030, X721 aims to establish the Heliblade as the benchmark ultralight flying vehicle for Very High Altitude (VHA) operations.

By late 2030, it will be capable of performing prolonged stratospheric flights and eventually carrying up to 10 kilograms of payload, including cameras, sensors, or telecommunication systems.

The Heliblade is designed as an ultralight aircraft capable of being deployed anywhere in the world. Weighing less than 70 kilograms, it is easy to transport, allowing rapid deployment in almost any environment.

Key Specifications

• Quickly operational worldwide
• Deployment in less than 72 hours
• Wingspan: 50 meters
• Weight: Less than 70 kilograms
• Stratospheric ascent time: Approximately 9 hours (depending on weather conditions)
• Endurance: Several weeks to several months
• Operational temperature range: -40°C to -80°C

Proximity to Earth Enables

• Observe images or detect objects with four times the resolution using the same technology as current satellites, but without revisit time constraints.
• Listen to or intercept frequencies, analyze electromagnetic signals (communications and radar emissions), monitor the radio environment, and collect strategic data in real time.
• Communicate and act as a relay platform between fixed and mobile points on Earth, in the air, and in space.

Here, there is no need for massive infrastructure or hypergrowth; instead, the focus is on a sustainable and thoughtful economy.

Building on these advances, X721 aims to become a new player in the decarbonized digital revolution—one free from space debris.

X721 has established its French subsidiary, X721 France, in Mérignac, Nouvelle-Aquitaine.

X721 France plans to collaborate with companies specializing in:

• Solar power systems
• Electronic systems
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)
• Composite materials
• High-speed data transmission
• Other advanced aerospace technologies

A recruitment campaign aimed at both civilian and military professionals will be launched in France starting August 2026.

The success of Mission M001 takes both X721 and the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region to new heights.

X721 seeks to build business partnerships worldwide with organizations that can host the Heliblade within their facilities and support its operational and commercial development. The company aims to connect the various air and ground platforms that support modern civilization.

Looking further ahead, the technology could also support future space exploration, particularly missions within the Martian atmosphere.

According to Jean-Jacques Dordain, Chairman of the Board:

“By combining experience and inventiveness, technology and practice, X721 is well-positioned to bridge the missing link between the upper atmosphere and very low orbit—wherever and whenever there is a need to understand the reality on the ground.”

India-Focused Fund Flows Show Early Signs of Stabilisation Amid Global AI Trade

New Delhi, July 25: India-focused investment flows are showing early signs of stabilisation as global markets navigate shifting trends driven by the rapid growth of artificial intelligence (AI) and changing investor priorities.

Market observers said investor sentiment towards India is gradually improving, supported by the country’s strong economic fundamentals, resilient domestic demand and growing opportunities across technology, manufacturing and emerging sectors.

The global AI-driven investment wave has influenced capital allocation patterns, with investors reassessing opportunities across markets. Despite these shifts, India continues to remain a key destination for long-term investors due to its growth potential and expanding digital ecosystem.

Experts noted that improving market confidence, policy support and structural reforms could further strengthen India’s position in global investment flows.

The stabilisation in fund movements signals renewed investor interest and reflects growing confidence in India’s economic outlook amid evolving global market conditions.

SK Telecom Launches Dedicated AI Data Center Business Development Company to Kick Off ‘Asia’s AI Infrastructure Hub’ Push

SEOUL, Korea, July 24 — SK Telecom (NYSE: SKM, hereafter “SKT”) announced that its Board of Directors has approved the establishment of ‘SK Hyper,’ a new company dedicated to AI data center (AIDC) business development, along with an investment of KRW 750 billion by 2030 to lay the groundwork for the business.

The name ‘SK Hyper’ embodies the meaning of transcending all limits to unlock infinite possibilities, and reflects the company’s determination to rapidly expand the AIDC business to hyperscale.

SK Hyper will focus on business development to enable the build-out of 15GW of AIDC capacity over the mid-to-long term. It will be responsible for securing sites, constructing and operating substations, acquiring customers, and commercializing the AIDC business.

SKT will retain 100% ownership of SK Hyper and provide phased capital contributions as needed through 2030, within the approved investment limit.

With the newly established company, SKT is expected to accelerate the build-out of AIDCs to help achieve the government’s mega project. Centered on SK Hyper, SKT targets a phased opening of 5GW of AIDC capacity in 2029 as the first phase.

Taking market demand and other factors into account, SKT plans to commence sequential expansion toward a total capacity of 15 GW in 2035.

Recently, SKT also established the AIDC Integrated Development Division reporting directly to the CEO to consolidate the Group’s full‑stack AI capabilities.

SKT plans to build out AI infrastructure by region, starting with a GW‑class AIDC cluster in Ulsan and adding additional GW‑class AIDCs in the Chungcheong and Honam regions.

On the same day, SK Hyper’s Board of Directors appointed Chung Suk-geun as the inaugural CEO of SK Hyper. CEO Chung is recognized for deep expertise in the AIDC business, currently serving as SKT’s Head of the AI CIC (Company-in-Company). He also heads SKT’s AIDC Integrated Development Division, tasked with connecting SK Group’s AIDC execution organizations and accelerating the delivery of the project.

“SK Hyper’s role is to turn SK Group’s blueprint for Asia’s AI Infrastructure Hub into reality,” said Chung Suk-geun, CEO of SK Hyper. “Through systematic and rapid execution, we will secure core infrastructure and customers, and contribute to Korea’s advancement to AI G3.”

AAEONPrioritizes Durability with the Release ofNewCOM Express Type 6 Modules

AAEON’s latest COM Express Type 6 Modulesoffer cost-efficient Intel Atom and Processor N-series performancefor transportation, signage, and healthcare applications.

(Taipei, Taiwan – July 24, 2026) Leading provider of Computer-on-Modules AAEON (Stock Code: 6579) today introduced the COM-TWLC6 Rev.B, COM-ASLC6 Rev.B, and COM-ADNC6 Rev.B COM Express Type 6 modules, powered by Intel Atom and Processor N-seriesCPUs.

Thislineupdifferentiates itself from AAEON’s previous Amston Lake and Alder Lake-N powered COM Express Type 6 modules through a number of subtle, yet important design choices. One example of this is the presence of 16GB of soldered LPDDR5x system memory compared to the SODIMM-based DDR5 previously supported.This switch serves to bolster module durability for high-vibration applications, as well as providingthe typical benefits that come with LPDDR5x’s lower power profile.

Also of note is 128GB of onboard eMMC storage, which further contributes to the modules’ reliability and shock resistance, while also reducing reliance on external SSD wiring to carrier boards to host OS, configuration files, and system logs.Given these changes, the modules are primarily positioned as foundations upon which to build rugged, cost-efficient solutions across transportation, signage, and healthcare.

A range of interfaces are provided for routing to custom carrier boards, including a total of ten USB (USB 2.0 x 8, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2) and 2.5GbE. Options useful for industrial setups also feature, with 2-Wire UART, a GPIO 8-bit, SMBus, and I2C available. For expansion, each are equipped withflexible PCIe 3.0 lane configurations of PCIe [x2] x 1 + PCIe [x2] x 1 + PCIe [x1] x 2, alongside optional SATA co-lay functionality.

For digital signage and industrial HMI applications, the modules possessa well-rounded selection of display options. For the former, the modules present with dual display port interfaces (3840 x 2160 @60 Hz), while the latter is catered to through18/24-bit single or dual-channel LVDS (1920 x 1080), co-layed with eDP (3840 x 2160).

For proof-of-concept and software validation purposes, AAEON lists the ECB-920A-A11COM Express evaluation carrier board for the modules.For more specific needs, AAEON also has theQ Service Plus program, which offers schematic review, design consulting, and customized carrier board development tailored toproject needs.

For detailed specifications and more information about the COM-TWLC6 Rev.B, COM-ASLC6 Rev.B, and COM-ADNC6 Rev.B, please visit their respective product pages on the AAEON website or contact an AAEON representative via AAEON’s dedicated contact form.

AAEON Prioritizes Durability with the Release of New COM Express Type 6 Modules

AAEON’s latest COM Express Type 6 Modules offer cost-efficient Intel Atom and Processor N-series performance for transportation, signage, and healthcare applications.

Taipei, Taiwan – July 24: Leading provider of Computer-on-Modules AAEON (Stock Code: 6579) today introduced the COM-TWLC6 Rev.B, COM-ASLC6 Rev.B, and COM-ADNC6 Rev.B COM Express Type 6 modules, powered by Intel Atom and Processor N-series CPUs.

This lineup differentiates itself from AAEON’s previous Amston Lake and Alder Lake-N powered COM Express Type 6 modules through a number of subtle, yet important design choices. One example of this is the presence of 16GB of soldered LPDDR5x system memory compared to the SODIMM-based DDR5 previously supported. This switch serves to bolster module durability for high-vibration applications, as well as providing the typical benefits that come with LPDDR5x’s lower power profile.

Also of note is 128GB of onboard eMMC storage, which further contributes to the modules’ reliability and shock resistance, while also reducing reliance on external SSD wiring to carrier boards to host OS, configuration files, and system logs. Given these changes, the modules are primarily positioned as foundations upon which to build rugged, cost-efficient solutions across transportation, signage, and healthcare.

A range of interfaces are provided for routing to custom carrier boards, including a total of ten USB (USB 2.0 x 8, USB 3.2 Gen 2 x 2) and 2.5GbE. Options useful for industrial setups also feature, with 2-Wire UART, a GPIO 8-bit, SMBus, and I2C available. For expansion, each are equipped with flexible PCIe 3.0 lane configurations of PCIe [x2] x 1 + PCIe [x2] x 1 + PCIe [x1] x 2, alongside optional SATA co-lay functionality.

For digital signage and industrial HMI applications, the modules possess a well-rounded selection of display options. For the former, the modules present with dual display port interfaces (3840 x 2160 @60 Hz), while the latter is catered to through 18/24-bit single or dual-channel LVDS (1920 x 1080), co-layed with eDP (3840 x 2160).

For proof-of-concept and software validation purposes, AAEON lists the ECB-920A-A11 COM Express evaluation carrier board for the modules. For more specific needs, AAEON also has the Q Service Plus program, which offers schematic review, design consulting, and customized carrier board development tailored to project needs.

Rohde & Schwarz presents new software for three-phase power analysis on MXO series oscilloscopes

July 23: With the new R&S MXO-K333 3-phase power analysis software option, Rohde & Schwarz brings power analyzer-style insights directly to its MXO series oscilloscopes. Designed for engineers developing and debugging three-phase AC systems, the option delivers more than numerical results alone. It combines key power measurements with full waveform visibility, enabling users to quickly correlate power behavior with real signal events and troubleshoot issues faster.

 Caption: The R&S MXO-K333 software option provides comprehensive measurement functions for analyzing three-phase power systems.

Rohde & Schwarz has introduced the new R&S MXO-K333 software option for three-phase power analysis on its MXO series oscilloscopes. The software adds in-depth measurement and analysis functions for testing and debugging three phase power systems, drives and inverters.

Available for all four and eight channel models of the MXO 3, MXO 4, MXO 5 and 5C oscilloscopes, it supports the analysis of voltage and current signals in three-phase AC systems. This innovative test solution keeps the captured waveforms visible during measurement, allowing engineers to review power values and check transient behavior in the same instrument. Other oscilloscope functions such as math, spectrum analysis, measurement tracking and zone trigger remain available for further analysis.
A guided setup wizard assigns the oscilloscope channels to the voltage and current probes used for the three-phase analysis. It verifies the wiring and supports common two-wire, three-wire and four-wire configurations (2V2A, 3V3A and 3VN3A). After setup, the software provides cycle-by-cycle calculations for RMS values, power factor, active power, reactive power and total power. By defining the input and output configuration, users can also calculate the system’s three-phase efficiency. Additional analysis views include phasor display, harmonic analysis and THD measurements in line with IEC 61000-3-2 and MIL-STD-1399.

As an oscilloscope-based solution, the R&S MXO-K333 enables engineers to correlate three-phase power results directly with the underlying voltage and current waveforms in real time. This is especially valuable during R&D and debugging, when power behavior often must be analyzed alongside switching events, transients, control signals and communication activity. Users can combine the three-phase analysis with inherent MXO capabilities such as advanced triggering, FFT, automated measurements, track functions and protocol decoding. This allows engineers to move from power measurement to root-cause investigation in a single instrument.

Rising Fuel Costs Accelerate EV Push as Automakers Expand Electric Vehicle Line-Up

New Delhi, July 23: Automakers in India are accelerating their electric vehicle (EV) strategies as rising crude oil prices and growing demand for cleaner mobility solutions drive increased focus on electric transportation.

The shift towards electric mobility has encouraged manufacturers to introduce new EV models across different price segments, offering consumers more choices while supporting the country’s transition towards sustainable transportation.

Among the latest developments, Kia has launched the Syros EV with prices starting from Rs 13.49 lakh, expanding its presence in India’s growing electric vehicle market.

Industry experts said higher fuel costs, environmental concerns, and advancements in battery technology are key factors encouraging consumers and companies to move towards electric vehicles.

Automakers are increasing investments in EV platforms, charging infrastructure, and new technologies to meet changing customer preferences and strengthen their position in the evolving automotive market.

The growth of the EV ecosystem is also expected to support India’s goals of reducing dependence on fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency, and promoting sustainable mobility.

With more manufacturers entering the electric vehicle segment, competition is expected to increase, providing consumers with wider options and accelerating innovation in the sector.

CSIR Launches IoT-Based Rural Water System, Transfers Four Indigenous Technologies

July 23: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has strengthened India’s innovation ecosystem by transferring four indigenous technologies and launching an IoT-based rural water management system aimed at improving water resource monitoring and management.

The newly unveiled digital water solution uses Internet of Things (IoT) technology to enable real-time monitoring of water systems, helping improve efficiency, transparency, and decision-making in rural water supply management. The initiative is expected to support sustainable water management and enhance access to reliable water services in rural areas.

The transfer of four homegrown technologies marks another step towards promoting research-based solutions and encouraging collaboration between scientific institutions and industry partners. These technologies are expected to support practical applications across different sectors and contribute to India’s goal of strengthening self-reliance in science and technology.

CSIR highlighted that the initiatives demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to converting scientific research into impactful solutions for society. Through technology transfer, innovation partnerships, and industry engagement, CSIR continues to bridge the gap between laboratory discoveries and real-world applications.

The launch reflects India’s growing focus on indigenous technological development and the use of advanced digital tools to address key challenges related to infrastructure, sustainability, and public welfare.