Category Archives: Technology

TOPODRONE-AGROWING collaboration aims at advancing drone thermal mapping

December 8, 2023 – Montreux, Switzerland – TOPODRONE, a Swiss-based designer and manufacturer of high-precision surveying equipment, recently completed its R&D and released a new drone thermal mapping solution. TOPODRONE PT61 camera can perform detailed surveys and deliver thermal orthomosaic maps obtaining accurate 3D models.

The new photogrammetry solution was initially developed in collaboration with AGROWING upon a request of a large enterprise client from North America and later on has been adjusted to a wider use of drone surveyors. It is a camera with 61 MP resolution and a built-in thermal imager, and RGB lenses with different focal lengths, a built-in GNSS module and IMU, as well as API for integration with any UAV. The combination of the PT61 camera with AGROWING’s multispectral lenses enables TOPODRONE to provide the camera as a dual-purpose RGB/Multispectral solution. Using the PT61 camera with AGROWING’s Quad lens, the camera provides 10 multispectral bands of 12 MP resolution each along with the IR band.

 “This year we observe an increased demand from surveyors for solutions related to renewable energy. Combining thermal and LiDAR data can definitely provide deeper insights, in particular, in solar plant inspections and dam management”, Iliya Shikov, TOPODRONE CTO, explains.

 ‘AGROWING has been partnering with TOPODRONE for a few years together providing cutting-edge photogrammetry technologies. We welcome TOPODRONE’s new thermal mapping solution, moving a significant step forward in the race to provide valuable data-driven insights into urban mapping, energy efficiency, and disaster response’, Ira Dvir, AGROWING CEO, adds.

 TOPODRONE Post-processing software has been upgraded to optimize remote sensing efficiencies and deliver high-precision thermal orthomosaic maps.

  Earlier this year TOPODRONE released TOPODRONE SLAM 100 for mobile mapping and a new lightweight 360° LiDAR model range: TOPODRONE LiDAR 200+, 100 & 100+. All of them as well as photogrammetry solutions and TOPODRONE AQUAMAPPER for drone bathymetry were showcased at INTERGEO 2023 in Berlin.

Acer Commits to Carbon Neutrality for Vero Laptop Line

Bangalore (December 8, 2023) Acer today shared its commitment to carbon neutrality

1 ] for its Aspire Vero laptop line, starting from the new Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P). Following international standards.

2 ] for carbon footprint calculation and carbon neutrality, actions are taken at each stage of the device lifecycle.

3 ] to minimize its carbon footprint.

4 ], and then, high-quality carbon credits will be applied to attain carbon neutrality.

To help tackle the increasing challenges posed by climate change, on the product side, Acer is proposing ‘conscious technology’ designed and made with consideration for the future,” said Jerry Kao, COO, Acer Inc. “On the corporate side, Acer has joined the RE100 initiative and committed to achieving 100% renewable electricity by 2035. We have also pledged to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.”

Since the inception of the series, Aspire Vero laptops have been eco-consciously designed with the goal of minimizing their carbon footprint throughout their lifecycle. From manufacturing to packaging to end-of-life recycling, each process has been examined and continuously fine-tuned to help contribute towards less emissions.  The latest iteration of the product, the Aspire Vero 16 (AV16-51P) has seen efforts across:

•  Color, Material, and Finish: The chassis is made from a blend of more than 60% recycled plastic (vs. 30% in the first generation), and its surface contains no volatile organic compounds, paint, or additives. The touchpad uses ocean-bound plastic 5 on the surface.
•  Components: Features the latest Intel ® Core ™ Ultra processors which are more power efficient than previous generations. Intel AI Boost, the new integrated neural processing unit (NPU) delivers new AI-powered capabilities with extreme power efficiency.
• Packaging: Steps are taken to reduce the carbon footprint by recycling the scrap material generated during production and using 100% recyclable packaging. Thoughtful designs allow the 100% recycled FSC-certified paper box to be easily repurposed.
•   Shipping: Acer has partnered with logistics providers to reduce standard sea containers’ emissions thanks to biofuel on various routes.
•  Usage: AcerSense ™ battery management software focuses on energy efficiency with four performance modes: Eco+, Eco, Balanced, and Performance.
•  Recycling and Repair: For quick and easy disassembling to repair, upgrade or recycle, standard screws are used.

After the implementation of these emission reduction efforts, Acer will retire high-quality carbon credits to achieve carbon neutrality.

More details of the Acer Aspire Vero 16 will be shared in January in Las Vegas. Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications, and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

Pebble X Pepe Jeans Smartwatch: The iconic denim re-imagined for your wrist

New Delhi, 08th Dec 2023: In a quintessential unison of the finest in fashion and the best in technology, India’s fastest-growing smartwatch brand Pebble has partnered with Pepe Jeans London to introduce a limited special edition Bluetooth Calling smartwatch. The Pebble X Pepe smartwatch re-imagines the timeless allure of denim for your wrist. An epitome of design and style, the smartwatch dons denim-leather straps and silicon sporty straps with an eye-catching infinite 1.39” HD display and 600 Nits brightness. Priced at Rs.1999, Pebble X Pepe Jeans smartwatch is available on pebblecart.com, pepejeans. in as well as Flipkart & Myntra. It is also available at exclusive Pepe Jeans stores across the country.

“The association with Pepe Jeans is a landmark one from Pebble’s as well as our consumers’ perspective. It is time we don our fashion & style statement every day on our wrist while leveraging cutting-edge wearable technology to enhance our lives. It is our innovation designed to suit your style and redefine seamless connectivity,” said Pebble co-founder Komal Agarwal on the launch.

Speaking about the brand’s latest move, Ananth Narayanan, Founder & CEO of Mensa Brands, said, “This new partnership yet again manifests Pebble’s unfazed commitment to meeting the needs as well as aspirations of young Indians. Innovation is the key driving our relentless endeavor to bring the best of wearable technology on everyone’s wrists. We are proud of the association with an iconic denim brand like Pepe Jeans.”

Adding to the sentiments, Mr. Manish Kapoor, MD & CEO Pepe Jeans London, said, “Pepe Jeans has always been synonymous with denim & lifestyle fashion. With smartwatches swiftly becoming an indispensable part of our fashion & lifestyle statements, we joined forces with Pebble to offer the best to our evolving Indian consumer base. This is an iconic partnership of fashion and technology.”

Pebble X Pepe Jeans smartwatch is equipped with advanced calling features, with notifications, reminders, and AI Voice Assistant that pays heed to your every command. With unparalleled design and display come multiple utility-based features such as Alarms, Calculator, Weather, and Music Control. Fret not for it also ensures your wellness by tracking your Heart Rate, Blood Oxygen Level, and Sleep. The smart performance with sleek style is enhanced more, thanks to multiple sports modes such as climbing, tennis, rugby, as well as multiple watch faces for every vibe.

Notably, the collaboration with Pepe Jeans comes a few months after Pebble partnered with Warner Bros to launch the Game of Thrones-inspired smartwatch range in India.

Vitesco Technologies Wins German Design Award 2024 for its Brand Sound

•  Winner in the category ‘Excellent Communications Design – Audiovisual’
• Vitesco Technologies had already won the 2021 German Design Award for ‘Corporate Identity’ and ‘Brand Identity’ given by the German Design Council
•  International Sound Award 2023 given by the Audio Branding Academy: Winner in the category ‘Audio Branding’

 Pune, December8, 2023. Vitesco Technologies, a leading international provider of modern drive technologies and solutions for electromobility, was announced today as the recipient of its third German Design Award: “Excellent Communications Design – Audiovisual” for its brand sound. Vitesco Technologies was previously honored with the German Design Awards in 2021 for its “Corporate Identity” and “Brand Identity” efforts. The official award ceremony will take place on January 26, 2024, in Frankfurt (Main).

 “I am incredibly proud of my team, which has positioned our young brand extremely successfully in such a short time,” explains Dr. Anne-Kathrin Bräu, Head of Communications at Vitesco Technologies: ” The repeated recognition of our brand sound, this time with the German Design Award 2024, once again confirms this great team spirit.”

 In October of this year, Vitesco Technologies was named “Winner” of the International Sound Awards 2023 in the “Audio Branding” category with its brand sound, a central element of the brand: The tone sequence of the sound is based on the brand symbol, the “V”. It follows a descending and then ascending form that resembles the “V”. The central tone is the A, as yellow, the brand color of Vitesco Technologies, is subconsciously associated with this tone by many people.

Western Digital Helps Consumers Capture and Keep More with Range of New Bigger, Faster Solutions

New Delhi, INDIA, Dec 07, 2023 – Western Digital today announces a lineup of new solutions from its award-winning SanDisk® brand that are designed to satisfy consumers’ needs for more storage both at home and on the go. In a world of pixelated memories and digitalized experiences, the need for more space remains constant. Whether documenting a child’s first steps, conducting wildlife research, or backing up a carefully curated music library, these new solutions from SanDisk are built for capturing and preserving life’s journeys.

 Khalid Wani, Senior Director of Sales for India at Western Digital, says, “Western Digital remains at the forefront of storage innovation, and our latest introductions from SanDisk reflect our commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions that cater to the evolving needs of consumers.”

 “We continue to redefine what’s possible. Our goal is to keep creating easy-to-use, reliable solutions for today and tomorrow. Through our innovative solutions we want to inspire people to keep creating.,” says, Jaganathan Chelliah, Senior Director Marketing, India, Middle East and TIA, Western Digital.

 Built for today’s adventure and ready for tomorrow’s journey, the exciting new breadth of SanDisk
solutions helps expand storage for everyone’s needs:

 SanDisk Ultra Dual Drive Go USB Type-C – Multi-Connector Flash Drives in Vibrant Colors

 These refreshed pen drives allow users to take and store even more photos and access them across their different USB Type-C and Type-A devices (including smartphones, tablets and computers) without slowing down.

• Faster than before: Simple-to-use storage now with up to 400MB/s transfer speeds.
•   Ready to go: Its dual-purpose swivel design helps to protect the connectors while on the go.
• Vibrant new colors: This flash drive is available in 64GB-256GB* in Absinthe Green, Lavender
  and Navagio Bay, and up to 1TB* in Black.

 o Availability: MSRP for the new colors starts at just INR 1109 for 128GB. All colors are available now for purchase through the Western Digital Store(www.indiastore.westerndigital.com) amazon.in, and authorized SanDisk retailers,
e-tailers and distributors.

1.5TB SanDisk Ultra microSD UHS-I cards – World’s Fastest 1.5TB High-Capacity UHS-I microSD ard

 Ideal for Android™ devices, Chromebooks and Windows® laptops, the new 1.5TB* microSD™ card offers
massive space for more of what matters.

•  Pushing beyond previous limits: The world’s fastest 1.5TB* microSD UHS-I card with transfer speeds up to 150MB/s read** when paired with a SanDisk MobileMate® USB 3.0 microSD card reader builds upon SanDisk’s strong and long-lasting legacy of innovation in storage.
• Wide compatibility: Expand your storage in a flash for host devices that support UHS-I microSD cards, such as Android smartphones and tablets, Chromebooks, and Windows laptops.
• Availability: The new 1.5TB* cards will be available starting 10 th of Jan with an MSRP of INR 14999/- and are backed by a 10-year limited warranty 1 . This SanDisk Ultra® card is available through the Western Digital Store(www.indiastore.westerndigital.com), amazon.in, other authorized e-tailers, and available through brick-and-mortar retailers under the Ultra PLUS name with read speeds up to 160MB/s.

 SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B card – Bollywood-Quality Memory Card

 Launched recently ahead of IBC2023, the SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress™ Type B cards provide the professional performance needed to deliver the highest quality cinematic footage.

•  Cinema-quality performance: With minimum sustained write speeds of 1,400MB/s**, the SanDisk PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B card lets users capture cinema-quality 8K video 2 without dropping frames.
•    Durable enclosure: Withstands up to 1-meter drops and up to 50 newtons (11.2 pounds- force) of force 3 to help protect irreplaceable footage and videos.
•   PRO-READER and PRO-DOCK 4 compatible: Pair the PRO-CINEMA CFexpress Type B card with the SanDisk Professional PRO-READER CFexpress and the PRO-DOCK 4 devices (sold separately) for scalable, simultaneous offloads that help to maximize productivity.
•  Availability: Available now from the Western Digital Store(www.indiastore.westerndigital.com), and through authorized SanDisk authorized retailers, e-tailers, and distributors. MSRP starts at INR 44999/- for 320GB* with a lifetime limited warranty.

Servotech Files Two Patents for Innovative EV Charger Technology to revolutionize EV charging infrastructure

•  Servotech’s patents will enable Fast DC charging of any GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicle based on 72v/96VDC through a CCS2 connector.
•  This innovative breakthrough will also eliminate the need for dual infrastructure expenses and will benefit fleet services and vehicles like small trucks or lorries adhering to the GB/T Bharat DC 001 protocol by enabling charging via widespread CCS2 chargers.

 New Delhi, 07 December’23: Servotech Power Systems Ltd., a leading manufacturer of EV chargers and solar solutions has announced that it has filed two patents in the realm of EV charger technology to revolutionize EV charging infrastructure. These patents enable users to fast charge any GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicle based on 72v/96VDC through a CCS2 connector using a small additional gadget. These two patents will transform the EV charging infrastructure using two different methodologies, contributing to a robust, interoperable, and cost-effective EV charging ecosystem.

 Servotech Power Systems’ new technology holds the potential to revolutionize the EV charging landscape in India and other countries where the GB/T with LVDC standards are used. Additionally, this innovative breakthrough will also eliminate the need for dual infrastructure expenses by empowering users to charge GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicles through widely available CCS2 chargers in the country. It will also benefit fleet services and vehicles like small trucks or lorries adhering to the GB/T Bharat DC 001 protocol by enabling charging via widespread CCS2 chargers. Now, these vehicles can access charging through the more abundant CCS2 chargers. The GB/T Bharat DC 001 standard is a fast charging standard for electric vehicles that is widely used in India. The CCS2 standard is a global fast-charging standard that is used in Europe, UK, and other countries. This visionary advancement also unlocks new markets for GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicle manufacturers and significantly eases travel for EV owners between India and Europe.

 Earlier, the company had also filed two patents intending to facilitate grid service optimization through a battery energy storage system and to effectively channel renewable energy into BESS for maximum value, enabling the transition to sustainable energy. These innovations transformed energy management and improved overall efficiency. Both of these cutting-edge technologies possessed applicability across a broad spectrum of fields, including solar and electric vehicle charging systems.

Arun Handa, Chief Technical Officer, Servotech Power Systems Ltd. commented, Servotech continues to lead the charge in innovation, propelling the EV industry towards enhanced accessibility, convenience, and interoperability in charging solutions. Since its inception two decades ago, the company has only focused on innovations and cutting-edge technologies that will make India a global leader. In the realm of the EV Industry, Servotech has manufactured EV charging components that align with the Make in India concept in a true sense for the adoption of sustainable technologies in the EV ecosystem. The company has been the leading EV charger provider to various renowned oil marketing companies and have established a well-connected EV charging network for them. With a dedicated mission to contribute significantly to India’s e-mobility goals, Servotech aims to establish 5000 CPO sites across the nation in the coming years and these sites will also equipped with this technology. In the arena of EV charging infrastructure, Servotech feels a compelling need to develop a more connected, efficient, and sustainable EV ecosystem, because of this compelling need Servotech is now all set to develop a technology that will enable users to fast charge any GB/T Bharat DC 001 vehicle seamlessly.

Behind these transformative patents lies a vision to transform EV charging paradigms, especially in regions like India and other countries adopting the GB/T Bharat DC 001 standard and these patents absolutely act as act as major contributors in developing India’s EV charging infrastructure, fueling a future where accessibility and innovation converge seamlessly.

How turnstile gates can ensure security and access control?

Turnstile Gates play an important role in enhancing the security of mass-transit systems. These turnstiles help to control the commuter’s flow while ensuring their tickets are validated in the mass transit systems like Metro Rails and various other modes of transport systems and corporate office spaces. These gates are designed to work seamlessly in various application scenarios. They are an effective yet very unobtrusive access control system. These systems are helpful to restrict ticketless travelers or unauthorized visitors from the mass transit zone or corporate office arenas. Turnstile Gates are smart security systems used for effective crowd management in various scenarios. These systems ensure security and crowd management at the entrance in areas such as metro railway platforms, airport and seaport passenger terminals, etc.

 These Turnstile Gates are specially designed for pedestrian entrance control. They open only for the person registered for authorized access. The rotating arm of the Turnstile Gate allows one person at a time to pass by. This way Turnstile Gates prevents unauthorized access while eliminating the threat of stampede in case of an unruly crowd. The Access Control Turnstile Gates enable crowd management seamlessly to bolster security.

Entrance Control Trends

 The trends impacting entrance control can best be described as in flux – with changing architectures, changing customer expectations and demands, and changing security integrator roles. These trends include following trends that are sweeping across the verticals.

• The rising demand for touch-free access solutions has spurred the advancement of AI-based facial recognition technology, which is increasingly being integrated into entrance control systems such as swing gate barriers equipped with facial recognition terminals. Attribute-based access control (ABAC) based Entrance Control Solutions may continue to hold a dominant share (approx. 70%)
•  Biometric applications will continue to be used in entrance control with all possible health and safety measures.
• Mobile credentials are now being used in entrance control systems instead of proximity cards or key fobs. The smartphone uses Bluetooth communication with the door readers.

Critical Issues

 In the fast-changing corporate, business, and industrial applications the critical issues faced by the end-users of entrance control solutions (Turnstile Gate) are the following: outdated technology and software issues, service and maintenance changing entry requirements, unforeseen risks with new technology upgrades, poor user experience, intentional breaches, tailgating and violation social distancing guidelines, etc. The security industry players of this product segment need to take proactive steps to address the critical issues related to entrance control solutions. Only by resolving the end-user’s key issues the security industry can ensure its own future.

 Latest Technologies

 The Turnstile Gates are getting popular in the transportation, entertainment, and corporate sectors as a great enabler of security and crowd management, it also helps to regulate the crowd flow in a phased manner. Hikvision offers seamless integration of Turnstile Gates with its latest Face Recognition Terminals. With the advent of Face Recognition Terminals and AI-based applications Turnstile and Swing Barrier Gates are becoming intelligent. Hikvision’s Face Recognition Terminals support 1:1 or 1: N matching modes, authentication via Mifare cards, and TCP/IP or RS-485 connectivity.

 Three models that are available in the Face Recognition Product category offer flexibility, diverse applications and scenarios: DS-K1T604MF & DS-K1T606MF (Wall-Mounted Face Recognition Terminal), DS-K1T605MF (Base- or Wall- Mounted Face Recognition Terminal), DS-K5603-Z (Face Recognition Component for Access Turnstile ).

 The Turnstile Gates are becoming smart with AI-enabled Face Recognition Terminals and offering smarter solutions in the access control domain with enhanced security and efficiency.

Bosch Global Software Technologies’ Infra Tech support enables the first secure and sustainable Elephant Care Facility in Karnataka

Bosch Global Software Technologies, one of the world’s leading global suppliers of technology and services, recently collaborated with Karnataka Forest Department and WRRC (Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre) to open the first secure and sustainable Elephant Care Facility in Karnataka. Providing essential technological and surveillance support, BGSW has been an instrumental partner in securing the facility in a sustainable manner.

Sharing below the key takeaways and attaching the release for your kind reference.

• The Elephant Care Ecosystem, located in Kolar is surrounded by over 100 acres of reserve forest and provides a safe and healthy environment for rescued elephants.
•  BGSW has been essential in securing the facility through setting up a CCTV surveillance network, fencing enclosure, an off-grid solar-powered system to ensure energy sufficiency. Additionally, two container cabins are converted into a research and welfare hub to enable wildlife observation and studies, with residential capability, and a training and sensitization hub to promote awareness and capacity building of relevant stakeholders.
•  The Elephant Care Facility stands as a testament to our commitment to ethical wildlife conservation. The facility, managed by WRRC, ensures that rescued elephants receive optimal care, including access to nutritious food, water, medical attention, and a space for socialization.