Schbang and BGMI collaborate with Bengaluru Traffic Police to improve road safety for safer commutes

Mumbai, 22 August, 2024: Battlegrounds Mobile India (BGMI) is India’s most popular multiplayer battle royale game developed by KRAFTON, where players are dropped onto an island and must fight to be the last one standing. Players can choose to play solo, in duos, or in squads of four, across the various modes and maps available in-game. It has become so popular within the audience, that BGMI includes gameplay reminders that prompt players to practice safety skills and take regular breaks, to encourage responsible gaming habits.

Tapping into the culture of this audience, they also noticed that a lot of this same audience also prefers searching for their thrills off-screen, and on the road, leading to quite a few casualties owing to their daring actions. The risk-taking should be restricted to your in-game activities only, and to address this, the BGMI x Schbang team, decided to tackle this conversation in an innovative way using in-game and on-ground billboards, and social media conversations.

The Joint Commissioner of Bengaluru Traffic Police, MN Anucheth, mentioned that though Bengaluru’s traffic congestion is well-known, accidents due to negligence pose a more critical issue; stating on-road fatality rates in age groups from 18 to 30 year-olds are 50% due to not wearing helmets, and 12–15% due to overspeeding.

In line with this exciting approach to road safety, BGMI has teamed up with the Bengaluru Traffic Police to spread awareness about safe driving practices. Ideated and executed by Schbang and implemented by Sahil Sardana of Monday Ventures, the initiative emphasises the importance of wearing BIS-approved helmets, which are crucial for protecting riders and ensuring a safe ride.

Each billboard draws parallels between game scenarios and traffic safety messages: one emphasises helmet safety by comparing in-game protective gear to real-world helmet use; another contrasts the thrill of speeding in-game with the dangers of real-life overspeeding; and a third underscores that unlike in the game, there are no second chances after serious accidents.

“We’re thrilled to bring in-game moments to real-life by collaborating with Bengaluru City Traffic Police. This was an ideal opportunity to connect with our audience, and make a significant impact off-screen, transforming our iconic Lone Survivor, the Level 3-helmet guy, now a symbol of road safety for all;” says Srinjoy Das, Associate Director, Marketing.

This campaign aims to leverage BGMI’s influence to promote safer driving practices and reduce traffic accidents, by educating and engaging the community in a fun and interactive way, ensuring that every journey is as thrilling and safe as possible.

Sushant Vithaldas, Head Business Operations – Bangalore, Schbang expressed, “This campaign aims to engage our consumers with the very important message that risks should be taken only within a game, but not in real-life. BGMI being one of the most popular games, we chose to use the game itself as a language with visual and copy that our audience resonate with across each asset created across digital billboards, in-game billboards and social media platforms, emphasising the importance of applying protective measures from BGMI to real-life situations for enhanced safety. This approach aims to increase recall and relatability, effectively driving home the message of road safety and highlighting that in real life, there’s no second chance to revive. “

Inflection Point Ventures announces full exit from Fashor with 33% IRR

Chennai, 22nd August, 2024: Inflection Point Ventures, one of the most active angel platforms with over Rs 720 crore invested across 200+ startups, has announced a full exit from Fashor with a 33% IRR. IPV has achieved 3.75X MoM (Money over money) from this exit within 54 months of investing in the company. This success underscores IPV’s strategic expertise in nurturing and guiding its portfolio companies to thrive in the competitive startup landscape.

Commenting on the exit, Mitesh Shah, Co-Founder, Inflection Point Ventures, says, “Our exit strategy, which is backed by data, collected over years of investing in Indian startups, continues to prove beneficial for our investors. As one of the largest angel platforms in India, it is our primary duty to not just find innovative startups to invest in but also look out for the right time to exit. We have maintained an impressive track record with that and as we continue to invest in Indian startups, we will also keep bringing exits that deliver high returns to our investors.”

Fashor, a fast-growing fashion brand, offers trendy and affordable Indian and fusion wear for women. It has made a significant impact by launching an extensive range of designer styles on its website Fashor.com, catering to the growing online demand for branded clothing in India. Known for its diverse and affordable offerings, Fashor has emerged as India’s largest brand in terms of the number of designs launched per month. With a focus on innovation and customer satisfaction, Fashor has successfully addressed the need for affordable designer clothing, making it accessible to a wide audience across the country.

IPV recognized Fashor’s unique strengths and opportunities. The collaboration was designed to go beyond traditional investment relationships. IPV worked closely with Fashor to refine their strategies, shape their business model, and craft a strong fundraising and exit plan.

IPV’s commitment extended to connecting Fashor with key industry professionals, helping the company build a network of the right experts to guide them through a planned growth and exit map.

Vikram Kankaria, CEO, Fashor, says, “Our partnership with Inflection Point Ventures has been instrumental in driving our growth and success. Their strategic guidance and support have enabled us to scale rapidly and achieve remarkable milestones. We look forward to continued innovation and expanding our impact in the fashion industry.”

Inflection Point Ventures (IPV) has shown impressive growth over the last few years. In 2022, IPV celebrated a notable milestone with 12 successful exits, achieving an impressive 160% IRR. Building on this momentum, IPV continued to perform strongly in 2023, completing 14 exits with a solid 61% IRR despite the challenging funding winter.

As of 2024, IPV’s accomplishments include a total of 45 exits with an average IRR of 128%. This impressive track record highlights IPV’s commitment to driving growth and delivering substantial returns for its investors.

Shiprocket Launches Omnichannel Marketing Platform to Boost ROAS for 150,000 Merchants

New Delhi, August 22, 2024: Shiprocket, India’s 4th largest eCommerce enablement platform, today announced the launch of Engage 360 World’s First Data-Powered Marketing Automation Platform. With the aim to empower over 1.5 lakh merchants across India, Engage 360 offers an unprecedented level of marketing automation and intelligence, helping merchants drive growth, increase customer loyalty, and optimise marketing spend. The launch is in line with Shiprocket’s mission of enabling business growth for MSMEs by providing them with the right tech stack solution.

Marketing automation has become a cornerstone of modern marketing strategies. Salesforce reports that a staggering 67% of marketing leaders leverage these platforms to enhance customer experiences. Shiprocket Engage 360 aligns perfectly with this trend by offering a suite of tools designed to deliver unparalleled personalization and customer engagement. With features like anonymous user identification, Shiprocket’s extensive network enables businesses to tailor marketing efforts without compromising privacy. AI-powered smart segments allow for precise targeting based on customer behaviour, while RTO prediction helps optimise delivery strategies and reduce costs. For instance- Shiprocket Engage 360’s RTO suite powered by WhatsApp can reduce RTO rates by up to 40% and merchants using it have reported a 10x return on investment.

Moreover, Shiprocket Engage 360’s omni-channel capabilities, including WhatsApp, SMS, Email, and RCS, ensure that businesses can reach customers across their preferred channels, providing a unified and seamless experience. By leveraging these intelligent segments and AI-powered content, merchants are not only improving engagement but are also seeing a direct contribution to their top line, with sales increases as high as 15%. As part of our ongoing commitment to innovation, we are sunsetting Wigzo to consolidate more features and enhance the Shiprocket Engage 360 platform, ensuring it remains at the forefront of marketing automation and customer engagement.

Saahil Goel, MD & CEO, Shiprocket said, “With the launch of Shiprocket Engage 360, we are taking a giant leap forward in enabling eCommerce merchants to not only survive but thrive in the digital age by delivering personalised customer experiences at scale by harnessing the power of data-driven marketing. Shiprocket Engage360 is not just a platform; it’s a game-changer that leverages data to drive real results. With the Indian eCommerce industry moving towards growing into a $300 billion industry by 2030, marketing automation is going to play an important role in bolstering this growth. By combining advanced data analytics with comprehensive marketing tools, we’re helping merchants compete in today’s fast-paced landscape. Our commitment to ensuring that every merchant, regardless of size, can achieve sustainable growth and unparalleled success remains as strong as ever.”

“With Shiprocket Engage 360, we are redefining the future of eCommerce marketing,” said Praful Poddar, Chief Product Officer at Shiprocket. “By harnessing the power of data and automation, we are empowering merchants to make informed decisions, deliver personalised experiences, and ultimately achieve greater success. In today’s digital landscape, data is the new oil, and Shiprocket Engage 360 is the refinery that turns that data into tangible business growth. ”

While platforms like Contlo and WebEngage specialise in marketing solutions, and others such as KwikChat, AI Sensi, BusinessOnBot, BikAI, Pragma, Bitespeed, and Limechat focus on WhatsApp marketing; Shiprocket Engage 360 brings out the best of both worlds and stands out as a comprehensive suite of Omnichannel Marketing solutions for eCommerce. These platforms, combined with Shiprocket Engage 360, create a robust ecosystem that addresses the diverse needs of eCommerce businesses. By providing a unified platform with advanced features like anonymous user identification, smart segmentation, and omni-channel marketing capabilities, Shiprocket is setting a new benchmark for the industry. Shiprocket Engage 360 empowers merchants to unlock the full potential of their businesses and achieve sustainable growth.

Girish Divekar Joins The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace as Director of Sales & Marketing

The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is delighted to announce the appointment of Girish Divekar as the Director of Sales & Marketing, ushering in a new era of leadership for the prestigious establishment.

With a remarkable experience of over 18 years in the hospitality industry, Girish brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. His exceptional performance at establishments such as Oberoi, The Leela Group, and Taj is a testament to his dedication and capabilities.

In the past, Girish has been instrumental in launching several successful brand campaigns and has a proven track record of increasing market share and revenue through innovative marketing strategies. His expertise in digital marketing, brand management, and customer engagement will play a crucial role in enhancing the hotel’s competitive edge. In his new role at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Girish will oversee sales and marketing, aiming to elevate the hotel’s market presence and drive revenue and growth. His strategic vision and deep understanding of the industry are poised to further strengthen the hotel’s positioning and guest satisfaction. Girish’s extensive background in managing large-scale marketing campaigns, coupled with his ability to forge strong relationships with key stakeholders, makes him exceptionally well-suited for leading strategic initiatives and driving impactful results.

Speaking of his new role and appointment, Girish Divekar stated, “I am excited to join The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace as the Director of Sales & Marketing. I am eager to join a team that is talented and apply my extensive experience and insights to elevate the hotel’s distinguished brand and achieve our strategic goals. I look forward to cross collaborating with the dedicated teams here to deliver exceptional experiences for our guests and stakeholders.”

Speaking of Girish Divekar’s appointment, General Manager of The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace, Deep Preet Bindra said “We are delighted to welcome Girish as the new Director of Sales & Marketing at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace. His impressive track record and deep industry knowledge make him a valuable addition to our team. We are confident that his expertise will play a pivotal role in further strengthening our brand and driving our strategic initiatives forward.”

The team at The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace is confident that Girish will leverage his experience to exceed expectations in his new role at Marriott International. His commitment to excellence and innovative approach to sales and marketing are expected to drive the hotel to new heights of success.

Gillco International Students Shine at World Youth Forum Future Economics Leadership Summit 2024

From August 5 to August 10, 2024, Gillco International School proudly participated in the prestigious World Youth Forum Future Economics Leadership Summit 2024, held in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. This international event brought together young minds from around the globe to discuss pressing global issues, share innovative ideas, and collaborate on solutions for a better future. Our students’ remarkable performance at the summit not only showcased their exceptional talents but also earned the school a well-deserved honor.

 A standout moment for Gillco International School at the World Youth Forum Summit 2024 was the participation of Parampreet Singh – Class XII student, who represented India on the international stage. This achievement was particularly significant, as his was selected from a highly competitive pool of candidates (75 teams from 10 Countries) to be the voice of India at the summit. He delivered a compelling presentation capturing the attention of a global audience.
Parampreet Singh and Agam Sharma were honored with the “Outstanding Group” at the World Youth Forum Future Leadership Economic Summit 2024. This prestigious accolade recognizes our school’s commitment to nurturing young leaders who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and globally aware.

Delhi Theatre Festival Set To Return For A Captivating Fifth Season

New Delhi, August 22, 2024: Alchemist LIVE is set to bring back the highly anticipated Delhi Theatre Festival (DTF) for its mega fifth season, promising an unparalleled theatrical experience with original live performances, stellar casts, and timeless stories.

The fifth season of DTF will unfold its magic this year over three days – 20th, 21st and 22nd September. To ensure an accessible and immersive experience for all, the festival will be staged across 4 esteemed venues in Delhi NCR – the iconic Siri Fort Auditorium, Kamani Auditorium, OP Jindal Auditorium, and the magnificent Orana Convention in Gurugram.

Further cementing their strong association with art and culture, American Express has again come onboard as the title sponsor for DTF for the fifth year in a row. The wonderful collaboration between American Express and Alchemist Live highlights their mutual dedication to providing audiences in Delhi NCR with outstanding live theatre experiences.

Detailing more about the festival, Mr Sanjay Khanna, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Country Manager, American Express Banking Corp., India said, “We are thrilled to sponsor the Delhi Theatre Festival for the fifth consecutive year to bring an extraordinary experience to our Card Members. This collaboration underscores our commitment to offering exclusive and unforgettable cultural experiences. We believe this festival will provide a unique opportunity for our Card Members to immerse themselves in the vibrant world of theatre, creating memories that will last a lifetime.”

This year’s stellar cast includes legendary performers like Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Shabana Azmi, Lillete Dubey, Vinay Pathak to name a few, who will light up the DTF stage.

Sharing his delight on the fifth season of the festival, Mr Prabhu Tony, COO and co-founder of Alchemist LIVE, said, “The energy and anticipation surrounding the Delhi Theatre Festival is truly inspiring. As we embark on our incredible fifth season, Alchemist Live is determined to raise the bar even higher. Within the realm of theatre, we are trying to introduce new formats every year and this year’s festival promises to be a captivating exploration of theatrical diversity. We envision the Delhi Theatre Festival as a global hub for theatre enthusiasts, and we’re honoured to provide a platform where playwrights, actors, and audiences can come together to celebrate the magic of live performance.

Set to establish new benchmarks in the theatre segment, the 2024 festival will incorporate the following captivating plays:

· Old World by Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah on September 20 at Siri Fort Auditorium (8 PM), September 21 at Siri Fort Auditorium (1 PM & 6 PM), and September 22 at Orana Conventions, Gurugram (7PM)

· Salaam Noni Appa by Lillete Dubey, Yateen Karyekar, Jayati Bhatia, Rishi Khurana, and Gillian Pinto on September 21 at Kamani Auditorium (3:30 PM & 7 PM)

· Anything but Love by Mandira Bedi and Samir Soni on September 20 at Kamani Auditorium (8 PM)

· Broken Images by Shabana Azmi on September 21 at Orana Convention, Gurugram (7 PM)

· One on One Dhamaal by Anu Menon, Ajitesh Gupta, Gagandeep Riar, Rajit Kapur, Shikha Talsania, Sohrab Ardeshir, Sumeet Vyas, and Vrajesh Hirjee on September 21 at OP Jindal Auditorium (7 PM)

· Jaya – A Rock Musical of the Mahabharata by Megan Murray, 2Blue, Vikrant Chaturvedi, Asif Ali Beg, Sherrin Varghese, Varun Narayan, and more on September 22 at Siri Fort Auditorium (4:30 PM & 8 PM)

· What’s Done is Done by Vinay Pathak, Ranvir Shorey, Waris Ahmed, Chandrachoor Rai, Mantra, Radhika Mehrotra, Mansi Multani, Mallika Singh, Chakori Dwivedi, Munish Bhardwaj & Ravi Kalra on September 22 at OP Jindal Auditorium (7 PM)

‘’Delhi Theatre Festival has always held a special place in my heart. Performing for a Delhi audience is always an invigorating experience. Returning to Delhi to perform “Broken Images” after a couple of years fills me both with excitement and anxiety,’’ said Shabana Azmi.

Resonating with her, Rajat Kapoor added, “This is the third time we are collaborating with Delhi Theatre Festival. We have been there with ‘nothing like Lear’, and this time we are back at the festival with ‘what’s done is done’, which is our adaptation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth. A theatre festival like this is a wonderful idea – to work as a bridge between theatre practitioners and audience. More power to you”

Lillete Dubey, who’s retuning to festival says, I’m thrilled to be part of the Delhi Theatre Festival again, especially in my hometown, Delhi, where I first performed over 50 years ago. This time, we’re bringing two unique shows—Salaam Noni Appa and JAYA, a rock musical of the Mahabharata. I’m excited for Delhi audiences to experience these extraordinary performances and kudos to Alchemist Live, and American Express for making this festival a reality!

DTF has become a cornerstone of Indian theatre in Delhi NCR since its inception. Each season has showcased a mesmerising curation of plays, electrifying performances by renowned actors, and a vibrant atmosphere that celebrates the magic of live theatre.

Igus India Strengthens Its Presence with Major Expansion; Inaugurates 92,000 sq ft Manufacturing Plant in Bengaluru

Bengaluru, August 22nd, 2024: In a strategic move to fortify its footprint in the Indian market, Igus, a global leader in motion plastics, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art, 92,000 sq ft manufacturing plant in Mandur near Budigere in Bengaluru. This development marks a significant milestone for Igus India, as it prepares to focus on new divisions dedicated to the semiconductor and renewable energy sectors, areas poised for substantial growth. The expansion is part of Igus’s long-term strategy to enhance its operational capabilities and support its extensive customer base in India.

Igus India, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the German-based Igus GmbH, has been a major player in the motion plastics industry since its establishment as a subsidiary in 2000. With over 19,000 customers in India, Igus India has built a robust presence. The company boasts an extensive catalogue of 125,000 parts, which can be used for innumerable customer demand-based assemblies done locally. On an average over 200 new products are introduced annually, underlining its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction.

The new Bengaluru facility represents a substantial investment of over ₹100 crores (approximately 12 million euros), underscoring igus’s commitment to the Indian market. The financial allocation includes ₹20 crores for setting up the factory, ₹40 crores for advanced injection moulding machines, and ₹20 crores for the manufacturing process. The plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure designed to meet the high standards of motion plastics production, ensuring that Igus India continues to deliver world-class products to its customers. We are still also on a look out for purchasing own land.

Deepak Paul, Managing Director of Igus India, emphasized the strategic importance of this expansion, stating, “The Indian market presents tremendous potential for Igus, as demonstrated by our continued growth and investment here. Our objective is to deliver cutting-edge products and solutions not only to our customers in India but also on a global scale. Igus’s global focus on cost-sensitive and sustainable solutions, encapsulated in our motto ‘Tech up, cost down,’ is perfectly aligned with the Indian approach to technology and innovation. This alignment has been a key driver of our significant growth in the country. As we look forward, our plans include expanding beyond Bengaluru, with logistics and assembly centers set to be established in Pune, Gurugram, and Noida.”

Igus India is currently the 6th largest subsidiary among Igus’s 38 global subsidiaries, a position that reflects its strong performance and growth potential. Over the past two years, Igus India has doubled its market growth, with revenue figures climbing from ₹199 crores to ₹313 crores. The company expects this upward trajectory to continue, projecting a revenue of ₹340 crores for 2024. Additionally, Igus India has invested in a clean room testing facility in Germany and plans to establish a similar setup in India, further enhancing its product development and quality assurance capabilities.

Santhosh Jacob, Country Manager and Director of Igus India, added, “Technology and innovation are at the core of everything we do at Igus. With a catalogue of 125,000 parts and 247 new products introduced this year, we are constantly inspired by our customers’ needs to push the boundaries of what is possible. Our ongoing expansion of the motion plastics product world, coupled with the integration of digitalization and AI, is a testament to our long-term corporate strategy. We are making significant progress in embedding digitalization as a key technology at Igus, which will play a crucial role in our future growth and success.”

Talking about Igus’ focus on sustainability and commitment to the environment, Igus will focus on the emerging semicon and renewable energy businesses by investing on people, and participating in Industry specific shows with the presence of Industry specialists from Germany.

Ev2 Ventures & Caret Capital Lead USDollar 1 Million Seed Investment Round in Autonomous Solutions Company Rosh.Ai

22nd August, 2024, New Delhi: Ev2 Ventures/Caret Capital led a US$1 million Seed investment round in Rosh.Ai which saw participation from ThinKuvate as well. Rosh.Ai is a deep-tech company enabling development of vehicle agnostic end-to-end Autonomy Stack that includes advanced mapping, perception, navigation, SoC development, and ADAS solutions, headquartered in Kochi.

Founded in 2021, Rosh.Ai serves as a development partner within the autonomy ecosystem, catering to automotive OEMs (including EVs), seaport and airport operators, and the mining sector. Their autonomy platform facilitates the rapid development of AV prototypes, ADAS and AV test platform, expediting ADAS development and testing. Additionally, they offer vehicle-agnostic autonomy and drive-by-wire retrofit kits that can convert any vehicle into a fully or partially autonomous vehicle.

Rosh.AI targets sea port congestion and mining productivity issues by addressing driver shortages and equipment inefficiencies respectively. In sea ports, where 80% of global logistics flow, driver scarcity leads to delays. Mining faces productivity drops of 15%-20% due to equipment issues. Both sectors seek safer operations, a gap Rosh.Ai aims to fill with autonomous vehicles.

“At Rosh.Ai, our mission is to revolutionize the future of mobility by providing cutting-edge autonomous driving solutions that enhance safety, efficiency, and sustainability in the automotive industry. We strive to be the global leader in autonomous vehicle technology, driving innovation and setting new standards in the industry” said Dr Roshy John, Founder & CEO at Rosh.Ai.

Dr. Roshy John, also known as “The Man who Kickstarted India’s Driverless Car Revolution” by NASSCOM, has over two decades of experience in robotics and artificial intelligence. His extensive expertise, highlighted by 40+ international patents pending, underscores his commitment to innovation and inspiring the next generation of technologists.

“Technology is at the heart of everything we do at Rosh.Ai. We are dedicated to pushing the boundaries of innovation in autonomous vehicle systems, ensuring that our solutions are not only cutting-edge but also practical and scalable. By enabling autonomy transformation, we support our clients in tackling critical challenges on the ground, ultimately driving forward the future of autonomous mobility,” said Rajaram Moorthy, Co-Founder & CTO at Rosh.Ai.

As the Co-Founder and CTO of Rosh.Ai, Rajaram Moorthy complements Dr. Roshy‘s vision with his profound engineering acumen and passion for autonomous vehicle technology. With over 20 years of hands-on experience in robotics and artificial intelligence, Rajaram has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s first driverless car revolution. He has three international patents in the autonomy domain.

“We are excited to partner with Rosh.Ai as they continue to push the boundaries of innovation in autonomous vehicle technology,” said Karan Mittal, Managing Partner, Ev2 Ventures/Caret Capital. “With a proven track record and extensive experience in the sector, we are confident in the Founders’ ability to drive positive change in the automotive industry through their revolutionary technology.”

Addison Appu, Partner at ThinKuvate further added that, “We believe Rosh.Ai’s advanced autonomous software and groundbreaking solutions will allow the Company to have a first mover advantage in driverless and ADAS technology for ports, seaports, mining operations among other sectors.”

Since its inception, Rosh.Ai has achieved remarkable traction, boasting a prestigious clientele that includes major automotive manufacturers, leading technology firms, and global truck companies among others.

Panasonic Industrial Devices Division unveils cutting-edge, Factory Automation Solution for Indian OEMs

India, August 21, 2024: The Industrial Devices Division (INDD) of Panasonic Life Solutions India (PLSIND), a leading diversified technology company introduced a comprehensive suite of factory automation solutions comprising of a Network Function Integrated Type HL-G2 SERIES – Laser Sensor, Motion Controller GM1, and Minas A7 servo systems at the recently held Automation Expo 2024, Mumbai. These components together form a robust automation solution designed to meet the evolved needs of modern industrial automation leading to better operation and control of equipment, eliminate errors and improve overall safety, efficiency, and productivity.

Commenting during the launch, Mr. Narayan Kumar, Divisional Director, Industrial Devices Division (INDD), Panasonic Life Solutions India said, “Panasonic Industrial Devices Division is dedicated to empowering Indian manufacturers with cutting-edge automation solutions that help reduce downtime and enhance effectiveness. To address the new-age technology demands of the industry, we have taken a solution-led approach by combining our cutting-edge devices and components that are HL-G2 SERIES, GM1 Motion Controller, and the AI-powered MINAS A7 Servo Systems. These offer high precision and real-time capabilities, significantly improving product quality, production efficiency, and overall operational performance. By providing highly accurate measurements, the sensor helps manufacturers meet stringent quality standards while enabling real-time process adjustments that minimize waste and maximize output. These automated solutions find applications across diverse industries such as semiconductor manufacturing, electronic components mounting machines, machine tools, packaging and warehouse automation industry to name a few. It can help enterprises advance their digital transformation journey while driving the larger Make-in-India agenda too.”

Panasonic’s HL-G2 Series high-accuracy laser displacement sensors offer exceptional accuracy of up to 0.5 µm and can perform measurements at high speeds, up to 10,000 times per second, making them suitable for a fast-paced industrial environment. With a range of 20 mm to 1,000 mm, the HL-G2 Series has versatile capability to handle a wide variety of tasks. The compact and durable design of these sensors allows for seamless integration into various industrial setups, even in harsh environments. The application includes precision measurement in quality control processes, such as inspecting small components in electronics manufacturing, as well as integration into automated systems for real-time monitoring and control, thereby enhancing production line efficiency. Additionally, these are well-suited for robotic applications that require accurate distance and position measurements, and they also find use in the medical field for non-contact measurement tasks, ensuring high levels of precision and safety.

The new motion controller – GM1 having RTEX/EtherCAT communication support offers synchronized torque control for up to 32 axes and integrates multiple functions such as positioning, network modules, I/O modules, and a high-frequency counter, all within a compact, space-saving design. This “all-in-one” solution reduces cabinet space and provides quick response times as low as 0.5ms, making it ideal for demanding applications. The GM1 includes two independent Ethernet ports, a high-speed counter, PWM output channels, and a memory slot for SD cards. The controller is equipped with Application Function Blocks (AFB) for easy setup and reduced programming time, along with a programming tool based on Codesys IEC 61131-3 automation software. Additionally, GM1 supports Industry 4.0 integration with OPC UA client and server functions. The GM1 is particularly suited for applications requiring high precision and speed, such as press-fitting, molding, printing, and packaging machines. It is fully compatible with Panasonic’s existing automation portfolio, including controllers, motors, and the MINAS A6 and A7 servo systems.

The MINAS A7 Servo Systems are advanced motors equipped with AI technology, designed to automate precise tuning—a task previously requiring expert human intervention. MINAS A7 equipped with precAIse TUNING (AI-based automated tuning) offers ultraprecise positioning accuracy through simple initial settings that can reduce operation time by up to 90% compared to manual tuning. Along with MINAS A7, MINAS CZ1 Global and MINAS A6SC series motors were recently launched in Indian Market. All three servo systems have been designed to enhance productivity of machines, people, and applications by adapting quickly and intuitively.

Global tax compliance platform Avalara triples its India headcount; plans over 1000+ new hires in FY24

National Aug 21, 2024: Avalara, a leading provider of cloud-based tax compliance solutions, has announced its plans to onboard over 1000 new employees in the next nine months across multiple fields, including engineering, tax, content, sales support and professional services. This strategic move is part of Avalara’s efforts to establish India as a center of technical excellence and its planned expansion in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

Despite India’s competitive employment market, the US-based solutions provider remains committed to enhancing capabilities in tax technology, legislation, e-invoicing, and global tax compliance by investing significantly in the country’s technological talent. The platform is dedicated to attracting and retaining top talent passionate about building planet-scale cloud software and impacting the tax compliance sector. The new hires will join Avalara’s 180 professionals in Pune and Noida, working together to develop cloud software solutions that simplify global tax compliance.

Krishna Priya Nambudiri, Senior Director – HR, Avalara India said, – “As we plan our expansion in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, we are committed to significantly increasing our hiring efforts to support our company’s growth initiatives. India has long been a vital part of Avalara’s operations, offering a wealth of technical skills, functional expertise, and an innovative thinking mindset. By bringing these diverse perspectives and skills to our India operations, we are enhancing our operational efficiency and laying the foundation for ensuring sustainable growth for the company.

Avalara India‘s expansion is driven by the rising demand for tax compliance solutions, the increasing complexity of tax regulations, and the need for businesses to adapt to evolving market conditions. To support its focus on industry verticals and emerging markets, Avalara has established a strong leadership team across sales and marketing support, business operations, delivery, technology, and people-enabling functions. Additionally, the platform has also collaborated with leading tech institutions and universities in India to develop talent pipelines and facilitate recruitment.