The initiative also targets empowering talents to compete for the best job opportunities in global leading companies in the fields of coding and AI…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE government has launched “Pioneers of the Digital Economy” initiative, which aims to enhance capabilities of young talents and provide them with the knowledge and expertise needed to develop advanced future technology that will positively influence the UAE’s economy.
The initiative also targets empowering talents to compete for the best job opportunities in global leading companies in the fields of coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI), and develop innovative solutions to challenges, thus promoting future digital economy in the UAE and boosting its global leadership and competitiveness.
Omar bin Sultan Al Olama
The initiative, launched by the National Programme for Artificial Intelligence, provides a platform to enhance partnerships between public and private sectors, talented skills in the field of software and modern technologies, and international technology leaders operating in the UAE. It encourages international leading companies to provide opportunities for talents to promote their active participation in supporting the digital transformation in the UAE and building an advanced digital economy that contributes to enhancing people’s wellbeing and building a better future.
Under “Pioneers of the Digital Economy” initiative and during the 41st edition of GITEX Global 2021, the AI Office announced collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS), to enable talents to compete in the fields of technology and software.
Omar bin Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, Digital Economy, and Teleworking Applications, stated that the UAE government adopts modern technologies and AI tools for building a sustainable digital economy, in line with the directives of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to provide the best possible solutions and promote the UAE’s global competitiveness.
Al Olama added that forging partnerships and reinforcing cooperation with entities and companies that support global economies help accelerate digital transformation in the UAE and its transition towards a sustainable digital economy. He further noted that launching “Pioneers of the Digital Economy” initiative, in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, is part of the ongoing efforts of the AI Office to enable talents specialised in digitisation and AI technologies to actively engage in promoting the national digital economy.
Isabella Groegor-Cechowicz, Vice President of Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA), AWS Worldwide Public Sector, said, “We are pleased to be collaborating with the UAE AI Office to support talent development of UAE nationals as we continue to build a diverse and inclusive workforce at AWS. With the upcoming launch of the AWS data centers in the UAE in the first half of 2022, we are hiring teams across multiple functions to support cloud adoption and to help accelerate the UAE’s digital transformation strategy.”
As part of its cooperation with the AI Office, Amazon Web Services will share a periodic list of job opportunities available at the company’s headquarters in the UAE, while encouraging local talents to apply for these vacancies, thus enhancing their capabilities in various fields of digital economy.
The two parties shall further cooperate to build the capabilities of national talents, enable them to adopt modern technologies, introduce them to the experiences of global tech companies, and provide them with the best opportunities to design innovative solutions and services. This goes in line with the UAE’s ‘Principles of the 50’ focusing on enhancing human capital, achieving digital, technical and scientific excellence, and building the best and most dynamic economy in the world.
The latest space mission was launched by the UAE Government on October 5 as part of the “Projects of the 50″…reports Asian Lite News
The third virtual session in a series following the announcement of the Projects of the 50 took place on Thursday, discussing investment opportunities in the space projects and the prospects for promoting the development of advanced technologies.
The session coincided with the UAE’s recent announcement to explore Venus and the Asteroid Belt in a 3.6-billion-kilometre journey into deep space – just the fourth of its kind to have been launched globally.
The latest space mission was launched by the UAE Government on October 5, 2021 as part of the “Projects of the 50”, the new national agenda that establishes a new development cycle in a number of economic sectors.
The virtual session focused on the outstanding opportunities that the UAE provides for scientific talents, emerging projects and private-sector companies specializing in space technologies, industries and research. It was attended by Sarah bint Yousif Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, and Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Emirates Space Agency; Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Asiri, CEO of the National Space Science Authority in the Kingdom of Bahrain; and Ali Al Hashimi, CEO of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat).
The session revealed significant details about the new Emirati space mission. In addition to reaching the planet Venus, the project also seeks to land the probe on an asteroid located 560 million kilometres from Earth, and the discussion provided information on the advanced technologies, software, innovation and scientific expertise required to implement it – and any subsequent missions the UAE will launch in the future.
The session also discussed the effect of space projects on investments in vital economic sectors such as communications and information technology, applications of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the Internet of Things, big data analysis, information storage, and the development of renewable and sustainable energy technologies.
Sarah bint Youssef Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Technology and President of the UAE Space Agency, said that the UAE mission to explore Venus and the Asteroid Belt is a milestone in the UAE space sector.
Al Amiri added that it will help attract local and regional investments as well as talents specialised in advanced technology and space industries. This will consolidate the UAE’s position as a destination for promising emerging projects in space technologies.
UAE’s New Space Mission Boosts Investments
Al Amiri stressed the importance of the new project in sustaining the growth of the space sector in the GCC, which has made a positive impact on various economic sectors. Space technologies and sciences generated by engineers, scientists and innovators during the UAE’s ambitious space missions, will contribute to improving the quality of life in future cities and societies around the world.
She commended the efforts and initiatives of the Kingdom of Bahrain in empowering young talent and emerging projects in advanced technology sectors for the space sector, and for joining the Arab Group for Space Cooperation, which confirms the keenness of its leadership to invest in space and future sciences.
Ali Al Hashimi, CEO of Al Yah Satellite Communications Company (Yahsat), said: “The UAE currently has more than 17 orbital satellites, with Ten other satellites under development, and it has more than 50 companies, institutions and space facilities operating within the country, from international to emerging companies. We hope that these numbers will multiply many times over the next few years, especially with the announcement of the UAE project to explore the planet Venus and the Asteroid Belt, which will carry out unprecedented scientific missions over a period of five years from 2028 to 2033.”
He added: “There are promising opportunities for cooperation in the field of space technology and satellites among the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, in conjunction with the development projects and ambitious strategic visions that they are implementing, which are reflected positively on the investment landscape and the growth of partnerships with the private sector in new avenues, including the space and advanced technology sectors.”
The session touched on the promising investment opportunities in the UAE space sector. The expenditures of UAE’s space sector is over AED22 billion and includes more than 20 local startup companies in the sector, with local and international companies now operating in the Emirates in specializations related to the space sector and its industries.
du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), has recorded a significant milestone in its 5G rollout strategy to date…reports Asian Lite News
The telco provider’s 5G network has become the fastest in UAE. This achievement is the result of du’s efforts to drive the 5G agenda in recent times, with huge investments allocated to develop the 5G network, enhance performance and efficiency, and ensure customers avail the very best communication services.
5G is fundamental for enhancing the telecommunications sector and raising the country’s global competitiveness, with sustainable infrastructure advancements and world-class connectivity for all topmost priorities. Today’s announcement reaffirms du’s commitment to driving the 5G agenda, and the telco provider now anticipates achieving 90 percent nationwide population coverage by the end of 2021 with the UAE’s fastest 5G network.
Fahad Al Hassawi, CEO, EITC, said, “5G is a key enabler to support telecommunications sector development, advance business sectors, and enhance the UAE’s position in various global competitiveness indicators. Today, as we announce these prestigious accomplishments, du is proud to be catering to the needs of our customers, communities, and country through the fastest and most capable 5G network in the UAE. In line with our continuous efforts to improve national digital infrastructure and ensure all segments of the UAE avail the best experiences in the world of communication, we pledge to continue building on recent progress and deliver even greater value moving forward. Our ambition of network coverage for 90 percent of the UAE population ultimately means that more individuals and companies are benefiting from the capabilities and potential of this technology.
“The prestigious position of du’s 5G network in terms of median throughput has also been reaffirmed for six months running with Q2 and Q3 2021 independent 5G benchmarking reports conducted by independent entities.”
Al Hassawi added, “Our efforts to improve the efficiency and performance of our network have resulted in us delivering the fastest network speeds in the UAE, which is a testament to our commitment to providing the best connectivity experiences for our customers across the country. We look forward to continuing with these efforts and expanding 5G coverage to all residents of the UAE in the near future.”
Backed by a comprehensive roadmap for success, du’s ‘on our network, your experience is always exceptional’ campaign has demonstrated efficiency, effectiveness, and robustness since its introduction, building confidence and showcasing reliability at key moments in consumer’s daily routines.
Jaguar trials world-first digital supply chain for leather using
Jaguar Land Rover has trialled the use of secure blockchain technology to ensure full transparency within a sustainable leather supply chain…reports Asian Lite News
In the world-first, Jaguar Land Rover partnered with supply chain traceability provider Circulor, leading UK leather manufacturer Bridge of Weir Leather Company and the University of Nottingham to trial the use of traceability technology in the leather supply chain.
As well as tracking compliance, the digital process enabled Jaguar Land Rover to assess the carbon footprint of its leather supply network, working with UK-based Bridge of Weir Leather Company to trace its lowest carbon leather from farm to finished article – all part of Jaguar Land Rover’s commitment to reducing the environmental and ethical impact of its products across their lifecycle.
Jaguar trials world-first digital supply chain for leather using
Jaguar Land Rover is committed to offering customers more sustainable and responsible material choices for their vehicle interiors, such as the premium natural fibre Eucalyptus textile interior available on Range Rover Evoque, and Kvadrat – a refined high-quality wool blend textile that’s paired with a suede cloth made from 53 recycled plastic bottles per vehicle – available on Evoque, Range Rover Velar and Jaguar’s all-electric I-PACE.
As part of the Innovate UK-funded research, a ‘digital twin’ of the raw material was created, allowing its progress to be tracked through the leather supply chain simultaneously in the real world and digitally. A combination of GPS data, biometrics and QR codes was used to digitally verify the movement of leather at every step of the process using blockchain technology.
Defining the verification process has created a repeatable blueprint for tracing a single piece of leather at every stage. It can be used across Jaguar Land Rover’s global supply chain and by other industries that rely on leather, such as fashion and footwear.
The project is part of Jaguar Land Rover’s Reimagine strategy: a sustainability-rich combination of modern luxury, unique customer experiences, and positive societal impact.
Reimagine aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions across its supply chain, products and operations by 2039. Jaguar Land Rover will work with industry experts to improve sustainability, reduce emissions and collaborate on next-generation technology, data and software development leadership.
DAVE OWEN, JAGUAR LAND ROVER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF SUPPLY CHAIN: “We are currently restructuring our supply chain as part of Reimagine, with a focus on transparency and sustainability. The outcome from this world-first trial will allow us to further improve the sustainability of the leather supply chain around the globe, ensuring the complete traceability of raw materials from origin to vehicle. This is one step in our journey to net-zero carbon emissions across our supply chain, products, and operations by 2039, enabled by leading-edge digital capabilities.”
Through InMotion, its venture capital and mobility services arm, Jaguar Land Rover previously announced an investment in Circulor, allowing the company to source premium materials with greater transparency as to the provenance, welfare, and compliance of suppliers throughout its networks.
The technology could be deployed to trace other commodities. Circulor is already using blockchain to improve the traceability of minerals used for electric vehicle batteries. Blockchain technology is impossible to modify or tamper with, giving customers greater confidence that the sustainable supply chain is authentic, and all materials have been sustainably sourced.
Jaguar trials world-first digital supply chain for leather using
Dr Warren Bowden, Innovation and Sustainability Director of Scottish Leather Group, said “In partnership with Jaguar Land Rover and the University of Nottingham, we believe there is a clear opportunity to implement blockchain technology to enhance the existing, world-leading standards of traceability and transparency that exist within UK agriculture and its Cattle Tracing Scheme.
“At Bridge of Weir, we see the potential to create carbon-positive leather – if we source from local farms where the livestock is grass fed, where there is no deforestation, and we couple this responsible approach to sourcing with ongoing innovation to create zero carbon and zero waste manufacturing processes. The blockchain technology developed in this trial will enable each stage in the process, and the entire leather supply chain, to be accurately tracked and measured.”
According to the newly launched initiative, faster progress on AI is vital to make this happen, especially in low and middle-income countries, where the most lives are lost on the roads each year, reports Asian Lite News
Countries and investors need to step up the development and use of artificial intelligence (AI) to keep roads safe for everyone, three UN Special Envoys said on Thursday, leading a new AI for Road Safety initiative.
The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) include a call for action to halve the annual rate of road deaths globally and ensure access to safe, affordable and sustainable transport for everyone by 2030.
According to the newly launched initiative, faster progress on AI is vital to make this happen, especially in low and middle-income countries, where the most lives are lost on the roads each year.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), approximately 1.3 million people die annually as a result of road traffic crashes. Between 20 and 50 million more suffer non-fatal injuries, with many incurring a disability.
AI can help in different ways, including better collection and analysis of crash data, enhancing road infrastructure, increasing the efficiency of post-crash response, and inspiring innovation in the regulatory frameworks.
This approach requires equitable access to data and the ethical use of algorithms, which many countries currently lack, leaving them unable to identify road safety solutions.
AI for Road Safety brings together Special Envoys for Road Safety, Technology and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
Announcing the initiative, the ITU Secretary-General, Houlin Zhao, said the disproportionate number of road deaths in developing countries “is yet another example of why the benefits of new technologies must reach everyone, everywhere”.
Road Safety Envoy Jean Todt said, “there is an untapped opportunity to harness AI to close the digital and road safety divide around the world.”
As the first partially self-driving cars come on the market, the future of automated driving is back in the limelight. At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic is shifting mobility trends and increasing a preference for personally-owned cars.
Back in March, though, Mr. Todt said that much work remains to meet the target to halve the number of road deaths and injuries by 2030.
“Connected vehicles are far from reaching the communities that are most affected by road traffic crashes. The infrastructure in many countries could not support autonomous driving anytime soon. The cost of the technology is still very high,” he stated.
The new initiative aims to strengthen global AI efforts across the public and private sectors to improve safety for all road users — whether traveling by automobile, motorcycle, bicycle, foot or other transportation modes.
For Maria-Francesca Spatolisano, UN Envoy on Technology, this initiative “is a noteworthy effort to focus on practical, real-world technology issues that concretely affect peoples’ lives.”
Infinity des Lumières, the GCC’s largest digital art centre, welcomed 25 future leaders of the UAE to an interactive and thought-provoking evening on the future of innovation and art on 21 September…reports Asian Lite News
In its innovative capacity, Infinity des Lumières strongly contributes to the prestige and influence of this region, building connections among a wide range of audiences, from residents to visitors, from art lovers and museum enthusiasts to people who rarely visit traditional spaces and exhibits.
Infinity Des Lumieres x Leadership Programme
“Technology plays an incredibly important role in disseminating content to massive, diverse audiences. And while it can be argued that the purpose of art is to evoke feelings and inspire critical thinking, we believe we need to remember that one of the main goals is for art to be seen and experienced by as many people as possible. Now technology is enabling artists to do precisely that – showcase their art to millions through various channels, and it’s also providing them with mediums to create more immersive artistic experiences. These experiences initiate more interest in art, which in turn encourages artists to create more experiences – it’s a wonderfully reinforcing cycle”, said Sara Zuddas, Marketing Lead, Infinity des Lumières.
The program was designed with the intention to invest in the government’s human capital and foster a new generation of skilled and visionary leaders. The program is a year-long incremental development journey supported by a rich learning, simulation and application ecosystem. These future leaders have also demonstrated consistent high performance in their work within their entities across the Abu Dhabi Government.
ALEX KOCK, MANAGING DIRECTOR, BTS MIDDLE EAST: “Partnering with an innovative organization like IDL unlocks inspiring opportunities to shape the new kind of leadership required to reimagine and deliver on the important government mission of citizen happiness. We are thrilled to co-create these leadership development experiences with the Abu Dhabi School of Government as part of their mandate to build strategic capabilities in the government.”
Infinity Des Lumieres x Leadership Programme
BTS, a leading global consultancy, is dedicated to executing the people side of strategy, helping the world’s leading companies turn strategy into results. They aspire to design fun, powerful experiences that have a profound and lasting impact on people and their careers, inspiring new ways of thinking, building critical capabilities and unleashing business success.
Volvo Cars plans to improve the range further and integrate the battery pack into the floor of the car, using the cell structure for overall vehicle stiffness and improving efficiency…reports Asian Lite News
Al-Futtaim’s Trading Enterprises, the exclusive distributor of Volvo Cars in the UAE, has announced the automotive brand is rapidly moving towards becoming a fully electric car company. Volvo Cars is bringing battery cell technology development and production closer to home and aims to tailor its future batteries to the needs of its customers: a longer range and faster charging times.
Volvo fully electric cars
It will do so by improving lithium-ion battery technology on its forthcoming second generation of electric cars, starting with the pure electric successor to its XC90 flagship.
By the middle of the decade, as it introduces its third generation of electric cars, starting with the successor to its best-selling XC60 midsize SUV, Volvo Cars plans to improve the range further and integrate the battery pack into the floor of the car, using the cell structure for overall vehicle stiffness and improving efficiency.
In the near term, Volvo Cars plans to work with leading Swedish battery company Northvolt to further increase the energy density in its battery cells by up to 50 per cent compared to what is on the market today. Later this decade, Volvo Cars also looks to break the 1000 Wh/l energy density milestone, in order to achieve 1000 km of real driving range.
Current charging times are expected to be cut almost in half by mid-decade, thanks to better battery technology and continuous improvements to software and fast-charging technology.
HENRIK GREEN, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER: “We want to constantly consider and increase the customer benefits of driving a pure electric Volvo car, by simplifying the design and integration of our battery cells, we can reduce weight and maximise space, allowing for considerable improvements in battery capacity, range and charging times.”
As Volvo Cars moves towards becoming an all-electric car company, the importance of sustainability increases in parallel. While the company will increase the battery energy in its cars over the coming decade, it will also work to continuously reduce their carbon impact.
Battery cells from Volvo Cars’ planned collaboration with Northvolt aim to be produced using 100 per cent renewable energy, while it is working with other battery suppliers to do the same by 2025.
Volvo Cars has a clear strategy to further reduce the carbon impact of batteries by making better use of the valuable material contained in them. Wherever possible, it intends to remanufacture or reuse batteries, and is also investigating potential second-life applications, such as energy storage.
Where possible, batteries that have reached the end of their lifespan will be recycled at authorised recyclers that are able to offer closed loop recycling of critical materials for use in future batteries. Volvo Car Group’s planned partnership with Northvolt also raises the possibility to utilise their established recycling operations.
Volvo fully electric cars
Volvo Cars will also continue to focus on the responsible sourcing of batteries, including through a wider use of blockchain technology. By working more closely with its partners and suppliers, Volvo Cars will strengthen its responsible sourcing even further.
Already with the successor to the XC90, the company will offer bi-directional charging, allowing customers to offload excess electricity in their car battery to the power grid. This means electric Volvo drivers can provide energy to the grid when prices and CO2 emissions related to electricity production are at their daily peak, while charging their car when emissions fall.
“We want to offer our customers sustainable pure electric cars that makes their lives easier and more enjoyable,” said Henrik Green, chief technology officer. “Through smart innovation and collaboration with key partners, we can give customers what they want – more range, faster charging and lower costs – and further boost widespread adoption of electric mobility.”
Volvo Cars’ electrification roadmap is firmly focused on vertical integration, involving the in-house design, development and production of batteries, e-motors and relevant software in collaboration with strategic partners. The aim is to achieve as many synergies and efficiencies as possible throughout the entire battery supply chain.
Earlier this month, Volvo Car Group announced a planned collaboration with Northvolt to develop and produce sustainable batteries. These will be tailored to power the next generation of pure electric Volvo and Polestar cars and secure a future supply of sustainable batteries needed to support growth.
The collaboration with Northvolt is key to Volvo Cars’ ambition to become a leader in the premium electric car segment and sell only pure electric vehicles by 2030. It also represents an important step in the expansion of its in-house capabilities for production as well as development, coupled with partnerships with technology leaders.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Announces First Fully Electric Car
Electric Rolls-Royce fulfils the 1900 prophecy of the marque’s founder, Charles Rolls..reports Asian Lite News
In an historic announcement, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars announced today, that on-road testing of its first fully electric motor car is imminent. In announcing this seminal moment for the marque, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Chief Executive Officer, Torsten Müller-Ötvös, said:
“Today is the most significant day in the history of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars since 4th May, 1904. On that date, our founding fathers, Charles Rolls and Sir Henry Royce, first met and agreed that they were going to create ‘the best motor car in the world’.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Announces First Fully Electric Car
“Using the most advanced technology available to them at the time and by applying their remarkable engineering minds, these two pioneers elevated early internal combustion engine cars, from noisy, uncomfortable and rudimentary means of transportation, by setting a completely new benchmark of distinction.
“The cars they created, introduced to the world a true luxury experience and secured for Rolls-Royce the ultimate pinnacle position that it continues to occupy, unchallenged, to this day. The marque has continued to define the very best in internal combustion motoring for more than a century.
“Today, 117 years later, I am proud to announce that Rolls-Royce is to begin the on-road testing programme for an extraordinary new product that will elevate the global all-electric car revolution and create the first – and finest – super-luxury product of its type. This is not a prototype. It’s the real thing, it will be tested in plain sight and our clients will take first deliveries of the car in the fourth quarter of 2023.”
“The use of electric motors is not a new concept for Rolls-Royce. Sir Henry Royce was fascinated by all things electrified, and his first venture, named F. H. Royce and Company, created dynamos, electric crane motors and patented the bayonet-style light bulb fitting.
“However, it was Charles Rolls who truly prophesied an electrified future for automobiles. In April 1900 he experienced an early electric motor car named the Columbia and declared its electric drive to be ideal.
“Rolls said, ‘The electric car is perfectly noiseless and clean. There is no smell or vibration, and they should become very useful when fixed charging stations can be arranged. But for now, I do not anticipate that they will be very serviceable – at least for many years to come.’
“Charles Rolls’ prophecy has been the subject of constant consideration during the marque’s Goodwood era. But we have not been satisfied that available technology could support the Rolls-Royce experience. Until now.
“Now is the time to change the course of the future of luxury.
“We embark on this bold new future with a huge advantage. Electric drive is uniquely and perfectly suited to Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, more so than any other automotive brand. It is silent, refined and creates torque almost instantly, going on to generate tremendous power. This is what we at Rolls-Royce call ‘waftability’.
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Announces First Fully Electric Car
“At Rolls-Royce, we have been experimenting with an electric powertrain for some time. In 2011 we revealed 102EX, a fully operational all-electric Phantom. We followed this in 2016 with our fully electric 103EX, which represented our vision for the marque several decades into the future.”
A PROMISE KEPT
“These extraordinary products prompted a huge amount of interest in electric powertrain technology amongst our clients. They considered it as the perfect fit for Rolls-Royce. And, over the past decade, I have been repeatedly asked, ‘When will Rolls-Royce go electric?’ and ‘When will you produce your first electric car?’
“I answered with an unambiguous promise: ‘Rolls-Royce will go electric, starting this decade.’ Today, I’m keeping my word.”
A REMARKABLE UNDERTAKING
“Charles Rolls’ prophecy and my promise have led us to a seminal moment for the marque. Rolls-Royce has embarked on an historic and unique undertaking, which today becomes a reality. Our designers and engineers have worked relentlessly to bring us here: we are now ready to commence road-testing of the first all-electric Rolls-Royce in history.
“This fundamental change in our powertrain technology requires that we challenge every single aspect of the product before we offer it to the most discerning and demanding individuals in the world – our Rolls-Royce clients.
“To do this, we have conceived the most demanding testing programme in Rolls-Royce’s history. We will cover 2.5 million kilometres – a simulation of more than 400 years of use for a Rolls-Royce, on average – and we will travel to all four corners of the world to push this new motor car to the limit.
“You will see these test cars on roads, around the world. Look out for them – they will be in plain sight. They will be tested in all conditions and over all terrains on their multi-million-mile journey – that will literally accelerate Rolls-Royce into the future.”
Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Announces First Fully Electric Car
TRULY FLEXIBLE ARCHITECTURE OF OUR OWN
“In 2017, we debuted Phantom, and with it the marque’s proprietary aluminium architecture: a scalable and flexible spaceframe that would underpin all forthcoming Rolls-Royce motor cars. This unique technology – developed for Rolls-Royce by Rolls-Royce and reserved for the marque’s exclusive use – was created to form the foundation of not just different internal combustion engine models, as it now does with Cullinan and Ghost, but models with completely different powertrains.
“To this end, our forthcoming electric car benefits from the Rolls-Royce architecture and therefore the extraordinary experience of a Rolls-Royce on the road. Free of any group platform sharing strategy, we were able to integrate our plans for an electric powertrain into the architecture’s initial design and ensure that this extraordinary new product meets the extremely high expectations of our clients.”
A NEW NAME: A NEW LEGACY
“This Rolls-Royce is the fulfilment of a prophecy and it represents a promise kept as we embark upon a unique undertaking. It is the beginning of a new legacy for our brand. In that spirit, we have decided on a completely new name for this car. A name that is as powerful and evocative as the nameplates that have served us so perfectly for the past century – names like Phantom, Ghost and Wraith. It’s a name that perfectly fits the ethereal and other worldly environment within which our products exist – a name that we have reserved especially for this moment: Spectre.
“Spectre is a name given to otherworldly beings synonymous with great power and apparition; creatures of an alternative realm that make their presence felt through fleeting manifestation. A spectre forces the world to pause. It dominates the space it occupies. Then, as quickly as it appears, it dissipates, leaving a wake of exhilaration, energy, and intrigue.
“This name perfectly matches the extraordinary Rolls-Royce that we are announcing today – a motor car that makes its presence felt before disappearing into a world inaccessible to all but the very few. As a quintessentially British brand, we have selected the British spelling, however the meaning is universal.
AN EXTRAORDINARY FUTURE
“With this new product we set out our credentials for the full electrification of our entire product portfolio by 2030. By then, Rolls-Royce will no longer be in the business of producing or selling any internal combustion engine products.
“Spectre is the living fulfilment of Charles Rolls’ Prophecy. My Promise, made on behalf of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars, is kept. Now we begin a remarkable undertaking. I am proud that we will continue to propel the world’s most progressive and influential women and men into a brilliant, electrified future.”
Bang Sun Jeong, Vice President, Head of Hyundai Motor Company Middle East & Africa HQs
With technology changing the world, it is no surprise that robotics has become a key component in the day-to-day operations of many industries, including the automotive industry…writes Bang Sun Jeong
Mainly deployed for spot welding, painting, surface coating and other applications, these sophisticated smart programmable machines have become a vital part of putting together the automobiles driven today on the roads.
According to Allied Market Research , the automotive robotics market generated USD $6.63 billion in 2019. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, this market looks set to be even stronger in the coming years, estimated to be worth USD $13.60 billion by 2027. These statistics give you an idea of the significant role robotics is playing in the industry.
Hyundai announces Hydrogen Vision 2040
Implementation of robotics in various practices is giving automotive companies a competitive edge in terms of production. They are helping improve quality, increase capacity, and protect workers from undertaking difficult and hazardous jobs at assembly plants.
From a global automobile manufacturer’s perspective, robotic technology is the key to the future of transport. The way we are moving around today will not be the same in the next 10 or 20 years or so.
Robotics has a lot to offer due to its adaptability. It has the capabilities to do a wide range of activities from delivering goods to even supporting all kinds of tasks for people in their everyday lives.
At Hyundai, our vision is ‘Progress for Humanity,’ so we are constantly exploring new horizons for mobility by creating innovative solutions, so people feel connected and get more from life. We believe that people should have access to a more convenient and sustainable lifestyle and our personal mobility device creations reflect this vision.
For instance, the Chairless Exoskeleton (CEX) is the first wearable robot developed for industrial applications which helps factory workers maintain a sitting position. At just 1.6kg in weight, it can support up to 150kg, with results from a pilot test proving that reducing the person’s user’s waist and lower body muscle activity can decrease the risk of injury and significantly improve work efficiency.
Another concept we are working on is the Hyundai Medical Exoskeleton (H-MEX) – a wearable robot aimed at assisting paraplegic patients to walk while also being utilised for sitting, standing, and walking up or down the stairs.
Earlier this year, Hyundai Motor Group took a significant step forward in its transition as a Smart Mobility Service Provider by acquiring a controlling interest in Boston Dynamics. The organisation has established itself as a global leader in developing and deploying highly mobile robots to tackle the toughest robotics challenges.
This significant investment is integral to expanding our future mobility options and re-emphasises why we are looking beyond autonomous vehicles, UAM, artificial intelligence and logistics.
At Hyundai, we envision a world where robots are fun and capable for humankind and create opportunities to help make a positive impact in society by enabling people to work safely and be more productive.
Hyundai Motor
We see a bright future for robotics in the coming years. Hyundai Motor Group plans to expand its presence into the humanoid robot market to develop humanoid robots for sophisticated services such as caregiving for patients at hospitals.
The advancement of robotics technologies will also lend synergies to Hyundai’s autonomous vehicles, UAMs and smart factories.
As technology continues to evolve, robots will go from strength to strength and become such powerful machines that we can one day rely on them for transport services and undertake tasks that we never imagined was possible before.
It is no longer a matter of if but how soon they become a crucial part of our everyday lives as this is not just the future of mobility but also creating a better tomorrow for everyone.
Demand for new ways to drive productivity for professional or educational purposes is likely at its highest ever point…reports Asian Lite News
Whether individuals are developing their skillsets in classroom environments or delivering on project objectives in a full-time professional capacity, the power of technology has opened up a new world of possibilities for all concerned. Digital applications and new ways of working are providing newfound empowerment in daily life, boosting productivity for more efficient and effective performance.
Now, with the summer months over, students resuming their studies, and people returning to work, the remainder of 2021 promising to be a busy period for millions – and everyone has an opportunity the drive results to greater heights.
This applies to the Middle East & North Africa (MENA), where national economies continue their re-emergence with support from the wider business community and emerging talent prepare themselves for career ascension. In 2020, the region’s labor force exceeded 149 million people across all industries , while the UAE alone has over 295,000 higher education students . Moreover, regional smartphone penetration ranks among the highest worldwide at 97% , which is relevant as this emphasizes the scale of digital literacy.
With these considerations in mind, demand for new ways to drive productivity for professional or educational purposes is likely at its highest ever point. Fortunately, there is a wide array of opportunities for the masses to consider and pursue. Below are five of the most practical that will help drive productivity in a classroom or office:
Make the most of employee engagement software
The sudden and largely seamless transition to remote working environments has introduced employees from all verticals to different possibilities where performance is concerned. Whether people are operating from home, in the office, or a combination of the two, employee engagement software effectively boosts productivity – particularly for those part of a team. Besides being another way to communicate to meet project deliverables, such software promotes a strong culture of teamwork, improves workplace harmony, and encourages healthy competition through incentives such as redeeming rewards – all factors that can increase motivation and performance.
Project deliverables in terms of timeframes must be met at university and work on a regular basis. Therefore, using time effectively is key to increasing productivity to the maximum. How much time is wasted for various reasons? What distractions often surface that hinder progress? Which hours witness peak creativity? How substantial are overall contributions? All of these questions can be answered precisely with time tracking tools. With their support, one can identify strengths and weaknesses in their performance timeline and ultimately apply what they learn to increase efficiency.
Organize digital workspaces
The technology evolution has forged a new reality: more students and employees operate digitally than ever before. Irrespective of age or experience, work environments have always significantly influenced productivity, and the same can be said in today’s tech-driven landscape. Fortunately, digital workspaces can be made comfortable and effective almost instantly. Laptops, tablets, web browsers, and applications can be streamlined, with smart management tools and notification centers helping to link every program and piece of equipment for a sustainable and organized workstation where productivity comes to the forefront.
Safeguard project progression with the cloud
Students and full-time employees have all experienced setbacks during projects: unnecessary time spent searching for sources of information; laptops and PCs suddenly crashing; opening corrupted files or deleting key documents accidentally. However, productivity can be given a major boost by using the cloud. It would be prudent for everyone yet to do so to store their projects and documents in cloud-based databases, which will ensure not only safety and seamless accessibility, but also improve performance as such scenarios can be completely avoided.
Drive productivity with file sharing
File sharing has become an important part of any student’s life as most of today’s study content is in digital format rather than textbooks. At the same time, file sharing has become a prominent part of professional life as running a modern business is largely dependent on digital data storing and sharing. Crucially, file transfer apps allow users to transfer files between two devices, at high speed, even without the internet and requirement of Bluetooth or USB. This applies to documents, images, videos, and much more – meaning everyone should adopt file sharing to boost their productivity. A prominent platform to do this is SHAREit.
With file transfer speeds that reach up to 20mb/s, SHAREit’s efficacy in the file sharing space is unmatched. It helps make file transfer easy and fast, helping individuals share unlimited files of any size with each other and increasing productivity by reducing the processing times. It also removes issues caused due to poor internet connectivity and is cost-effective as users don’t have to pay the high cost of data. This feature very beneficial for students and working professionals with study content, documents, or reports in their mobile phones but – due to the small screen – prefer to access these files on their computers or laptops for easy readability.
For students and full-time professionals, the coming period represents an opportunity to redefine productivity through digital tools and capabilities. Employee engagement software, tracking tools, streamlined workstations, the cloud, and file sharing represents a winning combination to fulfil performance potential, one that will ultimately lead to new phases of personal and professional progression being explored.
