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A new study investigates whether people like robots that hug us and rub our heads. KEY POINTS Hugging is a powerful emotional experience that supports mental and physical well-being. Yet in reality, not everyone has someone that can give them a hug if they need one. To address this, scientists are testing out "hug robots" that are able to hug humans. In a study, participants reported enjoying robot hugs more if the bot rubbed their heads while hugging them. Getting hugged by a loved one tends to be a powerful positive emotional experience. Hugs have been shown to enhance social bonding and emotional well-being and to reduce feelings of loneliness and depression. They may also decrease stress and improve measures of physical and psychological health. However, not everyone can get a hug every time they need one. Some people are lonely and do not have anyone to hug them. Others may be in long-distance relationships in which it may be not easy to get physical affection from their partner. Older, widowed people who do not feel like moving into a new relationship quickly may receive fewer hugs than they like. Could Hug Robots Help? How can this problem be solved? One idea that scientists have proposed is developing social robots that can hug people. This could, they theorize, offer lonely people the positive effects of getting hugged without the need to know a person who could hug them. However, designing a hug robot that is a) accepted by people and b) leads to positive emotions and reduced stress is not an easy task for scientists. For example, if the robot is very large and made mostly of metal, or generally has an appearance that evokes a military context, people might be frightened of it, rather than happily hugging it. Therefore, psychological research is needed to design a good hug robot. New Study: A Robot That Hugs and Rubs Heads A new study, recently published in the scientific journal International Journal of Social Robotics (Onishi et al., 2023) focused on the development of Moffuly-II, a newly developed hug robot developed based on Moffully, a previous hug robot. Moffully-II looks like a large, humanoid teddy bear and is covered in soft fur. It is two meters tall. Importantly, Moffully-II can move its arms to perform different gestures during the hug. When two people hug, they often do specific things with their hands, such as clapping the hugged person on the back to signal sympathy. It is important that a hug robot can perform similar gestures, too, to make the hug feel realistic. Gestures Make a Difference Moffully-II can perform rubbing gestures (moving the hand for three seconds vertically on the back of the head of the hugged person) and squeezing gestures (holding the back or the head of the hugged person tightly for three seconds). In the study, the scientists wanted to know whether these intra-hug gestures make people like a hug from a robot better. Volunteers who Moffully-II hugged generally preferred hugs with gestures of gesture-less hugs. When Moffully-II performed a gesture, they felt that the robot was more friendly and safe than when they received a gesture-less hug. They also thought that Moffully-II felt more intelligent and natural when it performed gestures while hugging them. Moreover, they enjoyed the hug more, compared to hugs without gestures. When the different types of gestures were compared, volunteers hugged by Moffully-II liked head rubbing the best, followed by back rubbing. Both head squeezing and back squeezing were less preferred than the rubbing gestures. Designing a Good Hugging Robot Is Not Easy Taken together, the findings of the study show that it is possible to design a robot that people enjoy to hug. Attention to detail is important here, as the intra-hug gestures played a big role in how much human volunteers enjoyed the hug. Another takeaway from the study was that people liked rubbing gestures the best. More research is needed to perfect the design of hug robots and for some people, the idea of hugging a robot instead of a real person will always be somewhat uncomfortable. However, despite such concerns, hug robots arguably hold promise for increasing the well-being of people without regular access to hugging—including, perhaps, people in nursing homes struggling with dementia or other problems that keep them from having many social contacts. Source: www.psychologytoday.com

While autofocus has become a standard perk in consumer cameras, the industrial imaging realm demands a touch of innovation. This article by Basler outlines various autofocus options and their tradeoffs, helping you understand how to choose the right solution for your specific application. 1. What are the possible scenarios that require autofocusing in industrial inspections? Autofocusing is a valuable feature in industrial inspection applications where maintaining sharp focus on the object or scene is crucial for accurate analysis, measurement, and quality control. Here are some scenarios in industrial inspection where autofocusing is commonly required: When the working distance keeps changing in dynamic environment; When the application requires high resolution, and you need lenses with larger apertures to maintain image clarity and sharpness; In high-speed inspection scenarios where the camera is operating in lowlight conditions or capturing rapidly moving objects; The implementation of autofocus in these scenarios enhances the efficiency, accuracy, and reliability of industrial inspection systems. This reduces the requirement for manual adjustments, ensuring optimal image quality for subsequent analysis and decision-making processes. 2. Common autofocusing challenges in industrial settings For clear visibility of varied heights, opt for a larger depth of field with a smaller aperture (bigger F number). However, this requires longer exposure for ample brightness. In high-speed applications, a wider aperture (smaller F number) is needed for sufficient light, but it limits depth of field, impacting focus.’ 3. What are the different AF methods and their tradeoffs? In professional imaging, autofocus methods typically fall into two categories: active and passive. Active autofocus employs tools like lasers to calculate the working distance and positions the imaging system accordingly. In contrast, passive autofocus captures multiple images as the working distance changes and selects the focused image through evaluation. Active autofocus is also known as distance-detection-based autofocus, while passive autofocus is referred to as image-based autofocus. Both approaches are used in industrial applications, and they have their respective advantages and limitations. Let’s look at them one by one. Active Autofocus In an active autofocus system, a distance detection device is necessary. The most commonly used device in industrial settings is a laser, while interferometers are less common and mainly utilized in labs. In this article, we will delve into the benefits and limitations of laser autofocus. The key advantages of a Laser AF solution include: firstly, active autofocus proves beneficial when the working distance of the application cannot be predicted. Secondly, the laser detection system excels in both speed and accuracy of distance detection. However, it’s evident from the system diagram in Figure 2 that the hardware setup is quite complex, leading to naturally higher costs. Another significant drawback of the active autofocus approach is its low flexibility. Passive Autofocus There are primarily two methods for passive autofocus: phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) and contrast detection autofocus (CDAF). PDAF, designed within the camera sensor, is more commonly used in consumer cameras. However, for larger projects that allow for a customized sensor with PDAF, it can also be an option for industrial applications. CDAF, also known as image-based autofocus, finds wider application in industrial scenarios. The key advantages of CDAF include a simpler system architecture, lower costs due to requiring less hardware, and greater flexibility. However, this approach has its limitations. Firstly, the speed and accuracy are slightly lower compared to the laser-detection approach. Secondly, as complex image analysis and processing are involved, independently developing a solution from scratch can be resource-demanding. Thirdly, the choice of where to run the image processing becomes crucial. If executed on the CPU, it may consume more resources than desired, impacting the overall system stability. Alternatively, if run on a frame grabber, it involves additional hardware and thus additional costs. 4. How to select and develop your own autofocus solution? In engineering, there’s typically no perfect solution that solves all problems at once; rather, it often involves shifting a problem from one area to another. The methods employed to address the problem will also change. The suitability of a solution depends on your application requirements, and a thorough professional project evaluation before initiation is always essential. In the preceding section, we explored the advantages and limitations of both active and passive autofocus methods. When it comes to selecting the right solution for your application, there is usually no simple and straightforward answer. The following comparison chart provides a comprehensive overview of the advantages and limitations of different approaches for industrial autofocus. Four distinct autofocus methods are compared based on their re-focusing speed, result accuracy, system flexibility, complexity, and cost. “In this chart, the speed for CDAF involves the use of a liquid lens, providing a faster re-focusing mechanism. So, if your project demands utmost accuracy, even with the associated higher cost and system complexity, a laser-based autofocus method is the optimal choice. However, if the speed and accuracy offered by CDAF already meet your project requirements, it stands out as a more cost effective option that excels in all aspects. Even within CDAF, you can choose either a liquid lens or a motorized lens as the key focus-changing device. If you need a fast and continuous re-focusing solution for high-speed inspection lines, a liquid lens autofocus solution is more suitable. On the other hand, when you need occasional zooming and re-focusing, a motorized lens is the better solution. When opting for the CDAF approach, whether with a liquid lens or a motorized lens, the key challenges to overcome include: Coordinating the control of the liquid/motorized lens with the camera. Developing an autofocus algorithm for pre-processing and analyzing images. Addressing CPU loading considerations. And to solve all these problems, building a team with different skillsets and organizing necessary trainings are essential. This will enable the seamless integration of the selected lens and the development of an AF algorithm that works. These tasks don’t sound very difficult until you really dive into it. For example, managing different APIs for the re-focusing device and camera. Additionally, developing autofocus algorithm is a very complex task, requiring in-depth understanding of industrial imaging. Some of the major challenges in refocusing include: insufficient lighting, high image noise, insufficient contrast, targets on different planes, and ill synchronization of lens and image analysis. 5. What are the available CDAF solutions in the market? If your project timeline is tight, or it’s challenging for you to build the right team quickly, you might be looking for solutions available in the market to help you realize autofocusing. The expectations of an AF solution would be one that is able to address one or more of the challenges outlined in the previous part of this particle. Here are some of the main solutions available from Basler: Solution 1: Liquid/motorized lens control from an industrial camera, but no AF algorithm available. In this solution, camera manufacturers develop a feature within the camera FPGA to control the re-focusing lens. The advantage of this approach is that users only need to interact with a single camera API, eliminating the need for lens integration. However, they will still need to develop their own autofocus (AF) algorithm. Nevertheless, if your team can develop the algorithm quickly, Solution 1 may already be sufficient to meet the requirements Solution 2: Liquid/motorized lens control and AF algorithm from a frame grabber FPGA This solution is better suited for high-end applications involving complex image processing or the need to handle large amounts of image data. Developing both the lens control and autofocus algorithm on the frame grabber is advantageous to free up CPU load. Solution 3: Lens control + AF algorithm from an industrial camera Compared to the previous two solutions, this option is the most streamlined in both hardware and software. Users can achieve the best-focused image out of the box, and the integration process is as simple as incorporating a standard industrial camera. There is no additional CPU load, no need for complex programming, and no extra cost for additional hardware. Read more about the autofocus use cases from Basler website.

Malaysia plans to launch artificial intelligence (AI) code of ethics and governance guidelines as soon as April, according to national news agency Bernama. The development of AI code of ethics and governance guidelines has now reached 90 percent, according to the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI). The ministry said the document is scheduled to be presented to the Cabinet this month before its official launch in April, according to the report on Friday. “These guidelines are developed specifically for three main categories, namely users and the public, policymakers and providers or developers of AI-based technology. “In general, it outlines seven principles of responsible AI that can be applied to all three main categories. Compliance with these guidelines can ensure ethical and safe use of AI,” it said in a written reply published on the Parliament’s website. The ministry was responding to a question from member of parliament Wong Chen who wanted to know the current status of the code of ethics and governance for AI and how it aligns with the National Artificial Intelligence Roadmap 2021-2025, the report added. MOSTI said that a public consultation session is currently underway with the Malaysia Productivity Corporation through the Unified Public Consultation portal, with a minimum consultation period of two weeks. “The document is being circulated for public consultation until today (March 8). The purpose of this session is to gather feedback from the public on the draft document for improvement before it is finalized,” it said. Source: technode.global

Empower global customers with LLMs to develop customized AI applications Alibaba Cloud, the digital technology and intelligence backbone of Alibaba Group, unveiled a serverless version of its Platform for AI (PAI)-Elastic Algorithm Service (EAS), designed to offer a cost-efficient solution for model deployment and inference to individuals and enterprises. It also announced the latest integration of its vector engine technology into more product offerings, including its data warehouse Hologres, search services Elasticsearch and OpenSearch, during its inaugural AI & Big Data Summit in Singapore. The integration is designed to make it easier for enterprises to access various large language models (LLMs) and build customized generative AI applications. The PAI-EAS platform allows users to tap into computing resources as needed, eliminating the need to oversee the management and upkeep of physical or virtual servers. Furthermore, users will be billed only for the computing resources they employ, resulting in a 50% reduction in inference costs when compared with the traditional pricing model. The serverless offering, which is currently undergoing beta testing, is accessible for image generation model deployment. In March 2024, the serverless version is scheduled to expand its capabilities to support the deployment of prominent open-source LLMs and models from Alibaba's AI model community, ModelScope. This includes models tailored for tasks such as image segmentation, summary generation, and voice recognition. With LLMs serving, training services and the vector engine technology, Alibaba Cloud is able to support a Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) process, enabling enterprises to enhance LLMs with their knowledge bases for improved outcomes. This translates to improved accuracy, accelerated retrieval of relevant information, and more nuanced insights for enterprises, contributing to heightened efficiency and decision-making capabilities across a wide range of applications. “Alibaba Cloud continues to remain at the forefront of AI and cloud technology innovation. Our technology updates underscore our commitment to empowering enterprises with the latest Intelligence-driven solutions for heightened efficiency and performance. This marks a significant stride in our mission to provide innovative solutions that redefine the possibilities of artificial intelligence in diverse applications,” Zhou Jingren, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Alibaba Cloud, commented during the summit. Make model training more easily Alibaba Cloud also announced an upgrade on its big data service, called MaxCompute MaxFrame, a distributed Python data processing framework, to tap into growing demand for data preprocessing and data offline/online analysis in AI-related computing tasks. It allows users to process massive amounts of data more efficiently and flexibly with launching AI task such as LLM training. To foster enhanced creativity among designers, Alibaba Cloud has introduced PAI-Artlab, a comprehensive platform for model training and image generation. This solution empowers designers to quickly produce professional-grade designs and unlock greater creative potential. Designers can leverage the platform to generate design images for a variety of applications, including interior home design, product promotional posters, gaming character creation, and gaming scene development. The platform also provides a rich ecosystem of ready-to-use tools to enable designers with no coding background to develop and train custom models that generate images tailored to their specific requirements. Currently, the platform is operational within mainland China and is slated for operation in the Singapore region in the upcoming months. In a landmark move last year, Alibaba Cloud elevated its entire range of database solutions, including the cloud-native database PolarDB, cloud-native data warehouse AnalyticDB, and cloud-native multi-model database Lindorm, integrating its proprietary vector engine technology to significantly enhance performance and capabilities. Vector engines transform text and data into a high-dimensional space, optimizing AI performance by embedding large volumes of structured and unstructured context in a complex yet efficient manner. This facilitates and streamlines tasks like similarity comparisons and semantic analysis, particularly benefiting LLMs and advancing various advanced AI functionalities. Supporting customer success Global customers ranging from large companies and start-ups use Alibaba Cloud’s latest technologies to support their digital transformation journeys. “There is an increasing demand for AI technologies among our global customers. By open-sourcing our proprietary language models, we are well-equipped to offer powerful computing solutions and cutting-edge AI innovations to support clients in developing customized generative AI applications, addressing their unique challenges and positioning them to harness the wave of opportunities emerging from the dynamic generative AI sector”, Selina Yuan, President of International Business at Alibaba Cloud, told the summit. Utilizing the advanced capabilities of Alibaba Cloud's Large Language Model (LLM), Tongyi Qianwen, and Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) technology, Haleon, a world-leading consumer health company, has introduced a specialized AI nutritionist for its Chinese consumers. This AI-powered nutrition expert excels at precisely interpreting consumer inquiries, engaging users with valuable nutritional guidance that is both comprehensive and delivered efficiently. The integration of Tongyi Qianwen's robust functionalities and Haleon's extensive internal nutritional knowledge base ensures that the AI nutritionist operates at the forefront of accuracy and relevancy. Shivani Saini, Haleon's Global Vice President of Digital & Tech Business Units, emphasizes the importance of digital innovation in the healthcare domain: "As the role of digital services becomes increasingly critical in the consumer health industry, our collaboration with Alibaba Cloud to harness the potential of artificial intelligence reflects our commitment to offering personalized health advice to our Chinese consumers. Our aim is to empower our customers with the tools they need for enhanced diet and nutritional management." rinna, a Japanese startup specializing in the development of pre-trained foundation models adept at processing Japanese, has launched its latest innovation: the Nekomata models. These new models are based on the open-source Tongyi Qianwen LLMs, namely the Qwen-7B and Qwen-14B, developed by Alibaba Cloud. The Nekomata series has exhibited exceptional performance in the Stability-AI/lm-evaluation-harness, one of the prominent benchmarks for assessing Japanese language model capabilities. Furthermore, the comprehensive Qwen vocabulary significantly enhances the Nekomata models' ability to process Japanese text with greater efficiency compared to the earlier series, which were based on the Llama2 architecture.“We were impressed by the capabilities of Alibaba Cloud’s LLMs, which help us greatly enhance the performance of our models in a cost-effective way,” said Tianyu Zhao, Researcher from rinna. “We believe Alibaba Cloud’s contribution to the open-source community can help other SMEs and startups to accelerate their AI innovation as well.”

As the premier processing and packaging event for China, ProPak China 2024, the 29th International Processing & Packaging Exhibition, will take place at the National Exhibition Convention Center Shanghai (NECC) from 19 to 21 June 2024. Organized by Sinoexpo Informa markets, ProPak China will be the best platform to let your business take flight this year. Co-located with FoodPack China, Hi & Fi Asia-China, HNC, Starch, ProPak China 2024 will provide you with a gateway to showcase advanced manufacturing equipment, solutions, and technologies. With a comprehensive range of exhibits, international business platform, extensive supporting program, the entire industry meets here. A grand event for processing and packaging industries in Asia With the participation of leading exhibitors of processing and packaging industry, ProPak China is the best place to find out which machines, systems, technologies, and applications are made possible by the latest developments. It provides solutions on food processing, packaging, labelling, weighing, printing, logistics, automation, containers and materials to food, beverage, dairy, confectionery, bakery, condiment, FMCG, pharmaceutical, personal care, cosmetic, 3C home appliance, e-commerce, courier, and other industries. Alongside with specialized trade fairs, ProPak China 2024 will build an ideal platform for industry professionals to connect with their target markets, showcase their brands to decision makers and network with the industry buyers that matter most. The joint exhibition is estimated to attract more than 2,000 leading exhibitors and 100,000 trade buyers from across the globe, and it will cover a record-breaking floor space of 180,000 sqm this year. Exhibitors across 7 professional sectors to discover Processing technology Food and beverage processing machinery, dairy processing machinery, liquid processing, meat processing, pharmaceutical processing, daily chemical product processing machinery, etc. Packaging technology Packaging machinery (food/beverage/FMCG/industrial goods), intelligent packaging, liquid packaging, pharmaceutical packaging machinery, daily chemical product packaging, plastic packaging machinery, cardboard packaging, metal/glass packaging, etc. Intelligent logistics packaging technology Intelligent logistics packaging technology, labelling, etc. Smart packaging and manufacturing Industrial robots and automation, vision and sensor technology, smart storage, and Logistics, etc. Packaging materials and products Packaging materials, packaging products, packaging containers, flexible packaging, etc. Printing and labelling technology End-line printing technology, labelling technology, material supply, etc. Flexible packaging Film-making equipment, laminating equipment, bag-making equipment, etc. About ProPak China ProPak China is organised by Sinoexpo Informa Markets, a joint venture between Shanghai Sinoexpo International Exhibition Ltd and Informa PLC. As the world’s leading exhibitions organizer, Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Its portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands. With our expertise in operating events, exhibitions, and global network in a diverse range of industries, we will help you unlock new opportunities worldwide. Speak to us today and get your business part of the big picture. For more information, please visit https://www.propakchina.com/en Contact us: Ms. Amy Wang Sinoexpo Informa Markets Tel: +86-21-3339 2119 Email: Amy.Wang@IMSinoexpo.com

Harris Zainul of the Institute of Strategic & International Studies warns against knee-jerk reaction to developments in the technology. An expert has advised the government to tackle current concerns with generative artificial intelligence (AI) and use the technology to improve productivity. Harris Zainul, an analyst at the Institute of Strategic & International Studies, urged the establishment of a task force involving industry stakeholders, as the issue requires detailed study and handling. “While we are concerned about the potential harm that generative AI may pose, we should not be technophobic and respond with knee-jerk reaction that could undermine AI’s potential for productivity gains. Striking this balance will be crucial for Malaysia,” he told FMT. “I recommend that the task force involve stakeholders such as government officials, academics, policy analysts, civil society and private sector representatives.” Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan urged the government to establish a task force to handle AI-related matters, amid the emergence of a new tool that can generate realistic text-prompted videos. He expressed his concern that irresponsible parties would use the technology to produce videos or images to attack political opponents or break up society. Yonhap agency reported that South Korea’s election commission detected AI-generated media content ahead of the April elections. On Feb 4, the Voice of America website reported that a firm in Hong Kong lost around US$26 million after being deceived by a scammer impersonating as a chief executive using deepfake technology. Asked if the Penal Code should be reviewed, Harris said the government first has to identify the dangers AI poses to Malaysian citizens. “With this understanding, we will be able to approach AI regulation in a way that better reflects opportunities and concerns with AI,” he said. He also said he believed Malaysia has skilled people that are able to handle the risks of AI. “The government’s challenge is to talk them into discussing and giving their advice on the best way to curb the technology’s pitfalls,” he said. Source: www.freemalaysiatoday.com

Last year was an exciting time for innovation when it comes to the world of robotics and automation. And while there’s plenty more in store for 2024, there are also sure to be stops and starts and various challenges along the way. The emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies, for example, captured global attention and dominated headlines. However, the adoption of generative AI for businesses is still very much in its early stages and questions of how best to harness this technology remain at the forefront of many minds. Digital transformation itself is an ongoing process, so we can expect to see 2023’s breakthrough trends continuing to shape society. But how will these trends impact robotics and automation, and what can the manufacturing industry expect to see? Here are a few predictions: 1) AI will set a new pace of development in robotics and automation. Artificial intelligence is transforming the world of software development, making it cheaper, faster and more effective. Software is a key component of automation, and, with AI, software developers will be able to create more customized and optimized solutions for various tasks and challenges. If software development has sometimes felt like digging with a shovel, the introduction of AI is like bringing two horses and a plow to the process. However, automation expertise will remain a scarce and valuable resource in the process of AI revolutionizing manufacturing. It has been interesting and, perhaps, surprising to see AI changing the lives of office workers before it touches the working practices in most factories. I look forward to seeing the benefits of machine learning reach more manufacturers in 2024. After all, the technology is already here—we have many partners developing applications using AI to allow robots to perform more complex and diverse functions. AI allows robots to have human-like perception, handle variation, move parts precisely, adapt to changing environments and learn from their own experience. With time, these capabilities will lead to unprecedented flexibility, quality and reliability in manufacturing. 2) Developments in robotics software will enable more sharing and reuse. Robotics software is the glue that binds users to their mechanical counterparts—a digital connectivity that transcends physical interaction. Software developments are enabling a new dimension of collaboration—connecting the people that use robots. In 2024, expect to see software developments leading to new levels of sharing and reusability. Imagine a world where, instead of reinventing the wheel, we leverage existing software assets—components, interfaces, algorithms—across multiple applications. It’s a principle that already underpins our UR+ partner ecosystem, streamlining innovation and reducing time to market. 3) Companies will fuse IT and OT using data to improve operations. The future of manufacturing is intricately linked to information/operating technology) integration as data will underpin innovation and efficiency. Research shows that the manufacturing industry has been at the forefront of adopting cloud-based software services, and we are already seeing some customers use these to enhance quality, cost efficiency and predictability. That makes me confident that 2024 will see the growth of data-driven logistics and manufacturing systems. Many still have an outdated view of the cloud merely being a data collector and backup function, as we know it from our private lives. But the real potential and power doesn’t lie in storing data or even in linking machines. The real transformative leap comes when cloud-based software services connect humans and machines, helping manufacturers simplify complex processes and make smarter decisions. The benefits of this digital evolution are significant. Remote access to manufacturing data enables quick responses to issues and continuous automation improvement. With dynamic systems now essential, trusted cloud technologies offer the latest in security and state-of-the-art services. Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) companies highlight this progression, promising improved efficiency and reduced downtime through overall equipment effectiveness (OEE) visualization and predictive maintenance. As we enter 2024, manufacturers stand to gain from these advancements, achieving higher quality, reduced downtime, better predictability and cost optimization. This transition is a strategic necessity, supporting the shift toward high-volume, high-mix production, resilient supply chains, competitive data utilization and sustainability goals. 4) Logistics will be a focus area for robotics. Last year, Interact Analysis looked at projected growth rates in robot shipments across industries. The standout projected growth area was logistics, where Interact Analysis put the projected CAGR for cobot shipments at 46% for 2023-2027. Like manufacturing, many logistics companies face serious labor shortages while pressure is increasing as a result of globalization, e-commerce and complex multichannel supply chains. More logistics, warehouse and distribution centers will turn to automation next year to provide services faster and with greater accuracy. To take an example—facing the challenge of surging e-commerce demands, one logistics company we worked with revolutionized its fulfillment center with collaborative robots, resulting in a fivefold surge in efficiency and order accuracy. The automation system, adept at processing thousands of orders daily, particularly excelled during peak periods, such as Black Friday, where a robot managed up to 4,400 orders in one day with just a small crew for replenishment. Robots—and the smart use of data—are poised to revolutionize logistics businesses across the whole value chain, from incoming packages to outbound logistics. The pace of development in robotics remains impressive, and I look forward to another exciting year of progress. Source: www.sme.org

An Interview with Charlie Lim, Managing Director, Phoenix Contact Southeast Asia Charlie Lim is the Managing Director at Phoenix Contact Southeast Asia, a leading global manufacturer and supplier of power and data connectivity solutions. He is responsible for driving the company’s growth within the Southeast Asia region in the core business of Device Connectors, Industrial Components and Electronics, and Industry Management and Automation. 1. Phoenix Contact is a global leader with over 100 years of service excellence in the electrical, and industrial automation industry. How does the company stay at the forefront of technological advancements within the industry? Over a century of product innovation and service excellence has cemented Phoenix Contact’s position as a global leader in the electrical and industrial automation industry. This legacy extends to Southeast Asia, where an insatiable desire to address customer needs and spearhead technological advancements, is the bedrock of the firm’s market leadership and service excellence. The company has dedicated and invested 25 years in building a robust regional structure, as evident in our transformation from a modest 5-person team in Singapore to a thriving 200-strong organization across the Southeast Asia region, with further plans to double in size by 2030. Today, our market leadership and growth have resulted in the establishment of a new, upgraded Southeast Asia headquarters in Singapore, situated at 80 Bendemeer Road. Housed within will be a dedicated “Customer Technology Centre,” which serves as a showcase and collaborative hub for the company’s leading-edge innovations. Positioned as the focal point of our customer-centric approach, the center aims to strengthen connections and deepen understanding among our valued customers. Embracing this customer-centric strategy enables us to discern and respond effectively to the evolving needs of the market, thereby developing innovative solutions that provide tangible value. 2. How do you envision the future of industrial manufacturing and what role does Phoenix Contact play in shaping that landscape? The future of industrial manufacturing is poised for a seismic shift, and so are we. Globally, Phoenix Contact envisions an “All-Electric Society” (AES) where sustainability and intelligence merge seamlessly across industrial manufacturing verticals for a thriving, resilient, and interconnected future. The AES vision indicates a trend toward highly automated industrial environments. From building automation, remote monitoring solutions, and cyber-secure automation infrastructure, Phoenix Contact is creating a reliable and complete ecosystem for advanced manufacturing environments. The rise of automation also brings along, a growing demand for smaller, more cost-effective PCB-based solutions. The CHARX Charging technology by Phoenix Contact, for instance, is a highdensity, compact wall box charging solution for electric vehicles (EV) that offers a combination of speed, safety, efficiency, and convenience, making EV charging cost-effective. This commitment to quality, innovative, and cost-effective solutions has inspired other industry players to develop. The benefit for consumers within the market? A push for other manufacturers to improve the quality and durability of their products. Beyond shaping the industry standards, we pride ourselves as a reliable solutions provider that pioneers innovative advancements, and advocates for open standards. With continued investment and collaboration, the AES vision will transcend beyond a futuristic vision into reality for a brighter future. Whether designing comprehensive factory automation systems or developing advanced connectivity solutions, Phoenix Contact is the trusted partner for customers to accelerate their business toward sustainability. 3. Given the current disruptions within the industrial manufacturing sector, what key strategies are in place to ensure business agility and resilience? Today, the industrial horizon shifts with both promise and peril. Global uncertainties, volatile supply chain issues, and the relentless march towards digitalization demand a proactive stance that Phoenix Contact isn’t just observing, but actively shaping. To bolster agility, the leadership team is strengthening its footprint in Southeast Asia. Investments in strategic marketing initiatives will emerge in markets namely Cambodia, and Laos. These regions represent a large untapped market with growing economies and infrastructure development needs, where our expertise and solutions present a valuable foothold in sectors namely machine building, Power-to-X generation, and energy distribution. Amongst the strategic plans, also lies Vietnam, a vibrant investment market with an economy routed for continued expansion. This translates into an increased demand for infrastructure development, industrial projects, and technological advancements, all areas in which Phoenix Contact’s expertise plays a crucial role. In ensuring a resilient future, the business will leverage Singapore’s strategic position as a global supply chain hub and invest in efficient logistics management over the next three years to ensure the seamless flow of materials, even in the face of unforeseen disruptions. The digital space will also see an increased focus, with targeted digital marketing strategies and expansions into e-commerce platforms to secure the loyalty of existing customers and attract new ones. 4. Looking ahead, what are the market prospects for the year, and Phoenix Contact’s plans to fortify growth against potential challenges in the market? It is unequivocally evident that the industry is rapidly changing and evolving. Looking ahead, we are anticipating various technological breakthroughs in power-to-X and energy storage solutions in the market. Artificial intelligence (AI) is another game-changer that we foresee revolutionizing the way we approach the market. Predictive modelling for us, will be advantageous in inventory planning as we project diverse market impacts on business performance. By anticipating potential disruptions, we can proactively adjust our business strategies, and simultaneously optimize resource allocation for enhanced agility in unfavorable conditions. In the ever-evolving landscape of manufacturing, staying abreast of industry trends is paramount for any company, including us. The advantage of embracing emerging technologies is immense, ensuring operational efficiency, meeting evolving customer demands, and proactively addressing potential disruptions. For over 100 years, Phoenix Contact has been empowering businesses to thrive amidst constant change with our cutting-edge solutions. To find out more about our industry leading solutions and customer service support, visit phoenixcontact.com/en-sg

1. ifm Indonesia recently had an opening ceremony in August 2023. How does ifm electronics navigate challenges related to different regulations and standards in various regions? ifm electronic has been gradually establishing sales and technical subsidiaries since 1970. Today, ifm’s customers are supported by independent sales companies or trade partners in more than 165 countries. In Asia, ifm set up its own sales office in Japan in the early 1970s. This move would be seen as an ambitious step for a European-based sensor company, considering the untapped market and the different and new regulations and standards there. One of the key success factors in handling this challenge is to have a team consisting of ifm’s senior and experienced management members, along with locally recruited managers and staff. Each team member plays a crucial role in understanding the local regulations and standards while crosschecking with ifm’s internal guidelines and best practices. Additionally, they base their decisions on ifm’s philosophy. Another important aspect is engaging an international consulting company with a strong establishment in local countries, which offers legal advice and consultation to ifm. 2. ifm electronic specializes in developing innovative Industry 4.0 solutions. How does the company cater to the needs of the industry? What are the product focus and innovative solutions? The goal of ifm is to make our customers more successful with state-of-the-art technology. We strive to make innovative technologies available to all our customers, which we call ‘Technology for Everyone’. Our product development focuses on smart design, excellent user-friendliness, sustainability, and the highest quality, all at an excellent price/performance ratio. With 50 years of experience in industrial manufacturing digitalization, ifm stands out as a specialist in automation technology. We provide concrete and step-by-step support to our customers, offering scalable and simple solutions. ifm caters to companies of all sizes and industries, providing products, services, and software that cover the entire journey from sensor parameter setting to the smart factory. Our commitment includes making production processes transparent by enhancing plant efficiency, avoiding standstills, and optimizing processes. To facilitate the implementation of Industry 4.0, ifm has introduced ‘The IIoT-Toolkit’. This toolkit enables a continuous flow of information from the shop floor (machine infrastructure) to the top floor (IT infrastructure). It empowers our customers to access data related to machine states, required maintenance, productivity enhancement opportunities, energy-saving options, and much more. Another innovation from ifm is the Moneo software, serving as an IIoT platform for industry and production. Moneo seamlessly integrates operational technology with information technology. The sensor data generated in production plants can be easily read and processed, serving as a foundation for sustainable corporate decisions. Moneo offers a modular structure, including a basic software package and applications such as condition monitoring and IO-Link sensor parameter setting. This flexibility allows us to tailor-make software solutions to meet individual requirements. 3. How does the company adapt its products and strategies for different sectors? ifm is an automation company that provides solutions for various industries, including food & beverage, automotive, mobile machines, water, port & ship automation, mining, and steel. Each industry requires tailored solutions, specific applications, and expertise related to its processes and systems. For instance: In the food & beverage industry, ifm offers products with hygienic housing design, high ingress resistance (up to protection class IP68 and IP69K), as well as high-temperature resistance. These products are also protected against aggressive agents used in high-pressure cleaning. In the automotive industry, ifm delivers innovative technology for automating and digitalizing plants and processes. This includes sensors to monitor process media, safety sensors for machine and personnel protection, and vision sensors for position detection and identifying product defects. The key focus for ifm remains on understanding customers’ pain points and helping them achieve their key performance indicators (KPIs), minimize downtime, and reduce waste in their processes. 4. Services and products from ifm help to protect the environment worldwide and reduce CO2 emissions, how is this reflected in the company›s business practices and product development? ifm contributes to improving the living and working conditions of our customers. Our products, services, and software not only protect the environment worldwide but also help reduce CO2 emissions, energy consumption, and material usage. In our business practices, ifm has been externally certified and validated according to EMAS (Eco-Management and Audit Scheme) since 2020. EMAS is based on the European Eco Audit Regulation EC No. 1221/2009 and encompasses all the requirements of international standards ISO14001, going even beyond them in certain areas. For instance, EMAS provides the advantage of legal certainty through verification by environmental auditors. EMAS-certified organizations are also obligated to publish an environmental statement with specified minimum content, including a description of their environmental activities and ecological performance indicators. In terms of product development, ifm has created various products such as pressure, flow, and temperature sensors. These sensors find applications in compressed air monitoring systems, leakage detection systems, and energy management systems. Additionally, ifm has developed IO-Link technology, which simplifies wiring systems, and the Moneo software, designed for easy monitoring. These hardware and software innovations empower our customers to streamline their management processes. 5. Any recent successful projects or partnerships that highlight the company’s innovative solutions for B2B in automation that you would like to share with us? ifm has many success stories from projects with global companies. One of the success stories that we also share on the ifm website is the sustainable plant transformation at Danone. ifm collaborated with Danone and Boccard to address the challenge of replacing milk used in the production process with plant-based alternatives, aiming for a more sustainable plant. ifm’s involvement from the early stages of setting up the new plant ensures maximum proximity to the plant manufacturer and the end customer. This enables seamless cooperation and innovative solutions. The new plant was set up simultaneously with the dismantling of the old one, taking into account the complete integration of the mechanical, electrical, and automation areas. This reflects the urgency and commitment to this sustainable transition. Discover how the integration of IO-Link technology, pressure, and temperature sensors, along with AS-i safety systems, streamlined the entire process. As a new feature, IO-Link was integrated into the plant, allowing all digital values to be retrieved from the sensors, and the control valves to be operated digitally. It also offers simplified diagnostics, sensor fault reporting, and optimized maintenance procedures. The cooperation between ifm, Danone, and Boccard enables close contacts, technical solutions, and fast reactions. By choosing ifm’s products with the latest high-end technologies, Danone and Boccard are building a forward-looking and sustainable plant for the coming decades.

Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou concluded successfully on 6 March. This year, the show underwent a considerable upgrade to its branding, which builds on the foundation established by its predecessor SIAF Guangzhou over the past 14 years. The upgrade integrates the fair more tightly into the global SPS portfolio and allows it to better harness the brand’s international network; as a result, more international exhibitors and buyers were attracted to engage in the fair’s business and technological exchange opportunities. This initiative aligns with the ambitions of South China’s manufacturing sector as it works to achieve new industrialisation and the smart transformation of its industries. Key figures from SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou 2024 Scale: 40,000 sqm 20+ fringe events, 100+ keynote speeches Nearly 100 professional buyer delegations Together with Guangzhou Industrial Technology, the two exhibitions attracted a total of 380 exhibitors that specialise in industrial automation. Together with Guangzhou Industrial Technology Exhibition and Asiamold Select – Guangzhou, the three exhibitions attracted a total of 37,264 professional visitors with 78,111 visits A total of 909 overseas visitors from 83 countries and regions: Russia, Kazakhstan, South Korea, Malaysia, Vietnam, Belarus, Thailand, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Japan, Singapore, Italy, Germany, Turkey, the US and Australia (in descending order of visitors) The three-day event reinforced its role as a signature event in South China’s manufacturing industry, earning praise for its commitment to highlighting the latest advancements in industrial automation and smart manufacturing technologies. Mr. Richard Li, Chairperson of the Board of Management at Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd reflected on the updates: "Since the brand upgrade we’ve seen an infusion of additional resources into the show, which has significantly amplified its global exposure. The increased participation of industry leaders and smart manufacturing experts, alongside buyers and visitors from around the world, indicates that our rebranding efforts are moving in the right direction. Moreover, it ensures that our event is more closely integrated with SPS in Germany and can fully benefit from the shared resources and complementary strengths of the brand’s global network.” Following its rebranding, the show has emerged as a focal point for industry professionals across various sectors, cementing its position as a key exchange platform for the smart manufacturing industry. Recognising its rising profile, Mr Martin Roschkowski, President of Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH, made it a priority to attend and offer his backing: "The show’s refreshed branding brings it into a closer alignment with the wider SPS brand, drawing on the substantial industry resources of our German, American and Italian exhibitions and incorporating all of the product categories of its German parent exhibition. It has been successful at capturing the international market’s focus, and with the introduction of its new European Pavilion, is better poised to assist European brands and their Chinese subsidiaries generate new opportunities for business collaboration. The fairground’s lively atmosphere speaks volumes about the industry’s response to the upgraded show.” The event took place alongside Guangzhou Industrial Technology and Asiamold Select – Guangzhou, fostering significant synergies by uniting professionals from every phase of the manufacturing lifecycle in cross-industry collaboration. The agenda was augmented with a comprehensive schedule of concurrent events, where industry experts shared insights on the latest trends in new industrialisation and intelligent manufacturing. Notably, the show also featured a dedicated space for start-up companies and a ‘new product and new technology’ showcase, which drew considerable interest from industry participants. Exhibitor comments “Our company specialises in the production of specialty cables, temperature measurement systems, and cable harnesses. Additionally, we offer industrial solutions to our clientele across China. We have been consistent exhibitors at SPS in Germany since 1996, and have now committed to attending SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou every year as well. We appreciate the show’s focus on smart manufacturing, as this is very consistent with our product positioning. We hope to leverage the show to enhance our visibility in China, so that customers with high-end needs, especially those in South China, can recognise us and use our products and solutions. I think the show is very professional, with a targeted customer base of engineers and professional buyers. We have already connected with over a hundred potential customers from both within South China and abroad.” Mr Meng Qi, General Manager, SAB Special Cables (Shanghai) Co Ltd “As a leading supplier of automation solutions and products, Bosch Rexroth has maintained a longstanding cooperation with SPS in Europe. At SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou, we showcased our new ctrlX AUTOMATION platform. This new generation of automation technology features a range of hardware products, including controllers, servo drives, servo motors, safety modules, as well as software products. The exhibition provided an opportunity for us introduce our latest developments to China’s high-end automation market, and to promote the platform’s latest technologies and design philosophies.” Mr Jiang Hui, ctrlX Business Development Manager, Shanghai Bosch Rexroth Hydraulics & Automation Co Ltd “We are a leading supplier of automation solutions in Korea, specialising in a wide range of sensors, controllers, motion devices, measuring devices, laser marking systems, connectivity devices and more. We have attended the Guangzhou fair every year since 2016, and are always impressed with the guaranteed quality of the visitors. Attending the concurrent fairs also enables us to reach a larger potential customer base and introduce our latest products to them. It is also a perfect venue for us to understand the market trends in related industries.” Ms Li Lizhu, Marketing Manager, Autonics Electronic (Jiaxing) Corporation “It is a great privilege to be a part of SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou. As a longstanding friend of the exhibition, our time in Guangzhou this year has connected us with an unexpectedly large quantity of high-quality customers and partners. We presented a selection of our leading of products and debuted a number of innovative, smart solutions, which contributes to our ongoing efforts to grow our clientele and strengthen our brand presence. We express our sincere appreciation to the organisers for developing such a professional platform in South China, and we look forward to meeting again in 2025!” Mr Rong Shuang Ming, Marketing Manager, Controlway Group Holdings “This year, we organised a Japan pavilion at SPS – Smart Production Solutions for the first time. Our decision to attend was driven by the show’s influence in the South China region and its ability to attract industry peers and visitors. We are glad to report that visitor flow lived up to our expectations. China’s automation industry is extremely competitive, and if Japanese enterprises want to expand their presence in the country, they need to actively seek out upstream and downstream cooperation with domestic enterprises to enhance their competitive advantage. As a result, many Japanese companies are eager to participate. We hope that SPS Guangzhou will continue to promote cooperation between Chinese and Japanese manufacturing enterprises, and help to leverage each other’s respective strengths. “ Ms Yu Jie, General Manager, FactoryNet Information Technology (Shanghai) Co Ltd Visitor Comments “Focused on the field of intelligent manufacturing, we attend this exhibition annually. This year, we’ve observed a pronounced increase in the level of industry resources allocated to the show. As a result of its upgrade within the SPS brand, it has achieved a greater level of professionalism and a more significant standing in the industry. The considerable turnout of exhibitors and visitors, both from the domestic market and abroad, offers us a desirable platform from which to survey the global market and refine our strategy for international expansion. We will definitely come back next year.“ Mr Chen Yu, Cost Analysis Engineer, Guangzhou Risong Intelligent Technology Holding Co Ltd “Traveling here from Shenzhen for the fifth consecutive year, our goal at the exhibition is always to learn. This year, the advantages of the show’s upgrade were clearly noticeable in the improved layout and flow of visitors. Our main interest was to investigate new developments in electronic touch screens, motors, and related products. We consider this show to be an excellent platform to learn more about the current dynamics of the automation industry, and are satisfied with this year’s show in every aspect.” Mr Tian Youdeng, Head of Engineering, Shenzhen Gu Mei Technology Co Ltd Speaker Comments: “In my presentation, I introduced the AMTC, a Sino-German research laboratory dedicated to production science. A significant part of the discussion centred around our approach to industrial control software, which is an increasingly critical consideration for manufacturers seeking to maintain production flexibility amid the ongoing market fluctuations worldwide. The audience was very attentive, reflecting the event’s importance not only for product discovery, but also for market research and identifying industry trends. It’s clear that these aspects are integral to the exhibition’s value.“ Dr Christopher Ehrmann, Deputy Director, Sino-German Center of Mechanical Engineering SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou is jointly organised by Guangzhou Guangya Messe Frankfurt Co Ltd, China Foreign Trade Guangzhou Exhibition Co Ltd, Guangzhou Overseas Trade Fairs Ltd and Mesago Messe Frankfurt GmbH. Associate sponsors are the Guangdong Association of Automation, the Guangzhou Association of Automation and the Guangzhou Instrument and Control Society. The fair is also supported by the China Light Industry Machinery Association, China Chamber of International Commerce Guangzhou Chamber of Commerce and the Beijing Internet of Things Intelligent Technology Application Association. The 2025 edition of SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou will take place from 25 – 27 February 2025. For any queries, please email sps@china.messefrankfurt.com. For more details about the fair, please visit www.spsinchina.com Further Messe Frankfurt fairs in the same industry cluster as SPS – Smart Production Solutions Guangzhou include: SPS Italia, 28 – 30 May 2024, Parma, Italy SPS, 12 – 14 November 2024, Nuremberg, Germany SPS Atlanta, 23 – 25 September 2025, Atlanta, United States

Organised by Informa Markets, the inaugural Asia Photonics Expo (APE), is successfully launched at Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore on the opening day. With an exhibition area of 15,000㎡, APE 2024 attracted 350 international exhibitors showcasing a wide range of sectors including optical communication, optics, lasers, infrared, sensing, and displays. It provides a comprehensive platform for business, technology exchange, and networking, enabling industry professionals to engage in meaningful discussions with leading companies and experts. APE 2024 aims to promote in-depth communication and business collaboration between professionals in the photonics ecosystem. The opening ceremony of APE 2024 attracted numerous distinguished guests and industry professionals. Notable speakers included Mr. Yang Xiancheng, Founder and Executive President of China International Optoelectronic Expo (CIOE), Mr. Sukumar Verma, Managing Director, Informa Markets Singapore, Prof. Tjin Swee Chuan, Chairman of LUX Photonics Consortium, Dr. Prof. Yuhong Bai, Director of Light: Science & Applications, Mr. Perry Shum, President of IEEE Photonics Society, and Mr. Carlos Lee, Director General of European Photonics Industry Consortium. On behalf of the organiser, Mr. Sukumar Verma shared: “Asia Photonics Expo is reflective not only of the strength of the local industry, but also the interest from international markets to come explore partnership and investment opportunities in Singapore and the wider Southeast Asia region. The trade show is further complemented by a range of industry conferences, academic forums and seminars for knowledge and networking.” Echoing this, Prof Tjin Swee Chuan, Chairman, LUX Photonics Consortium said:” It is very heartening to have the first trade show for Photonics industry held in Singapore. This is especially significant for LUX Photonics Consortium where we have been focusing our effort to bring together a very engaging networking platform for both research, academia and industry locally to discuss, exchange and collaborate for novel photonics technologies adoption by industry.” Adding on, Dr. Prof. Yuhong Bai, Director of Light: Science & Applications said: “The Asia Photonics Expo provides exhibition for worldwide optics and photonics enterprises, in particular showcasing the growth of Asian industry. Beyond exhibition, it is also a superior platform for learning, discovering and collaborating.” Mr. Perry Shum, President of IEEE Photonics Society highlighted the importance of Singapore as a symbol of progress and connectivity: “It is here, in the heart of Asia, where the seeds of the photonics revolution take root and flourish. This expo transcends mere technological showcase; it stands as a crucible for collaboration and a catalyst for transformative innovation.” Mr. Carlos Lee, Director General of European Photonics Industry Consortium expressed in his speech that: "APE is a comprehensive platform catering to the photonics industry and application fields. I hope APE is able to facilitate global exchange and collaboration in photonics technology, driving progress and innovation in the global photonics industry." During the exhibition, APE will also hold a series of site tours for visitors to experience local photonics research and innovation centres. These events provide participants with opportunities to engage and stay updated on the latest trends and market opportunities in the photonics industry. The success of APE 2024 will further stimulate growth in Asia's photonics industry and open up new prospects for the future. It breathes new life into the photonics industry, and we eagerly anticipate more innovations and collaborations that will drive the industry towards a brighter future.

Asia Photonics Expo (APE 2024), the world's leading holistic photonics platform for branding and business connections, is right around the corner. The event will be held from March 6 to 8 at Sands Expo and Convention Centre (Marina Bay Sands) B2, Singapore, and it will provide you with access to a wide range of optoelectronics, including optical communication, optics, semiconductors, lasers, infrared, sensing, and display technologies. Don't miss this extraordinary opportunity to expand your business and unlock boundless potential in Singapore. Register now to secure your complimentary pass! With a focus on the latest innovative technologies and emerging application markets in the Asian photonics industry, APE 2024 boasts an impressive exhibition area of 15,000 square meters, featuring over 400 global photonics companies. This expo serves as an unparalleled platform to explore the forefront of photonics advancements. Key Highlights of APE 2024: A Global Showcase: APE 2024 will feature exhibitor pavilions from various regions and countries, including Singapore, Japan, South Korea, the United States, Europe, and China. Click HERE to access the exhibitor list. The Ultimate Sourcing Hub: APE brings together leading photonics vendors offering chips, components, devices, equipment and even application solutions. It is the definitive one-stop destination for buyers seeking new suppliers. Moreover, APE offers exclusive one-to-one business matchmaking opportunities between buyers and vendors. Click HERE to discover an array of captivating exhibits. Diversified Concurrent Conferences and Activities: During the exhibition, APE will host a dynamic three-day academic and industry forum that will delve into the forefront technologies, offer valuable insights, and explore emerging trends within the photonics industry. The Asia Light Conference will immerse attendees in the realms of Micro and Nanophotonics, Topological Photonics, Nonlinear Photonics and Functional Lasers, Advanced Manufacturing and more. The Asia Photonics Industry Development Forum will focus on key topics such as data centers, micro nano processing, and pan-semiconductor optical technology. Moreover, the PHOTONICS @ SG 2024 Conference will bring together experts to ignite groundbreaking ideas and advancements in photonics, serving as a catalyst and networking platform to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and practical applications. In addition, APE will offer exclusive site tours for enterprises, providing invaluable opportunities for in-depth learning and fostering communication. Participants will have the chance to visit local research institutes, R&D centers, and companies in Singapore. Click HERE to explore more conferences and events. Exploring Cutting-Edge Photonics Technologies and Emerging Application Markets in Asia: APE presents state-of-the-art technologies at the forefront of emerging application markets in Asia. The region’s fast-growing photonics industry is propelled by the rapid expansion of sectors such as data centers, telecommunications, consumer electronics, advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, and medical. By attending APE, you will have the unique opportunity to engage in discussions and collaborations with leading industry enterprises, fostering the growth of your business partnerships, and exploring opportunities for overseas market development. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to be part of APE! Mark your calendars for March 6-8 and join us at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre in Singapore. Register now to immerse yourself in the forefront of photonics innovation in Asia! For more details about APE, please visit our website at www.asiaphotonicsexpo.com. We look forward to welcoming you to this extraordinary gathering of photonics professionals. Media Contact Carrie Wu Carrie.wu@informa.com