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Sphero® Launches Blueprint Engineering™ to Support the Next Generation of Engineers

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Innovative Building Kits Combine Mechanical & Electrical Components with Hands-on Learning to Solve Real-World Engineering Challenges

GREENVILLE, Texas, Oct. 23, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sphero, Inc., the leader in programmable robots and STEM education tools, is proud to announce the launch of Sphero Blueprint® Engineering. Designed for middle and high school students, Blueprint Engineering introduces mechanical and electrical engineering concepts through powered prototypes that can be built within a single class period. The construction of these builds helps develop creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration skills that are valuable both within and beyond the classroom walls.

“We’re excited to introduce Blueprint Engineering as our next phase in transforming hands-on, project-based STEM education.”

“We’re excited to introduce Blueprint Engineering as our next phase in transforming hands-on, project-based STEM education,” said Paul Copioli, CEO of Sphero. “By providing students with tools to solve real-world engineering challenges, we’re helping them develop skills to succeed in their future career goals and choices. We’re excited to expand our offerings to further fulfill our mission and to support Career and Technical Education (CTE).”

Blueprint Engineering is the next development in the Sphero Blueprint product line, featuring the addition of power, motors, and sensors to advance concepts introduced with Blueprint Build. The new Engineering kits allow students to construct real-world builds using reusable components like trusses, gears, and pulleys to apply the fundamentals of mechanical engineering. Students can then power their builds by adding electronic Bits to create working prototypes that demonstrate the principles of electrical engineering.

Blueprint Engineering teaches the fundamentals of mechanical and electrical engineering, engineering design, physics, and robotics. As educators and students progress through the curriculum, they can tackle increasingly complex engineering challenges with confidence and ease.

Key Features of Sphero Blueprint Engineering:

Quick & Easy Prototyping: Assemble and disassemble a simple or complex build, all within a single class period.Real-World Applications: Standards-aligned curriculum that connects to real-world experiences and career paths.Teaches Foundational Engineering Principles: Get hands-on experience with the foundations of engineering.No programming is required.

Blueprint Engineering Kits are designed for a 2:1 student-to-kit ratio for the best learning experience. The Class Pack options, available in quantities of 10 or 15-unit Packs, are ideal for bringing this hands-on learning experience to an entire classroom or a makerspace environment. Class Packs include teacher guides, bins for easy storage, and enough learning materials for an entire class to build and work simultaneously.

Sphero supports CAD curriculums with Blueprint Engineering parts in SolidWorks, OnShape, and STEP files, making it easy to implement an innovative approach to STEM and CTE. Teachers will find Blueprint Engineering an invaluable resource for sparking student engagement and making complex subjects more understandable and accessible to learners of all levels.

Sphero Blueprint Engineering is available to order on sphero.com and will be available soon on Amazon.

About Sphero:

Sphero is transforming PK–12 education with hands-on tools that encourage exploration, imagination, and confidence in STEAM, computer science, and CTE skills. With the help of educators around the world, Sphero empowers learners of all backgrounds and abilities to discover their passions while equipping them with the skills they need to be the world’s future Changemakers. Learn more at sphero.com.

Media Contact

Amanda Vaden, Sphero, Inc., 1 888-784-9994, amanda.vaden@sphero.com, https://sphero.com

Twitter, LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/sphero-launches-blueprint-engineering-to-support-the-next-generation-of-engineers-302284301.html

SOURCE Sphero, Inc.

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EFICYENT to Join Banks and Fintech Companies at Singapore FinTech Festival 2026

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DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 14, 2026 /CNW/ — EFICYENT, a cross-border payment platform, is going to attend the Singapore FinTech Festival (SFF) 2026, which is going to be one of the world’s largest gatherings of the global financial and technology ecosystem.  It will take place between November 18 – 20, 2026, at Singapore. This event will converge policymakers, financial institutions, fintech companies, and investors to discuss the developments that are going to shape the future of fintech.

As financial institutions are desperately discovering new technologies, evolving payment infrastructure, and better ways to move money across borders, SFF 2026 is going to be an ideal platform for industry collaboration and knowledge exchange. The event will explore key forces transforming the financial system, including technology, geoeconomics, capital, talent, and policy, developing opportunities for businesses to engage with global industry leaders and explore emerging possibilities.

By participating in this event, EFICYENT is looking forward to connecting with other fintech companies, banks, financial institutions, and peer industry stakeholders to share their ideas, discover potential collaborations, and hold a conversation on the growing demand for efficient global payment infrastructure. Also, the company’s presence will provide an opportunity to demonstrate how its capabilities can assist businesses navigating increasingly interconnected financial markets.

Ahead of the participation, Aravinth Ramesh, CTO at EFICYENT, said:

“As financial services entered a chapter where businesses expect something beyond the ability to transfer money. They need payment platforms that offer speed, transparency, flexibility, and access to global markets. So I think events like SFF create a better opportunity to know in which direction the industry is moving, to share our perspectives with industry leaders, and explore partnerships that drive meaningful progress.”

Balasubramanyam K, CEO at EFICYENT, added:

“The future of fintech will be shaped by how effectively technology, financial institutions and payment networks work together. And this SFF event is going to remain an excellent opportunity to connect with industry leaders, better understand emerging requirements, and discover new approaches to making cross-border payments more accessible and efficient.”

About EFICYENT

EFICYENT is a global cross-border payments and financial infrastructure platform that concentrates on enabling seamless international money transfers.

They focus on simplifying international transactions and advancing digital finance. EFICYENT is committed to supporting a seamless and interconnected global payments ecosystem.

Media Contact: 
EFICYENT
Dubai, UAE
Website: https://eficyent.com/ 
Email: support@eficyent.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eficyent/

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SOURCE EFICYENT

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SmallRig Joins Art World Figures to Discuss Creativity and Authenticity in the AI Era–and How Art and Technology Can Drive Innovation

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SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As generative AI changes how images are made, one question grows more urgent: what still belongs to the human behind the lens? On November 11, Shenzhen International Art Museum and SmallRig, the imaging-gear brand built for creators, took up that question together by hosting an international exchange on how art and technology ecosystems are being reshaped in the AI era.

The conversation brought together leaders of Chinese art museums, Anett Holzheid, senior curator at Germany’s ZKM Center for Art and Media Karlsruhe, artists and SmallRig co-founder Gao Haiyan.

Zhang Zikang, director of Shenzhen International Art Museum and professor at the Central Academy of Fine Arts, said art and technology are a key direction for the museum, rooted in Shenzhen’s tech environment. Wang Shaoqiang, director of the Guangdong Museum of Art, described using AI to produce short films about classic works, which cut cost and production time, yet stressed that art must return to personal growth, understanding of the world and the expression of Eastern aesthetics. Holzheid views exhibitions as shared ground for artists, audiences and curators, and sees AI widening perception and enabling collaboration across disciplines.

Zadok Ben-David used AI to explore bird forms for an installation, repeatedly refined the images and selected some for the work, determined that it retain an artist’s character, emotion and humanity. A photographer set an AI-generated lightning strike against a desert he had photographed himself, gaining new ideas but noting that generated imagery tends toward sameness, while real presence at a scene cannot be substituted. Spatial artist Feng Yu championed honesty of material, where imperfection and unplanned outcomes can carry sincerity.

Speaking for SmallRig, Gao noted that technology has opened imaging to everyone, but “AI cannot replace real-life experiences or the act of capturing them.” AI can be an efficient, enabling creative tool, he said, but it cannot meet the human need for real images.

In SmallRig’s view, technology helps more people express what is real, while art and creator’s real needs give innovation its direction. The company will therefore move closer to creative scenes and the creators themselves, developing solutions faster for people who make real images.

After the forum, guests visited SmallRig’s headquarters to unveil Ode to the Orchid, an installation co-created with Feng Yu and the first of his works placed in a corporate workplace. Instead of sponsoring an exhibition or releasing a co-branded product, SmallRig placed art in everyday spaces, so people meet it in passing rather than behind museum walls.

Gao said companies often move from manufacturing to technology, while SmallRig also wants to merge with art and creativity. The space is only the surface. The real aim is an open, diverse, inclusive and creative culture, and a lasting bond with creators built on shared taste. SmallRig will keep working with artists, exploring art IP and cultural products, and linking products, content and services into one ecosystem. More activities to support creators are also on the way, bringing the meeting of technology and art into everyday creative practice. Real images remain where SmallRig starts, and where it hopes to innovate alongside creators.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/smallrig-joins-art-world-figures-to-discuss-creativity-and-authenticity-in-the-ai-eraand-how-art-and-technology-can-drive-innovation-302938911.html

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uSMART Securities Singapore Marks Third Branch Opening in Bugis with Lion Dance and K-pop

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SINGAPORE, Nov. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — uSMART Securities Singapore officially opened its third branch at 516 North Bridge Road, #01-00, Singapore 188740 expanding its physical presence in Singapore with a new uSMART Investor Hub. The opening was marked by a private ceremony featuring a speech, a traditional lion dance and a K-pop dance performance, bringing together the uSMART team, esteemed guests and partners.

The Bugis opening marks another milestone in uSMART’s expansion in Singapore, following the launch of its first local branch at Robinson Road in July 2025 and its Somerset branch in October that year. The new branch reflects the company’s approach of combining digital trading with face-to-face support, offering clients an additional location to make enquiries, receive assistance with account opening and engage directly with the team.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Eng Thiam Choon (TC Eng), Chief Operating Officer of uSMART, highlighted the importance of maintaining physical branches alongside digital brokerage services. Clients may appreciate the opportunity to discuss opening their first investment account, gain a better understanding of products available on the app or receive assistance with any issues.

“Customers should have a choice in how they deal with us. If they’re comfortable doing everything on the app, that’s fine. If they’d prefer to come in and talk, we want to make that possible too,” said Mr Eng.

Drawing on its experience operating branches in Hong Kong, uSMART has tailored this approach to the Singapore market through ongoing engagement and conversations with local clients.

Mr Eng also highlighted the importance of understanding different trading rules, currency exposure and diversification as investors explore more markets. Seminars and conversations with the branch team will support these learning opportunities, equipping clients with the knowledge and information they need to make informed investment decisions.

“You don’t need to come with a decision already made. You can come with a question,” said Mr Eng.

Beyond the opening celebrations, Mr Eng highlighted the importance of consistent client service through attentive listening, clear communication and following through on commitments.

About uSMART Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

Established in March 2021, uSMART Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd. is the Singapore entity of uSMART Group, which holds a Capital Markets Services licence issued by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) (Licence No. CMS101161).

Through the uSMART platform, the company provides access to stocks across global markets, as well as ETFs, options, futures, funds, Contracts for Difference (CFDs) and forex products. Its services include digital trading tools and client account support.

In addition to its digital trading platform, uSMART offers structured investment solutions, including Fixed Coupon Notes (FCNs), catering to investors with different investment objectives and risk preferences. Through its growing network of physical branches, the company also provides face-to-face assistance, investor education and account support, complementing its digital services.

Branch Address

uSMART Securities – Bugis Branch
516 North Bridge Road, #01-00
Singapore 188740

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SOURCE uSMART Securities (Singapore) Pte. Ltd.

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