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ASTRI Showcases Latest Technologies at InnoCarnival

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Promoting Innovation Culture and Leading Technological Advancements

HONG KONG, Oct. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) showcases a range of its pioneering technologies at InnoCarnival, enhancing public awareness on innovation and technology (I&T). The nine-day exhibition, which opens today at the Hong Kong Science Park, is organised by the Innovation and Technology Commission.

“ASTRI actively supports the HKSAR Government’s policy to advance I&T and develop New Quality Productive Forces. Through our annual participation in the InnoCarnival, we showcase various homegrown cutting-edge technologies, allowing public to experience firsthand the conveniences brought by smart city technologies as well as how smart manufacturing solutions drives digital transformation and new industrialisation,” said Ir Sunny Lee, Chairman of ASTRI.

Visitors to ASTRI’s state-of-the-art booth can test drive a Formula A virtual racing car; utilise an internationally awarded gemstone identifier to distinguish real diamonds from imitations; embark on a treasure hunt in a complete darkness with a robotic guide dog; and wear an optical see-through head-mounted display (HMD) to participate in virtual pharmacy interactive game as a pharmacist. Through these engaging experiences, visitors can explore the practical application of technologies such as cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X), artificial intelligence (AI), Internet of Things (IoT) sensors, as well as digital and physical twins in daily life.

The InnoCarnival is one of the events celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China.  Under the theme “Let’s Sail with Innovation and Technology”, the carnival aims to promote I&T culture, nurture the young people’s interest in I&T, and attract more I&T talent in the long term. ASTRI’s booth (C-11 at Yellow Zone) is located on the first floor of 12W, Science Park, presenting diverse innovations:

Formula A
Visitors can drive virtual race cars to experience smart mobility and C-V2X technology. Vehicles travel along a cross-border route between Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area (Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge), utilising real-time traffic monitoring platforms, traffic simulation platforms, and large traffic model technology to enhance road safety and improve traffic management, creating a safer and more efficient innovative transportation solution for future cities.

Gemstone “EYE”-dentification
ASTRI’s “Gemstone Eye: Apparatus for Gemstones Identification” was awarded the “Gold Medal with Congratulations of Jury” at the 49th International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva. This automated device conducts multiple tests within a minute, swiftly distinguishing natural diamonds from laboratory-synthetic diamonds and other gemstones. Gemstone identification is now more professional, straightforward, and efficient with ASTRI’s technology.

Guide Dog – Little A 
ASTRI is developing technology that interprets human interaction and environments visually through the “Detection of Human Interaction for Visually Impaired People by Autonomous Robot.” This technology aims to achieve object recognition similar to a guide dog, assisting visually impaired individuals in navigating their surroundings, avoiding obstacles and hazards, and enhancing their independence in daily life.

My Pharmacy Simulator 
Leveraging ASTRI’s patented display and sensing technology, ASTRI has developed an all-in-one optical see-through HMD based on a single combiner off-axis optical design. This cutting-edge solution seamlessly integrates the user’s experience with both the real world and virtual environments, effectively bridging the gap to the metaverse while prioritising user comfort and operational efficiency. ASTRI’s innovative solution has already been implemented in local public hospital pharmacies to assist in drug recognition and replenishment processes.

Can You Truly Trust Your Vision?
In extreme weather or lightless environments, visibility diminishes, making it unreliable to depend solely on human vision for judgments. To address this challenge, ASTRI has developed ‘Sensor Fusion’ – an advanced multiple-modality image fusion solution. By inputting regular photos, infrared thermal imaging, and night vision images into a novel diffusion neural network, noise is removed and images are merged to generate stable and enhanced fusion images. This technology can improve visualisation and object recognition capability of surveillance and autonomous guided vehicles.

Integrating Factory Management with Smart Manufacturing
Smart manufacturing fundamentally changes traditional manufacturing thinking, enabling communication between machines, and between machines and humans. It shifts towards highly customised, intelligent, and service-oriented business models that can quickly respond to market changes. The digital twin technology developed by ASTRI allows the assembly process to be designed, optimised, and verified before actual deployment, whilst the physical twin enables real robots and equipment to operate according to the optimised plan.

Avatar Creators
With ASTRI-developed computing vision and generative AI technologies, videos of virtual avatars with speech and head animation can be generated. This technology enables fully automated content creation without the need for professional editing or production skills, making it easier to generate impressive videos with virtual characters.

Additionally, to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau and ASTRI organise public guided tours at the ASTRI Technovation Centre today, showcasing Hong Kong’s I&T achievements, and highlighting the advancements and prospects in developing New Quality Productive Forces and new industrialisation.

ASTRI has arranged a variety of games and tech showcases to deepen visitors’ understanding of its core technologies and applications. These include 5G time-sensitive network technology, 3D integrated circuit and their application in smart cities, radio conversation analysis system, C-V2X virtual autonomous driving game, smart dispensing cabinets, tower crane model for testing construction safety technology, and coaxial confocal 3D line scanning system.

 

 

About ASTRI

Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI) was founded by the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region in 2000 with the mission of enhancing Hong Kong’s competitiveness through applied research. ASTRI’s core R&D competence in various areas is grouped under five Technology Divisions: Advanced Electronic Components and Systems; Artificial Intelligence and Trust Technologies; Communications Technologies; Innovative Mind, and IoT Sensing and AI Technologies. It is applied across six core areas which are Smart City, Financial Technologies, New-Industrialisation and Intelligent Manufacturing, Digital Health, Application Specific Integrated Circuits and Metaverse.

Over the years, ASTRI has nurtured a pool of research, I&T talents and received numerous international awards for its pioneering innovations as well as outstanding business and community contributions. ASTRI has transferred 1,500 technologies to the industry and has been granted over 1,100 patents in the Mainland, the United States, and other countries. For further information, please visit www.astri.org.

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SOURCE Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute (ASTRI)

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

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In HelloNation, Electrical Expert Sean McGahy Breaks Down How a Whole Home Surge Protector Works

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The Article Explains How This Type of System Protects a Home’s Electronics From Power Surges Throughout the Day.

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What does a whole home surge protector do? A HelloNation article answers that question and explains how this type of device defends a home’s wiring and electronics from voltage spikes.

The article explains that many power surges happen quietly throughout the day, often without anyone noticing. Large appliances such as air conditioners and refrigerators create small voltage spikes every time they cycle on and off.

According to the article, a whole home surge protector is installed directly at the electrical panel, where it can monitor voltage across the entire house. Unlike a power strip, which protects a single outlet, this device works at the source.

The article notes that modern homes rely on sensitive electronics, including smart thermostats, entertainment systems, and connected appliances. Repeated voltage fluctuations can damage this circuitry over time, even when a homeowner never notices it happening.

External surges from lightning strikes or utility grid fluctuations tend to be more severe than everyday cycling surges, the article explains. A whole home system is designed to respond quickly and redirect excess voltage away from a home’s circuits.

Installation is typically straightforward for a licensed electrician and does not usually require major changes to existing wiring, the article states. Many systems include indicators that let homeowners confirm the device is functioning properly.

The article points out that surge protectors are rated by how much energy they can absorb, often measured in joules. Homes with more electronics generally benefit from a protector with a higher rating.

A protector does not last forever, the article notes. Absorbing a large surge can wear down its internal components, even if the device still looks functional. Periodic testing by an electrician can confirm the system is still working as intended.

Electrical Expert Sean McGahy of Zar Electric is featured in the article. The article explains how periodic testing can confirm that a whole home surge protector is still providing the level of protection it was designed for.

The article adds that surge protection works best as one part of a broader approach to electrical safety. Homes should still have properly functioning breakers, updated wiring, and routine inspections alongside this added layer of defense.

Homes in areas prone to storms or frequent power fluctuations may see added value from this protection, the article notes. New construction offers a convenient time to add it, though retrofitting an existing home is described as achievable and usually quick.

The article notes that cost varies depending on the type of system installed and the complexity of a home’s existing electrical setup. Many homeowners view the expense as reasonable compared to the potential cost of replacing damaged electronics after a serious surge event.

Some insurance providers take note of these systems when evaluating a home’s overall risk profile, the article adds, though policies vary from carrier to carrier. This is described as one more reason homeowners weigh the value of this type of protection.

The article closes by noting that deciding whether this protection makes sense often comes down to a home’s electronics, its location, and a homeowner’s comfort level with risk. A licensed electrician can walk through these considerations before a final decision is made.

How Does Whole Home Surge Protection Safeguard Your Home? features insights from Sean McGahy, Electrical Expert of Wake Forest, North Carolina, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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SOURCE HelloNation

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In HelloNation, Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold Explains How Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Minnesota Homes

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The Article Shows How Moisture, Temperature Swings, and Hail Shape Material Choices for Roofs, Windows, Walls, and Decks.

WACONIA, Minn., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How do freeze-thaw cycles damage a home in Minnesota? The answer appears in a HelloNation article that was newly published for homeowners choosing building materials for a cold climate. The article features insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold, a fourth-generation member of the family behind Mayer Lumber.

The HelloNation article explains that a Minnesota home faces a wider range of weather than houses in most of the country. Below-zero nights, humid summers, and hailstorms all test the products used to build and repair it.

According to the article, moisture often does more harm than cold by itself. Water seeps into small gaps, freezes overnight, and expands, and repeated freeze-thaw cycles slowly push joints and seams apart.

The article also notes that large temperature swings make many products expand in summer and shrink in deep cold. Materials installed without room to move can buckle, crack, or pull loose from their fasteners.

The roof takes more of this stress than any other part of the house, the article explains. Asphalt shingles remain the most common choice because they are affordable and familiar to most roofing crews. In areas that see hail, many homeowners look at impact-resistant shingles that earn a Class 4 rating.

The article points out that some insurance companies offer lower premiums for Class 4 roofs, though discount rules vary by insurer. Metal roofing is another option that sheds snow quickly, and snow guards are often added above doors and walkways.

Ice dams get special attention in the piece. The article explains that no shingle stops them alone, because the real cause is warm air leaking into the attic and melting snow on the upper roof. Air sealing, attic insulation, and steady ventilation deal with that heat directly.

Cold-climate building codes also call for an ice barrier membrane under the shingles along the eaves, according to the article. This layer helps keep backed-up water away from the roof deck and the ceilings below.

For windows, the article points readers to the National Fenestration Rating Council label and its U-factor, which measures how easily heat passes through the whole unit. A lower number means better insulation and a warmer glass surface on a January night.

The article compares double-pane windows with triple-pane units, which cut heat loss further but cost and weigh more. It also notes that vinyl and fiberglass frames insulate well, while aluminum frames need a thermal break to suit Minnesota winters.

Walls, decks, and lumber are covered as well. The article explains that house wrap and flashing protect wall framing from water, and that wood touching concrete or soil generally needs pressure treatment.

The insights from Building Materials Expert Andy Maetzold also address cost. The article encourages comparing the full life of a product rather than the purchase price alone, since a cheaper material that needs frequent repairs can cost more over 20 or 30 years.

Finally, the article advises checking with local building officials about code rules. It also stresses following manufacturer installation instructions, since many warranties depend on them.

How Do Freeze-Thaw Cycles Affect Building Materials in Minnesota? features insights from Andy Maetzold, Building Materials Expert of Waconia, Minnesota, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused digital publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers expert-driven, good-news content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/in-hellonation-building-materials-expert-andy-maetzold-explains-how-freeze-thaw-cycles-affect-minnesota-homes-302919645.html

SOURCE HelloNation

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