Connect with us

Technology

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE REVOLUTIONIZING URBAN PLANNING WITH NEW URBAN COPILOT

Published

on

SYDNEY, Oct. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Urban planning and land use allocation are critical for Australia’s future economic growth. Current processes are often complex, time-consuming, and inconsistent across different jurisdictions, as evidenced from the substantial media attention on the issues of housing affordability and land development. The Urban Copilot project, spearheaded by Archistar, UNSW, MapAI, and PEXA Group, aims to transform this landscape using state-of-the-art Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) technologies.

Urban Copilot is an innovative GenAI product suite designed to assist industry professionals in interpreting regulations and creating development applications that meet government requirements.

Archistar CEO, Ben Coorey, is leading this collaborative effort which is supported by a total project investment of $6.5 million including the announcement this week of $2.7 million in funding from the Federal Government through the Cooperative Research Centre’s Projects Grants program.

“Urban Copilot will enable the adoption of GenAI in a regulatory and commercial environment, ensuring efficiency and accuracy in urban planning. It will make the lives of government, developers and homeowners easier” says Dr Coorey.

This project will leverage existing efforts to bring trust and transparency to GenAI already underway from partners UNSW and MapAI. Director of the City Futures Research Centre UNSW, Professor Chris Pettit says “Recognising some challenges other Generative AI solutions have in trustworthiness, we are developing a transparent GenAI that explains how it answers questions, and what data and processes were used along the way. This ensures traceability of decision making, referring back to authoritative sources.”

The Urban Copilot project is expected to:

Substantially reduce the time for users to navigate the property development and planning systemGenerate simplified workflows from site search to planning approvalOptimise decision-making processes related to property developmentProvide tailored data insights integrating big data with user preferencesCreate an AI trustworthiness framework for regulatory and professional environments

Like Archistar and PEXA Group, MapAI is also an Australian grown innovation. “It is transformative to have the support of the Australian government in funding these advanced AI approaches. It shows that Generative AI can be developed in a way to support and grow the economy, and in way that benefits all Australians” MapAI CEO Phil Delaney said.

The project partners bring together a wealth of expertise and resources. Archistar, a pioneer in Property Tech and Planning Tech, provides the existing platform and user base. MapAI contributes its GenAI Geospatial Chat capabilities to enable the new products. UNSW leads the research efforts, accelerating GenAI accuracy and trustworthiness, and PEXA offers extensive property data and technological support.

PEXA Group’s Australia CEO, Les Vance, said “we are proud to be part of this partnership focused on improving the property ecosystem through collaboration and innovation, and look forward to supporting the Urban Copilot project as it uses Generative AI to simplify urban planning processes”

For press enquiries please contact:

Archistar – alex.howeson@archistar.ai

About Archistar

Archistar is a leading property and urban planning technology company, pioneering the use of AI to streamline and transform the real estate and construction industries. With products like eCheck for compliance automation and generative design tools, Archistar empowers developers, architects, and councils to visualize, plan, and implement projects faster and more efficiently, driving innovation in urban development across Australia and internationally.

https://www.archistar.ai

About City Futures Research Centre, UNSW

Since its establishment in 2005, City Futures has provided a training ground for the next generation of urban thinkers, city shapers, and urban scientists. The Centre provides ethical, evidence-based inputs to contemporary urban policy debates and the planning of 21st Century cities. With a vision to create a better and more sustainable future

https://cityfutures.ada.unsw.edu.au/about-us/ 

About MapAI

MapAI is an Australian grown, innovative business focused on making geospatial data accessible and actionable through conversational AI. Our platform, developed in collaboration with UNSW and FrontierSI, allows users to interact with maps using natural language, greatly simplifying the user experience. MapAI is committed to transparency, demonstrating AI processes clearly, and is designed to deliver tailored insights, enhancing user understanding.

https://mapai.net/

About PEXA Group

PEXA Group is a world-leading ASX-listed digital property exchange platform and property insights solutions business. The PEXA Exchange is the leading digital property settlements platform in Australia and licenced operator of Australia’s largest Electronic Lodgement Network. Since 2013, PEXA has facilitated more than 20 million property settlements through Australia, with 89% market reach, and in 2022 PEXA launched in the UK.

www.pexa-group.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/artificial-intelligence-revolutionizing-urban-planning-with-new-urban-copilot-302289872.html

SOURCE Archistar

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Technology

Sungrow Secures World’s First German Inertia Market “Passport” with VDE FNN Prototype Certificate

Published

on

By

MUNICH, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sungrow, the globally leading PV inverter and energy storage system provider, achieved another global milestone in grid-forming technology. The company’s SC210HX series Power Conversion Systems (PCS) have obtained the VDE FNN Prototype Certificate issued by TÜV Rheinland of Germany, becoming the world’s first energy storage PCS to pass the full set of German medium- and high-voltage grid connection standards alongside grid-forming performance verification.

This breakthrough enables PowerTitan energy storage systems equipped with this SC210HX PCS series to shorten the grid connection timeline drastically, reduce project acceptance risks, accelerate access to Europe’s latest inertia market, and substantially boost the investment and financing competitiveness of energy storage projects.

Developed by VDE FNN, the organization responsible for Germany’s grid technology and operational standards, the certification framework sets comprehensive requirements for medium- and high-voltage grid integration. Widely recognized by European grid operators, developers, and financial institutions, it serves as a critical benchmark for evaluating the compliance, reliability, and grid-support capabilities of energy storage projects.

Powered by Sungrow self-developed Stem-Cell Grid-Forming Technology, energy storage systems equipped with the SC210CX series PCS deliver outstanding grid adaptability and stable grid support. The system can independently absorb or output active and reactive power to support full-scenario grid demands, including frequency regulation, voltage regulation, and backup power support. On weak grids with high penetration of renewable energy, the converter maintains voltage-source characteristics and rapidly outputs dynamic reactive current upon grid short-circuit faults. Furthermore, the system can establish a power grid without external synchronization, supporting black start and islanded operation to effectively resolve grid connection pain points for remote European energy storage plants and off-grid projects.

By successfully completing the stringent VDE FNN testing process, Sungrow has verified that its hardware reliability, proprietary control algorithms, and grid-forming performance fully meet Germany’s strictest mandatory grid standards. The certification represents authoritative recognition of Sungrow’s technical leadership in advanced energy storage and grid-support solutions.

Beyond its technical significance, this certification also delivers tangible commercial value for project developers. European market standards keep getting stricter, and leading investment institutions and lending banks use TÜV Rheinland VDE certification as a core metric for assessing project compliance and equipment reliability. This certification enables developers to significantly shorten grid-connection timelines, avoid project delays during acceptance and comply with Europe’s latest entry rules for inertia-based energy storage. Additionally, it strengthens the credibility, bankability, asset value, and financing prospects of energy storage projects.

Leveraging its full lineup of VDE-compliant grid-forming energy storage products, Sungrow will continue to deepen its expertise in Europe’s energy transition and deliver safer, more grid-friendly, high -yield energy storage solutions to global customers.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/3006323/Sungrow_Secures_World_s_First_German_Inertia_Market__Passport__with_VDE_FNN_Prototype_Certificate.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1344575/Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/sungrow-secures-worlds-first-german-inertia-market-passport-with-vde-fnn-prototype-certificate-302829365.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Deka Lash Agoura Hills Launches “Wake Up Ready For Summer” Promotion

Published

on

By

Guests Can Receive 25% Off Any Full Set or Lash Lift for Pool Days, Vacations, and Low-Effort Summer Mornings

AGOURA HILLS, Calif., July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Deka Lash, a premier lash and eyebrow studio in Agoura Hills, is helping clients simplify their summer beauty routine with its limited-time “Wake Up Ready For Summer” promotion. For a limited time, guests can receive 25% offany full set of lash extensions or lash lift, making it easier to enjoy polished, effortless lashes for vacations, pool days, special events, and busy summer mornings.

The summer promotion is designed for clients who want long-lasting beauty with less daily maintenance. Whether guests are interested in natural-looking eyelash extensions in Agoura Hills or professional lash lift and tint services, Deka Lash offers customized treatments tailored to each client’s eye shape, lash goals, and personal style.

“Summer is the perfect time to simplify your routine,” said David Schiff, Owner of Deka Lash Agoura Hills. “Our lash extensions and lash lift services help clients feel confident and put together from the moment they wake up, whether they’re heading to the pool, going on vacation, or managing a packed schedule.”

Deka Lash in Agoura Hills provides a variety of lash and brow services, including full set eyelash extensions, lash refills, lash lifts, lash tinting, brow lamination, brow tinting, and brow shaping. Each service is performed by trained Lash Artists who focus on precision, comfort, lash health, and long-lasting results.

The “Wake Up Ready For Summer” promotion applies to any full set of lash extensions or lash lift service at the Agoura Hills studio. Guests are encouraged to book early, as summer appointments may fill quickly.

Promotion Details

What: 25% off any full set of lash extensions or lash lift
Where: Deka Lash in Agoura Hills
When: Limited-time summer promotion
Best For: Pool days, vacations, events, and low-effort mornings

About Deka Lash Agoura Hills

Deka Lash Agoura Hills is a professional lash and eyebrow studio offering customized eyelash extensions, lash lifts, brow services, and aftercare products. Known for personalized service and high-quality results, the studio helps clients achieve beautiful, low-maintenance lashes and brows that fit their lifestyle.

For more information or to take advantage of the promotion, visit https://dekalash.com/find-a-studio/california/agoura-hills/.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/deka-lash-agoura-hills-launches-wake-up-ready-for-summer-promotion-302828855.html

SOURCE Deka Lash

Continue Reading

Technology

Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group Raises $40 Million to Scale Precision Manufacturing, Mission Systems and Deep-Tech Platforms

Published

on

By

Round led by Norwest and Skegen Asset Management, with participation from Indus Bridge Ventures, GJNX Ventures, and Ashish Kacholia, to accelerate global expansion and indigenous aerospace and defence technologies

HYDERABAD, India, July 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group (RVAG), a Hyderabad-headquartered precision manufacturing and deep-tech company serving the global aerospace, defence and energy sectors, today announced it has raised $40 million (approximately ₹400 crore) in its latest funding round. The round was led by Norwest and Skegen Asset Management, with participation from Indus Bridge Ventures, GJNX Ventures and noted investor Ashish Kacholia.

The capital will be used to expand manufacturing capacity across the Group’s facilities in India, the UK and the USA; accelerate development of its upcoming integrated manufacturing campus at Hardware Park near Hyderabad International Airport; and strengthen its Mission Systems and Deep-Tech & Autonomous Systems businesses.

Over the past two decades, RVAG has evolved into a global manufacturing platform with more than 1,200 employees and over ten facilities across three countries. The Group manufactures precision aero-engine components and sub-assemblies for leading global OEMs, including GE Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, Honeywell, Boeing and Safran, while also serving global energy companies such as Baker Hughes, Halliburton, SLB and GE. It currently has an order book exceeding ₹2,500 crore.

The Group is among the few Indian companies offering end-to-end aerospace manufacturing under one roof, spanning design, engineering, manufacturing, testing and assembly. Its capabilities include CNC machining, sheet metal fabrication, composites, electronics, software, gears, fasteners and NADCAP-approved special processes.

Beyond contract manufacturing, Raghu Vamsi has built strong indigenous capabilities through its Mission Systems and Deep-Tech verticals. The company develops propulsion systems, aircraft hydraulic components and subsystems for defence programmes, while its ARROBOT platform is advancing drone technologies and unmanned ground vehicles for India’s armed forces.

“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in what our team has built over the last two decades, a fully integrated, home-grown manufacturing platform that global aerospace, defence and energy leaders trust with mission-critical work. It allows us to scale capacity across our India, UK and USA operations; accelerate our Hardware Park campus and deepen our investments in Mission Systems and Autonomous Systems,” said Vamsi Vikas, Managing Director, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group.

“Our growth has always been guided by the values of our founder, Late Sri G. Thrimurthulu, who built this company on reliability, integrity and empathy toward every stakeholder we serve. This round strengthens our ability to invest in our people, our technology and our talent pipeline as we prepare for the next phase of scale,” added Siva Arvinth, CEO, Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group.

“Raghu Vamsi has created a uniquely integrated manufacturing platform trusted by leading aerospace and energy OEMs for its technical depth and disciplined execution. We look forward to working with the team scales and unlocks the next phase of value creation,” said Shiv Chaudhary, Partner, Norwest.

“Raghu Vamsi’s breadth spanning precision manufacturing, mission systems and deep tech, sets it apart in India’s aerospace and defence ecosystem. We look forward to supporting the team through its next phase of growth,” said Navin Roy Vallabhneni, Skegen Asset Management.

The company has also established collaborations with premier institutions, including the IITs and IIITs, as well as research organisations such as ARCI and defence agencies, including ADA and DRDO, reinforcing its commitment to building globally competitive aerospace and defence technologies from India.

About Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group

Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group is a Hyderabad-based aerospace and defence manufacturing company with operations across India, the UK and the USA. The Group supplies precision-engineered components to leading global OEMs including GE Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Honeywell, Safran and Collins Aerospace, while expanding into mission systems and autonomous technologies.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/raghu-vamsi-aerospace-group-raises-40-million-to-scale-precision-manufacturing-mission-systems-and-deep-tech-platforms-302828048.html

Continue Reading

Trending