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Picogrid and MIT MIx win $1.75M program to help first responders put an eye on wildfires

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Picogrid and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Mission Innovation X won a $1.75M program to help government teams monitor wildfires during space launch operations at Vandenberg Space Force Base. Picogrid software fuses data from sensors deployed at locations across military bases, uses artificial intelligence to detect threats autonomously, and disseminates information to first responders in real time.

EL SEGUNDO, Calif., March 13, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Picogrid and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Mission Innovation X (MIx) announce they have been selected by AFWERX for an STTR Phase II Contract in the amount of $1.75M focused on helping military and civil authorities respond to wildfires to address the most pressing challenges in the Department of the Air Force (DAF).

The Air Force Research Laboratory and AFWERX have partnered to streamline the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) process by accelerating the small business experience through faster proposal to award timelines, changing the pool of potential applicants by expanding opportunities to small business and eliminating bureaucratic overhead by continually implementing process improvement changes in contract execution. The DAF began offering the Open Topic SBIR/STTR program in 2018, which expanded the range of innovations the DAF funded, and now, Picogrid will continue its journey to create and provide innovative capabilities that will strengthen the national defense of the United States of America.

Jake Jeffries, Technical Program Manager at Picogrid, explained: “Wildfires pose a serious threat to DoD installations, and the military has consistently played a vital role in responding to them across the U.S. Our technology enables Air Force end users, such as fire departments, to deploy compact and portable sensor packages that stream real-time full-motion video back to command centers. This is invaluable for monitoring active wildfires, deterring crime, and supporting emergency response efforts.”

Jeffries continued: “At Vandenberg Space Force Base, for instance, we delivered our Helios hardware in under 24 hours. Helios provided mobile and rapidly deployable capabilities with under 15-minute setup to establish persistent surveillance in vulnerable areas. This adds to our multiple Lander platforms already in use at Vandenberg for long-duration missions to get early situational awareness of local fires. Given our hardware is fully independent of the existing power grid and communication infrastructure, we have ensured operational reliability in austere conditions. What sets us apart is our focus on information interoperability across military, state, municipal, and other fire departments.”

Zane Mountcastle, CEO of Picogrid, emphasized the broader capabilities of the platform: “Picogrid’s platform creates a single pane of glass for emergency operations by consolidating data from dispersed sensors and disseminating the information using Orion and Legion open API. The goal is to make the same information accessible to many stakeholders simultaneously, whether they are in the office or working on mobile devices in the field.”

“The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Department of the Air Force, the Department of Defense, or the U.S. government.”

About Picogrid

Picogrid is a defense technology company that builds a unified platform for unmanned systems. The company’s technology helps connect humans, sensors, and autonomous vehicles in a single software environment to achieve mission objectives. Based in El Segundo, CA, and Lawton, OK, Picogrid’s vision is to build the foundational infrastructure to enable a new defense industrial base. Picogrid products are used by military and enterprise customers globally.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the primary scientific research and development center for the Department of the Air Force. AFRL plays an integral role in leading the discovery, development, and integration of affordable warfighting technologies for our air, space and cyberspace force. With a workforce of more than 12,500 across nine technology areas and 40 other operations across the globe, AFRL provides a diverse portfolio of science and technology ranging from fundamental to advanced research and technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX

As the innovation arm of the DAF and a directorate within the Air Force Research Laboratory, AFWERX brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the DAF. AFWERX employs approximately 370 military, civilian and contractor personnel at four hubs and sites executing an annual $1.4 billion budget. Since 2019, AFWERX has executed over 6,200 new contracts worth more than $4.7 billion to strengthen the U.S. defense industrial base and drive faster technology transition to operational capability. For more information, visit afwerx.com.

Media Contact

Zane Mountcastle, Picogrid, 1 6503958327, media@picogrid.com, https://picogrid.com 

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Wulcea Elevates Consumer Trust in Heated Apparel Through Multi-National Safety Certifications and Rigorous Technical Testing

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October 31, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As smart heated clothing gains broader adoption, consumers are paying closer attention to the safety and reliability of the technology behind these products. Wulcea, a brand specializing in graphene-powered heated apparel, combines its flexible GrapheneNano™ heating technology with documented safety compliance and durability testing for its heating components and battery systems.

“Trust in smart heated apparel goes beyond warmth—it comes down to confidence in battery safety and heating element reliability,” said John C, Founder of Wulcea. “Our goal is to give users peace of mind through certified technical standards.”

Advanced Graphene Heating Elements Supported by Global Standards

At the core of Wulcea’s thermal architecture is its GrapheneNano™ heating technology. Engineered to eliminate garment stiffness, Wulcea integrates flexible graphene elements that deliver balanced warmth across key upper-body zones while preserving natural garment drape and full freedom of movement.

Wulcea supports its heating components with applicable compliance documentation for major markets. These include CE and FCC compliance documentation addressing relevant electrical and electromagnetic compatibility requirements, as well as PSE compliance for applicable products in Japan. RoHS compliance further addresses restrictions on specified hazardous substances in applicable electrical and electronic components.

Multi-Certified Battery System for Dependable Power

To power its heating elements, Wulcea pairs its heated apparel with rechargeable battery systems designed for convenient everyday use. Featuring a compact design and housed in dedicated interior pockets, the batteries provide portable power while maintaining a streamlined garment profile and comfortable fit.

Wulcea backs its battery options with comprehensive third-party accreditations. UL certification demonstrates that the battery system has been evaluated against recognized power bank safety requirements, covering key areas such as overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, and thermal safety. The battery systems are also supported by applicable CE and FCC compliance documentation, addressing relevant regulatory requirements for electrical and electromagnetic compatibility.

For daily handling and travel, RoHS compliance validates that the battery system meets stringent global standards for material safety. The battery models have also undergone applicable UN 38.3 testing, supporting compliance with international requirements for lithium battery transportation.

Real-World Durability and Practical Usability

Component compliance forms Wulcea’s foundation, but reliability is defined by real-world performance. Built for high-flex endurance, Wulcea’s flexible graphene heating elements are tested through 10,000 active flexing cycles to maintain steady thermal output through repeated bending and everyday body movement.

Everyday convenience is equally essential. Built for hassle-free care, Wulcea’s heating elements withstand 100 machine-wash cycles under standard care guidelines, maintaining internal conductivity and structural stability under repeated laundering.

Integrated NTC temperature sensors provide thermal monitoring and are designed to stop heating if temperatures exceed 131°F (55°C). Combined with runtime of up to 10 hours on the low setting and a discreet interior control button, these features support practical everyday use in cold-weather conditions.

Aligning Technical Standards with Everyday Warmth

By combining graphene-based heating technology with documented battery safety compliance and durability testing, Wulcea continues to focus on the technical foundations of dependable heated apparel. This approach reflects the brand’s emphasis on bringing together safety considerations, practical functionality, and everyday comfort for cold-weather use.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/wulcea-elevates-consumer-trust-in-heated-apparel-through-multi-national-safety-certifications-and-rigorous-technical-testing-302925554.html

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NIDS Co., Ltd. Confirms CES 2027 Participation, Pursues Expansion of Global Supply Chain for Environmental Sensors

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October 31, 2026

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Company introduced optical and gas sensors at SEDEX and is strengthening its composite sensor business for robotics, home appliances, automotive, and smart building applications

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Environmental sensor manufacturer NIDS Co., Ltd. has confirmed its participation in CES 2027 and is moving to expand its global business-to-business (B2B) supply chain. Building on its experience supplying sensors to domestic and international home appliance and automotive companies, the company aims to secure overseas customers and extend its applications into smart building HVAC and robotics.

NIDS recently participated in the Korea Semiconductor Industry Association’s Sensor Pavilion at SEDEX 2026, held at COEX in Seoul, where it introduced its next-generation sensor modules. The company said the exhibition allowed it to raise awareness of its technology among domestic home appliance and electronic component industry professionals and to lay the groundwork for collaboration in the sensor field.

The company will use CES 2027 as its next stage. NIDS plans to firm up discussions on sensor module supply with global home appliance makers, HVAC specialists, and robotics companies. It aims to extend the industry contacts gained at the domestic exhibition overseas and to convert product introductions into actual supply opportunities.

Founded in 2000, NIDS develops and manufactures environmental sensors and air quality management solutions. According to the company, it has supplied more than 10 million sensors cumulatively to domestic and international companies, including Dyson, Samsung Electronics, and Hyundai Motor. Drawing on this supply track record, the company intends to showcase its precision sensing technology and mass-production capabilities to overseas customers.

Its main products include particulate matter sensors, optical gas sensors based on non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) technology, composite environmental sensors, and electronic nose sensor modules. The particulate matter sensors measure PM1.0, PM2.5, and PM10, while the gas sensor lineup targets carbon dioxide (CO₂), carbon monoxide (CO), and other gases. The electronic nose is used for detecting everyday odors, gas leaks, and fires. The company said it designs the core components required for air quality measurement in-house and has a system in place to mass-produce 5 million units annually.

The area where NIDS will expand development and supply going forward is next-generation composite sensor modules. The company has been pursuing a sensor business that responds to industry-specific demand in home appliances, automotive, and smart building HVAC, and is now concentrating its capabilities on markets such as robotics, industrial safety, and odor detection based on this technology. Building on its experience supplying individual components, NIDS plans to continue developing and supplying, on a B2B basis, modules that handle multiple types of environmental data.

The company will also highlight its sensor product lineup and its newly developed ultra-compact MEMS sensor technology at the exhibition. NIDS plans to introduce its optical and gas sensor lineup along with examples of their application in actual air quality management systems. By explaining both the measurement functions of its components and its experience operating sensors for finished-product services, the company aims to broaden the scope of partnership discussions.

NIDS explained that, because it owns its precision sensors, it can control sensor sensitivity and tune algorithms to suit the system in which they are applied. Drawing on this technical operating experience, the company plans to pursue partnerships with customers and to promote its business capabilities extending from sensor components to air quality and odor management and industrial safety management.

NIDS will also leverage its existing branch network in its overseas market development. Through its overseas bases in the United States, Japan, and China, the company plans to widen its touchpoints with buyers and seek new supply opportunities in conjunction with its CES participation. Its goal is to generate export results by combining exhibition participation with its local networks.

The company intends to keep expanding the global supply of sensor components as a core pillar of its business. Building on the supply experience accumulated in home appliances and automotive, it will broaden its partners to robotics, HVAC, and smart buildings, and respond to industry-specific air quality measurement demand through the development of next-generation modules.

“We plan to continue expanding the development and B2B supply of next-generation composite sensor modules needed across a range of industries, including home appliances, automotive, and smart building HVAC,” NIDS said.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nids-co-ltd-confirms-ces-2027-participation-pursues-expansion-of-global-supply-chain-for-environmental-sensors-302925577.html

SOURCE NIDS Co., Ltd.

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Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS Showcase iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control Solutions at APTA 2026 in Chicago

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October 31, 2026

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Advancing smart intersection technologies and expanding international market opportunities through strategic collaboration

CHICAGO, Oct. 31, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Towards Buddha Co., Ltd., an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, joined its technology partner ICP DAS at APTA 2026 TRANSform & EXPO in Chicago, USA, to showcase the iTLC-9000 Series and its applications in intelligent traffic management.

The exhibition highlighted innovative traffic control technologies designed to support reliable, secure, and integrated smart intersection operations, while providing opportunities to connect with international transportation professionals and explore emerging market needs.

Innovative Traffic Control Solutions

Under the theme “Innovative Traffic Control System,” the exhibition featured the iTLC-9000 Series, highlighting four key capabilities: modular and redundant design, secure networking, traffic signal integration, and active alert systems.

These technologies are designed to support system reliability, communication security, and efficient traffic infrastructure management, addressing the evolving requirements of modern intelligent transportation systems.

As cities worldwide continue to modernize transportation infrastructure, integrated and adaptable traffic control solutions are becoming increasingly important for smart intersection development.

Strengthening International Market Connections

As an overseas distributor of iTLC solutions, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. plays an important role in connecting traffic control technologies with international markets.

During APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. and ICP DAS engaged with transportation professionals, system integrators, and industry representatives to introduce iTLC technologies, exchange industry insights, and explore potential business opportunities.

“APTA 2026 provided a valuable platform to connect with the global transportation industry,” said a representative of Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. “Together with ICP DAS, we look forward to expanding international awareness of iTLC solutions and developing new opportunities in intelligent traffic control.”

Looking Ahead

Building on its participation at APTA 2026, Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. will continue collaborating with ICP DAS to promote iTLC solutions, strengthen international partnerships, and explore new opportunities in the global intelligent transportation market.

About Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd. is an overseas distributor of the iTLC Intelligent Traffic Control System, focused on international market development and connecting advanced traffic control technologies with transportation industry needs.

Media Contact

Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.
Contact: Michael Chen
Email: Towardsbuddhaincorporation@gmail.com
Website: https://www.towardsbuddha.com 

SOURCE Towards Buddha Co., Ltd.

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