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Ricoh launches AI orchestration co-creation initiative with Thread AI

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Internal pilot aims to advance and automate facility‑management operations in Japan

NEW YORK, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Ricoh Company, Ltd. today announced that it has signed an agreement with Thread AI, a leader in AI orchestration infrastructure, to collaborate on an internal pilot to advance and automate facility-management operations using AI in Japan.

In recent years, the use of AI has shifted from experiments and proof‑of‑concepts to a phase where continuous application in daily operations is required. At the same time, AI deployments that are isolated or dependent on individual expertise often fail to deliver organization‑wide optimization or sustainable value creation. As sensor and camera data from on‑site environments become increasingly integrated with operational data—and as digital‑twin technology advances—the foundation is being laid for AI to more accurately understand real‑world conditions and support decision‑making and execution.

Under this agreement, Ricoh will combine Thread AI’s technology with its own digital‑twin capabilities to build an execution platform that integrates digital twins, multimodal AI, and workflow orchestration. Ricoh will first apply the platform to its internal facility‑management operations in Japan to verify the effectiveness of a system that supports end‑to‑end processes, from AI‑driven decision‑making to operational execution. Insights gained through this internal pilot will be leveraged to drive operational transformation in the facility‑management domain and to develop new digital services.

This initiative is part of Ricoh’s activities within Plug and Play, the Silicon Valley–based innovation platform the company joined in September 2025. The platform connects large enterprises, startups, government and public institutions, investors, and universities, creating a global ecosystem for innovation.

“This partnership underscores Ricoh’s commitment to advancing open innovation by collaborating with external partners and applying cutting‑edge technologies to real operational challenges. With this internal pilot now underway, we are taking an important step toward transforming and automating facility‑management operations across our sites in Japan. As we move forward, we will continue to strengthen operational excellence and create new value through AI and digital transformation, using insights from these pilots to work with customers and partners to drive sustainable growth and help address social challenges.” said Yasuyuki Nomizu, chief technology officer at Ricoh Company, Ltd.

“Our work with Ricoh marks a significant milestone in expanding AI’s role from experimentation to production-ready execution,” said Angela McNeal, co-founder and CEO of Thread AI. “By integrating our orchestration infrastructure with Ricoh’s digital-twin capabilities, we are empowering teams to safely automate workflows, embed valuable expertise, and respond to on-site conditions faster than ever before – with full traceability and control over every AI action.”

Overview of Ricoh-Thread AI co-creation initiative
Through this initiative, Ricoh will transform its internal facility-management operations in Japan, such as on-site facility inspection and maintenance operations, by leveraging advanced AI for situational understanding, decision support, and the automation or semi-automation of tasks. The initiative will build an AI-driven execution platform capable of real-time anomaly detection and optimized work processes through the integration of camera, sensor, and equipment data.

The shift from data analysis to automated execution is designed to deliver real-time visibility into on-site conditions and accelerate decision-making and significantly elevate operational quality. By standardizing processes to reduce reliance on individual expertise, Ricoh aims to build valuable internal know-how, deploy scalable operational models across multiple sites, and foster a robust future ecosystem for its partners and customers.

Related News
Ricoh partners with Plug and Play to accelerate collaboration with startups and emerging technologies
https://www.ricoh.com/release/2025/0916_1

About Thread AI
Thread AI is an AI infrastructure company founded by Palantir’s former heads of AI product and engineering. Its composable infrastructure and workflow orchestration platform, Lemma, lets enterprises rapidly deploy AI into core operations and power the AI products their customers demand. It provides the foundational layer needed for agentic processes to run at scale with the control, governance, and reliability assurances these operations require.

To learn more, visit www.threadai.com and follow Thread AI on LinkedIn.

About Ricoh
Ricoh is a global integrator in workplace transformation, operating in approximately 200 countries and regions and headquartered in Tokyo. Supporting customers’ value creation, Ricoh offers workplace services and solutions that empower organizations to work smarter through advanced technologies—including AI— together with long-standing expertise rooted in printing. Ricoh also operates commercial and industrial printing businesses and delivers new solutions leveraging inkjet technology. In the financial year ended March 2026, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,608 billion yen (approx. 16.4 billion USD).

For 90 years since our founding, Ricoh has upheld its mission and vision of empowering individuals to find Fulfillment through Work—and that commitment continues today. By understanding and transforming how people work, we unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future.

For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com

© 2026 RICOH COMPANY, LTD. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies.

 

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vivo Robotics Team Wins ICRA 2026 AGIBOT World Challenge Reasoning to Action Track

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With top performance across two global challenges at ICRA 2026, vivo demonstrates the robustness and transferability of its robotics capabilities in real-world environments.

SHENZHEN, China, June 11, 2026  /PRNewswire/ — vivo is proud to announce that the company’s PrismBot robotics team won the Reasoning to Action Track at the ICRA 2026 AGIBOT World Challenge, held recently in Vienna as part of the IEEE International Conference on Robotics and Automation, a leading international robotics conference.

The vivo robotics team secured first place in the real-robot final with a decisive lead, demonstrating the strength of its technical approach in translating task understanding into action decisions in complex real-world environments. vivo advanced to the top in a highly competitive field that attracted 526 teams from across 27 countries and regions.

The vivo robotics team also received recognition for its strong performance in the Whole Body Control Track, ranking among the top three global teams, further underscoring the company’s robust R&D and deep technical capabilities in embodied intelligence.

These results reflect vivo’s broader strategy to build a perception system based on its imaging technologies and develop an AI-powered robot “brain” to help bring intelligent capabilities into the physical world, as outlined by Hu Baishan, President and COO at vivo, President of vivo Central Research Institute at the Boao Forum for Asia 2026.

Integrated Intelligence and Execution Drive vivo’s Reasoning to Action Track Win

The AGIBOT World Challenge, held as part of ICRA 2026, is one of the most demanding international competitions in embodied intelligence. The competition sets a high technical threshold, emphasizes real-world deployment, and uses rigorous real-robot testing to evaluate the performance of participating systems.

Its main competition, the Reasoning to Action Track, focuses on a core challenge in embodied intelligence: translating task understanding into action decisions. The track combines online simulation evaluation with offline real-robot testing in Vienna, with scoring based on task completion rates in real environments, long-horizon stability, and generalization across complex scenarios.

This innovative competition format moves beyond the industry’s reliance on simulation data alone, focusing on bridging the gap between simulation and real-world deployment. Participating models must independently complete intent understanding, task decomposition, sub-goal sequencing, and exception recovery in real environments and then reliably translate the full decision-making process into physical execution through a robotic arm.

To address complex long-horizon tasks and real-world environmental interference, the vivo robotics team developed a training and inference framework centered on keyframe optimization and contrastive learning. Keyframe loss weighting helps the model learn critical action points more effectively, while contrastive learning significantly reduces the semantic gap between text-based instructions and physical action execution.

Top-Three Finish in Whole Body Control Track Validates the Transferability of vivo’s Technical Approach

In the Whole Body Control Track held alongside ICRA 2026, robots were required to autonomously pick up specified products in a realistic supermarket scenario and accurately place them into a shopping cart. The track addresses real challenges in retail environments, including diverse product categories, changing spatial layouts, complex semantic understanding, instruction following, and action generalization.

The vivo robotics team secured a top-three placement by successfully applying the same reasoning to action-centered technical system to the whole-body control scenario, using keyframe loss weighting to improve grasping accuracy and contrastive learning to better identify grasping directions.

The result further validates the transferability and engineering robustness of vivo’s technical approach across different task types.

Defining the Next Generation of Smart Devices, Starting from the Home Environment

Competitions are a valuable testbed for technology and offer a glimpse into the next wave of innovation. Looking ahead to the evolution of smart devices over the next decade, vivo believes robots will become another important gateway for personal and household use after smartphones.

vivo has chosen the home as a starting point for its robotics research and development because home environments place high demands on long-horizon tasks, dual-arm collaboration, fine manipulation, reasoning, and decision-making. These capabilities closely align with those tested at ICRA 2026.

Focusing on home scenarios, the vivo robotics team is moving from teleoperation toward autonomous intelligence, gradually improving the executability and scalable validation of complex tasks. Building on its experience in device systems, imaging capabilities, and global product development, vivo is developing a robotics capability system that combines hardware and software and continues to evolve over time.

The ICRA 2026 awards mark an important milestone in vivo’s long-term work in robotics. The next challenge is to bring embodied intelligence into everyday home environments. vivo will continue to invest in this field as it explores the next generation of smart devices and creates better user experiences through meaningful innovation.

(END)

About vivo

vivo is a technology company that creates great products based on a user-oriented value, with smart devices and intelligent services as its core. The company aims to build a bridge between humans and the digital world. Through unique creativity, vivo provides users with an increasingly convenient mobile and digital life. Following the company’s core values, which include Benfen*, user-orientation, design-driven value, continuous learning, and team spirit, vivo has implemented a sustainable development strategy with the vision of developing into a healthier, more sustainable world-class corporation.

While bringing together and developing the best local talents to deliver excellence, vivo is supported by a network of R&D centers in Shenzhen, Dongguan, Nanjing, Beijing, Hangzhou, Shanghai, Xi’an and more cities, focusing on the development of state-of-the-art consumer technologies, including 5G, artificial intelligence, industrial design, imaging system and other up-and-coming technologies. vivo has also set up an intelligent manufacturing network (including those authorized by vivo), with an annual production capacity of nearly 200 million smartphones. As of now, vivo has branched out its sales network across more than 60 countries and regions and is loved by more than 500 million users worldwide.

*”Benfen” is a term describing the attitude on doing the right things and doing things right – which is the ideal description of vivo’s mission to create value for society.

Stay informed of the latest vivo news at https://www.vivo.com/en/about-vivo/news 

 

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In HelloNation, HVAC Expert Reid Sittler of Quality Heating and Cooling Explains Why Air Conditioner Performance Declines During Humid Akron Summers

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The article examines how humidity, airflow restrictions, and dirty coils affect cooling efficiency and indoor comfort.

AKRON, Ohio, June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why does air conditioner performance often decline during humid Akron summers? HelloNation has published a piece that answers this question by examining how high humidity, airflow restrictions, and coil cleanliness affect cooling performance and comfort.

The HelloNation article explains that humid Akron summers place additional demands on air conditioning systems, as they must cool the air while also removing moisture. This dual responsibility requires more energy and can cause systems to run longer than homeowners expect, even when equipment is functioning properly.

According to the article, high humidity makes indoor air feel warmer because moisture retains heat. As humidity levels increase, cooling systems often need to run for longer periods to reach the thermostat setting. The article notes that this can result in uneven cooling, with some areas of a home feeling comfortable while others remain warm or sticky.

A major focus of the article is the importance of airflow during humid weather. Proper airflow across indoor and outdoor coils allows an air conditioner to remove heat and moisture efficiently. When airflow becomes restricted, both cooling performance and humidity control can suffer.

The article highlights dirty condenser coils as one of the most overlooked causes of reduced air conditioner performance. Outdoor condenser coils release heat from the refrigerant, but dirt, leaves, dust, grass clippings, and seasonal debris can accumulate on their surfaces. The article explains that this buildup restricts airflow, making it more difficult for the system to transfer heat effectively. As a result, the air conditioner may run longer while delivering less cooling.

The article also discusses the importance of evaporator coil cleaning. Indoor evaporator coils can collect dust, mildew, and other contaminants that interfere with airflow and heat absorption. When airflow across the evaporator coil becomes restricted, the system cannot remove heat and moisture as effectively. The article notes that this can leave homeowners feeling uncomfortable even when indoor temperatures appear to be within the desired range.

Another factor addressed in the article is airflow restriction caused by dirty air filters. Reduced airflow limits the movement of conditioned air throughout the home and can prevent critical system components from operating efficiently. During humid Akron summers, these restrictions often become more noticeable because the cooling system is already working harder to manage moisture levels.

The HelloNation article also explains that low refrigerant can contribute to performance issues. Refrigerant transfers heat during the cooling process, and low levels reduce the system’s ability to cool effectively. During periods of high humidity, refrigerant-related problems can become increasingly apparent as system demand rises.

While system sizing can influence overall performance, the article emphasizes that many humidity-related comfort complaints stem from airflow and maintenance concerns. Even a properly sized system may struggle if condenser coils are dirty, evaporator coils require cleaning, or airflow is restricted.

The article notes that HVAC professionals, including those at Quality Heating and Cooling in Akron, Ohio, frequently observe dirty coils and airflow restrictions among the most common causes of humidity-related cooling problems. Regular maintenance, including condenser coil cleaning, evaporator coil cleaning, air filter replacement, refrigerant checks, and airflow inspections, can help improve efficiency and support better humidity control throughout the summer months.

The article concludes that understanding the relationship between humidity, airflow, and system maintenance helps homeowners make informed decisions about cooling performance. Addressing coil cleanliness, airflow restriction, and refrigerant issues can improve comfort, reduce unnecessary strain on equipment, and support more efficient operation during Akron’s most humid summer conditions.

Why AC Struggles in Humid Akron Summers features insights from Reid Sittler, an HVAC expert at Quality Heating and Cooling in Akron, Ohio, on 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 publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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Frost & Sullivan Celebrates 65 Years of Enabling Growth in Times of Transformation

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Global growth advisory firm marks six and a half decades of helping organizations navigate disruption and seize the opportunities of the Intelligence Revolution

SILICON VALLEY, Calif., June 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Frost & Sullivan, the Transformational Growth company, is celebrating its 65th anniversary, marking more than six decades of helping organizations around the world identify, evaluate, and prioritize growth opportunities amid periods of profound industry transformation.

Since its founding in 1961, Frost & Sullivan has partnered with businesses, governments, investors, and industry stakeholders across sectors and geographies to navigate disruption, anticipate market shifts, identify innovative growth opportunities, and develop transformational growth strategies.

Over the years, the company has supported clients in understanding and navigating through the forces transforming industries, from emerging technologies and innovative business models to evolving customer needs and expanding global markets.

“While industries, technologies, and business environments have changed dramatically over the past 65 years, our core mission has remained remarkably consistent: helping clients understand change, identify emerging opportunities, and build strategies for long-term growth,” said David Frigstad, Chairman & CEO of Frost & Sullivan.

“Today, as the Intelligence Revolution reshapes every sector, our role is to help organizations act with confidence and turn disruption into opportunity.”

What began as a pioneering growth consulting firm has evolved into a global organization serving clients across a broad spectrum of industries, including healthcare, mobility, information and communication technologies, energy, security, sustainability, industrial automation, aerospace and defense, chemicals, and financial services.

Throughout its history, Frost & Sullivan has built its reputation on a combination of rigorous research and analytics, visionary thinking and leadership, market and industry expertise, as well as actionable recommendations and strategies designed to help organizations achieve transformational growth. The company’s proprietary methodologies and frameworks have enabled clients to anticipate change, accelerate innovation, and strengthen their competitive position in rapidly evolving markets.

As Frost & Sullivan reflects on its legacy, the company is also focused on the opportunities and challenges ahead. The emergence of artificial intelligence and the “Intelligence Revolution” is transforming industries, business processes, customer engagement models, and competitive dynamics at an unprecedented pace. Organizations today face greater complexity, uncertainty, and opportunity than ever before, creating a heightened need to understand the coming transformation and accelerated implementation of the innovative growth opportunities.

To help clients navigate this new era, Frost & Sullivan continues to evolve alongside the markets it serves. Building on its proprietary Growth Pipeline™ methodology and decades of industry expertise, the company is introducing its new AI-native SaaS platform, the Transformation Engine™, designed to help CEOs and leadership teams navigate the Intelligence Revolution through a prioritized Growth Pipeline of opportunities.

Combining advanced analytics, AI-enabled insights, and Frost & Sullivan’s proven transformational growth frameworks, the Transformation Engine™ empowers organizations to identify, evaluate, prioritize, and implement the growth opportunities that will drive customers to achieve transformational growth.

“Our clients are operating in an environment defined by constant change,” added Frigstad. “The organizations that succeed will be those that embrace transformation proactively. We remain committed to helping our clients turn intelligence into action, prioritize growth opportunities, and transform disruption into sustainable growth.”

As Frost & Sullivan celebrates this milestone anniversary, the company recognizes the trust and partnership of its clients, the contributions of its colleagues past and present, and the global ecosystem of innovators, leaders, and organizations that have been part of its journey.

With 65 years of experience helping clients navigate transformation, Frost & Sullivan remains focused on its purpose: empowering organizations to achieve sustainable growth and succeed in an increasingly dynamic world.

About Frost & Sullivan

Frost & Sullivan, the Transformational Growth Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Pipeline as a Service along with Transformation Engine™ provides the CEO’s Growth Team with transformational growth strategies and best-practice models to drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. For over 65 years, Frost & Sullivan has partnered with investors, corporate leaders, and governments to identify, prioritize, and implement transformational growth strategies.

Is your organization ready to navigate the Intelligence Revolution and turn disruption into growth? Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog™ with the Frost & Sullivan team.

Contact:
Kristina Menzefricke
Marketing & Communications
Global Customer Experience, Frost & Sullivan
kristina.menzefricke@frost.com

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