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Otis introduces Gen3™ elevator modernisation solutions in EMEA

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Enables building owners to improve the safety and reliability of their elevators and provide better passenger experience.Suitable for elevators already equipped with belts; and offers options to transition rope-based systems to coated steel belt-based systems.

GENEVA, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernisation of elevators and escalators, today announced the introduction of Otis Gen3 MOD solutions in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). Otis Gen3 MOD solutions are already available in the U.S., Canada and Asia.

These solutions enable building owners to update their vertical mobility systems with the digitally native Otis Gen3 elevator platform for modernisation projects, helping extend equipment lifespan while improving performance, reliability and passenger experience compared to their existing systems.

There are more than six million elevators in use in Europe today. In many European countries, more than half of these are over 25 years old1, while building managers begin considering modernisation when equipment reaches 15 to 20 years of service. Otis Gen3 MOD is Otis’ next-generation elevator modernisation solution designed to upgrade existing systems to align with the latest safety regulations of the relevant region and updated technologies.

All Otis Gen3 MOD solutions are powered by Otis’ signature technologies, giving customers flexibility to choose the scope and pace of their elevator modernisation.

The Otis Gen3 MOD solutions can upgrade legacy belt systems and facilitate the transition from traditional rope systems to Otis’ patented coated steel belt technology, an innovation that delivers smooth rides and quiet operation. Otis experts will guide you through every step – from early planning to installation and ongoing service.

Further enhancing modernisation value, Otis Gen3 MOD solutions are compatible with Otis Viva™ solutions – a purpose-built set of elevator features that improve safety, reliability and offer more instinctive operation features for aging populations. As global populations continue to age, accessible and reliable mobility solutions are increasingly necessary. Together, Gen3 MOD and Otis Viva solutions help building owners and decision makers enhance accessibility and reliability of their equipment.

“Modernisation is a powerful way to transform how people experience a building every day: enhancing performance and reliability and bringing in the latest technology and safety features to create a smoother and more connected passenger journey,” said Thibault Lefébure, President of Otis EMEA. “The flexible Otis Gen3 MOD packages allow customers to tailor modernisation solutions to their building’s needs and investment strategy. Complementing our Otis Viva and Otis Gen3 new equipment solutions, modernisation packages offer a comprehensive and scalable range of accessible and future-ready vertical mobility technologies that contribute to enhancing everyday experiences by improving passenger flow, comfort, and helping people connect and thrive.”

Visit www.otis.com for full details and to learn more about our complete portfolio of modernisation solutions.

Otis Gen3 MOD FAQs:

What are the key features and benefits of the Otis Gen3 MOD solution?

Otis Gen3 elevators feature safety technologies that comply with the latest and most stringent safety standards of the relevant region. Modern floor-leveling and door systems reduce tripping hazards.The patented coated steel belt technology does not require any lubrication and delivers smooth, quiet rides.Otis ReGen™ drive technology recaptures energy generated by the elevator and returns it to the building’s grid, with actual energy savings depending on various factors, such as the use and configuration of the elevator.The Otis ONE™ IoT digital platform2 enables predictive maintenance, real-time health monitoring, and remote intervention where permitted – helping to improve uptime and service quality.The Otis eView™ sleek and smart in-car display offers customised screens with building news, weather and equipment updates, while also connecting passengers via voice or video calls to the OTISLINE® customer care centre in case of an emergency.The Gen3 platform is equipped with gearless machines which, depending on the existing solution, may free additional space in the building when choosing a machine room-less Pro or Full Replacement package.The optional Otis Compass® 360 dispatching technology supports efficient building traffic flows and provides usage data, helping building owners identify opportunities for potential energy savings through optimised dispatching.

What Otis Gen3 modernisation options are available?
Three flexible packages address customers’ different modernisation needs:

Plus includes core upgrades noted above, such as a controller with the Otis ONE2 IoT digital platform and the Otis ReGen drive, an Otis eView display, landing fixtures and hall signage, a gearless machine and Otis Pulse™ electronic system that monitors the condition of the belts 24/7, as well as coated steel belts with car and counterweight interfaces.Pro3 includes all upgrades available in the Plus package, along with a newly installed elevator car featuring a refreshed interior design. The new elevator car includes a new frame, safety gear system, and car door system. The Pro package also offers a new counterweight, an overspeed governor and new guiderails for both the car and counterweight.Full Replacement provides a new Otis Gen3 elevator within the existing hoistway. Where space permits, a larger car can be installed to help improve accessibility and enhance the comfort of passengers. Your Otis representative will help plan your options. 

What is the difference between Otis Arise™ MOD and Otis Gen3 MOD solutions?
Otis Arise MOD and Otis Gen3 MOD solutions incorporate connected technologies, including IoT-enabled capabilities, to improve elevator safety, performance and reliability. However, they differ in their underlying technology, and upgrade path:

Otis Arise MOD, introduced in EMEA in September 2025, is designed for elevators that utilise conventional rope-based systems and offers a flexible, phased modernisation approach, enabling building owners to upgrade key components over time based on their operational priorities and budget. It focuses on delivering incremental improvements to safety, reliability and performance, while extending the life of existing equipment with minimal disruption.Otis Gen3 MOD, our flagship elevator platform technology, supports both existing belt-driven systems and conversions from rope to Otis’ coated steel belt technology, upgrading elevators to the digitally native Gen3 platform. It delivers a more comprehensive modernisation, with deeper system integration, enhanced performance, and an advanced passenger experience.

1:

Source – European Lift Association. “Modernizing Existing Lifts Through a Synergy of Achievements of Combined Measures”, published March 2023.

2:

Otis ONE features are subject to a maintenance contract and paid tiered subscription with Otis.

3:

Otis Gen3 MOD Pro package currently available only in selected countries: Germany, France, Spain and Switzerland.

About Otis
Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation, service and modernization of elevators and escalators, we move 2.5 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.5 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 45,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

Media Contact: 
Richard Howat 
Phone: +44 7392860548 
Email: richard.howat@otis.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/otis-introduces-gen3-elevator-modernisation-solutions-in-emea-302814369.html

SOURCE Otis Worldwide Corporation

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DUVA Introduces DUVA ONE at IFA 2026: Personalized Sleep Earbuds That Respond in Real Time

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3 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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The Sleep System That Understands You Best.

BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — DUVA, created by Fitnexa, is introducing DUVA ONE at IFA Berlin 2026. This intelligent in-ear sleep system is designed to sense changes in the user and the bedroom, then personalize audio, noise control, and device behavior throughout the night.

Most sleep wearables explain what happened after users wake up. DUVA ONE is designed to help while the night is still happening. Its low-profile earbuds, environment-sensing charging case, and app work together to determine when and how to respond.

A user might start the night with a podcast over Bluetooth. After they fall asleep, DUVA ONE can introduce locally stored sleep audio and optimize power use. If a partner begins snoring or traffic grows louder, it can adjust ANC or add sound masking. In the morning, a private offline alarm wakes only the wearer, without requiring an active phone connection.

In-ear PPG and motion sensors estimate sleep stages and track heart rate, HRV, sleep position, and movement, while the case monitors noise, light, temperature, and humidity. The AI Agent interprets these signals alongside playback status and personal preferences to select an appropriate response. Users control sleep audio, playback duration, ANC strategy, and nighttime interventions in the DUVA App.

“Sleep does not happen in a static environment, so sleep technology should not remain static either,” said Diego, Founder of Fitnexa. “DUVA ONE is designed to respond while sleep is still happening.”

Key Highlights

Layered noise relief: Passive isolation, Hybrid ANC, and sleep audio provide noise reduction of up to 42 dB, with Transparency Mode and adaptive ANC calibration.Personalized AI sleep guidance: The AI analyzes the user’s real-time sleep state and generates personalized audio guidance to help them gradually fall asleep.Side-sleeping comfort: Each fitted earbud weighs approximately 3.3 grams and has an approximately 9.9 mm low-profile design. Two ear-tip shapes and multiple tip and stabilizing-wing sizes provide more than 40 fit configurations.All-night battery: Up to 16 hours in the most power-efficient configuration, including 13 hours of local audio with ANC off and 9.5 hours with ANC on. The USB-C and wireless charging case provides up to five additional recharges.Private offline alarm: Alarms gradually increase in volume and offer 5, 10, or 15-minute snooze options through the earbud controls.Privacy-first sensing: DUVA ONE does not record conversations, store ambient audio, or upload raw environmental audio. Users can disable individual sensors and delete historical data.

DUVA ONE is planned for release in October 2026 at a target retail price of US$349.99, with target markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, the European Union, and Australia.

Media Contact: essie@duva.com
Learn more: duva.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/duva-introduces-duva-one-at-ifa-2026-personalized-sleep-earbuds-that-respond-in-real-time-302870832.html

SOURCE DUVA

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China Xplained | The China Squeeze, or the China Opportunity?

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5 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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GUANGZHOU, China, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a news report from South: 

Is China’s manufacturing rise squeezing out or creating opportunities for other economies?

Ahead of the 2026 APEC Economic Leaders’ Meeting in China this November, journalists and experts from around the world gathered in Guangdong for the Asia-Pacific Media Forum (APMF) 2026.

The forum opened in Shenzhen on September 5, bringing together more than 400 representatives from across the Asia-Pacific region, as well as from international organizations.

Before the opening of the forum, participants travelled across Guangdong to see China’s industries and development first-hand.

In this episode of China Xplained, we look at the numbers, supply chains, investment and voices from across the developing world—to ask a bigger question: Is China squeezing out room for other economies?

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/china-xplained–the-china-squeeze-or-the-china-opportunity-302870814.html

SOURCE South

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PUDU D7 Named Honoree in IFA Innovation Awards for Best in IFA Next & Emerging Technologies

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6 hours ago

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September 6, 2026

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BERLIN, Sept. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Pudu Robotics, a global leader in commercial service robotics, today announced that its PUDU D7 Semi-humanoid Intelligent Robot has been named an Honoree in the Best in IFA Next & Emerging Technologies category of the IFA Innovation Awards. The recognition highlights PUDU D7’s ability to combine mobile navigation, dexterous manipulation and intelligent sensing to perform a range of tasks in real-world industrial and commercial environments.

The IFA Innovation Awards recognize outstanding innovations across the global technology landscape. Entries are evaluated by an independent international jury based on criteria including technology and functionality, innovation and originality, and the potential to create tangible value for users and the market. The recognition places PUDU D7 among emerging technologies demonstrating new possibilities for the future of robotics.

From Industrial Operations to Guest Interaction

PUDU D7 is designed for industrial, warehouse, retail and hospitality environments, where it can move through human-oriented spaces and perform tasks that require both mobility and dexterous manipulation.

In industrial and warehouse settings, D7 can handle materials, pick items from shelves, replenish inventory, transport goods between work areas and push carts. With a payload capacity of up to 20 kg (44.1 pounds) and an operating height of up to 2 meters (6.6 feet), it can work with a range of storage systems and materials.

In retail, D7 can support shelf replenishment, item handling and store organization, moving products between storage areas and shelves and helping maintain product displays.

In hotels and hospitality, PUDU D7 can take on the role of an intelligent front-desk host, welcoming guests, preparing and serving coffee, interacting with visitors and providing engaging experiences. Its semi-humanoid form and dual-arm capabilities allow it to combine practical service tasks with natural human-robot interaction, bringing a more personable and engaging presence to the guest experience.

Designed for Adaptable Performance

PUDU D7 combines a dual-arm manipulation system, tactile sensing and a 360-degree perception system to support these applications. Front- and rear-facing LiDAR and other sensors enable navigation around people and obstacles, while tactile sensing provides precise control when handling objects.

The robot also features autonomous battery swapping, allowing it to independently replace its battery and reduce downtime during extended operation.

Together, these capabilities enable D7 to support different tasks across a range of environments without being limited to a single application.

PUDU D7 Makes Its European Debut at IFA

IFA 2026 marks the first time PUDU D7 is being showcased in Europe. At the Pudu Robotics booth, visitors can experience live demonstrations highlighting the robot’s capabilities and its potential for human-robot interaction.

D7 interacts directly with visitors through demonstrations including waving, making heart gestures and picking up objects. These demonstrations showcase the robot’s ability to combine movement, manipulation and interaction in a human-oriented environment.

Advancing the Next Generation of Intelligent Robotics

The IFA Innovation Awards recognition marks another step in Pudu Robotics’ expansion from service delivery, commercial cleaning and industrial delivery into embodied intelligent robotics.

PUDU D7 is part of Pudu Robotics’ broader strategy to develop a portfolio of specialized, semi-humanoid and humanoid robots, building on its capabilities in embodied navigation, manipulation and interaction. This approach enables the company to address a broader range of applications across commercial and industrial environments.

Pudu Robotics will continue working with customers and partners worldwide to explore new applications for embodied intelligence and bring increasingly capable robots into real-world environments.

About Pudu Robotics

Pudu Robotics is a global leader in commercial service robotics and the industry’s first company to offer a full portfolio spanning specialized, semi-humanoid, and humanoid robots. According to Frost & Sullivan’s latest market report, Pudu Robotics ranks No. 1 globally in commercial service robotics by both revenue and shipment volume. Built on its One Brain, Multiple Embodiments architecture, Pudu offers robots for service delivery, commercial cleaning, industrial delivery, and general embodied AI applications across hospitality, retail, healthcare, manufacturing, education, public services, and more. To date, Pudu Robotics has shipped over 130,000 robots to customers across 85+ countries and regions.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/pudu-d7-named-honoree-in-ifa-innovation-awards-for-best-in-ifa-next–emerging-technologies-302870806.html

SOURCE Pudu Robotics

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