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Keys Inc. Launches AI-Powered Nationwide Key Distribution Network for Locksmiths

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3 months ago

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Keys Inc. connects locksmiths directly with participating key distributors – helping identify the correct key, compare nearby supply, order instantly and acquire inventory faster

TUCSON, Ariz., Aug. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Keys Inc., the AI-powered operating system and marketplace serving the U.S. locksmith and roadside service industry, today announced the continued expansion of its Keys Distribution Network, a nationwide sourcing and commerce infrastructure designed to connect locksmiths directly with automotive key distributors through Keys.App.

The system is currently being implemented and represents a major expansion of the Keys ecosystem.

Rather than simply showing locksmiths where a product may be available, Keys® is being built to support the entire procurement event.

Identify the job.
Identify the correct key, fob, lock or hardware.
Let Keys AI match the exact product.
Find the nearest available distributors.
Compare price, availability and speed.
Order directly through Keys®
Ship it or pick it up locally.
Acquire it fast. Complete the job.

Keys Inc. is also implementing local pickup functionality, giving participating distributors the ability to make eligible inventory available for pickup when proximity and availability make that the fastest option.

“The goal is not to tell the locksmith where a key might be and then send them somewhere else to figure it out,” said Loay Jamal Alyousfi, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Keys Inc. “We want the locksmith to find the correct key, see who has it, choose the best source and order it directly through Keys.App -One connected transaction.”

AI Identifies the Key the Locksmith Needs

Automotive key sourcing is highly vehicle-specific.

The correct key or fob can depend on vehicle year, make, model, VIN information, FCC ID, frequency, transponder type, blade configuration, programming requirements and other compatibility factors.

Choosing the wrong product can mean wasted time, returns and – most importantly – a lost customer.

Keys Inc. is applying AI to reduce that uncertainty.

A locksmith can begin with the vehicle information, and Keys technology can help identify the appropriate key or fob before matching that product against participating distributor inventory.

The system is designed to surface both OEM and aftermarket options where applicable.

“There should not be a guessing game,” Alyousfi said. “If our technology has the vehicle information, our AI will help identify the key the locksmith needs and connect that exact demand with distributors that can fulfill it.”

From Search to Purchase in a Click

The Keys Distribution Network is being developed as an integrated shopping experience inside Keys.App.

Locksmiths will be able to shop participating distributors without leaving the platform.

Instead of opening multiple distributor websites, calling suppliers or manually searching catalogs one by one, the locksmith can move from identifying the product to ordering it through the Keys ecosystem.

The experience is designed around speed:

AI-assisted key and fob identificationVehicle-specific compatibility matchingOEM and aftermarket optionsParticipating distributor inventoryNearby distributor discoveryPrice comparisonProduct availabilityDirect ordering through Keys.AppFast fulfillment optionsLocal pickup as the feature rolls out

“We’re building toward a future where a locksmith doesn’t have to think about where the key is coming from – they simply need to know that Keys can help get them to the right product, from the right source, at the right moment,” Alyousfi said. “The opportunity is bigger than ecommerce. It is about turning a fragmented industry into connected infrastructure.”

The Nearest Available Distributor

Location is one of the most important elements of the network.

A locksmith may routinely purchase inventory from a distributor hundreds or thousands of miles away without realizing another qualified distributor has the same product nearby.

In some cases, the needed inventory could already be available within the locksmith’s own city.

Keys Inc. intends to make that supply visible.

The platform is being designed to match the requested product with participating distributors based on factors including availability, location, price and fulfillment speed.

“Locksmiths may be surprised to discover that the key they need is sitting at a distributor five or ten miles away,” Alyousfi said. “That distributor may have always been there. What was missing was the technology connecting the locksmith to that inventory.”

Pickup Could Turn Days Into Minutes

Keys Inc. is also implementing a pickup feature within the Distribution Network.

Where supported by a participating distributor, a locksmith could identify the correct key, purchase it through Keys.App and select local pickup instead of waiting for shipment.

That capability becomes particularly important in automotive locksmithing, where the end customer may already be waiting for service.

A locksmith who can acquire a key locally may be able to preserve a job that otherwise would have been delayed or lost.

“When somebody is standing beside a vehicle and needs a key, two-day shipping may not solve the problem,” Alyousfi said. “If that product is available across town, the locksmith should know that. And if they can purchase it immediately and go pick it up, that changes the entire service event.”

Price Watch Meets Availability

Keys Inc. is also incorporating price-watch and comparison capabilities into the Distribution Network.

But the company believes price cannot be considered in isolation.

The least expensive product may not be the most valuable option if shipping delays cause the locksmith to lose the service call.

The platform is therefore being designed to give professionals visibility into the combination of:

Price. Availability. Distance. Speed.

A locksmith could compare an inexpensive product shipping from another state with a slightly different option available for immediate pickup nearby.

That gives the professional the information necessary to make the decision that makes sense for that particular customer and job.

“Sometimes the best price wins. Sometimes the fastest option wins,” Alyousfi said. “Keys should give the locksmith enough intelligence to make that decision instantly.”

Built From What Keys Learned Inside the Industry

Keys Inc. has previously worked with a major automotive key manufacturer and has learned firsthand how key manufacturers and distributors manage inventory availability.

One important lesson was that even major companies sometimes rely on one another when specific keys become difficult to source.

If one organization is running low on a particular product, inventory may be sourced through another participant in the industry.

That experience reinforced Keys Inc.’s belief that automotive key distribution is already a network—it simply lacks a unified technology layer connecting that network to locksmith demand.

“Something I learned from working around major manufacturers is that even they source from each other when inventory gets tight,” Alyousfi said. “That tells you something important. The industry is already interconnected. Keys is building the infrastructure to make those connections faster, smarter and accessible to the locksmith who actually needs the product.”

Not Another Key Warehouse

Keys Inc. does not intend for the Keys Distribution Network to operate as a single centralized warehouse competing against established distributors.

Its strategy is to work with them.

Participating distributors can make their products available through Keys.App and gain another direct channel into professional locksmith demand.

“We want to partner with the best distributors in this industry,” Alyousfi said. “They already have the inventory, expertise and relationships. Keys brings the technology, the locksmith network and the ability to connect demand with the right supply.”

The model is designed to allow inventory to remain distributed while making access to that inventory more intelligent.

The product does not have to be sitting in a Keys warehouse.

It needs to be sitting somewhere the locksmith can get it.

Keys technology is designed to find where that is.

Dedicated Distributor Portal

Keys Inc. has already developed a dedicated distributor login and portal for companies participating in the network.

Participating distributors will be able to connect with the Keys ecosystem and make products available to locksmiths using Keys.App.

Keys Inc. is actively working behind the scenes with industry participants and preparing to present the expanded network to additional leading automotive key manufacturers and distributors across the country.

Distributor Portal:
https://keys.app/LogIn?role=distributor

Distributor and Manufacturer Partnership Inquiries:
admin@keys.app

Connecting the Entire Transaction

The long-term power of the Keys Distribution Network comes from its connection to the larger Keys infrastructure.

A customer requests service.

A locksmith receives the opportunity.

The vehicle is identified.

Keys AI identifies the appropriate key.

Available distributors are matched.

Prices and proximity can be compared.

The locksmith orders the product.

The product can be shipped—or, where available, prepared for local pickup.

The locksmith acquires the key.

The service is completed.

Customer → Locksmith → Vehicle → AI → Key → Distributor → Order → Fulfillment.

All within one connected ecosystem.

“This is what excites me most,” Alyousfi said. “We’re connecting demand, intelligence, inventory and fulfillment in a way this industry has never had before. When the locksmith, the product and the distributor can move through one intelligent network, you are no longer just building an app – you are building infrastructure for how the industry operates.”

Keys® Positioned at the Center of the Locksmith Ecosystem

Keys Inc. has spent years building technology around professional locksmith operations.

The Keys Distribution Network adds another critical component: supply.

Customers create demand.

Locksmiths provide the service.

Manufacturers produce the products.

Distributors make those products available.

Keys.App can connect the transaction between them.

“We have spent years putting these pieces together, and it is amazing to see the power of what is now being built,” Alyousfi said. “The locksmith, the correct key, the distributor and the customer can all become part of the same transaction. I believe Keys Inc. and Keys.App are positioned for greatness.”

Join the Keys Distribution Network

Keys Inc. is inviting established automotive key distributors and manufacturers to participate in the expanding Keys Distribution Network.

Distributor Portal:
https://keys.app/LogIn?role=distributor

Distributor & Manufacturer Inquiries:
admin@keys.app

Keys.App

About Keys Inc.

Keys Inc. is an AI-powered operating system, marketplace and technology platform serving the U.S. locksmith and roadside service industry.

Keys.App connects consumers, businesses and automotive organizations with a nationwide network of vetted locksmith professionals while providing locksmiths with technology for dispatching, service management, invoicing, payments, inventory, customer communication, procurement and business growth.

Keys Inc. supports more than 1,000 locksmith professionals across all 50 states and has received consecutive ALOA Best New Product Awards in 2022 and 2023.

Through the Keys Distribution Network, Keys Inc. is expanding its infrastructure to connect locksmith professionals directly with the distributors, products and manufacturers required to complete their work.

Learn more at Keys.App.

Media Contact

Keys Inc. Media Relations
press@keys.app
Keys.App

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SOURCE Keys Inc.

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Sanya hosts side event of the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance

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24 minutes ago

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November 11, 2026

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Report on Southeast Asian Youth Perceptions of Maritime Issues released

BEIJING, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A side event of the 7th Symposium on Global Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance was held at China Media Group (CMG) Sanya Studio on November 8. More than 10 Chinese and international participants discussed how to put into practice the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement), and how to communicate ideas about ocean conservation to audiences worldwide.

Experts at the event described the BBNJ Agreement, which entered into force in January this year, as a landmark victory for multilateralism in global ocean governance. They said it charts a course for all parties to work together to protect marine biodiversity.

Jiao Nianzhi, an academician of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, described marine biodiversity as a toolbox for humanity, saying that protecting it means safeguarding humanity’s future. Aileen Tan, chairperson of the Sub-Commission for the Western Pacific of UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission, said the BBNJ Agreement gives the ocean “breathing space” and stressed the need for scientists from different countries to work together on ocean conservation. She cited Malaysia-China cooperation in marine scientific research as a good example and expressed hope that China would play a greater leadership role. Ronán Long, director of the WMU-Sasakawa Global Ocean Institute at the World Maritime University in Sweden, said China’s strong data capabilities could help accelerate the implementation of the Agreement’s provisions on sharing non-monetary benefits arising from marine genetic resources.

Participants also highlighted China’s efforts and achievements in promoting maritime cooperation and advancing marine ecological restoration, among other areas. The side event was jointly hosted by CMG’s Chinese Language Programming Center, the Huayang Center for Maritime Cooperation and Ocean Governance, the National Institute for South China Sea Studies and other organizations.

During the symposium, CMG’s Chinese Language Programming Center and CMG Institute jointly released the Report on Southeast Asian Youth Perceptions of Maritime Issues. The report presents the concerns and expectations of young people in Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand, regarding ocean-related issues.

The report finds that Southeast Asian youth have a positive outlook on maritime cooperation with China. Nearly 80 percent of respondents are willing to take part in China-ASEAN youth exchanges on ocean-related issues. The report also notes that Southeast Asian youth are concerned about broader issues of ocean governance and look to China to shoulder greater responsibilities and play a larger role in global ocean governance.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sanya-hosts-side-event-of-the-7th-symposium-on-global-maritime-cooperation-and-ocean-governance-302935814.html

SOURCE China Media Group (CMG)

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Why Brisbane Airport selected LG for its landmark digital infrastructure upgrade

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24 minutes ago

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November 11, 2026

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Australia’s third-largest airport now runs passenger information across 950 LG displays monitored centrally via LG SuperSign CMS

News summary

Brisbane Airport manages approximately 950 LG commercial displays from a single platform LG SuperSign CMS deployed on-premise to meet strict security and operational controls for critical infrastructureLG SuperSign CMS offers leadership, operations and ICT team remote visibility and control of entire display fleetLG’s embedded System-on-Chip allows real-time flight information (FIDS), gate information, wayfinding and operational messaging to be directly pushed to display screens without external media playersBrisbane Airport’s transition to LG’s SuperSign CMS has driven down operational costs significantlyDeployed in partnership with Australian integrator Programmed, this digital overhaul forms a key part of Brisbane Airport’s ongoing $5 billion Future BNE transformation

SYDNEY, Nov. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LG Electronics (LG) has partnered with Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), replacing a previously fragmented digital signage system with a modern network of approximately 950 LG commercial displays centrally managed by LG SuperSign CMS. Covering the domestic and international terminals, baggage handling areas, and car parks, these LG screens deliver real-time flight information displays (FIDS), gate information, passenger wayfinding, and operational communications reliably across a 24/7 environment.

As Australia’s third largest airport preparing for a forecast surge in passenger numbers ahead of the major event in 2032, Brisbane Airport needed to replace an increasingly unreliable, ageing network with a simplified, scalable solution that its lean ICT team could operate day-to-day.

“The reliability of the displays is essential. Without them working, people are lost — quite literally,” says Michael Kerr, Integrated Operations Manager at BAC.

To address these critical demands, LG worked alongside local integrator Programmed to deploy a centralised digital signage network driven by LG SuperSign CMS. The platform provides ICT and operations teams with comprehensive visibility across the entire display fleet remotely, replacing an otherwise manual process of physical, daily check-ups.

“LG SuperSign has been a game changer for my team. We just don’t have the arms and legs to go around and check those 950 screens on a daily basis. The monitoring capabilities really give us that eyes-on view of what’s across our infrastructure,” says Anthony Tully-Smith, ICT Applications Manager at BAC.

One system, diverse displays

BAC’s new estate involves a range of LG display solutions tailored to specific passenger zones. This includes:

43- and 49-inch LG commercial panelsLG Ultra Stretch displays in totemsLG 49XE-series high-brightness outdoor displays110-inch LG UM5K indoor screensA 136-inch LG LAPA-series All-in-One LED in international arrivals

With LG’s embedded System-on-Chip (SoC) platform and internal web page player, real-time flight information and content now play directly on the screens. This removes the need for external media players, simplifying the network architecture.

“We’ve taken what was a fragmented digital signage system, not very visible to management, now to an integrated modern solution with centralised management and health visibility,” says Graham Wands, Business Development Manager at Programmed. “LG SuperSign enables us to take a proactive stance and make sure that the FIDS and other signage are highly available and always visible to passengers.”

Built for critical infrastructure

As a privately owned critical infrastructure operator, BAC needed full control of its content. LG SuperSign CMS is deployed on-premise to meet the airport’s security and operational-control requirements. LG’s device hardening helps reduce the risk of unauthorised content, such as USB sideloading.

The project also supports the airport’s ESG goals; LG UH series screens carry Carbon Trust footprint-reduction certification, LG offers a free e-waste program, and power consumption can be monitored and optimised from LG SuperSign CMS.

“At an airport, a screen is only as useful as the information on it, and how quickly someone knows when it stops working. Brisbane Airport shows what happens when displays and management software are planned together as operational infrastructure, with a local integrator who knows the site. We’re grateful to Brisbane Airport and Programmed for the partnership, and we look forward to supporting the airport as it grows,” says Chris Wilson, Sales General Manager – Information Display at LG Electronics Australia.

Looking ahead

BAC sees LG as a long-term partner as it progresses its $5 billion Future BNE transformation, paving the way for the expansion of Terminal 3 and more LED and messaging capabilities ahead of the 2032 games. By transitioning from a fragmented legacy setup, BAC has unlocked a foundation built for long-term operational efficiency.

“For me, managing an ageing infrastructure before we moved to the new LG digital displays was costing us quite a lot from a maintenance and an ongoing perspective,” says Tully-Smith, “The move to the new LG SuperSign, but also the new LG screens, has driven down my operational cost significantly across the airport.”

This newfound efficiency has helped BAC focus on what’s most critical – passenger experience.

“It’s important for us to have a partner like LG. The innovation and the fresh thought that team brings has really helped me accelerate the digital experience across all of our terminals,” says Tully-Smith.

Read the full case study: LG Displays and SuperSign CMS power Brisbane Airport’s digital transformation

LG SuperSign CMS is purchased separately.

About LG Electronics
LG Electronics is focused on developing new innovations across information displays. We are committed to providing commercial electronic products that help businesses perform better. We offer a wide range of products, including information displays, digital signage for advertising, commercial system air conditioners, VRF systems and tailored solutions for different vertical markets.

About Brisbane Airport Corporation
Brisbane Airport Corporation (BAC), the operator of Brisbane Airport (BNE), is a private, unlisted Queensland company that proudly takes on the challenge of connecting Australia to the world. BAC’s passion and perseverance have cemented BNE as Queensland’s most important gateway, a leading hub for Australia, and an award-winning source of pride for its communities.

About Programmed
Programmed is a leading provider of Facility Management, Maintenance, and Staffing solutions across Australia and New Zealand. Programmed employs over 32,000 people every year across a broad range of industries and partners with more than 10,000 customers, small and large.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/why-brisbane-airport-selected-lg-for-its-landmark-digital-infrastructure-upgrade-302935816.html

SOURCE LG Electronics

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Advantech Powers High-Density Edge Infrastructure with the Intel Atom P6900 Processor-Based SOM-5994 Module

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24 minutes ago

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November 11, 2026

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TAIPEI, Nov. 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Advantech, a global leader in embedded computing and edge AI solutions, has announced the launch of the SOM-5994, a COM Express Basic Type 7 module powered by Intel Atom P6900 processors. Designed for compute-intensive edge networking, 5G infrastructure, and next-generation telecommunication applications, the SOM-5994 delivers high-core-density processing, advanced networking connectivity, and flexible expansion capabilities in a standardized COM Express form factor. The module supports up to 24 server class efficient- cores, PCIe Gen4 expansion, DDR5 SODIMM memory, and integrated Intel Ethernet technology supporting 10GBASE-KR connectivity. An extended operating temperature range of -40°C to 85°C is available as an option for industrial deployments. Combined with Advantech’s Computer On Module (COM) Design-In Services—which include carrier board design support, BIOS customization, thermal design guidance, system validation, and lifecycle management—the SOM-5994 enables OEMs and system integrators to accelerate product development, reduce engineering complexity, and shorten time-to-market. Optimized for packet-processing and data-intensive networking workloads, it provides a scalable foundation for next-generation network edge appliances.

Optimized for High-Performance Networking Workloads

Powered by Intel Atom P6900 processors specifically designed for networking and telecommunications applications, the SOM-5994 combines high core density, advanced I/O connectivity, and flexible scalability within a compact COM Express Basic Type 7 module.

When compared to the Intel Xeon D-1700 processor family, the SOM-5994 with Intel Atom P6900 processors delivers higher overall performance. Offerings range from efficient 8-core to 24-core SoCs with thermal design power (TDP) spanning 50W to 86W, enabling system designers to balance compute density, power consumption, and thermal budgets to meet specific application requirements.

The module supports up to 128GB of DDR5-5600 memory and provides up to 16 PCIe Gen4 lanes and 16 PCIe Gen3/Gen2 lanes, delivering the bandwidth required for virtualization, packet inspection, software-defined networking (SDN), network security, and other data-intensive networking workloads. For networking connectivity, the SOM-5994 integrates four 10GBASE-KR Ethernet interfaces for backplane applications alongside an integrated Ethernet controller supporting up to 2.5GbE, enabling flexible deployment across a wide range of networking architectures.

Comprehensive Software and Design-In Support

Beyond hardware performance, the SOM-5994 is backed by Advantech’s comprehensive Embedded Solutions and Design-In Services, helping customers accelerate product development and reduce engineering risks. These services include carrier board design support, BIOS customization, thermal solution consultation, Linux development resources, system validation, and long-term lifecycle management. Together, they enable OEMs to streamline development while ensuring platform reliability across the entire operating lifespan.

The module also supports Advantech SUSI APIs, Yocto project integration, and customizable BIOS features, providing developers with a flexible software framework for hardware monitoring, system management, and Linux deployment. Furthermore, when paired with the optional SOM-RM10 BMC carrier card, the platform enables robust out-of-band (OOB) management—delivering secure real-time monitoring, remote debugging, and automated system recovery.

Accelerating Next-Generation Edge Networking Deployment

As edge computing, AI services, and industrial networking demand higher throughput, lower latency, and greater power efficiency, OEMs face mounting pressure to innovate under tight schedules and budgets. Powered by Intel Atom P6900 Series processors, the SOM-5994 COM Express Basic Type 7 module offers a modular, ready-to-integrate solution. By leveraging existing carrier board designs across multiple product generations, customers can drastically cut NRE costs, streamline validation, and lower design risks. Supported by Advantech’s global ecosystem and design-in services, the SOM-5994 delivers a scalable foundation that empowers OEMs to bring robust networking and edge infrastructure solutions to market faster.

Key Features

Intel Atom P6900 ProcessorsCOM Express R3.1 Basic Module Type 7 pinout8~24 Efficient-cores, with Max. TDP 86WDual-Channel DDR5-5600MT/s up to 128GB SODIMMHigh speed Intel Ethernet (4 x 10GBASE-KR interfaces, one 2.5GbE)Multiple Expansions (16x PCIe Gen4, 16x PCIe Gen3/2, 4x USB3.0, SATA3)Supports Yocto, Embedded BIOS, SUSI API and DeviceOn

The Advantech SOM-5994 will be available in Q2, 2027. For more information regarding SOM-5994 or other Advantech products and services, please contact Advantech’s sales support team or visit our website at https://www2.advantech.com/embedded-boards-design-in-services/com/

About Embedded Solutions & Design-in Service

Advantech Embedded Solutions & Design-in Service offers a one-stop service model for the integration of embedded boards, systems, software, displays, and peripherals. This model uses customer-centric design-in services to accelerate AI and IoT deployment. Solution providers expect to reduce the time and resources required for system integration by collaborating with reliable professional embedded partners. We offer the latest embedded technology and value-added software that customers can leverage to integrate their end application software. Our comprehensive range of peripherals free customers from worrying about compatibility and longevity issues. Advantech Embedded Design-in Services provide a value-added service that eliminates complex integration difficulties.
https://www.advantech.com/en-us/solutions/embedded-modules-and-design-in-services 

About Advantech

Advantech’s corporate vision is to enable an intelligent planet. The company is a global leader in the fields of IoT intelligent systems and embedded platforms. To embrace the trends of IoT, big data, and artificial intelligence, Advantech promotes IoT hardware and software solutions with the Edge Intelligence WISE-PaaS core to assist business partners and clients in connecting their industrial chains. Advantech is also working with business partners to co-create business ecosystems that accelerate the goal of industrial intelligence. (www.advantech.com)

©Intel, the Intel logo and other Intel marks are trademarks of Intel Corporation or its subsidiaries. 

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SOURCE Advantech

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