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World’s first computer-themed playground to open in Helsinki – children learn about technology through play

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HELSINKI, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — What is thought to be the world’s first computer-themed playground will be inaugurated on 1 October 2024 in the Ruoholahti district of Helsinki. The playground is designed by children’s author Linda Liukas together with the landscape architecture office Näkymä Oy. In the new playground, children can get to know the world of computers and programming through play, and without digital devices. Helsinki is investing in the wellbeing of children, and the city was recently recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City.

“It’s exciting to design a playground for children, for whom play often means a computer game instead of a sandbox. The new playground offers something new for this generation. In the digital world, children are users, but in the playground, they are creators. I hope that Ruoholahti Playground will become an attractive place for children of many ages, where they can also learn about technology while playing,” says Linda Liukas, the head designer of the playground. Linda Liukas is known for her Hello Ruby story books, which teach coding to children.

The new bespoke playground equipment includes, for example, a computer tower, keyboard stairs and a sandbox in the shape of a game console controller. In the playground, children can create their own TikTok dances or learn to write their name using binary numbers – without phones. Educational material for visiting groups has been created for the playground that combines colouring pictures, tasks, technology games and audio contents. The material can be downloaded free of charge from the playground’s website. The playground’s unique equipment has been made by award-winning Danish playground equipment manufacturer Monstrum.

Designer Linda Liukas is happy for the new playground. Photo: Leena Karppinen, Helsinki Partners

Wishes of users taken into account in the design of the playground

The new playground has been designed in close collaboration with pedagogical experts. Users of the playground in the neighbourhood, local children, and educators were also consulted.

For the playground’s lighting, special attention was paid to the changing seasons, as Helsinki’s playgrounds are heavily used even in the dark winter and rainy autumn. In Finland, playgrounds are used in all weathers and all year round. The green areas in the new playground include a diversity and pollinator-themed educational planting area with information boards.

Computer-theme suites especially well to Ruoholahti, as it is home to many international ICT companies. Photo: Sakari Röyskö, City of Helsinki

Recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City, Helsinki Celebrates 110 Years of Playgrounds

Helsinki is the first Nordic capital to be recognised by UNICEF as a Child Friendly City. The recognition is awarded to cities whose activities and development work promote the implementation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

“As recently outlined in our new architecture programme, we are committed to recognising the important role of architecture and landscape design in creating good urban life. Fostering child-friendly design is a key part of this work, and the Ruoholahti playground is a great example of what can be done,” says Chief Design Officer Hanna Harris.

The history of playgrounds in Helsinki stretches back 110 years. The decision to locate the new computer-themed playground in Ruoholahti was made because the area is home to many international ICT companies and an old Nokia factory that today functions as a cultural centre. In this way, children get to know the world that surrounds them in a new way.

When selecting the location of future theme playgrounds, the character of the neighbourhood is taken into account along with convenient public transport connections. Helsinki’s playgrounds offer a variety of activities, from family activities in the morning to club activities for school children in the afternoon, as well as free meals offered to everyone under the age of 16 in summertime. Helsinki’s playgrounds are open to everyone, and both locals and visitors, children and adults, are welcome to play there.

More information: 
Leena Karppinen 
Senior Manager, PR & Communications 
Helsinki Partners 
leena.karppinen@helsinkipartners.com 

Linda Liukas

Linda Liukas is an author, illustrator and educator from Helsinki, Finland. With her Hello Ruby children’s picture book series and philosophy, she brings a Nordic playful perspective to the sometimes serious world of computer science. Translated into nearly 40 languages, Hello Ruby books ask: what else is there to technology education than “Learn to code”? If computer code is the Lego block of our time – a tool of creation – how do we teach curiosity, joy, and wonder to our kids? http://lindaliukas.com/

Playgrounds

Helsinki has a city-wide network of around 60 year-round playgrounds that offer a wide range of services to residents of different ages in their local neighbourhoods. Playgrounds that are open to all, free of charge and professionally managed are, to this extent, a uniquely Helsinki phenomenon, the result of 110 years of ambitious development work. Read more: https://www.hel.fi/en/childhood-and-education/playgrounds-and-family-houses

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Quintus Flexform™ Press Enables Sona SPEED to Deliver Flight-Critical Aerospace Components Faster

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Advanced forming technology strengthens precision manufacturing capabilities and reduces lead times for global high-performance industries

VÄSTERÅS, Sweden, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Sona SPEED Pvt. Ltd., a specialist in precision mechatronics manufacturing solutions, is investing in a Quintus Flexform™ fluid cell press to expand its capabilities in producing high-precision prototype and low-volume components for aerospace and other demanding industries. The new press will support the company’s growing role as a supplier of flight-critical components for global customers.

Quintus Technologies’ expertise in high-pressure forming solutions meets the strict standards required for aerospace applications, enabling us to deliver consistent quality, performance, and reliability to customers operating in mission-critical environments.– Sona SPEED General Manager Bart Korff

Reflecting rising demand for lightweight, high-strength structures used in aircraft, satellites, and launch systems, Sona SPEED is strengthening its advanced forming and structural assembly capabilities, according to General Manager Bart Korff.

“We are expanding our metal forming and structural assembly capabilities to support next-generation aircraft, satellite, and launch vehicle programs,” says Mr. Korff. “Quintus Technologies brings proven expertise in high-pressure forming solutions that meet the stringent standards required for aerospace applications. Their technology enables us to deliver consistent quality, performance, and reliability to customers operating in mission-critical environments.”

The investment reflects broader industry trends toward lighter, stronger materials and faster development cycles across aerospace, defense, and high-performance industrial sectors. Advanced forming technologies such as the Flexform process enable manufacturers to reduce tooling complexity, improve structural performance, and accelerate product development timelines.

Sona SPEED selected the Flexform press model QFC 1×3-800, capable of applying up to 800 bar of forming pressure across a 1000 mm × 3000 mm work area. This performance is enabled by Quintus’ proven wire-winding pre-stress technology, which allows consistent pressure distribution across large forming surfaces.

Flexform is a versatile solution for manufacturing complex sheet metal components, particularly in industries where precision, speed, and cost control are essential for maintaining global competitiveness,” explains Peter Henning, Chief Commercial Officer, Quintus Technologies.

Designed for both prototyping and low-volume production, the Flexform process offers significant advantages compared with conventional rubber pad pressing and mechanical stamping. High-pressure forming reduces tooling complexity, eliminates secondary process steps, and improves fabrication productivity. Multiple forming tools can be used in a single operation, enabling faster transitions from design to production. High-cycle systems can produce up to 120 parts per hour, supporting rapid response to customer requirements.

The user-friendly press includes advanced features such as equipment serviceability, remote system control, and a high degree of self-diagnostics. It is also equipped with state-of-the-art high pressure hydraulics and a semi-automatic service system for quick and easy service of the unique Quintus flexible rubber diaphragm.

“This investment completes Sona SPEED’s aerospace offering by enabling us to manufacture high-integrity, near-net-shape components with enhanced mechanical properties. The Quintus press integrates seamlessly into our production line, allowing the delivery of flight-critical parts with reduced lead times and improved material performance – essential for aerospace and space missions,” notes Mr. Korff.

To support long-term operational reliability, Sona SPEED has chosen to participate in the Quintus® Care Program, a customized service solution that ensures operational reliability, maximum performance, controlled annual costs, and long-term partnership.

The program includes forming process and tool design support, access to Quintus Application Centers, prioritized technical assistance, and reliable availability of spare and wear parts. It also provides annual press inspections, operator training, and personnel recertification to maintain high levels of technical competence and production readiness.

“The added value of the high pressure process allows Sona SPEED to meet the quality, volume, and cost demands for sheet metal parts in major industrial sectors across the globe,” comments Johan Hjärne, CEO of Quintus Technologies. “We are pleased to be a strategic partner as they scale operations, invest in advanced manufacturing technologies, and enhance their engineering capabilities.”

The press will be installed in Sona SPEED’s 100,000-square-foot advanced manufacturing facility on the outskirts of Bengaluru (Bangalore), India in mid-December 2026.

About Quintus Technologies

Quintus Technologies is the global leader in high pressure technology. The company designs, manufactures, installs, and supports high pressure systems in four main areas: densification of advanced materials; sheet metal forming; battery processing; and high pressure processing for food and beverage innovation, safety, and shelf life. Quintus has delivered approximately 1900 systems to customers within industries such as energy, medical implants, space, aerospace, automotive, and food processing. The company is headquartered in Västerås, Sweden, with a presence in 45 countries worldwide. For more information, visit Quintus Technologies.

About Sona SPEED

Part of the century-old Sona Group, a premier business group in India, Sona Special Power Electronics & Electric Drives (Sona SPEED) was established in 2003 as an R&D division specializing in cutting-edge mechatronics manufacturing solutions. The company provides a comprehensive range of metal treatment solutions tailored to the specific needs of a worldwide client base across industries like aerospace, defense, heavy equipment, medical wearables, space, marine, industrial, automotive, and more. Sona SPEED’s unwavering commitment to precision and quality in metal treatments is reflected in state-of-the-art facilities and advanced technology that ensure the delivery of products that excel in performance and durability, thus meeting highest standards required for the most sophisticated and mission-critical applications. To know more, go to Sona SPEED.

Media Contact

Peter Henning, Quintus Technologies, 46 736 20 24 49, peter.henning@quintusteam.com, quintustechnologies.com

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Hannover Messe 2026: Zoomlion Debuts Robot Ops, Showcasing Industrial AI and Intelligent Manufacturing Capabilities

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HANNOVER, Germany, April 22, 2026 /CNW/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion” or “the Company”; 1157.HK) has made the global debut of its embodied intelligence operating system, Robot Ops, at Hannover Messe 2026, taking place from April 20 to 24. At the event, Zoomlion is showcasing the robot operating system for industrial applications, along with its industrial AI and intelligent manufacturing (IM) solutions. Through live demonstrations and themed presentations, Zoomlion is highlighting its latest advances in embodied intelligence development platforms and IM practices.

Built for the Software 3.0 era, Robot Ops is a professional embodied intelligence development platform centered on the engineering concept of “Data, Software, and Agents.” It integrates DevOps, DataOps, and AgentOps into a full-stack, engineering-grade solution, enabling coordinated development across software, data, and intelligent agents.

The platform comprises four modules: basic tools, imitation learning, reinforcement learning, and task orchestration, enabling full-lifecycle management from data collection and model training to simulation verification, application development, and deployment maintenance. Designed to be ready to use with a low barrier to adoption, Robot Ops improves closed‑loop iteration efficiency by over 50%.

It directly addresses four key industry challenges: high technical barriers, scenario migration difficulty, data bottlenecks, and lack of lifecycle management. By providing a standardized, replicable engineering path for large‑scale deployment, Robot Ops can be widely adapted to humanoid robots, industrial robots, construction machinery, and autonomous driving. As one platform empowering multiple industries, it supports a more scalable and standardized approach to embodied intelligence development.

At Hannover Messe 2026, Zoomlion is presenting live demonstrations under the unified scheduling of Robot Ops, in which a wheeled humanoid robot and a logistics mobile robot collaborate on a logistics-sorting scenario, while the first-generation mass-produced humanoid robot Z1 performs a dance routine and dynamic motion-control demonstration. The multi-robot collaborative demonstration shows how Robot Ops connects algorithms, task orchestration, and on-site execution.

Zoomlion is also presenting its Industry 5.0 IM solutions, including insights into Zoomlion Smart Industrial City. The showcase highlights how digital technologies such as intelligent scheduling, industrial AI, digital twins, and end-to-end intelligent logistics are integrated into manufacturing processes.

Zoomlion is exhibiting at Booth D76 in Hall 15 and Booth D70 in Hall 11, the China Pavilion. The Company is also co-exhibiting with Amazon Web Services (AWS) and participating in the China Pavilion’s “Invest in China” launch ceremony.

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SOURCE Zoomlion

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Realm Raises $4.5M to Bring the ‘Cursor Moment’ to Enterprise Sales

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HELSINKI, April 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Realm has raised a $4.5 million Seed round to speed up enterprise sales cycles. Its platform gives AI the structured context needed to automate deal-defining materials like RFP responses. The round was led by Frontline Ventures, with participation from HubSpot Ventures, Slack Co-founder Cal Henderson and Deel Co-founder Alex Bouaziz.

Realm CEO Mikko Mäntylä believes revenue work is next to undergo the agentic revolution that has already transformed software development.

“Tools like Cursor and Claude Code have fundamentally changed programming. Developers now manage fleets of agents, often running five to ten simultaneous tasks in different terminal windows,” Mäntylä says. “The best revenue teams are starting to replicate this approach, offloading RFP responses, security questionnaires, and other customer-facing materials to AI.”

However, the shift is still held back by a fundamental constraint. Unlike in software development, where the codebase provides structured context for AI, revenue teams work with fragmented systems and unstructured data. Critical information, such as why a deal was won, has to be pieced together from subtle, scattered signals.

Realm solves this by turning raw information into a structured representation of a company’s market, products, pipeline, and strategies. This purpose-built context graph mirrors how human sellers are onboarded and gives agents the foundation they need to contribute effectively.

“Our customers use Realm to draft their most important deliverables, from multi-million dollar bids to business cases that will make or break months of work,” Mäntylä says. “Typically, 70-80% of Realm’s work is approved as-is. Any edits feedback into Realm’s context, creating a compounding record that everyone in the organisation benefits from.”

That institutional memory extends beyond Realm’s own application. The platform integrates with Slack, CRMs, and AI assistants like Claude and ChatGPT, allowing teams to leverage Realm’s context and agents wherever they already work.

“The GTM stack has been built to record and report on what has already happened,” says George Radford from Frontline Ventures. “The emerging paradigm is tools that actually do the work, and Realm is building at the forefront of this shift. The team’s exceptional execution velocity and the rate at which customers are expanding usage convinced us Realm is the right team to back.”

The company will use the fresh funding to triple its team by the end of the year and accelerate its entry into the US.

About Realm

Realm builds a structured understanding of a company’s go-to-market and turns it into execution. As a result, work like RFPs, security reviews, and deal coordination happens in the background, not at the expense of time with buyers. Founded in 2023 by former Slush leaders Mikko Mäntylä and Miika Huttunen alongside Johan Jern, Realm is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Realm’s customers include Visma, Aiven, and Hostaway. Learn more: https://www.withrealm.com/ 

About Frontline Ventures

Frontline Ventures backs the most ambitious tech companies across the US and Europe, and positions them to win the transatlantic market. Frontline Seed backs European Seed startups when early US traction is critical to hyperscale. Frontline Growth backs US scaleups at Series B-D when European revenues are essential to IPO-readiness. Frontline Ventures’ portfolio includes companies like Navan, Lattice, and Vanta. Learn more: https://frontline.vc/ 

About HubSpot Ventures

HubSpot Ventures partners with ambitious entrepreneurs who are redefining how businesses grow and operate. The fund backs early- and growth-stage software companies building products that deliver unique value to HubSpot’s customer base, with a mission to help millions of organizations grow better. HubSpot Ventures’ portfolio includes companies like Clay, ElevenLabs, and Lovable. Learn more: https://www.hubspot.com/ventures

Media Contact
Mikko Mäntylä
CEO & Co-founder
mikko@withrealm.com 

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