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Beep & Atlanta Beltline Partner to Launch ATL Spoke: The City’s First Autonomous Transit

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ATL Spoke delivers safe, connected mobility in Southwest Atlanta

ATLANTA, June 10, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Beep, Inc., a U.S. leader in autonomous mobility solutions, today announced that ATL Spoke, a new autonomous transit pilot deployed in partnership with Atlanta Beltline, is now in service and open to the public. The ATL Spoke represents the first autonomous public transit in the City of Atlanta.

“As we seek to create an integrated and connected transportation network, ATL Spoke showcases the way innovative thinking can solve for the first-mile, last-mile connectivity challenges when we work with partners like MARTA, the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority, and Beep,” said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline. “This project is piloting the future of neighborhood mobility in a way that improves access to transit and opportunity.”

Beep has partnered with Karsan, a leading automotive manufacturer, and ADASTEC, a leading U.S.-based provider of SAE Level 4 automation solutions for buses and commercial vehicles, to deliver a fully integrated autonomous transit service.

The ATL Spoke is powered by AutonomOS™, Beep’s AV-agnostic supervision and management platform, enabling operators and agencies to deliver transit-integrated autonomous mobility services at scale, providing for vehicle and cabin supervision, fleet orchestration, and integrated workflow management through Beep’s operations control center.

“Atlanta is a forward-thinking city and an ideal place to demonstrate the potential impact of automated systems as additional tools cities and transit planners can use to address connectivity and access to traditional modes,” said Clayton Tino, President and COO of Beep. “Individual AVs can safely drive themselves, but there is still a need for coordinated operation and supervision. Our AutonomOS™ platform fills this gap by enabling operators to manage automated transit networks through a single pane of glass, incorporating AVs into existing modes in complex service areas.”

The ATL Spoke service utilizes four Karsan Autonomous e-JEST vehicles, a fully certified production vehicle platform with a 60-year OEM heritage. The e-JEST meets all federal motor vehicle safety standards and accessibility requirements, has successfully completed federal bus testing, and is backed by OEM warranty and series-production capabilities. Globally, over 10,000 units of the base vehicle have already been produced, including more than 1,000 electric versions operating across Europe, North America, and Japan—making it Europe’s leading electric minibus. This proven foundation enables the Autonomous e-JEST, automated by ADASTEC, to deliver real-world reliability, safety, and serviceability at scale.

“At Karsan, we believe the future of mobility is electric, autonomous, and intelligent. Together with Beep and ADASTEC, we are proud to bring a fully integrated autonomous transit solution to the Atlanta Beltline community. I congratulate Atlanta Beltline for its visionary approach and commitment to innovation, which have made this shared vision of sustainable autonomous transportation a reality,” said Karsan CEO Okan Bas.

The 12-month pilot—funded by the Georgia Transportation Efficiency Authority—will evaluate how autonomous transit can support flexible, cost-effective neighborhood circulation while complementing existing MARTA service.

The Karsan Autonomous e-JEST, equipped with ADASTEC’s SAE Level 4 automated driving software platform, represents the next step in intelligent mobility by combining transit-grade vehicles with advanced autonomous driving capabilities to deliver safe, efficient public transportation.

ADASTEC’s SAE Level 4 automated driving software platform, flowride.ai, together with its advanced sensor suite technology, has been proven in commercial deployments worldwide on open public roads. This technology stack delivers complete automated driving capabilities in mixed traffic, designed for fully automated operation without onboard human intervention. The system is designed to handle diverse driving conditions and maintain reliable operation under adverse weather conditions.

“ATL Spoke represents an important milestone in demonstrating how SAE Level 4 automated bus technology can move from individual deployments to coordinated fleet operations in a real public transportation network. With four Autonomous e-JEST vehicles operating in the same deployment, the project highlights the scalability of automated transit in a complex urban environment. By integrating ADASTEC’s flowride.ai platform with Beep’s operational expertise and Karsan’s proven e-JEST vehicle platform, we are delivering safe, efficient, and accessible automated transit at scale,” said Dr. Ali Peker, CEO of ADASTEC.

About Beep, Inc.
Beep, Inc. delivers the next generation of autonomous mobility networks through its AutonomOS™ mobility operating system and mobility-as-a-service offerings. Specializing in planning, deploying, and managing autonomous transportation systems, Beep connects people, places, goods, and services with solutions designed to improve safety, reduce congestion, and expand access to mobility. Leveraging artificial intelligence and real-world operational experience, Beep’s U.S.-domiciled, human-in-the-loop platform enables scalable and reliable autonomous transit deployments across public and private communities.

Media Contact
Alex Poirot
alex.poirot@ridebeep.com 

About ADASTEC Corp.‍
Established in 2018, ADASTEC Corp. is a leading US-based provider of Level-4 automation solutions for full-size buses and commercial vehicles. Our flagship product, the SAE Level-4 automated driving software platform, flowride.ai, sets the standard in full-size bus automation and has achieved key regulatory approvals, distinguishing ADASTEC as an industry pioneer. With a commitment to quality and innovation, ADASTEC holds prestigious ISO certifications and is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan, with a global presence in The Netherlands, Germany, Sweden and Türkiye. ADASTEC is dedicated to transforming public transportation into a more sustainable and efficient system with a proven track record of international deployments and strong industry partnerships. For more information, please visit www.adastec.com

Media Contact
Yasemin Us
yasemin@adastec.com 

About Karsan
Karsan has been an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) for the world’s leading commercial vehicle brands since 1981. As the only independent multi-brand vehicle manufacturer in the Turkish automotive industry, Karsan manages the entire automotive value chain and develops innovative, sustainable and intelligent transportation solutions in line with its vision of being one step ahead in the future of mobility. Today, Karsan continues to expand its global footprint across passenger transportation markets through strong partnerships and advanced mobility technologies.

Media Contact
Güliz Şengör
guliz.sengor@karsan.com.tr

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SOURCE Beep, Inc.

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China Southern Power Grid: Powering Asia-Pacific Prosperity Through Energy Cooperation

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SHENZHEN, China, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The following is a news report from Xinhuanet:

The Asia-Pacific Media Forum opened in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, on September 5 under the theme “Building a Path to Shared Prosperity for the Asia-Pacific Community: Media Consensus and Action.” Qian Chaoyang, Chairman and Party Secretary of China Southern Power Grid Co., Ltd. (CSG), attended the forum and delivered remarks.

The Asia-Pacific region is a major engine of global economic growth, and clean, low-carbon, secure and efficient energy is essential to keeping that engine running smoothly. The region accounts for a significant share of global energy consumption. Its countries vary widely in their energy resources but have strong potential to complement one another, creating substantial opportunities for greater regional energy connectivity. CSG has consistently supported efforts to build an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future and has worked to become an important force in advancing energy connectivity across the region.

CSG highlighted progress in six areas across the Greater Bay Area: power supply, grid reliability, clean-energy integration, transmission technology, artificial intelligence and regional cooperation. Total electricity consumption across the Greater Bay Area exceeded 700 TWh, ranking ahead of the world’s other major bay areas; a stronger power grid, with average annual outage time per customer of less than 30 minutes and power supply reliability maintained at a world-class level; cleaner power, with approximately 180 billion kWh of clean electricity transmitted to the Greater Bay Area annually through the West-to-East Electricity Transmission project, installed renewable energy capacity exceeding 93 GW, and clean energy accounting for more than half of total installed capacity; more active innovation, with world-leading expertise in areas including complex large-scale power grid operations and flexible ultra-high-voltage direct-current (UHVDC) transmission; a smarter power system, with CSG’s proprietary power-sector foundation model, “Big Watt • Yudian,” receiving the top award at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference; and more open collaboration, with CSG launching and regularly convening the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Power Enterprise Summit and establishing the Greater Bay Area Power Development Cooperation Organization to advance open, mutually beneficial regional power cooperation.   

CSG is also contributing to the development of an Asia-Pacific community with a shared future by sharing its experience in building, operating and governing the “electricity-powered Greater Bay Area,” as well as its experience in regional cooperation. The company has built 17 high-voltage power transmission links with Vietnam, Laos and Myanmar and is exploring the development of a regional electricity market in the Lancang-Mekong region. More than 84 TWh of electricity has already been exchanged across national borders, with clean energy accounting for more than 90% of the total.

Pluz Energía Perú, operated by CSG, ranks first in its local market for power supply reliability, while power outages in three demonstration zones established in partnership with Laos have declined by 70%. CSG has also hosted the Global South Power Partnership Development Forum and signed more than 50 partnership agreements. The company has trained nearly 2,000 energy professionals from partner countries and implemented a number of small-scale, high-impact community projects, including the Vinh Tan Light initiative in Vietnam and the Dok Champa project in Laos.

Looking ahead, CSG said it plans to work with regional partners to capitalize on complementary energy resources and expand cross-border energy cooperation across the Asia-Pacific.

The forum brought together more than 400 representatives from over 40 countries and regions, as well as United Nations agencies and international organizations.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/china-southern-power-grid-powering-asia-pacific-prosperity-through-energy-cooperation-302871476.html

SOURCE Xinhuanet

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Frost & Sullivan Appoints Janesh Janardhanan as Global Partner and Head of Subscriptions

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Janardhanan to lead the strategic direction, commercial growth and global expansion of Frost & Sullivan’s analytics, subscription and Growth Generator platforms

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 7, 2026 /CNW/ — Frost & Sullivan, the global analytics and growth advisory firm, today announced the appointment of Janesh Janardhanan as Global Partner and Head of its Subscriptions business. In this role, Janardhanan assumes P&L leadership of the company’s global subscription portfolio, encompassing its analytics business, its subscriptions platform, and its Growth Generator data platform.

The appointment reflects Frost & Sullivan’s continued investment in its recurring-revenue subscription offerings, which provide clients worldwide with continuous access to intelligence, growth opportunity analytics, and decision-support tools. Janardhanan will be responsible for driving the strategic direction, commercial performance, and global expansion of these platforms.

“I am honored to take on the leadership of Frost & Sullivan’s Subscriptions business at such a pivotal moment,” said Janesh Janardhanan, Global Partner and Head of Subscriptions, Frost & Sullivan. “Our analytics, data, and Growth Generator platforms sit at the heart of how clients identify and act on their next opportunities for growth. My focus will be on deepening the value we deliver, scaling our platforms globally, and ensuring our subscribers stay ahead of the transformations reshaping their industries.”

Janardhanan brings extensive experience in commercial leadership, analytics, and growth strategy to the role. He is a graduate of Harvard Business School (GMP) and holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Engineering from the National University of Singapore.

Under his leadership, Frost & Sullivan’s Subscriptions business will continue to expand its coverage, enrich its content and data assets, and strengthen the technology platforms that power insight and growth for organizations across the globe.

About Frost & Sullivan

For more than six decades, Frost & Sullivan has helped clients accelerate growth and achieve best-in-class positions in growth, innovation, and leadership. The company’s Growth Pipeline as a Service provides corporate leadership teams and their growth strategy partners with continuous research, insight, and analytics that drive transformational growth strategies. For more information, visit www.frost.com.

Your Transformational Growth Journey Starts Here: Schedule Your Growth Pipeline Dialog™ with the Frost & Sullivan team.

Media Contact:

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

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/frost–sullivan-appoints-janesh-janardhanan-as-global-partner-and-head-of-subscriptions-302871457.html

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

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Sony Electronics and Hello Kitty Team Up for Limited-Edition Headphone Collection

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Sony Store-exclusive bundles pair select Sony headphones with custom Hello Kitty accessories featuring thoughtful, character-inspired design details

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Electronics Inc. today announced a limited-edition collaboration with Hello Kitty, one of Sanrio’s most beloved and recognizable characters. Available only through the Sony Store, the collection pairs select Sony headphones with exclusive Hello Kitty collaboration merchandise, bringing together Sony’s premium audio experience and Hello Kitty’s iconic charm. Pre-orders begin later this holiday season1.

The limited-edition collaboration is available with the following Sony headphones:

WH-1000XM6 Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWH-CH730N Wireless Noise Canceling HeadphonesWH-CH530 Wireless Headphones

Available with select pink/sand pink and black colorways of the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N, and WH-CH530 headphones, each collaboration bundle includes a Sony Store exclusive Hello Kitty carrying case and tote bag2. Designed to hold headphones and added space for everyday essentials, the carrying case blends Hello Kitty’s signature charm with Sony’s premium, minimalist design aesthetic. Thoughtful details throughout the collaboration celebrate Hello Kitty’s world and her connection to music, entertainment, and everyday creativity, while each headphone model is paired with its own uniquely designed tote bag for everyday use.

Bringing together Sony’s audio expertise and Hello Kitty’s timeless appeal, the limited-edition collection celebrates self-expression, entertainment, and personal style. The exclusive accessories allow fans to enjoy Hello Kitty’s iconic world not only while listening to music, but also as part of their everyday routine at home and on the go.

To receive updates on this collaboration bundle, please visit https://cloud.email.sel.sony.com/HelloKittyxSony 

About Sony Electronics Inc.

Sony Electronics is a subsidiary of Sony Corporation of America and an affiliate of Sony Group Corporation, one of the most comprehensive entertainment companies in the world, with a portfolio that encompasses electronics, music, motion pictures, mobile, gaming, robotics and financial services. Headquartered in San Diego, California, Sony Electronics is a leader in electronics for the consumer and professional markets. Operations include research and development, engineering, sales, marketing, distribution, and customer service. Sony Electronics creates products that innovate and inspire generations, such as the award-winning Alpha Interchangeable Lens Cameras and revolutionary high-resolution audio products. Sony is also a leading manufacturer of end-to-end solutions from 4K professional broadcast and A/V equipment. Visit http://www.sony.com/news for more information.

About Sanrio

Sanrio is the global lifestyle brand best known for Hello Kitty, who was created in 1974, and home to many other beloved character brands such as My Melody, Kuromi, LittleTwinStars, Cinnamoroll, Pompompurin, gudetama, Aggretsuko, Chococat, Badtz-maru and Keroppi. Sanrio was founded on the philosophy that a small gift can bring happiness and friendship to people of all ages. Since 1960, this philosophy has served as the inspiration to offer quality products, services, and activities that promote communication and inspire unique consumer experiences across the world. Today, Sanrio’s business extends into the entertainment industry with several content series, gaming offerings, and theme parks. Sanrio boasts an extensive product lineup that is available in over 130 countries. Sanrio hopes to bring smiles to everyone’s faces with their vision of “One World, Connecting Smiles.” To learn more about Sanrio, please visit www.sanrio.com and follow @sanrio and @hellokitty on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Pinterest, and subscribe to the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube Channel.

1 The collaboration will be available in limited quantities in select countries and regions. Available headphone models will vary by market and may include the WH-1000XM6, WH-CH730N and WH-CH530
2 Availability of collaboration bundles and headphone models varies by country/region.

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/sony-electronics-and-hello-kitty-team-up-for-limited-edition-headphone-collection-302871117.html

SOURCE Sony Electronics, Inc.

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