Connect with us

Technology

Cirba Solutions Testifies Before Congress to Strengthen Critical Mineral Supply Chains and Reduce Reliance on China

Published

on

CHARLOTTE, N.C., June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The United States is at a turning point to take decisive action on strengthening the country’s national security, reducing reliance on China for critical minerals and positioning the U.S. as a leader in the global energy economy. Cirba Solutions, the North American leader in battery recycling and critical mineral recovery, is at the forefront of this conversation. The company’s President & CEO, David Klanecky, testified before the United States House Committee on Energy’s Subcommittee on Environment to provide real-world industrial insight on legislation supporting domestic critical mineral recovery and recycling.

On June 24, 2026, Klanecky provided expert commentary on the challenges the battery recycling industry faces related to the export of end-of-life (EOL) batteries and gigafactory scrap out of the U.S. for overseas processing (primarily in China); how Black Mass, an intermediate material produced when lithium-ion batteries are shredded and processed, is classified; and how diversifying the country’s supply chains can lead to long-term resilience and international competitiveness that create domestic jobs and economic strength for our country.

Today, China controls an estimated 70 – 90 percent of global critical mineral processing, depending on the specific mineral. This includes materials that power defense applications, energy storage systems, data centers, consumer electronics, and more.

Allowing, and in certain cases incentivizing, the export of EOL batteries and gigafactory scrap, particularly when we have capable processing capacity, is not just an economic vulnerability – it’s a national security crisis,” said David Klanecky, President & CEO of Cirba Solutions. “Representatives Gary Palmer (R-AL), Dan Crenshaw (R-TX), Paul Tonko (D-NY) and other distinguished members of the Committee are driving initiatives to encourage investments in manufacturing and battery materials supply chains, increasing domestic capacity to process these materials and growing the circular economy through battery recycling and the recovery of critical minerals. Advancing these markets is essential to ensuring U.S. resilience, safeguarding national security and maintaining strategic leadership on the global stage.”

Battery recycling is one of the fastest and most cost-effective paths to diversifying supply chains and breaking the nation’s dependency on China. Cirba Solutions recovers lithium, nickel, cobalt and manganese from EOL batteries at a commercial scale to be put back into the battery supply chain. By 2030, the projected demand for lithium will hit nearly 500 thousand metric tons. To help support this demand, the company has been addressing the processing gap for end-of-life lithium batteries and gigafactory scrap through its large-scale expansion in Lancaster, Ohio. To-date, the lithium-ion processing and materials recovery site has increased capacity to process Black Mass by 600 percent since 2023.

“If we are serious about reducing dependency on foreign sources and expanding access to critical minerals, we must recognize the importance of intermediate products like Black Mass and how these materials are essential to America’s manufacturing base and national security future,” said Klanecky.

Through battery recycling and critical mineral recovery, Cirba Solutions is helping to build the infrastructure needed to strengthen national security, manufacturing and domestic supply chains.

About Cirba Solutions
Cirba Solutions is a premier battery recycling company in North America, focused on critical material extraction from scrap and end-of-life batteries, and then supplying those materials back into the supply chain. Cirba Solutions is the only vertically integrated team with an operational, differentiated platform and a full suite of capabilities. www.cirbasolutions.com

Follow Cirba Solutions on LinkedIn

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/cirba-solutions-testifies-before-congress-to-strengthen-critical-mineral-supply-chains-and-reduce-reliance-on-china-302811028.html

SOURCE Cirba Solutions

Continue Reading

Technology

Bringing Local AI Home: UGREEN Introduces Privacy-First HomeAgent for Smarter Living

Published

on

By

BERLIN, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — UGREEN, a leading global consumer technology brand, announced two new product lineups at a European launch event. The unveiling of the UGREEN HomeAgent series of agentic local AI hubs and a new MagFlow lineup marks UGREEN’s next stage of growth. Building on its established presence in digital accessories and smart storage, the company is now dedicated to a broader spectrum of intelligent consumer electronics designed to enhance everyday life.

UGREEN HomeAgent: Agentic Local AI Hub for Homes

At the center of UGREEN’s broader intelligent consumer electronics vision is UGREEN HomeAgent, a groundbreaking Agentic AI Local Hub unifying local storage, computing, and control into one device. It connects a growing ecosystem of UGREEN AIoT devices, including security cameras, smart speakers, and smart photo frames, as well as third-party devices.

UGOS Pro is UGREEN’s in-house operating system built on a Linux architecture, offering professional storage management, robust data security, easy backup and sync, and extensive expandability.

UGREEN HomeAgent is powered by the all-new UGOS Pro, combining NAS-grade storage and data management with integrated home security features, smart home capabilities, and natural voice interaction to deliver a more complete all-in-one experience.

Traditional surveillance cameras usually only document bad news, and their footage is constantly overwritten, so the moments truly worth keeping quietly disappear. That’s why UGREEN set out to redefine the home camera system, not as a surveillance tool, but as a camera for life.

“HomeAgent proactively recognizes moments that are truly worth remembering and organizes them into a personalized daily briefing for every family. Moments that might otherwise be forgotten can return. We want to help families preserve the precious time they spend together.” – Samuel Zhang, CEO of UGREEN

As an agentic local AI hub integrating on-device intelligence, local storage, AI computing and smart-home control, HomeAgent serves as the AI brain of the connected home. Designed to keep data private and local, it enables intelligent file management, proactive home monitoring, voice-driven automation and unified device control. The ecosystem includes the HomeAgent HA100 and HA100 Pro, the NVIDIA® Jetson Thor™-powered MasterAgent MA100, SynCare smart cameras, the UGREEN Smart Speaker for Uliya, and UGREEN Gallery smart frames, while remaining compatible with third-party Matter-enabled devices. Together, they deliver a private, expandable AI platform that helps users preserve memories, monitor their homes and coordinate devices through natural, context-aware interactions.

MagFlow Pro: Active Heat Dissipation and Sustained Fast Charging

Announced alongside HomeAgent, MagFlow Powerbank is the world’s first liquid-cooled Qi2 25W magnetic power bank, featuring CryoPulse™ micro-pump liquid cooling, active heat dissipation and sustained fast charging.

The launch complements UGREEN’s strong range of charging options, outlining the brand’s commitment to true-rated performance and flagship-quality power.

Availability Timeline

Pre-orders for the UGREEN HomeAgent HA100, HA100 Pro and UGREEN MasterAgent MA100 opened on September 4, 2026, via the UGREEN AIoT Official Store, and remain available until the official Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign launches on October 27, 2026. Other AIoT accessories will be introduced as part of the Kickstarter campaign beginning on October 27. During the pre-order period, customers can place a deposit starting at $50 to reserve the UGREEN HomeAgent HA100, HA100 Pro or UGREEN MasterAgent MA100 and secure 50% off with the Super Early Bird discount.

About UGREEN
UGREEN is a leading global tech brand creating innovative products that make everyday life smarter, easier, and more connected. From smart charging and productivity to smart storage and AIoT, UGREEN designs technology around the needs of modern life.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bringing-local-ai-home-ugreen-introduces-privacy-first-homeagent-for-smarter-living-302870674.html

Continue Reading

Technology

Iwa Robotics Unveils HAWK, CANARY and PELICAN: An Autonomous Drone Fleet Equipped to Detect, Diagnose, and Suppress Urban Wildfires

Published

on

By

Robotics company pairs long-range detection, real-time fire diagnostics, and precision aerial suppression into a single dispatchable system — operated by fire departments as an autonomous aerial fleet.

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Iwa Robotics, Inc., a Los Angeles-based autonomous field systems company, today publicly introduced its three-platform drone line for wildfire and emergency response missions: HAWK, a long-endurance reconnaissance aircraft; CANARY, a sensing platform that diagnoses fires and optimizes crew engagement; and PELICAN, a self-guided aerial suppression aircraft equipped to resolve hot spots and establish fire lines with perpetual drenching. Together, the three platforms execute missions under a single operating framework the company calls its Discovery and Resolution Fleet™ (DRF), dramatically enhancing firefighting capabilities across the full lifecycle of urban wildfires.

Iwa’s aircraft are purpose-built for the challenges faced in wildland-urban interface (WUI) zones and are piloted as an autonomous fleet by fire crews in the field. Iwa’s CANARY platform provides crews with critical insights upon arrival and continues to track fire behavior and evolving threat levels. “At its core, Iwa’s platform is centered on enhancing crew safety with in-field tools to diagnose the threat and engage accordingly – this includes critical sensory data and personnel risk signals,” said Mirza Samnani, CEO of Iwa Robotics. “We are particularly excited about the crew safety tools our Canary platform brings to a unit — it’s like your dalmatian in the sky.”

Iwa’s technology was originally developed and tested alongside working fire crews and has been field-hardened by pilot teams during active missions. “From the start, our approach has been to work side by side with fire crews, learning directly from the people who know this best: field teams, drone pilots, and fire captains who understand both firefighting and drone controls inside and out. They told us what they needed. We engineered it,” said Mirza.

Iwa intends to equip fire agencies with a dedicated fleet of drones under its fleet-as-a-service model – providing the turnkey aircraft platform, requisite autonomy training, ongoing data insights, maintenance, and insurance. The approach allows agencies to add aerial detection and remote suppression capabilities without any upfront capital expenditure, training programs, or lengthy procurement cycles. The company is currently embarking on its second cross-country roadshow with field demonstrations scheduled for fire and public safety agencies across eight states. Interested outfits can request a field demonstration at roadshow@iwarobotics.ai and can receive product information through this channel.

About Iwa Robotics

Iwa Robotics, Inc. is a Los Angeles-based autonomous field systems company that operates NDAA-compliant drone fleets for wildfire response and emergency management. Its HAWK, CANARY, and PELICAN platforms work as a coordinated system to detect, diagnose, and suppress fires, delivered to public safety agencies as a managed service. Iwa’s mandate is to be above every emergency™. Learn more at www.iwarobotics.ai.

Media Contact

Nadya Merchant 
Communications
nadya@iwarobotics.ai
https://www.iwarobotics.ai/

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/iwa-robotics-unveils-hawk-canary-and-pelican-an-autonomous-drone-fleet-equipped-to-detect-diagnose-and-suppress-urban-wildfires-302870710.html

SOURCE Iwa Robotics

Continue Reading

Technology

Real Estate Expert Pamela Z. Hill Explains Why Whidbey Island Is a Popular Destination for Vacation Homes in HelloNation

Published

on

By

The article examines the factors that continue to attract buyers seeking vacation properties and a slower pace of life.

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash., Sept. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Why are so many buyers choosing Whidbey Island for a vacation home? A recent HelloNation article provides the answer, featuring insights from Pamela Z. Hill of Whidbey View Homes Inc in Whidbey Island, Washington. The article explores why Whidbey Island has become a popular destination for vacation homes and highlights the combination of natural beauty, accessibility, and lifestyle benefits that continue to attract buyers.

The HelloNation article explains that many people searching for a vacation property today want more than a place to visit occasionally. Buyers increasingly seek locations that offer peace, privacy, and a connection to nature throughout the year. According to the article, Whidbey Island has become appealing because it delivers these qualities while maintaining convenient access to larger cities and modern amenities.

One of the primary reasons Whidbey Island vacation homes remain in demand is the balance between seclusion and accessibility. While some vacation destinations can feel remote, the island provides practical transportation options through the Deception Pass Bridge and ferry routes connecting residents and visitors to surrounding communities. The article notes that buyers often appreciate being able to reach Seattle, Everett, and other regional destinations without sacrificing the benefits of island living.

The article also highlights the island’s natural beauty as a major factor driving interest. Waterfront views, forests, beaches, farmland, and mountain scenery create an environment that feels distinctly different from urban areas. Buyers exploring Pacific Northwest vacation homes are often drawn to Whidbey Island because its landscapes remain attractive throughout the year while offering a variety of settings depending on personal preferences.

Outdoor recreation is another key advantage discussed in the article. Residents and visitors have access to activities such as hiking, kayaking, boating, fishing, biking, and beachcombing across all seasons. The article explains that buyers frequently view outdoor recreation as an important part of the lifestyle they hope to enjoy when purchasing a second home.

The HelloNation article also points to the appeal of the island’s small communities. Towns including Langley, Coupeville, and Oak Harbor each offer their own character while maintaining the slower pace many buyers seek. Local shops, farmers’ markets, restaurants, and galleries contribute to a sense of community that differs from the atmosphere often found in larger resort destinations.

According to the article, flexibility has become another important reason buyers are drawn to the area. Some people purchase vacation homes for seasonal use, while others plan to spend extended periods on the island during retirement or while working remotely. As flexible work arrangements become more common, buyers are increasingly able to consider locations that support both relaxation and practical long-term living.

The article further explains that Whidbey Island real estate offers a wide variety of property types. Buyers can choose from waterfront homes, cottages, cabins, properties with acreage, and homes located near parks or marinas. This variety allows individuals to focus on finding the lifestyle that best matches their goals rather than adapting to a single type of vacation market.

The slower pace of daily life also remains an important attraction. The article notes that many buyers view the island as a place where they can spend more time outdoors, enjoy quieter surroundings, and feel more connected to nature. Watching wildlife, spending time near the water, and experiencing less congestion often become significant parts of the appeal.

As interest in Pacific Northwest vacation homes continues to grow, the article concludes that Whidbey Island stands out because it combines convenience, natural scenery, outdoor recreation, and welcoming small communities. These qualities continue to make the island an attractive option for buyers seeking a vacation property that supports both relaxation and long-term enjoyment.

Why Whidbey Island Has Become a Popular Destination for Vacation Homes features insights from Pamela Z. Hill, Real Estate Expert of Whidbey Island, Washington, in 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.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/real-estate-expert-pamela-z-hill-explains-why-whidbey-island-is-a-popular-destination-for-vacation-homes-in-hellonation-302870337.html

SOURCE HelloNation

Continue Reading

Trending