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Blind Veterans Cross the Army Ten-Miler Finish Line, Despite Heavy Rain, with support of Meta AI Glasses and Lighthouse Guild

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Meta and Lighthouse Guild, a nonprofit organization that provides care, community and technology to the blind and low-vision community, teamed up to bring the power of wearable AI and accessibility to the Army Ten-Miler, a race known to carry on rain or shine, in Washington, D.C. on Sunday, October 11. The two organizations sponsored a team of 8 runners who ran the race, including blind U.S. Army veterans Roosevelt Morring, Rob Sanchas, and Shawntina Gibson along with Lighthouse Guild President & CEO Thomas Panek, who was guided by Meta’s Kelly Ingham, Vice President of AI Wearables and Research Partnerships. Each of the blind runners on the team were given a pair of Oakley Meta Vanguard AI glasses to enhance their race experience, and were also guided by human guides from Achilles International.

The Army Ten-Miler served as a powerful backdrop for Meta’s commitment to provide free Ray-Ban Meta AI glasses to every blind veteran in America.  More than 130,000 American veterans are legally blind and are eligible. The initiative is designed to give veterans who have given so much in service to their country access to AI-powered technology that can assist with reading documents, identifying and describing surroundings, navigating environments, completing everyday tasks and accessing information — helping remove barriers in everyday life.

For these veterans, the Army Ten-Miler was more than a race — it was an opportunity to return to the community they served and experience technology designed to give back to those who have given so much. Running alongside thousands of active-duty service members, veterans and civilian runners, the team demonstrated how technology, human connection, and community can work together to create greater independence and possibility for people who are blind or have vision loss.

“These veterans defended our freedom. They shouldn’t have to give up any of their own freedom when they lose their sight,” said Thomas Panek, President and CEO of Lighthouse Guild. “On this course, with AI glasses describing the world around them and a guide at their side, they showed what independence looks like in action. Meta’s commitment means every blind veteran can have that. Our job at Lighthouse Guild is to make sure they’re empowered to use the glasses to their best abilities.”

For Panek, the Army Ten-Miler builds on his own experience using AI glasses while running. Earlier this year, he became the first blind person to complete a half marathon wearing Meta AI glasses at the NYC Half, demonstrating the technology’s potential as a tool for greater independence and mobility.

“Technology is only useful if it reaches the people who need it, and that’s why Meta is donating Meta AI glasses at no cost to blind veterans across the country,” said Kelly Ingham, Vice President of AI Wearables and Research Partnerships. “Being vision impaired shouldn’t dictate what you can and can’t do, and these glasses give people more independence in everyday moments. Running the Army Ten-Miler alongside military veterans like Rob, Roosevelt and Shawntina, who’ve sacrificed for our nation, is a powerful reminder of why that matters.” 

“When I lost my vision, I knew I had two choices: stop doing the things I love or find a way to keep moving forward,” said Rob Sanchas, U.S. Army veteran and member of the Meta and Lighthouse Guild team. “Being out there at the Army Ten-Miler with other veterans using the Meta AI glasses was pretty incredible, and I hope more blind veterans realize there’s still so much out there for us to do.”

About Lighthouse Guild

Lighthouse Guild helps people who are blind or have vision loss to live, work and shine by providing care, community and technology. Our vision is a society made better by the vitality and achievements of the blind and low-vision community. For more information, visit lighthouseguild.org. 

About Meta

Meta is building the future of human connection, powered by artificial intelligence and immersive technologies. When Facebook launched in 2004, it changed the way people connect. Apps like Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp further empowered billions around the world. Now, Meta is moving toward building experiences that foster deeper connections and unlock new possibilities.

Contact

Hayley Meisel, CIVIC on behalf of Lighthouse Guild;
hayley.meisel@civic-us.com, 914-815-1783

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SOURCE Lighthouse Guild

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BDG Law Group Provides Notice Following Data Security Incident

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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BDG Law Group (“BDG”) is providing notice of a data breach involving personal information belonging to certain individuals.

BDG became aware of a network disruption on September 11, 2025. With the assistance of cybersecurity specialists, it promptly took steps to ensure the security of its environment and launched an investigation to determine the nature and scope of the disruption. As a result of the investigation, it determined that an unauthorized actor acquired certain information. It then engaged third-party specialists to review the impacted dataset. After a thorough review of that dataset, it was determined that certain personal information was contained within it. BDG notified individuals for whom it had addresses information and worked diligently to identify missing addresses. BDG subsequently notified individuals for whom it located missing address information and provided this public notice to ensure that anyone with questions about the event and its possible impact has a means to inquire further.

The accessible information varied by individuals and may have included individuals’ names in combination with driver’s license or state identification number, Passport number, medical information, Social Security number. Not all data elements were affected for all individuals. Please note that there is no evidence of the misuse, or attempted misuse, of any potentially impacted information.

BDG has established a toll-free call center to answer questions and address related concerns and can be reached at 1-800-405-6108. Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern time, excluding holidays. Representatives have been fully versed on the breach and can answer questions or concerns you may have regarding protection of your information.

The privacy and protection of all information is a top priority for BDG, which deeply regrets any inconvenience or concern this may cause.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bdg-law-group-provides-notice-following-data-security-incident-302908204.html

SOURCE BDG Law Group

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Samjung Introduces ‘MetaBoard,’ a Next-Generation Lightweight Steel Production Board

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Samjung has introduced the MetaBoard, a lightweight steel production board that combines material technology and structural design to reduce steel usage and achieve approximately 60–70% of the weight of conventional steel production boards, depending on product specifications.

POHANG, South Korea, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — 

Combining material technology and structural design based on more than 30 years of manufacturing experience… Achieving approximately 60–70% of the weight of conventional steel production boards, depending on product specifications

“Stronger, Smarter, Greener with SAMJUNG”.

Samjung, a specialized manufacturer of steel production boards, has introduced the MetaBoard, a lightweight steel production board designed to reduce steel usage and product weight through material technology and structural design.

Production boards used in the manufacturing of concrete blocks and pavers are essential production components that support formed concrete products while withstanding repeated vibration and loads. Conventional steel production boards generally use a certain amount of steel to achieve the required rigidity and durability.

Drawing on its experience specializing in steel production boards since 1992, Samjung developed the MetaBoard by moving beyond this conventional approach and considering both material performance and structural efficiency.

The MetaBoard is not a product made lighter simply by reducing the thickness of a conventional steel production board. Its key feature is the application of suitable materials in areas where higher performance is required, while structural design is used to reduce unnecessary steel usage.

Depending on product specifications, the MetaBoard can be manufactured at approximately 60–70% of the weight of a conventional steel production board. It can also be produced to the same thickness specifications as conventional steel production boards, taking into consideration its applicability to existing production environments.

From Material Quantity to Design Efficiency

At concrete product manufacturing sites, production boards are repeatedly exposed not only to continuous vibration and loads, but also to moisture, concrete residue, wear and corrosion. To reduce steel usage while considering the performance required under these conditions, Samjung has applied both material technology and structural design.

Rather than uniformly using large amounts of high-performance materials, the core design approach of the MetaBoard is to apply appropriate materials where performance is actually required and reduce structurally unnecessary weight.

Through this approach, Samjung is expanding its production board design criteria beyond simple weight and thickness to comprehensively consider material properties, structure and production environments.

Considering Production and Logistics Efficiency Through Lightweight Design

The difference in weight of a single production board may be limited, but in concrete product manufacturing plants that use large quantities of production boards, the difference in total weight can become significant.

Reducing steel usage can help improve raw material efficiency, while reducing product weight can help lower the burden associated with handling and transportation. In particular, when large quantities of production boards are transported over long distances, reducing the total cargo weight may also offer potential benefits in terms of logistics efficiency.

Samjung describes the lightweight design of the MetaBoard not simply as a reduction in product weight, but as a design approach that considers production performance, economic efficiency and material efficiency together.

MetaBoard Built on More Than 30 Years of Field Experience

Since its establishment in 1992, Samjung has developed and manufactured steel production boards for concrete block and paver production for more than 30 years. Today, the company’s production boards are supplied to concrete product manufacturers in more than 100 countries worldwide.

Manufacturing experience accumulated across diverse climates, production environments, block-making equipment and operating conditions provided the foundation for the development of the MetaBoard.

A Samjung representative said, “The goal of developing the MetaBoard was not simply to create a lighter production board. Rather than relying on the use of more steel, we focused on analyzing where performance is actually required and on designing the materials and structure more efficiently.”

The representative continued, “Future production boards can evolve toward applying materials suited to the required performance and implementing them through efficient structural design, rather than simply increasing the amount of material used. The MetaBoard represents this technological direction at Samjung.”

Expanding Production Board Technology with Efficiency and Sustainability in Mind

Across the manufacturing industry, there is a growing movement to consider raw material efficiency and the environmental impact of product manufacturing and transportation alongside productivity.

The MetaBoard responds to these changes through a design that reduces steel usage and product weight while taking required performance into consideration. Samjung plans to continue advancing its production board technology based on material technology, structural design and precision manufacturing, while responding to the needs of the global concrete product manufacturing market.

About Samjung

Samjung, founded in Daegu, South Korea, in 1992, is a specialized manufacturer of steel production boards used in the production of concrete products, including concrete blocks and pavers. Based on more than 30 years of manufacturing experience, the company supplies its products to concrete product manufacturers in more than 100 countries worldwide and serves a variety of production environments with its Wow Board and lightweight MetaBoard. Samjung continues to develop production board technology based on material technology, structural design and precision manufacturing.

Company: Samjung

Headquarters: Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea

Website: http://www.samjungltd.com/language/eng/main/index.php

Marketing / PR Media Contact

Contact: Krystal LEE

E-mail: sjn@samjungltd.com

TEL: +82 10-6333-5403

Media Contact

Krystal LEE, Samjung Industries, 82 10-6333-5403, sjn@samjungltd.com, http://www.samjungltd.com/language/eng/main/index.php

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/samjung-introduces-metaboard-a-next-generation-lightweight-steel-production-board-302903256.html

SOURCE Samjung Industries

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DronTech Asia 2026 Showcases the Technologies Shaping Asia’s Fast-Growing Drone Industry

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More than 150 exhibiting brands, live demonstrations and international conference sessions connect global technology providers with commercial and defense opportunities across Southeast Asia, 11–13 November in Thailand.

BANGKOK, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Drones are rapidly becoming essential tools across agriculture, infrastructure, logistics, public safety and national defense. As artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, autonomous navigation and advanced communications transform unmanned systems, Asia-Pacific is emerging as an increasingly important market for the industry.

The regional drone market is estimated to reach approximately US$30.2 billion in 2026 and is projected to grow to around US$62.4 billion by 2033, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.9% from 2026 to 2033. Meanwhile, according to Next Move Strategy Consulting, Thailand’s drone market was estimated at approximately US$262 million in 2025, equivalent to around THB 8.6 billion, reflecting expanding market opportunities driven by technological advancements and the increasing adoption of drones across various industries.*

“Drone adoption is advancing more rapidly than many people realize, transforming industries ranging from defense and security to agriculture, logistics, infrastructure and disaster response. As these technologies become more capable and their applications continue to expand, it is increasingly important for businesses and governments to understand not only what drones can do today, but also the opportunities they will create in the future. DronTech Asia 2026 brings together leading technology providers, industry experts and stakeholders from across the region to explore these developments, experience the latest innovations and better understand the future capabilities of unmanned systems,” said Mr. Manu Leopairote, Chairman of GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Against this backdrop, DronTech Asia 2026 returns for its third edition from 11–13 November 2026 at IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center Hall 5, Bangkok, Thailand. Recognized as Asia’s fastest-growing exhibition dedicated to commercial and defense drone technology, the event brings together international technology providers, government agencies, defense organizations, system integrators and commercial users to explore the technologies and opportunities shaping the future of unmanned systems.

The exhibition expects to welcome more than 5,000 international visitors and feature over 150 exhibiting brands and companies, alongside five indoor and outdoor demonstrations and more than 15 international conference sessions and technical seminars.

Connecting Global Technologies with Southeast Asian Opportunities

Across Southeast Asia, drones offer opportunities in precision agriculture, surveying and mapping, infrastructure inspection, disaster response, logistics and security. DronTech Asia provides a platform for regional buyers and end users to discover technologies, compare solutions, meet manufacturers and explore partnerships, while international companies can connect with stakeholders across Thailand and the wider ASEAN market.

Featured exhibitors and technologies include:

STM, showcasing the TOGAN reconnaissance and surveillance UAV, KARGU rotary-wing attack drone and KUZGUN long-range loitering munition.KNDS, presenting ammunition technologies, including short- and medium-range loitering munitions.DJI Enterprise by SIS, featuring the DJI Matrice 4E, a compact enterprise drone designed for surveying and mapping.Amazon Web Services (AWS), highlighting cloud platforms and software capabilities supporting drone operations, AI, geospatial analytics and secure data processing.STC (Special Technology Center), showcasing its LUN-20 UAV unmanned aerial system.

Other participating companies include SYSTRONICS CO., LTD., AUTEL ROBOTICS CO., LTD., CHC NAVIGATION and ALCRONS FRONTIER CO., LTD.

15+ Sessions Covering the Drone Industry, Supported by AI-Powered Translation for Global Participants

International Conferences Explore the Future of Unmanned Systems

The international conference and technical presentation programs will examine developments across commercial and defense applications, offering insights into emerging technologies, operational requirements and regional opportunities.

Highlighted sessions include:

World Drone Congress (WDC) Bangkok Edition: “Low Altitude Economy, Soaring into the Future.””Thailand: Where ASEAN and the International Drone Ecosystem Converge,” featuring contributions from DTI, CAAT, DEPA, private-sector companies and NECTEC.”Next-Generation Military Unmanned Systems: Lessons, Requirements and Future Capabilities,” presented by Thailand’s Ministry of Defence and the Defence Technology Institute.

Technical presentations will also examine cloud-powered drone operations and AI-enabled autonomy for defense and agriculture, presented by AWS, as well as anti-jamming and anti-spoofing technologies for mitigating GNSS vulnerabilities, presented by INFOX NAVIGATION TECHNOLOGY.

Experience Drone Technology in Action

Live indoor and outdoor demonstrations will give visitors the opportunity to see unmanned technologies in operation and understand their practical applications.

Indoor demonstrations will feature ONCOMMAND, Disaster Response ID4 Association Thailand (D.R.A.T.), SYSTRONICS and 13 ENTERPRISE. Outdoor demonstrations presented by Thailand’s Digital Economy Promotion Agency (depa) will include disaster management and smart transportation and logistics applications.

Register for DronTech Asia 2026

For professionals seeking new technologies, suppliers, business connections and insights into the evolving commercial and defense drone sectors, DronTech Asia 2026 offers an opportunity to engage with the international drone ecosystem in one place. International visitors will also enjoy courtesy Thailand MICE VISA prepaid credit cards which can be used for transportation, shopping, spa & wellness, and even food outlets at the venue.

Visitors can discover new solutions, learn from technical experts, experience live demonstrations and connect with international technology providers across three days.

Register in advance and join the industry in Bangkok this November.

DronTech Asia 2026
Dates: 11–13 November 2026
Venue: Hall 5 IMPACT Exhibition & Convention Center, Bangkok, Thailand
DronTech Asia is organized by GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

Media & General Enquiries
Ms. Siwaporn Srichompoo (Rose)
Marketing Manager
Email: siwaporn@asiandefense.com
Tel. 02-023-9951 ext 1009
GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co.,Ltd.

*Source to Grand View Research’s Asia Pacific Drone Market 2026

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/apac/news-releases/drontech-asia-2026-showcases-the-technologies-shaping-asias-fast-growing-drone-industry-302908602.html

SOURCE GML Exhibition (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

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