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Arlo Introduces Secure 5: Next Generation of Smart Home Security Powered by Arlo Intelligence

By
Laotian Times
-

Arlo Secure 5 Subscription Plans Feature New Proprietary AI Technology to Provide Personalised Protection


SINGAPORE – Media Outreach Newswire – 12 September 2024 – Arlo Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: ARLO), a leading smart home security brand, today announced Arlo Secure 5, the next generation of smart home security powered by Arlo Intelligence (AI). Arlo’s new proprietary AI technology introduces a suite of industry-first features such as custom detections, vehicle recognition and person recognition. Arlo Secure 5 further builds upon Arlo’s values to connect and protect what users love most by adding truly customised security solutions that offer more personalised control.

“Arlo continues to lead the industry with our advanced AI and Computer Vision capabilities, including custom detections, vehicle recognition and person recognition, that deliver even more peace of mind to Arlo users,” said Matthew McRae, Chief Executive Officer at Arlo. “Our relentless focus on smart home security backed by our commitment to also protect our customers’ data and privacy will continue to drive more industry-first innovations that customers can trust to safeguard their loved ones.”

Arlo Secure enhances the features of Arlo devices and completes the security experience to provide consumers with total protection. Leveraging advanced computer vision AI and recognition engines, Arlo Secure 5 provides more meaningful, detailed alerts so users can make informed decisions about their security and safety. Arlo Secure 5 introduces the following AI-powered innovations:

  • Person Recognition: Know exactly who has arrived at your home with personalised alerts labeled with names from your private library of named faces.
  • Vehicle Recognition: Protect your driveway with personalised alerts labeled with known vehicles that you previously named.
  • Custom Detection[1]: Train Arlo AI to create personalised, custom detections to protect what matters most to you. Teach your camera to recognise certain objects or changes in view to trigger custom notifications. Whether it’s knowing if the garage door is open, lights were left on in the basement or the dog is on the couch, Arlo AI alerts you to what is happening in and around your home so you know what action to take.

New Arlo Secure subscription plans start at $7.99 a month. New Plus plans start at $17.99 per month and offer the ability to[2]:

  • View, Save, and Share: 30-days of Video Cloud Storage & Events available at your fingertips from anywhere.
  • Personalised Security: Tools help you filter unwanted notifications and create zones for customised alerts.
  • Take Quicker Action: Meaningful notifications allow you to know what’s happening without even opening the app. Take quicker action by responding to rich notifications or view an animated video preview through your device’s lock screen.
  • Detect Advanced Objects[3]: Recognise packages, animals, known people & vehicles through Arlo’s advanced object detection backed by Arlo Intelligence.

For more information on the full range of Arlo smart home security products and services, visit https://www.arlo.com/asia/.

[1] At launch, Custom Detection will be offered as a Beta program.
[2] Some features are subject to device capabilities and not available in all regions.
[3] Available with Arlo Secure Plus plans.

Hashtag: #arlo

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About Arlo Technologies, Inc.

Arlo is an award-winning, industry leader that is transforming the ways in which people can protect everything that matters to them with advanced home, business, and personal security solutions. Arlo’s deep expertise in AI- and CV-powered analytics, cloud services, user experience and product design, and innovative wireless and RF connectivity enables the delivery of a seamless, smart security experience for Arlo users that is easy to set up and interact with every day. Arlo’s cloud-based platform provides users with visibility, insight, and a powerful means to help protect and connect in real-time with the people and things that matter most, from any location with a Wi-Fi or a cellular connection. Arlo has recently launched several categories of award-winning connected devices, software, and services. These include wire-free, smart Wi-Fi and LTE-enabled security cameras, video doorbells, floodlights, security system, and Arlo’s subscription services: Arlo Secure and Arlo Safe.

With a mission to bring users peace of mind, Arlo is as passionate about protecting user privacy as it is about safeguarding homes and families. Arlo is committed to implementing industry standards for data protection designed to keep users’ personal information private and in their control. Arlo provides enhanced controls for user data, supports privacy legislation, keeps user data safely secure, and puts security at the forefront of company culture.

Critical Flood Warnings in Northern Laos: Relief Teams Mobilize, Donations Needed

By
Namfon Chanthavong
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Flooding in Luang Namtha Claims One Life, Forces Evacuations
Severe flooding hits Luang Namtha Province on 9 September

In response to the severe flooding affecting northern Laos, the Natural Disaster Monitoring Committee of the Ministry of Public Security initiated a relief mission this morning, 12 September. 

The operation provided essential aid to the hardest-hit areas in Luang Namtha and Oudomxay.

The relief efforts included distributing essential supplies such as dried food, clothing, and medicines. The mission involved close coordination between police forces, major departments, and specialized units to ensure that aid was distributed effectively. Supplies are being transported via the Lao-China railway, which continues to deliver assistance steadily to the affected northern provinces.

Amid the ongoing crisis, the BCEL OneHeart project has launched a nationwide fundraising campaign to support flood victims. The initiative provides a simple and transparent donation process, ensuring that every contribution goes directly to those in need. To donate, individuals and companies can access the BCEL One app, select the OneHeart section, choose the flood relief project, and click the donate button. For convenience, a QR code is also available for direct contributions.

The  flood situation remains dire  across Luang Namtha, Bokeo, Oudomxay, and Luang Prabang. 

As of 11 September, the water level in Luang Prabang had reached 17.50 meters, nearing the critical threshold of 18.30 meters. Forecasts predict further increases to 18.26 meters by the end of 12 September, with a potential rise to 19.12 meters by 13 September. The city is on high alert, with preparations underway to protect residents and property.

Local residents and military personnel are actively moving belongings to higher ground as water levels continue to rise. 

On the same day, the Bokeo Provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment issued a warning as river levels approached critical thresholds. In Hat Kham village, Pha Udom district, the water level has reached 13.62 meters, surpassing the 13.00-meter warning level and nearing the 14.00-meter danger threshold. 

Residents in low-lying, riverside, and creek areas across northern and central provinces are urged to remain vigilant. Authorities advise moving belongings and pets to higher, safer ground.

Adding to the concern, heavy rainfall from Typhoon Yagi is expected to worsen the situation, with potential overflow risks in Vientiane, Nong Khai, and Chiang Khan by 14 September.

TUMI Unveils Fall 2024 Voyageur Leather and 19 Degree Frame Collections With Campaign Starring Global Brand Ambassador Mun Ka Young

By
Laotian Times
-

The actress’ second campaign highlights how TUMI bags complement and elevate her busy lifestyle


HO CHI MINH, VIETNAM – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 September 2024 – Today, international travel and lifestyle brand TUMI debuts Voyageur Leather and TUMI 19 Degree Frame, stunning iterations of two of the brand’s most beloved collections. To celebrate these new Fall 2024 pieces, TUMI tapped global ambassador, South Korean actress Mun Ka Young, to star in an immersive campaign that transports viewers onto the streets of Seoul for a day in her life with TUMI by her side.

TUMI FW24 Mun Ka Young campaign

TUMI’s luxurious, fashion-forward spin on its iconic Voyageur collection is made with high-quality leather. Each piece is crafted with functionality and style in mind – including the new TUMI “T” logo hardware – balancing the brand’s signature elevation and innovation with timeless, minimalist allure. The Voyageur Leather collection features backpacks, totes, shoulder bags and crossbodies, including the brand-new Lex Train Case Crossbody, which comes in three versatile sizes. The collection comes in classic Black with Gold or Gunmetal hardware, and Pewter Metallic with Gunmetal hardware, a festive offering for the holiday season, with prices ranging from US$250-$750.

TUMI is also expanding its travel offerings this Fall with the introduction of TUMI 19 Degree Frame, an innovative take on the brand’s hallmark 19 Degree collection. TUMI 19 Degree Frame was designed to meet the modern traveler’s needs with integrated frame latches, retractable handles, and TUMI’s signature smooth, quiet transport wheels. The exterior features the 19 Degree’s iconic fluid contours while the interior features tie-down straps and mesh zip pockets for ultimate organization. Available in Black Texture and Pearl Grey Texture and four sizes, this collection caters to diverse travel needs with unparalleled functionality and a timeless aesthetic. Prices range from US$895-1,195.

“This season represents our continued push forward for TUMI, as we’re expanding further into women’s lifestyle and evolving our travel experiences to create a more flawless, timeless and innovative product assortment,” said Victor Sanz, Global Creative Director at TUMI. “As one of our treasured global brand ambassadors, Mun Ka Young perfectly embodies the stylish and on-the-go TUMI woman.”

To add richness and authenticity to the campaign, TUMI tapped South Korean director Taejong Song and photographer Kim Hee June to immerse viewers in Mun’s daily commute, all while capturing the vibrant energy and urban architecture of Seoul. With shots that subtly spotlight key product features, the film offers viewers a look at how TUMI products bring style, organization and excitement to everyday life.

“I was personally so excited for this campaign to be shot in Seoul, the place I call home,“ said actress, Mun Ka Young. “TUMI is the perfect complement to my on-the-go lifestyle, keeping all my belongings organized while always looking sleek and stylish.”

The Voyageur Leather and 19 Degree Frame collections are available at TUMI.com and TUMI stores worldwide. Stay tuned for exclusive behind-the-scenes content from the campaign on @TUMITravel social channels.

Hashtag: #TUMI

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About TUMI 

Since 1975, TUMI has been creating world-class business, travel, and performance luxury essentials, designed to upgrade, uncomplicate and beautify all aspects of life on the move. Blending flawless functionality with a spirit of ingenuity, we’re committed to empowering journeys as a lifelong partner to movers and makers in pursuit of their passions. For more about TUMI, visit and follow on , , , and .

TUMI and TUMI logo are registered trademarks of Tumi, Inc. © 2024 Tumi, Inc.

Workato® Launches Workato Agentic, Revolutionizing Work in the New Era of AI

By
Laotian Times
-

Agentic Orchestration Platform transforms the way businesses work with ​​purpose-specific AI Agents that take action and orchestrate processes


SINGAPORE – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 September 2024 – Workato®, the leading AI-driven enterprise orchestration platform, today announced Workato Agentic, the company’s low-code, no-code agentic orchestration platform with two key components: Workato Genie, a framework to rapidly build and manage purpose-specific AI Agents, called Genies, that retrieve relevant information from knowledge bases, take action on applications and data, and orchestrate processes dynamically, and Genie Apps, pre-built agentic apps on Workato Genie to address various lines of business or vertical industry needs. Today, Workato is also launching ITGenie, an IT Helpdesk application reimagined with Agentic AI, and SalesGenie, a Sales Assistant to improve sales productivity. Workato Agentic is powered by Workato’s leading orchestration platform where customers can connect to over 8,500 applications, databases, ERPs, and more with security and governance.

The need for enterprises to be agile and responsive has never been greater, especially with AI rising to prominence in the past 3 years. Now, IT and business leaders are doubling down on this idea of the agentic economy, one that’s agent-driven with AI agents at the forefront. According to the Capgemini Research Institute, 82% of organizations plan to integrate AI agents within one to three years. However, the current point-to-point agentic solutions on the market are limiting and can’t scale to address enterprise-wide needs. They can’t collaborate with other AI Agents to execute processes end-to-end, can’t integrate with all enterprise applications and data sources, and provide a fragmented user experience across various lines of business. With Workato Genie, customers get a singular platform to build and manage purpose-specific AI agents that retrieve information, take action, orchestrate processes, and collaborate with AI agents and humans to execute complex processes end-to-end – dynamically.

So how does Workato Genie work? Customers interact with a pre or custom-built Genie through conversational interfaces such as Slack and Microsoft Teams or trigger the Genie through events in applications such as Salesforce, Workday, and Jira. Workato Genie understands the intent, enriches with context from knowledge bases and other applications in real-time, and reasons to create an execution plan using Generative AI. Workato Genie then starts executing the plan, which could be as simple as taking an action on an application or as complex as orchestrating an entire process from start to finish. During the execution of the plan, Workato Genie involves other Genies or humans as needed, ensuring humans are an integral part of every step it takes.

Built on a proven foundation of security and governance, Genies:

  • Are Domain Experts: Deep domain expertise that it learns from knowledge bases, applications, and other data sources
  • Learn Continuously: Learn continuously from user interactions and outcomes. These learnings are applied only to the customer’s instance and not broadly to everyone
  • Enriches Context in Real-Time: Understands user’s intent, their role, and enriches that with context in real-time from knowledge bases and applications
  • Reason: Understands intent and breaks it down into tasks and an execution plan
  • Act Securely: Authenticates users at runtime from conversational interfaces (patented technology) and takes action on systems with human approvals as needed
  • Act Responsibly: AI takes action and orchestrates processes based on the skills it is provided, ensuring AI never goes rogue and does only what it is supposed to. Customers can add, change, or delete skills anytime
  • Collaborate: Collaborates with other Genies running on the platform to dynamically execute a process end-to-end

“AI agents have been on our radar for a while due to their potential to transform the way we work. However, many of these only offered point solutions, addressing specific problems rather than providing a comprehensive platform,” said Pranav Shahi, VP, Head of Business Technology at ServiceTitan. “With Workato Genie, we now have a platform that builds AI agents capable of not just knowledge deflection, but also action and process orchestration. This allows us to meet the needs of multiple business lines, starting with ITGenie for IT Helpdesk. It is truly transformational.”

What are Genie Apps? Genie Apps are pre-built agentic applications on Workato Genie. They come pre-integrated with over 1,000 applications and data sources, can be completely customized by the customer to their specific business processes, and collaborate with other Genie Apps and custom Genies built by the customer to execute complex processes dynamically. Starting today, the following Genie Apps are available:

  • ITGenie: An agentic IT Helpdesk application that addresses IT helpdesk needs such as ticket deflection and application provisioning/deprovisioning, thereby reducing mean time to response and improving employee experience
  • SalesGenie: An agentic sales assistant to improve sales productivity from lead to close, and is completely customizable to the sales processes and sales methodology of the company

“In this era of AI, agentic solutions have only scratched the surface of what’s possible with AI agents. With Workato Agentic, businesses can now rapidly build and manage AI Agents with low-code/no-code to supercharge productivity and drive operational efficiency throughout their organization,” said Bhaskar Roy, Chief of AI Products & Solutions at Workato. “The platform approach to build AI Agents coupled with pre-built agentic applications enables businesses to realize ROI immediately.”

Named a Leader in the 2024 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for iPaaS, Workato enables enterprises to transform their business operations by orchestrating business processes end-to-end and operationalizing AI across the entire organization. Designed with best-in-class security and governance, scalability, performance, and availability, Workato’s low-code, no-code platform makes it easy for IT and business teams to orchestrate their applications, data, and experiences.

Starting today, Workato has released the Exclusive Edition of Workato Genie, which will be available to 100 existing customers. General availability will launch at the beginning of 2025.

To read more about Workato Genie and the future of Enterprise Orchestration, click here.
Hashtag: #workato




The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Workato

The leader in AI-driven enterprise orchestration, Workato helps organizations drive business efficiency at scale without compromising security and governance. Built for Business and IT users, Workato is trusted by over 2,000 top brands, including Broadcom, Zendesk, and Atlassian. Headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., Workato is backed by Altimeter Capital, Battery Ventures, Insight Venture Partners, Storm Ventures, Norwest Venture Partners, and Redpoint Ventures. For more information, visit workato.com or connect with us on social media:

    Empowering Women in ASEAN’s Digital Economy

    By
    Phonethida Sitthixay
    -
    Digital Innovations for Female Entrepreneurs in ASEAN Meeting (DIFEM) on 11-12 September .

    The United States (US) Department of State hosted the Digital Innovations for Female Entrepreneurs in ASEAN Meeting (DIFEM) on 11-12 September in Vientiane. This two-day event aimed to tackle the financial hurdles faced by micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) and to promote ASEAN’s Digital Trade Standards Roadmap.

    Aligned with Laos’s ASEAN chairmanship priorities, DIFEM was a key component of the US-ASEAN Connect Digital Economy Series, highlighting a strong commitment to advancing ASEAN’s digital economy.

    The conference gathered 75 entrepreneurs from across ASEAN, focusing on enhancing their digital capabilities. Attendees, including technology companies, government officials, and fellow entrepreneurs, engaged in collaborative efforts to streamline business operations and forge new commercial partnerships.

    A highlight of the event was the design sprint activities, where participants received personalized consultations from industry experts to address specific business challenges. Additionally, panel discussions led by prominent female leaders in fintech, digital innovation, and artificial intelligence provided insights into leveraging digital tools to optimize business practices and expand market reach.

    US Ambassador to Laos, Heather Variava, underscored the crucial role of women in the digital economy.

    “The digital economy in Southeast Asia needs more women working on AI, fintech, and innovating in business policy and leadership roles. Only then can this region maximize equitable and inclusive growth,” Variava stated.

    Manothong Vongxay, Vice Minister of Industry and Commerce, praised the impact of women-led enterprises.

    “Women-led enterprises are setting the standard for networks of support and mentorship. We witnessed the strength of female founders sharing assets, skills, and experiences to increase market potential across many platforms,” Vongxay remarked.

    The DIFEM conference not only highlighted the innovative spirit of ASEAN’s female entrepreneurs but also reinforced the region’s commitment to a digital future, driven by inclusivity and collaboration.

    Unlimit partners with Shoplazza to boost cross-border payments for Chinese e-commerce

    By
    Laotian Times
    -

    The collaboration will help to enhance cross-border payments for Shoplazza’s 500,000+ merchants, improve payment success rates, and support the growth of the e-commerce industry in the APAC region.

    LONDON, UK – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 September 2024 – Global fintech Unlimit has today announced a strategic partnership with the global AI-commerce technology company, Shoplazza. The partnership is focused on enhancing cross-border payment services for e-commerce merchants in APAC. Shoplazza merchants will be able to leverage Unlimit’s extensive portfolio of payment methods and robust payment infrastructure to expand their customer bases worldwide, bolster customer satisfaction, and improve customer retention.

    Unlimit partners with Shoplazza to boost cross-border payments for Chinese e-commerce

    Unlimit’s global payment portfolio consists of 1,000+ directly integrated payment methods and local acquiring licenses operating across 5 continents. Integrating with Unlimit enables businesses all around the world to smoothly and efficiently expand across APAC, EMEA, LATAM, the UK, India, and Africa. This partnership will grant Shoplazza’s network of over 500,000 merchants access to one of the world’s largest proprietary payment infrastructures, empowering them to streamline settlements, significantly improve their payment offering, and guarantee a high level of security for their end-users.

    China’s e-commerce market is currently the largest worldwide, and accounts for nearly 50% of global transactions. According to the State Council’s data, China’s cross-border e-commerce experienced a remarkable 15.6% significant surge in import-export volume in 2023. This was driven by a 19.6% rise in exports. The market’s growth has shown no sign of stopping. In the first quarter of 2024, the cross-border e-commerce trade in China had already shown an increase of 9.6%, of which 14% was an increase in exports.

    “For the last 15 years, we have supported merchants from all over the world in accelerating their global expansion. We share Shoplazza’s commitment to empowering e-commerce companies with the right payment tools to streamline cross-border transactions,” said Unlimit’s Chief Customer Officer, Irene Skrynova. “We are certain that together, we can truly enhance cross-border operations for merchants of all sizes and leave our mark in the evolution of the APAC e-commerce industry.”

    Hashtag: #Fintech #payment #crossborder





    Wechat: Unlimit

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    Unlimit

    Founded in 2009, Unlimit is a global fintech company that offers a large portfolio of financial services, including payment processing, banking as a service (BaaS), and an on&off-ramp fiat solution for crypto, DeFi, and GameFi. The company’s mission is to deliver solutions that eliminate financial borders, enabling businesses to operate both locally and internationally with ease across Europe, the UK, LATAM, APAC, India and Africa. Unlimit has 700 employees across 16 offices and five continents, including London, Singapore, São Paulo, Hong Kong, and Mexico. For further information, please visit:.

    Shoplazza

    Shoplazza, a cutting-edge global commerce platform, is dedicated to crafting a unified retail environment that bridges the gap between online and offline shopping experiences. Our leadership team, a blend of seasoned professionals from top-tier technology companies such as Microsoft, IBM, Oracle, Alibaba, and Baidu, brings extensive expertise in retail, technology, and compliance. Supported by a consortium of esteemed global investors hailing from the US, Middle East, and Asia, including industry giants like Sequoia, StepStone, Softbank Vision Fund, and Chimera, Shoplazza stands at the forefront of commerce innovation. For further information, please visit:

    CUHK Celebrates Pran Kittivorapat: A Thai Student’s Journey of Innovation and Leadership

    By
    Laotian Times
    -

    HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 September 2024 – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) proudly recognises the remarkable achievements of Mr Pran Kittivorapat, a member of the Class of 2024, who has distinguished himself in the field of Artificial Intelligence: Systems and Technologies (AISTN) while making significant contributions to the university’s vibrant community.

    Pran Kittivorapat

    Academic Excellence and Technological Innovation

    Originally from Thailand, Pran Kittivorapat selected CUHK for its cutting-edge programmes and multicultural environment. His academic journey in Artificial Intelligence, particularly within the Intelligent Multimedia Processing concentration, has equipped him with a robust skill set in programming languages such as C, C++, Java, JavaScript, Python, HTML, React Native, and SQL. Pran’s passion for innovation was evident in project-based courses where he explored AI applications in areas like sentiment analysis and music genre classification.

    CUHK’s AIST Programme: Ranked #3 Globally in Artificial Intelligence

    Pran’s achievements are a testament to the excell
    ence of CUHK’s Artificial Intelligence: Systems & Technologies (AISTN) programme, which is ranked #3 globally and #1 in Hong Kong for Artificial Intelligence, according to the 2023 US News and World Report Best Global Universities by Subject. The AISTN programme at CUHK is designed to equip students with the skills to design and implement AI systems capable of analysing, reasoning, and inferring knowledge from massive datasets. The curriculum is grounded in rigorous foundations of mathematics, basic sciences, data structures, statistics, and algorithms, while also offering practical experience in large-scale computing systems, machine learning, natural language processing, and more. With four specialised streams to choose from—including Biomedical Intelligence and Intelligent Manufacturing and Robotics—students are prepared to apply AI across diverse fields such as finance, medicine, robotics, and telecommunications, addressing both technological challenges and the ethical implications of AI innovations.

    Beyond the Classroom: Leadership and Community Engagement

    Pran’s influence extended well beyond academics. He played a pivotal role in organising events like the International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) regional contest and the Annual Faculty Concert, engaging faculty and peers alike. His leadership was further recognised through the prestigious Kunkle and Pommerenke Grand Scholarship, awarded to the top four students in a graduating class of over 800.

    Pran also made significant strides in community building, particularly within CUHK’s international and Thai student communities. He co-founded the Association of Thai Students in Hong Kong and Macau, launched initiatives to support incoming international students, and was instrumental in fostering a welcoming environment for students from diverse backgrounds.

    Global Experiences and Future Aspirations

    During his junior year, Pran expanded his horizons through an exchange programme at Korea University, where he explored advanced Machine Learning and Data Science technologies. His practical experience was further enriched by an internship at Preface, a Hong Kong-based EdTech company, where he developed key technical and business skills.

    As Pran prepares for graduation, he reflects on the invaluable experiences and opportunities CUHK provided, empowering him to lead and innovate in a rapidly changing world. His future plans include mentoring the next generation of students and continuing his contributions to the global community.

    For more information about CUHK’s Artificial Intelligence: Systems & Technologies (AISTN) programme, visit https://admission.cuhk.edu.hk/programme/aistn/ .

    Hashtag: #cuhk

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    About The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK)

    The Chinese University of Hong Kong is a leading research university in Asia. Established in 1963, CUHK is committed to nurturing talent and expanding the frontiers of knowledge to foster a better world. It offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs through its nine constituent colleges and schools. CUHK has a strong emphasis on global engagement, with partnerships and exchange programs with top universities worldwide.

    2024 James Dyson Award Hong Kong Winner: Air Ring 48 – a Revolutionising Cooling Solution for Outdoor Workers

    By
    Laotian Times
    -

    A more ergonomic and biometric cooling accessory tailored to safety helmet

    • 60% of Hong Kong’s 600,000 construction workers have suffered symptoms of heat stroke.[1]
    • With 2024 predicted to be one of the hottest years on record, the first half of the year has already been unusually warm, with five of the six months experiencing higher temperatures than normal.[2]

    HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 12 September 2024 – This year’s James Dyson Award Hong Kong winner directly addresses the severe issue of heat stress among construction workers with an innovative cooling accessory designed to enhance worker safety and productivity in these harsh conditions.

    James Dyson Award AR48

    Air Ring 48 (AR48) is an advanced personal cooling device that integrates seamlessly with standard safety helmets, offering targeted relief to outdoor workers. Unlike existing solutions, AR48 strategically redirects airflow to areas with the highest sweat rates—such as the back of the neck, sides of the neck, and behind the ears. Based on the testing conducted by AR48 team, this targeted approach significantly reduces skin temperature by up to 3.20°C and core temperature by 0.67°C, demonstrating its ability to induce a cooling sensation to the whole body. Despite its powerful performance, AR48 boasts an impressive battery life, providing up to 16 hours of continuous cooling on a single charge.

    As a wearable device, AR48 is designed for comfort and ease of use. Weighing just 150 grams, the AR48 is ultra-lightweight and comfortable, operating at a whisper-quiet 30dB. Its single-click helmet attachment ensures secure and easy use, minimizing distractions and discomfort for workers. Its robust construction is both waterproof and impact-resistant, fully compliant with industry safety standards, making it ideal for the demanding conditions of construction sites.

    Beyond its technical prowess, AR48 stands out as an accessible solution to improve working condition for outdoor workers. The deliberate choice of parts not only optimize its cooling efficiency but also lowers the production cost which enables mass manufacturing, making this technology accessible across various industries. By improving working conditions and reducing the risk of heat-related illnesses, AR48 significantly enhances worker safety, offering a cost-effective solution to a widespread problem.

    The Invention
    The engineers behind AR48—Yu To Mak, Ze Fu Jeff Li, and Jing Hymn Joseph Wong—are students from the University of Hong Kong. Recommended by their professors, they entered the James Dyson Award, an international competition that recognises innovative designs focused on solving real-world problems, driven by their strong motivation to create a positive impact on society.

    AR48 is the product of a rigorous two-year design process, culminating in the 48th prototype. The team utilised a blend of digital tools and hands-on methods like folding cardboard and sculpting clay to perfect the device’s proportions, airflow, and tactile details. Their goal was clear: to create a prototype that not only functions well in demanding outdoor conditions but also delivers an exceptional user experience.

    Before entering the James Dyson Award, AR48 had already garnered significant recognition, winning numerous awards, including the HKSTP IDEATION Programme and Tam Wing Fan Innovation Fund. AR48 was also selected for exhibition at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre as part of the HKU iDendron Incubation Programme.

    As the Hong Kong winner of the James Dyson Award, AR48 has won £5,000, which the team plans to invest in further development, including manufacturing trials and waterproofing tests. Their ultimate goal is to introduce this transformative technology to the global market, improving working conditions for construction workers in Hong Kong and beyond.

    “Winning the James Dyson Award is exciting, but it’s just the start. We want to make more things to help outdoor workers stay safe and comfortable. These workers build our city, and this is our way of saying thanks.” Jing Hymn Joseph Wong says, “With the Air Ring 48, we’re not just cooling off workers – we’re making work safer in a whole new way. We’re changing how we think about safety gear, one cool head at a time!”

    Steve Yeung, Hong Kong judge, comments: “AR48’s practical application in tackling heat and noise issues, with potential uses beyond construction, makes it a versatile solution that significantly improves working conditions and safeguards workers’ health in challenging environments.”

    AR48 will now advance to the next stage of the James Dyson Award, with the international Top 20 shortlist to be announced on 16th October, selected by Dyson engineers, and the global winners on 13th November, chosen by James Dyson.

    The Runners Up

    [NeuroHarbor]

    Problem: Epilepsy affects over 70 million people worldwide, leading to physical injuries significant psychosocial challenges.

    Solution: NeuroHarbor offers a groundbreaking solution: a wireless, AI-powered seizure detection and treatment system. This innovative technology merges wearable EEG sensors with machine learning and therapeutic intervention, enabling real-time seizure management and greatly improving the quality of life for those living with epilepsy.

    At its core is a sophisticated CNN-BiLSTM deep learning model, trained on over 1,000 hours EEG datasets with over 95% sensitivity and specificity to detect seizures with high accuracy. This algorithm powers a wearable 10g EEG patch featuring four unobtrusive electrodes, easily hidden within everyday headwear like hats or wigs. The system doesn’t just detect seizures in real-time; it’s also poised to be integrated with vagus nerve stimulation technology, potentially disrupting seizures before they even fully manifest.

    James Dyson Award

    The James Dyson Award is an international design competition which inspires and celebrates the next generation of design engineers. The Award operates across 29 countries this year and has supported over 400 problem-solving inventions with over £1m in prize money. It is run by the James Dyson Foundation, Sir James Dyson’s engineering-education charity.

    Hashtag: #2024JamesDysonAward

    The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

    About the James Dyson Award

    The brief
    Design something that solves a problem. This problem may be a frustration that we all face in daily life, or a global issue. The important thing is that the solution is effective and demonstrates considered design thinking.

    The process
    Entries are judged first at the national level by a panel of external judges and a Dyson engineer. Each operating market awards a national winner and two national runners-up. From these winners, a panel of Dyson engineers then select an international shortlist of the top 20 entries. The top 20 projects are then reviewed by Sir James Dyson, who selects his international winners.

    The prize

    • International winners, chosen by Sir James Dyson, awarded up to £30,000.
    • International runners-up receive £5,000.
    • Each national winner receives £5,000.

    Eligibility criteria
    Entrants must be, or have been within the last four years, enrolled for at least one semester in an undergraduate or graduate engineering/design related course. This course must be at a university in a country or region chosen to participate in the James Dyson Award.

    In the case of team entries, all members must be or have been within the last four years, enrolled for at least one semester in an undergraduate or graduate programme at a university in a country or region chosen to participate in the James Dyson Award. At least one team member must have studied an eligible subject in engineering or design. Those participating in a degree level apprenticeship at Level 6 or Level 7, and those who have completed said apprenticeship in the past four years, are eligible to enter the award.

    Further FAQs can be found on the James Dyson Award .

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