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Narwal Launches Flow 2 Robot Vacuum with Vision Language Model(VLM) and Upgraded FlowWash Mopping System

Featuring unlimited object recognition, a 140°F self-cleaning track mopping system, and a reimagined premium design for smarter, more efficient home cleaning.

NEW YORK, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Narwal, a global leader in smart home cleaning, today announced the launch of its 2026 flagship robot vacuum, the Narwal Flow 2, bringing advanced AI capabilities and enhanced cleaning performance to modern homes. Building on its industry-recognized mopping technology, the Flow 2 introduces a Vision Language Model (VLM) that enables human-like spatial understanding, along with new scenario-based features such as Baby Care Mode, Pet Care Mode, and AI Floor Tag. The product also features a redesigned, premium aesthetic that blends seamlessly into contemporary living spaces.

Narwal Flow 2
Narwal Flow 2

First unveiled at CES 2026, the Narwal Flow 2 immediately captured widespread media attention and earned multiple prestigious awards. Today, with its official release, Narwal brings this highly anticipated innovation to households across North America.

FlowWash Mopping System: Building on the acclaim of the original Flow’s FlowWash Mopping System, the Flow 2 further raises the bar by increasing heated water temperature from 113°F to 140°F. Traditional dual-spin or flat mops easily spread dirt due to a lack of timely self-cleaning. To resolve it, the Flow 2 features a high-speed track mop rolling at over 100 rotations per minute with 12N of downward pressure, while using heated water through a 16-nozzle rinsing system. An integrated scraper removes debris from the track, and wastewater is collected internally, together with real-time hot water washing to keep the mop clean throughout. Unlike roller mops that clean along a rotating “line,” the Flow 2 provides full 0.157 ft² surface coverage per pass, ensuring genuine surface contact for more effective and efficient cleaning. While conventional roller mops’ central rotating-axis design is prone to hair tangles, the flat-loop track rotates on a plane with attached hair releasing more easily, preventing tangling at the source.

Human Vision. AI Decisions: Equipped with dual RGB cameras and an onboard AI processor, the device enables adaptive obstacle avoidance and distinguishes between different types of messes to optimize cleaning strategies. The introduction of Narwal’s cloud-based VLM Omni Model expands recognition capabilities beyond onboard limitations, enabling continuous learning and more accurate contextual understanding. This empowers advanced features such as Pet Mode, which includes auto pet zone cleaning and pet locating, and Baby Mode, featuring ultra-quiet operation near cribs and toy recognition. With the AI Floor Tag mode, the robot can identify valuable objects and alert users upon detection.

Brand-New Industrial Design: Narwal’s latest flagship base station features a sleek, semi-enclosed design with a square silhouette and frosted glass surfaces, transforming the robot from a bulky appliance into a refined home centerpiece. An ambient light strip beneath the glass indicates its status and creates a dynamic visual effect, blending function with elegant design.

Comprehensive Upgrades for Effortless Home Cleaning: Additional flagship features include a 7,000 mAh battery with AI-powered battery health management supporting simultaneous washing and fast charging, a 3D color mapping system for enhanced control and interactivity, upgraded 31,000Pa suction power with CarpetFocus technology and anti-tangle design, and a fully automated base station with self-emptying, AI Adaptive Hot-Water Mop Washing, and a large dust bag supporting up to 120 days of maintenance-free use.

Availability
The Narwal Flow 2 will be available for pre-order from April 13 to April 28 on the Narwal website and Amazon, with a promotional price of $1,099.99 (MSRP $1,499.99).

About Narwal
Narwal is dedicated to developing innovative products that transform daily life. Our range of solutions addresses common challenges, with a focus on understanding and meeting user needs through extensive R&D. This commitment has yielded industry-firsts like the Auto-washing mop, AI-powered DirtSense™, and the DualFlow Tangle-Free System. We obsess over every detail to ensure our products are both functional and aesthetically pleasing, aiming to blend design and performance for a better daily life. As a top-five global vacuum brand, Narwal serves over 5 million users across 30 countries, including North America, South Korea, Germany, and Australia. Our innovations have been honored with awards like the CES Innovation Awards, Edison Gold Award, and Time Magazine’s Best Inventions.

Media contact:
Dede Liu, xichen.liu@narwal.com 

SKF to publish Q1 report on 21 April

GOTHENBURG, Sweden, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — SKF will publish its Q1 results for 2026 on 21 April at approximately 07:30 (CEST).

Investors, analysts and media are invited to join an audio webcast, which will be held in English, at 08:30 (CEST). Please note that the start time differs from previous quarters.

To join the webcast, please login at least 10 minutes before the start using the below link or phone numbers:
Link to web event: https://www.investis-live.com/skf/69aab7a8e4fbb0001603e68d/laodr
Sweden: +46 8 5051 0031
UK / International: +44 207 107 0613

All information regarding the results will be made available on the Group’s IR website: https://www.skf.com/group/investors/financials/quarterly-reports?page=1 

Media: To book interviews with Rickard Gustafson, President and CEO, please contact Carl Bjernstam on carl.bjernstam@skf.com.

Aktiebolaget SKF
      (publ)

For further information, please contact:
Press Relations: Carl Bjernstam, +46 31-337 2517; +46 722 201 893; carl.bjernstam@skf.com
Investor Relations: Sophie Arnius, +46 31-337 8072; +46 705 908072; sophie.arnius@skf.com

This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com

https://news.cision.com/skf/r/skf-to-publish-q1-report-on-21-april,c4333660

The following files are available for download:

 

37-Year-Old Singapore Florist Launches AI Chatbot That Saves Over $4,500 a Month in Customer Service Costs

Heritage flower brand deploys conversational AI across WhatsApp, proving that traditional SMEs can lead, not follow, in technology adoption

SINGAPORE, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Singapore Florist, a heritage flower brand established in 1987 and acquired by Jim Ng’s team in 2024, has launched an AI-powered sales chatbot that handles the workload of a full-time customer service employee at a fraction of the cost.

The chatbot, nicknamed “SingBee” after the brand’s mascot, handles the full customer journey on WhatsApp, from product recommendations and occasion-specific suggestions to order placement and delivery scheduling. It operates 24/7 across both Singapore Florist and its sister company, 1 Mayflower Pte Ltd, which together serve over 15,000 customers annually.

“This brand has been arranging flowers since 1987. That is 39 years of customer knowledge baked into the business,” said Jim Ng, who acquired Singapore Florist in 2024. “After the acquisition, we noticed a clear pattern. A large volume of customer enquiries were coming in after office hours, between 9pm and midnight. By the time the team responded the next morning, many of those customers had already ordered elsewhere. The average response time was sitting at 4 hours. That was the pain point that pushed us to build the chatbot.”

Key results from the first month of deployment:

  • Average customer response time reduced from 4 hours to under 25 seconds
  • 24/7 availability captured orders previously lost during off-hours (11pm to 8am accounted for 18% of AI-assisted orders)
  • Reduced full-time customer admin costs in excess of $4,500 monthly, replacing what would require a salaried employee to perform at the same level of output
  • Google Reviews improved from 4.7 to 4.8 stars for both 1 Mayflower Pte Ltd and Singapore Florist, driven by faster response times and consistent service quality

The AI infrastructure is a joint venture between 1 Mayflower Pte Ltd and Singapore Flower Delivery Pte Ltd. The system is trained on nearly four decades of florist domain knowledge, including flower care instructions, cultural gifting etiquette across Singapore’s multi-ethnic communities, and real-time inventory from the company’s Eunos studio.

What makes this story remarkable is who built it. The entire system was developed by a two-person team with no formal engineering background. Neither holds a computer science degree. Neither had built an AI product before.

“Most SMEs think AI adoption means hiring a tech team and spending six figures,” said Ng. “We built this with two non-technical people in under 90 days. With how far AI tools have advanced, you do not need to be a developer to build something that works. You just need to understand your customer well enough to teach a machine how to help them.”

The deployment is part of a broader digital transformation at both Singapore Florist and 1 Mayflower Pte Ltd, sister companies that share the same AI infrastructure, supply chain, and Eunos-based studio. The shared technology stack allows both brands to offer identical AI-assisted service quality while maintaining distinct brand identities. Singapore Florist focuses on direct-to-consumer gifting, while 1 Mayflower Pte Ltd specialises in wedding florals, corporate events, and large-scale installations.

The companies plan to extend the AI system to handle post-purchase follow-ups, loyalty programme management, and proactive reorder suggestions based on customer purchase history.

About Singapore Florist and 1 Mayflower Pte Ltd

Established in 1987, Singapore Florist is a heritage flower brand operating from its studio at Eunos, acquired by Jim Ng’s team in 2024. The company offers free same-day delivery islandwide with no GST, and maintains a 4.8-star Google rating across 195+ reviews. Singapore Florist and 1 Mayflower Pte Ltd are sister companies that jointly invest in shared AI and logistics infrastructure, collectively serving the full spectrum of floral needs from everyday bouquets to large-scale event installations.

Media Contact: 
Singapore Florist
Singapore Flower Delivery Pte Ltd
Jim Ng
jim@bestmarketing.com.sg
+65 9231 3757

Note to editor: Jim Ng is available for interview. High-resolution images of the AI chatbot interface, the Eunos studio, and the SingBee mascot are available on request.

Xayaburi Cracks Down on Shirtless Celebrations, Roadside Water Guns, Inappropriate Behavior

Laos officially authorizes Lao New Year (Pi Mai) celebrations
Lao New Year (Pi Mai) festivities include spraying water on passers by (Photo: Phoonsab Thevongsa)

Authorities in Xieng Hon district, Xayaburi Province, have issued a notice outlining strict rules for Pi Mai Lao celebrations, including bans on roadside water guns, late-night gatherings, and inappropriate public behavior.

The notice, signed on 7 April by District Administrative Committee Chairman Bounchan Keochaeng, applies to all 43 villages during the holiday period.

Authorities banned the use of vehicles equipped with water tanks, buckets, or hoses to splash water on roads. Residents must not use dirty water, paint, water mixed with harmful substances, or water thrown in plastic bags.

The notice also prohibits group gatherings that involve removing clothing or wearing revealing outfits that do not align with Lao cultural norms.

Street dancing in groups is also not allowed.

Curfews, Business Hours, and Safety

Entertainment venues and restaurants must close by 23:30. Authorities require all celebrations to end by this time, the notice reads.

Officials further urged residents to follow traffic laws and avoid drink driving. Children under 15 cannot operate motorcycles or cars, with guardians held responsible for violations.

Authorities also ban heavy vehicles from using roads during the holiday and prohibit speeding.

Carrying weapons is prohibited, except for on-duty officers.

Authorities also banned firecrackers, homemade rockets, and explosives, along with illegal substances including methamphetamine, ketamine, and electronic cigarettes.

Foreign Visitor Registration

Foreign visitors staying with relatives or friends must register with the district police within 24 hours of arrival.

Authorities warned that violations will result in warnings, fines, or legal action.

Ongoing Focus on Cultural Conduct

Xieng Hon has previously drawn attention for strict cultural rules.

In an earlier notice in 2025, authorities banned public kissing during wedding ceremonies and prohibited nighttime wedding processions, citing the need to preserve traditional Lao values.

Officials described public displays of affection as inappropriate in formal settings and instructed event hosts not to encourage such behavior.

The latest Pi Mai regulations align with the district’s continued effort to promote safety, order, and cultural preservation during major celebrations.

Haisco Enters into Exclusive License Agreement with AbbVie to Develop Novel Medicines for Pain

BEIJING, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — On April 10, 2026, Haisco Pharmaceutical Group Co., Ltd. (Ticker Code: 002653) announced that it has entered into an exclusive licensing agreement with AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV), a global biopharmaceutical company. Under the agreement, Haisco grants AbbVie the exclusive rights to develop, manufacture, and commercialize novel medicines for the treatment of pain globally, excluding mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau.

The program includes multiple compounds designed to address pain-related indications. These compounds are currently at various development stages in China, ranging from preclinical to Phase 1 clinical development.

“This collaboration is highly aligned with our international development strategy and is expected to generate sustainable value and long-term returns,” said Dr. Pangke Yan, chief executive officer of Haisco. “By partnering with a global biopharmaceutical leader such as AbbVie, Haisco aims to accelerate the global development of innovative pain therapies and deliver high-quality treatment options to patients worldwide.”

The collaboration strengthens Haisco’s global presence and pipeline by leveraging AbbVie’s development and commercialization capabilities, as well as its recognized expertise in neuroscience.

Haisco will receive an upfront payment of USD $30 million and is eligible to receive up to USD $715 million in aggregate development, regulatory, and commercial milestone payments. In addition, Haisco is eligible to receive tiered royalties on future net sales.

About Haisco

As a benchmark enterprise in China’s innovative pharmaceutical sector, Haisco adheres to a core strategy of “innovation-driven growth and global expansion.” The company has established a diversified R&D pipeline encompassing small-molecule innovative drugs, biologics, and high-end generics. Haisco is actively advancing more than 50 R&D programs across key therapeutic areas including pain management, oncology, respiratory diseases, autoimmune disorders, metabolic diseases, and central nervous system disorders; notably, over 10 of these programs have entered pivotal clinical stages. The company has maintained a strong commitment to R&D, with investment exceeding 15% of revenue in each of the past three years. It has established major R&D centers in Chengdu, Shanghai, and Silicon Valley, supported by a research team with extensive global experience, forming an integrated innovation system combining in-house capabilities and external collaboration.

As early as 2015, Haisco initiated its global strategy and has since actively expanded into international markets through multiple approaches, including out-licensing transactions, co-development partnerships, and overseas mergers and acquisitions.

Looking ahead, Haisco will continue to focus on areas of unmet medical need, strengthen its capabilities in independent innovation and global collaboration, and strive to deliver high-quality, China-originated innovative medicines to patients around the world.

AKEEYO Unveils AKY-NV-X2, AKY-710Lite, and AKY-730Pro at Global Sources Hong Kong 2026

Showcasing Full Product Lineup at Booth 7S20, April 11–14, 2026

SHENZHEN, China, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — AKEEYO, a leading developer of intelligent recording solutions for two- and four-wheeled vehicles, will exhibit at Global Sources Hong Kong 2026 (April 11–14, Hong Kong Asia International Exhibition Hall), Booth 7S20.

AKEEYO at Global Sources Hong Kong 2026 — Booth 7S20, April 11–14
AKEEYO at Global Sources Hong Kong 2026 — Booth 7S20, April 11–14

The exhibition marks a milestone for AKEEYO, bringing its full camera ecosystem to one of Asia’s top electronics sourcing events, where global distributors, dealers, and industry professionals can experience its latest innovations firsthand.

Products on Display

AKEEYO will present its full 2026 catalog across two key product categories:

Pro Bike & Motorcycle Action Cameras

The flagship AKY-730 Pro leads the lineup, featuring an 8MP Sony IMX678 sensor, 1/1.8″ full-frame capture at 60FPS, built-in GPS, a 1.14″ touchscreen display, EIS gyro stabilization, 3300mAh battery, and IP66 waterproofing. Video.

The AKY-710 Pro brings 8MP GC8613 sensor performance with EIS stabilization, dual-band Wi-Fi, and 4.5-hour battery life to cyclists seeking high-resolution footage at a competitive price point. The AKY-710S offers the same rugged 142° ultra-wide angle experience with Sony STARVIS 2.0 IMX335 technology, while the ultra-lightweight AKY-710 LITE — weighing just 101g — delivers accessible 2K recording with 7.5 hours of battery life for everyday riders.

Smart Dash Cam System

The AKY-NV-X2 is AKEEYO’s most advanced vehicle dash cam to date, combining a 2K dual-channel recording system with an optional third AHD channel, an 11.26″ IPS command screen, true full-color night vision powered by a 1/1.8″ large sensor, Super AI Blind Spot Detection (BSD), voice control, G-sensor emergency lock, 24/7 parking surveillance, and optional TPMS integration. Video.

Distributor & Partnership Opportunities

AKEEYO is expanding its global distributor and dealer network, offering competitive wholesale pricing, flexible MOQs, and single-unit fulfillment via overseas warehouses. Visit Booth 7S20 or complete the [Dealer Application Form] to discuss partnership opportunities.

Visit AKEEYO at Global Sources 2026

  • Show: Global Sources Consumer & Electronics Show 2026
  • Dates: April 11–14, 2026
  • Location: Hong Kong Asia International Exhibition Hall
  • Booth Number: 7S20
  • Website:www.akeeyo.com

About AKEEYO

AKEEYO specializes in smart recording solutions for motorcycles, bicycles, and vehicles — from pro-grade action cameras to intelligent dash cam systems. The brand serves markets across Asia, Europe, and the Americas through its global distributor network and e-commerce channels.

More than half of subcontractors add a risk margin for slow payments, as Payapps launches Early Payment feature

MELBOURNE, Australia, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Slow and unreliable payments are influencing how subcontractors price and pursue future work, with preliminary findings from a recent Payapps, an Autodesk Company survey of 754 subcontractors across Australia and New Zealand showing that a builder’s payment reputation now has a direct impact on bidding behaviour and cost.

According to the survey, 77% of subcontractors said a main contractor’s payment reputation influences their decision to bid or price future work. By comparison, 57% said they have increased rates or added a risk margin due to slow or unreliable payments. The findings point to a growing commercial consequence for builders, as payment practices begin to affect not only subcontractor cash flow, but also pricing, confidence and supply chain resilience.

The survey also found that when payments are delayed, the top three impacts on subcontractors are tighter cash flow, increased stress and pressure, and greater difficulty paying suppliers. In addition, 40% of respondents said they would be interested in an optional early payment arrangement for approved progress claims, even if it meant receiving a slightly reduced payment.

In response to these pressures, Payapps, an Autodesk Company, has launched Early Payment — a new feature that enables main contractors to manage optional early payment requests within the progress claim workflow they already use to collaborate with subcontractors.

Rather than relying on informal conversations, side arrangements, or manual workarounds, the Early Payment feature in Payapps provides builders with a structured, transparent way to support subcontractor cash flow while maintaining governance, visibility, and commercial control. The feature allows contractors to configure eligibility, payment timeframes and discount settings, while embedding requests into existing approval workflows and downstream finance processes.

“Timing is the critical issue,” said Scott Lockwood, Head of Customer Success at Payapps. “Traditional early payment arrangements often try to accelerate approvals and payments while adding manual administration at the same time. That combination makes them difficult to govern and even harder to scale.”

“The Early Payment feature in Payapps changes that by embedding requests directly into the progress claim and approval workflow. It gives builders a practical way to support subcontractor cash flow while maintaining visibility, control and commercial discipline.”

Payapps said the feature has already been trialled with a select group of customers during its early rollout, helping validate how early payment works in practice across live projects.

“Our early payment approach gives subcontractors flexible access to funds when they genuinely need it, without changing underlying contract terms,” said Lewis Skittrall, Head of Commercial at Sarah Constructions. “By keeping the process optional, transparent and embedded within our existing Payapps claim workflows, we’re able to support our supply chain while maintaining strong commercial governance across projects.”

The launch reflects a broader shift in construction finance and commercial operations, where builders are under increasing pressure to improve internal efficiency while also responding to the real-world cash flow pressures faced by their subcontractor base. By standardising how early payment requests are made, reviewed, and approved, Payapps aims to help builders reduce administrative burden, avoid inconsistencies, and create a more professional, scalable way to respond to subcontractor funding needs.


How Payapps Helps Standardise Early Payment Requests in Construction

About Payapps

Payapps, an Autodesk Company, is an award-winning cloud-based collaboration tool for the construction industry. It helps main contractors and subcontractors simplify and streamline the submission and assessment of progress claims on projects, including contract variations. By digitising and streamlining these workflows, Payapps improves transparency, accuracy, compliance and collaboration, while reducing financial risk, disputes and administrative burden. Payapps integrates with a wide range of construction ERP, project and financial management systems to provide real-time visibility across project payment claim processes.

Satair boosts Singapore’s aerospace logistics capabilities with Swisslog AutoStore

SINGAPORE, April 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Swisslog proudly announces the successful deployment and commissioning of Satair’s new AutoStore system at its Singapore facility, underscoring Swisslog’s position as Southeast Asia’s leading AutoStore partners.

Picture from Satair AutoStore inauguration event: Torben Ruberg, CIO; Marcus Schwarz, Head of Logistics & Repair; Andy Lee, Managing Director Asia Pacific. Singapore EDB: Chan Ih-Ming, Executive Vice President. Airbus: Anand Stanley, President Asia-Pacific; and Raymond Lim, Head of Customer Services Asia Pacific (Photo credit: Satair)
Picture from Satair AutoStore inauguration event: Torben Ruberg, CIO; Marcus Schwarz, Head of Logistics & Repair; Andy Lee, Managing Director Asia Pacific. Singapore EDB: Chan Ih-Ming, Executive Vice President. Airbus: Anand Stanley, President Asia-Pacific; and Raymond Lim, Head of Customer Services Asia Pacific (Photo credit: Satair)

This installation represents Satair’s third automation deployment globally, following successful implementations in Hamburg and Dulles. It forms a key pillar of the company’s strategy to harmonise and robotise logistics processes across its global network—enhancing efficiency, resilience, and scalability.

Enhancing speed and regional capability in aerospace logistics

The new AutoStore system strengthens Satair’s logistics capabilities across Asia-Pacific by enabling high‑density, goods‑to‑person automation. By storing approximately 80% of small and medium-sized parts within the existing 1,000 m² footprint. The system delivers faster and more consistent order processing while supporting scalable, 24/7 operations. This translates into improved reliability, shorter handling times, and greater flexibility for customers—particularly during periods of peak demand.

“Our partnership with Satair continues to be a strong example of how advanced automation can transform aerospace logistics. By combining Swisslog’s integration expertise with AutoStore’s high‑density storage technology, we are enabling Satair to scale efficiently and stay ahead of growing regional demand” says Steven Xie, EVP and Managing Director, Swisslog APeC

Reinforcing Singapore’s Aerospace Ecosystem

Supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB), the installation strengthens Singapore’s position as a leading aerospace logistics hub. The project also contributes to the nation’s ongoing efforts to advance digitalisation and build future‑ready supply chain capabilities.

“The inauguration of AutoStore in Singapore is a pivotal step in our transformative regional growth via technology. By integrating this advanced automation, we are ensuring that our supply chain remains resilient and ready to support the rapid fleet growth we see across Asia-Pacific. This investment reflects our commitment to providing consistent, value‑added, world‑class service levels to our customers.” says Andy Lee, Managing Director for Satair Asia-Pacific.

Swisslog will continue to work alongside Satair as it expands its automation capabilities, ensuring the Singapore facility remains a benchmark for operational excellence in the region.

About Swisslog

Swisslog designs, manufactures and optimizes automated logistics solutions across the supply chain, powered by our modular SynQ software platform. With a global team of passionate employees and a portfolio of best-in-class technologies, we partner with customers from solution design through lifecycle.

www.swisslog.com/en-my