27.7 C
Vientiane
Monday, May 26, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 101

Carlsberg reunites Dudek, Hyypiä and Smicer in film to celebrate 20th anniversary of Miracle of 2005

  • To commemorate what is often hailed as the best football match of all time Carlsberg has released a limited-edition Miracle Can and short film starring Liverpool FC legends  
  • On sale from 8th May, the Miracle Can will be available in select retailers with more information available here

COPENHAGEN, Denmark, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As a long-time sponsor of Liverpool FC, Carlsberg is releasing a limited-edition can – the Miracle Can –  to mark the 20th anniversary of the Miracle of 2005, often hailed as the best match of all time. The 2005 epic match saw Liverpool FC overcome a 3-0 deficit at halftime to ultimately lift the trophy following a nerve-wracking penalty shootout. It is now forever etched in the memories of Liverpool FC fans. 

The Miracle Can - Carlsberg
The Miracle Can – Carlsberg

The Miracle Can’s striking Liverpool FC red and Carlsberg green design takes fans on a reminiscent journey through the highs and lows felt on that night in Istanbul 20 years ago. It’s adorned with time stamps linking back to notable moments during the match so drinkers can relive the emotion two decades on, including the utter elation from fans at the final whistle after the club’s miraculous comeback.

To mark the launch of the Miracle Can, the Danish brewer has reunited Liverpool FC legends Jerzy Dudek, Sami Hyypiä and Vladimír Šmicer for a short film. 

The film sees the Miracle Can rolling down the production line as Hyypiä opens with an operatic version of Allez Allez Allez, it then cuts to Šmicer giving the can a kiss of luck like it’s 2005 all over again. Finally, mimicking the crescendo in Istanbul twenty years ago, the can shoots off the conveyor belt to nestle in the gloves of Jerzy Dudek, the same gloves he wore 20-years ago on that night. The same gloves behind the wonder double-save that kept Liverpool FC in the game in the final minutes.

Launching first in the UK 8 May, supporters will be able to get their hands on the Miracle Can from select retailers and relive the magic of that unforgettable night two decades ago, one sip at a time. 

The short film will appear across social media, online video, e-commerce and internal communications, as well as through in-store and outlet activations.

Carlsberg has proudly stood alongside Liverpool FC since 1992, and with a new agreement signed in 2023, this iconic partnership is set to continue until at least 2034. Over the past three decades, the two have been inseparable, sharing triumphs, enduring challenges, and becoming deeply woven into each other’s DNA. Among the many unforgettable moments, few shine brighter than the Miracle of 2005.

Driven by a commitment to bringing fans closer to the moments that matter, the Danish brewer’s Miracle of 2005 campaign continues its tradition of delivering the very best for Liverpool FC fans.

Louise Bach, Global Sponsorship Director at Carlsberg, said: “At Carlsberg, we’re beyond proud of our 30+ year partnership with Liverpool FC. It’s been an incredible journey, and we’re always looking for ways to bring more people closer to the magic of the beautiful game. 

“The Miracle of 2005 was a moment that will remain forever engrained in our memories, which is why we wanted to celebrate this anniversary with the limited-edition Miracle Can, co-created with love for passionate supporters. Here’s to hoping it brings some good luck and great results for the future seasons. Can miracles strike again? Probably.”

For further information on the Miracle Can, please find more information on this link.

About Carlsberg Group:

Established in 1847 by brewer J.C. Jacobsen, the Carlsberg Group is one of the leading brewery groups in the world, with an attractive portfolio of beer and other beverage brands. With over 30.000 employees, and with a presence in more than 125 markets, the Group has a purpose of brewing for a better today and tomorrow. Doing business responsibly and sustainably supports that purpose – and drives the efforts to deliver value for shareholders and society. For further information, visit carlsberggroup.com 

 

CREDITS 

PRODUCTION

new—land 

COMPANY 

Director

Tore Frandsen

Executive 

Producer 

Sara Samsøe & Thor Brammer Jacobsen

Producer 

Joi Persson 

Production

Julie Seifert  

Manager 

Production

Ida Elena Lindemann  

Assistant 

 

CREATIVE

Worth Your While 

AGENCY 

Creative Director

Tim Pashen 

Creative Director

Lukas Lund 

Account Manager

Celina Ranum Aagaard

Creative 

Alexander Winge Leisner

 

PRODUCTION INFO

DOP 

Jasper Spanning / AOA 

1st AD

Tue Czajkowski

1st AC

Frederik Haslund

2nd AC 

Vilas Marstrand

Q Take 

Sospeter Nganga 

BTS & Stills photographer

Ludvig Frøkjær Thomsen

Stylist & HMUA 

Pernille Holm  

Stylist Assistant  

Rita Holm / Artbook

Stylist Assistant  

Selma Holm Riis / Artbook

Casting 

Saskia Skeel Fahlsten / Another Casting
Company 

 

Set-Designer

Martin Johannesen & Lars Søgaard / Van Horn  

Grip 

Christian Brøndum 

Gaffer 

Viggo Grumme  

Best Boy 

Gabriel Stefan

Electrician  

Christoffer Rømer

Runner  

Marcus Kahr

 

CAST 

Former Liverpool Player

Jerzy Dudek 

Former Liverpool Player

Vladimír Šmicer  

Former Liverpool Player

Sami Hyypiä 

Girl in shop  

Agency 

 

Amanda Krebs  

Saskia Skeel Fahlsten / Another
Casting Company 

Commentator #1 

Agency 

 

Frantz Dupis 

Saskia Skeel Fahlsten / Another
Casting Company 

Commentator #2 

Agency 

 

Thomas Jean Nielsen  

Saskia Skeel Fahlsten / Another
Casting Company 

Lookalike 

Agency 

 

Rasmus Munkner  

Saskia Skeel Fahlsten / Another
Casting Company 

POST PRODUCTION 

Editor 

Anders Jon / AOA 

Post Producer 

Pia Nellemose 

Colorist  

Oskar Larsson / Tint 

Sound design 

Kevin Koch / Chemistry Sound 

Commentator VO

Clive Tydesley 

Music Composer

Playhead  

VFX 

Mikael Pettersson & Felix Davrin / Tint

 

Photo: https://laotiantimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/carlsberg_group-1.jpg
Video: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2680372/Carlsberg_Group_1.mp4 

 

Peikko Australia Showcasing Innovative Construction Solutions at Sydney Build Expo 2025

SYDNEY, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Peikko Australia, a subsidiary of the Finnish global leading precast and cast-in-situ construction supplier Peikko Group, is participating in the 2025 Sydney Build Expo, Australia’s premier construction and infrastructure event. The expo is taking place on May 7–8, 2025, at the Sydney International Convention Centre (ICC), where Peikko Australia is showcasing its latest innovations in Bolted Connections Solutions, Flooring Solutions, and DELTABEAM® Slim Floor Structure.

Peikko Australia team with Business Finland Senior Advisor Birgit Tegethoff GAICD (the lady in the middle) at Sydney Build 2025.
Peikko Australia team with Business Finland Senior Advisor Birgit Tegethoff GAICD (the lady in the middle) at Sydney Build 2025.

The Sydney Build Expo, organized by Oliver Kinross, is the largest construction trade show in the Southern Hemisphere. It serves as a premier platform for contractors, architects, engineers, home builders, developers, government entities, and building professionals, attracting over 25,000 professionals and 600 exhibitors worldwide. This year’s edition focused on themes including digital construction, sustainability, and infrastructure resilience, which align with Peikko Australia’s mission to provide a faster, safer, and more sustainable way to build.

Peikko Australia is participating in the Sydney Build Expo for the second time this year. At Stand J10, the company is showcasing its innovative solutions, demonstrating the resilience of its flooring armour joints under heavy-duty operations and highlighting the innovative DELTABEAM® system. In response to questions from attendees, Peikko Australia’s sales and engineering teams are providing in-depth explanations and comprehensive answers. Peikko’s solutions not only highlight the company’s innovative technology but also address key industry challenges, including enhancing installation efficiency, reducing costs, ensuring structural safety, and promoting sustainability.

“Our participation underscores Peikko’s commitment to supporting Australia’s urban transformation with innovative, sustainable technologies,” said Wayne Saunders, Managing Director of Peikko Australia.  “We were excited to showcase our latest solutions and contribute to the growth and development of Australia’s construction industry.”

Peikko Australia has been actively contributing to Australia’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. Leveraging its local manufacturing capabilities in Yatala, QLD, the company is ensuring high-quality products tailored to the Australian market. Peikko Australia has completed hundreds of projects, including landmarks like the Jewel Towers on the Gold Coast and Queen’s Wharf Project in Brisbane.

Through innovative solutions and a commitment to sustainable practices, Peikko has been reducing the environmental impact of construction. By participating in the Sydney Build Expo and engaging in open discussions, Peikko is sharing its knowledge and solutions to help create a more sustainable future for the industry. For more information, please visit www.peikko.com.au.

Great Place To Work® Announces Australia’s Best Workplaces™ in Technology List 2025

SYDNEY, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Great Place To Work® Australia proudly announces its 2025 Best Workplaces™ in Technology List, honouring 55 of the nation’s most outstanding technology employers. Now in its third year, this prestigious list recognises organisations that lead with trust, purpose, and innovation, elevating employee experience and setting benchmarks for excellence in the tech industry.

Recognising Excellence in a Fast-Moving Sector

Technology is a thriving industry in Australia, with forecasts predicting it will contribute A$250 billion to the national economy by 2030. In 2023, the Minister for Skills and Training, the Hon Brendan O’Connor, noted that Australia’s tech workforce had grown 8% year-on-year, placing the country on track to achieve the national goal of 1.2 million technology-related jobs by 2030.

As one of the fastest-growing sectors, technology is crucial in driving employment. The 2025 Best Workplaces in Technology List highlights the organisations that are helping this growth by building workplaces based on trust, inclusivity and purpose.

The 2025 list is based on confidential employee feedback from 28,102 voices across Australia’s tech sector, rigorously evaluated through the Great Place To Work Trust Index™ survey. While the methodology remains unchanged, the stories of progress, empowerment, and resilience continue to evolve.

“The 2025 Best Workplaces in Technology list celebrates 55 companies that are not only great employers but powerful industry leaders,” said Rebecca Moulynox, General Manager, Great Place To Work Australia & New Zealand. “What sets these organisations apart is their ability to foster innovation through cultures of trust, purpose, and inclusion. In a highly competitive and fast-moving sector, these companies are proving that strong leadership and a great employee experience are key drivers of sustained performance and market advantage.”

Top Performers: Where Innovation Meets Impact

This year, CrowdStrike, which has demonstrated impressive technological advancements through innovations such as Charlotte AI, takes the top spot in the medium and large category. CrowdStrike excels in inclusive leadership, mental health initiatives, and community engagement; they build a culture where well-being is a priority.

Smokeball ranks among the top for its exceptional employee-centred practices, including a $1,000 wellness allowance, dedicated ‘reboot days’ and robust hybrid work flexibility. Their holistic well-being programmes have led to lower employee turnover and demonstrated high morale across the organisation.

Centorrino Technologies (CT) makes a notable debut with a strong people-first approach, carbon neutrality since 2019, and a bold goal to offset all historical emissions by 2025. Their inclusive workplace is grounded in empathy, empowerment, and community partnerships, like supporting EatUp.

What Makes These Workplaces Stand Out?

All companies on this year’s list share a foundation of high-trust workplace cultures. They invest in leadership, employee development, mental health, and purpose-driven strategies. From flexible work environments and structured recognition programs to community initiatives and sustainability goals, these companies exemplify what it means to lead through people.

Notable standouts include:

  • Atlassian, returning for the third year with its flexible Team Anywhere model and AI-powered collaboration tools.
  • Cisco, for cultivating a “Conscious Culture” that embraces inclusion, mental health, and environmental stewardship.
  • REA Group, with a 99% retention rate among new leaders and a deep commitment to mental wellbeing and cultural empowerment.
  • AirTrunk, which combines internal mobility and inclusive leadership with socially impactful initiatives funded by Sustainability Linked Loans.
  • Mantel Group, disrupting traditional hierarchies to empower teams with trust and autonomy.

Raising the Bar for Australia’s Tech Ecosystem

This year’s list doesn’t just recognise great companies but shows that in an era defined by rapid digital transformation and talent competition, workplace culture is not just a people priority but it’s essential for business success.

Early trends reinforce that employee-centric practices drive business performance, from better retention to stronger employer branding and innovation outcomes. As such, the 2025 Best Workplaces in Technology List serves as both a recognition and a call to action for the industry.

Explore the Full List

To view the complete list of Australia’s Best Workplaces in Technology 2025 and learn how your organisation can earn recognition next year, visit the Great Place To Work Australia website.

About Great Place To Work

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Our mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all. We give leaders and organisations the recognition and tools to create a consistently and overwhelmingly positive employee experience, fostering cultures that are proven to drive business, improve lives, and better society. Our recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Our proprietary methodology and platform enable organisations to truly capture, analyse, and understand the experience of all employees. Our groundbreaking research empowers organisations to build cultures that retain talent and unlock the potential of every employee. Our coaches, content, and community connect the boldest leaders, ideas, and innovations in employee experience. Since 1992, our Certification™, Best Workplaces Lists, and global benchmarks have become the industry standard, built on data from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries around the world.

Medtronic to announce financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025

GALWAY, Ireland, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Medtronic plc (NYSE: MDT), a global leader in healthcare technology, today announced that it will report financial results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025 on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. A news release will be issued at approximately 5:45 a.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT) and will be available at https://news.medtronic.com. The news release will include summary financial information for the company’s fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025, which ended on Friday, April 25, 2025.

Medtronic will host a video webcast at 7:00 a.m. CDT on May 21, 2025, to discuss results for its fourth quarter and full fiscal year 2025. The webcast can be accessed at https://investorrelations.medtronic.com.

Within 24 hours of the broadcast, a replay and transcript of the prepared remarks will be available by clicking on the Events link at https://investorrelations.medtronic.com.

Looking ahead to fiscal year 2026, Medtronic plans to report its first, second, third, and fourth quarter results on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, November 18, 2025, February 17, 2026, and Wednesday, May 20, 2026, respectively. For these events, confirmation and additional details will be provided closer to the specific event.

About Medtronic
Bold thinking. Bolder actions. We are Medtronic. Medtronic plc, headquartered in Galway, Ireland, is the leading global healthcare technology company that boldly attacks the most challenging health problems facing humanity by searching out and finding solutions. Our Mission — to alleviate pain, restore health, and extend life — unites a global team of 95,000+ passionate people across more than 150 countries. Our technologies and therapies treat 70 health conditions and include cardiac devices, surgical robotics, insulin pumps, surgical tools, patient monitoring systems, and more. Powered by our diverse knowledge, insatiable curiosity, and desire to help all those who need it, we deliver innovative technologies that transform the lives of two people every second, every hour, every day. Expect more from us as we empower insight-driven care, experiences that put people first, and better outcomes for our world. In everything we do, we are engineering the extraordinary. For more information on Medtronic (NYSE: MDT), visit www.Medtronic.com and follow Medtronic on LinkedIn.

Any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties such as those described in Medtronic’s periodic reports on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Actual results may differ materially from anticipated results.

Contacts:
Erika Winkels
Public Relations
+1-763-526-8478

Ryan Weispfenning
Investor Relations
+1-763-505-4626

Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally Bring Unscripted and Unfiltered Chaos to Vivid Sydney

SYDNEY, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Television icons Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally will appear on stage together for the first time in Australia at Vivid Sydney 2025, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest arts and culture festival.

Unscripted and Unfiltered with Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally. Image credit Emily Shur
Unscripted and Unfiltered with Nick Offerman and Megan Mullally. Image credit Emily Shur

The husband-and-wife comedy duo will present Unscripted & Unfiltered with Nick Offerman & Megan Mullally at the International Convention Centre Sydney on Saturday, 14 June, closing the festival’s 23-day celebration of creativity and innovation.

Known globally for their iconic roles as Ron Swanson in Parks and Recreation and Karen Walker in Will & Grace respectively, Offerman and Mullally will engage in a candid conversation moderated by Australian broadcaster Zan Rowe. The pair will discuss their individual careers, partnership, and activism work in the LGBTQIA+ community and environmental issues.

On the duo’s visit to the Harbour City, Nick Offerman said “Megan and I are powerfully chuffed to get back to town for Vivid Sydney but also to reprise our lovemaking session atop the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Once we have recharged those particular batteries, we’ll be thrilled to transfer our slatternly energies to the Vivid Sydney audience. Come for the anecdotes and the burlesque lust in our every turn of phrase, then get stretched out before you get home, because there’s gonna be some canoodlin'”.

Vivid Sydney Festival Director, Gill Minervini said, “We couldn’t let Vivid Sydney take place this year without treating visitors to a masterclass in comedy. Nick and Megan are one of the funniest couples alive, and this conversation is set to be equal parts unpredictable and hilarious. Bolstering Vivid Sydney 2025’s line-up alongside lifestyle icon Martha Stewart and the formidable Nigella Lawson, there really is something for everyone.”

Every episode of iconic series Will & Grace and Parks and Recreation is available to stream on Stan, Australia’s leading streaming service and Supporting Partner of Vivid Sydney 2025. 

Tickets go on sale on Friday, 9 May at 9:00 am AEST at vividsydney.com.

About Vivid Sydney

Vivid Sydney, the Southern Hemisphere’s leading multi-artform festival, transforms Sydney into a vibrant hub of creativity, innovation and community connection. Over 23 nights, light installations, music, ideas and food inspire global audiences and drive cultural exchange. The 2025 theme, ‘Dream’, sparks imagination and engagement, attracting visitors and fuelling economic growth. Proudly owned by Destination NSW, Vivid Sydney showcases NSW’s cultural vibrancy and positions it as a global leader in artistic innovation. 

 

Vivid Sydney. Image credit - Destination NSW
Vivid Sydney. Image credit – Destination NSW

Cutting ship emissions at the source: Alisha Fredriksson and Roujia Wen in top 10 innovators of the Young Inventors Prize 2025

  • Most decarbonisation efforts in the maritime sector currently focus on updating the fleet with new ships and on transitioning to green fuels, which leave the shipowners with few options to meet emissions targets
  • UK-based Alisha Fredriksson (Sweden/Canada) and Roujia Wen (China) founded Seabound, a startup that builds retrofittable carbon capture system that traps CO₂ from ship exhausts 
  • The team is among top ten innovators of the Young Inventors Prize, to be awarded by the European Patent Office (EPO) on 18 June 2025

MUNICH, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, global shipping is a major contributor to emissions, releasing over 800 million tonnes of CO₂ each year. The European Commission also reports that EU maritime transport alone exceeded 124 million tonnes in 2021, accounting for 3-4% of the bloc’s total CO₂ emissions. While alternative fuels and new ship designs offer long-term solutions, most existing vessels lack a feasible retrofit option for cutting CO₂ emissions to meet emissions targets. Alisha Fredriksson (30) and Roujia Wen (29) co-founded Seabound to develop a retrofittablecarbon capture system to help shipowners cut emissions without replacing their fleets. By capturing CO₂ into solid limestone rather than storing it as a liquid or gas, Seabound’s solution makes offloading and processing simple, eliminating the need for complex onboard CO₂ equipment or specialised portside infrastructure. Their invention has earned them a place among the ten global innovators, known as Tomorrow Shapers, for the Young Inventors Prize 2025, selected from over 450 candidates by an independent jury.

A modular solution for maritime decarbonisation

Most carbon capture systems require costly, energy-intensive systems for compressing and storing CO₂ onboard, but Seabound’s compact, container-based system captures CO₂ directly from a ship’s exhaust and binds it with a lime-based sorbent to form solid limestone pellets. This removes the need for pressurised CO₂ tanks and also streamlines portside logistics as the limestone can be offloaded in shipping containers as ordinary cargo.      

The Seabound system is designed to offer flexibility to shipowners – the modular units can be scaled up to match a ship’s emissions. The system operates efficiently, using exhaust heat to sustain the process while requiring only minimal energy for sensors and valves. The limestone can then be sold for use as building materials or post-processed nearby port to release CO₂, which can be used in other products (e.g., e-fuel production) or for sequestration, with the lime recycled for future capture. The technology also removes sulphur emissions, making it a dual-purpose scrubber that helps ships cut pollution without costly fleet replacements.

From concepts to sea trials

Fredriksson and Wen met at university and co-founded Seabound in 2021, driven by the need for a practical solution to maritime emissions. Fredriksson had worked with maritime e-fuels, where captured CO₂ was needed as a feedstock but was in short supply. Wen, with a background in applied mathematics and AI, helped design a modular carbon capture system that could be easily installed on existing ships.We bind the CO₂ in solid form using calcium-based materials, making storage as simple as carrying cargo. No specialised equipment, no extreme conditions, just a stable, scalable way to reduce emissions at sea,” explained Wen.

They iterated through multiple working prototypes in their London workshop before moving to full-scale trials at sea. According to Seabound, their system was tested on a commercial cargo ship and successfully captured CO₂ at 78% efficiency and sulphur emissions at 90% efficiency. “Shipping is one of the last sectors to decarbonise, as existing solutions are neither effective nor economically viable yet. Carbon capture was an emerging technology in other sectors, so we began brainstorming ways to make it work and we decided to take on the challenge together,” added Fredriksson.  

The Young Inventors Prize celebrates worldwide innovators 30 and under using technology to address global challenges posed by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Fredriksson and Wen’s invention supports SDG 13 (Climate Action) by providing a practical, scalable solution for reducing carbon emissions in the maritime industry.

The prizes of the 2025 edition will be announced during a ceremony livestreamed from Iceland on 18 June 2025. 

Find more information about the invention’s impact, the technology and the inventor’s story here.

About the Young Inventors Prize

Aimed at individuals 30 and under, the Young Inventors Prize showcases the transformative power of youth-driven solutions and recognises the remarkable young people paving the way to a more sustainable future. Established in 2022, trophies were first handed out during the European Inventor Award ceremony. From 2025 onwards, the Prize will move up a gear with its own dedicated event, held separately from the Award. Among the 10 Tomorrow Shapers selected for each edition, three will be awarded a special prize: World Builders, Community Healers, and Nature Guardians. In addition, a People’s Choice winner, voted by the public online, will be revealed. Each Tomorrow Shaper will receive EUR 5 000, the three special prize winners will each receive an extra EUR 15 000. The People’s Choice winner will be awarded an additional EUR 5 000. Read more on the Young Inventors Prize eligibility and selection criteria.

About the EPO

With 6,300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO’s centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 46 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world’s leading authority in patent information and patent searching.

HD Hyundai and Persona AI Sign Agreement to Deploy Humanoid Welding Robots for Shipbuilding Automation

HD Hyundai spearheads Korea’s first welding humanoid initiative through partnership with global AI and robotics leaders.

  • HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering and HD Hyundai Robotics sign MOU with Persona AI and Vazil for humanoid development tailored to shipyard welding
  • Development and deployment of humanoid robots for precise welding to enhance production efficiency and safety
  • Prototype completion targeted for end of 2026, with field testing and commercialization commencing in 2027

HOUSTON and ULSAN, South Korea, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE) and HD Hyundai Robotics today announced the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Persona AI, a leader in embodied artificial intelligence, and robotics integration and manufacturing firm Vazil Company. The agreement, signed during a formal ceremony in Houston, Texas, initiates a joint program to create humanoid robots capable of performing complex welding tasks in shipyard environments.

This strategic partnership aims to usher in a new era of human-machine collaboration. The initiative will deliver prototype humanoids by the end of 2026, with field testing and full commercial deployment scheduled to begin in 2027.

Under the agreement, the four parties will collaborate to develop humanoids equipped with advanced AI and robotic systems capable of high-precision welding. The goal is to enhance productivity and improve workplace safety in shipyards.

Persona AI will lead the development of humanoid hardware and AI-based control and learning algorithms. Vazil Company will develop the welding tools and build the industrial testing environment. HD KSOE will support deployment in live shipyard settings and provide field engineering data. HD Hyundai Robotics will contribute welding-path AI training data and performance validation.

HD KSOE Senior Vice President Mr. Dong-ju Lee stated, “Welding humanoids will not only boost productivity but also significantly reduce the burden on workers and greatly enhance safety. By developing robots optimized for shipyard tasks, we aim to set a new paradigm in shipbuilding automation. Our goal is a smart shipyard where humans and intelligent robots collaborate seamlessly.”

Persona AI CEO Nicolaus Radford added, “As heavy industry faces growing labor constraints—especially in high-risk trades like welding—the need for rugged, autonomous humanoid robots is more urgent than ever. This partnership with HD Hyundai and Vazil is more than symbolic—deploying to the shipyard is one of the largest real-world proving grounds for Persona’s tough, humanoid robots.

HD Hyundai Robotics Vice President Mr. Young-hoon Song stated, ” Unlike conventional robots that focus solely on repetitive tasks, these robots must be able to observe, reason, and make decisions. By leveraging HD Hyundai Robotics’ extensive experience in robotic automated welding and engineering, we aim to develop an innovative humanoid welding solution.”

Vazil Company CTO Sungwon Kim commented, “By developing humanoids capable of precision welding, we will elevate shipyard automation to the next level. We look forward to our manufacturing partnership with Persona AI to help them build and deploy to the Korean markets. This partnership marks a significant milestone in a global industrial robotics collaboration.”

About HD Hyundai KSOE
HD Korea Shipbuilding & Offshore Engineering (KSOE) is a global leader in shipbuilding and advanced marine engineering. It oversees HD Hyundai Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Mipo, and HD Hyundai Samho. Learn more at hdksoe.co.kr.

About Persona AI
Persona AI develops embodied AI systems capable of working alongside humans in dangerous, high-impact environments. The company brings decades of experience in space- and ocean-grade robotics to real-world labor challenges. Learn more at http://www.personainc.ai 

About HD Hyundai Robotics Corporation
HD Hyundai Robotics Corporation is a global leader in industrial automation and smart manufacturing solutions. A subsidiary of HD Hyundai, the company specializes in robotic systems for welding, assembly, and logistics across sectors including shipbuilding, energy, and heavy industry. hd-hyundairobotics.com

About Vazil Company
Vazil develops advanced automation, AI, and robotics solutions for industrial clients in South Korea and globally. Visit vazilcompany.com for more information.

Pictured from left: Mingyu Kim (Research Engineer) VAZIL Company, Jerry Pratt (CTO) Persona AI, Inc, Jide Akinyode (COO) Persona AI, Inc, Sungwon Kim (CTO) VAZIL Company, Nicolaus Radford (CEO) Persona AI, Inc, Dongju Lee (Senior Vice President) HD KSOE, Younghoon Song (Vice President) HD Hyundai Robotics, Won Jun Yun (Principal Research Engineer) HD KSOE.
Pictured from left: Mingyu Kim (Research Engineer) VAZIL Company, Jerry Pratt (CTO) Persona AI, Inc, Jide Akinyode (COO) Persona AI, Inc, Sungwon Kim (CTO) VAZIL Company, Nicolaus Radford (CEO) Persona AI, Inc, Dongju Lee (Senior Vice President) HD KSOE, Younghoon Song (Vice President) HD Hyundai Robotics, Won Jun Yun (Principal Research Engineer) HD KSOE.

 

Redefining Utility-Scale Storage: Envision Unveils EN 8 Pro at Smarter E Europe 2025

MUNICH, May 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Envision Energy, a global leader in green technology , today announced the launch of its next-generation EN 8 Pro 8MWh DC Liquid-Cooled Energy Storage System at Smarter E Europe 2025. Designed to accelerate the transition to an intelligent, resilient, and net-zero energy future, the EN 8 Pro sets a new benchmark in safety, performance, cost-efficiency, and environmental adaptability. Featuring a high energy density design that delivers over 8MWh high capacity, it combines advanced fire protection, intelligent thermal management, and reduced Levelized Cost of Energy (LCOE), making it an ideal solution for large-scale renewable integration and utility-scale energy storage.

Envision Energy Unveils EN 8 Pro 8MWh DC Liquid-Cooled Energy Storage System at Smarter E Europe 2025
Envision Energy Unveils EN 8 Pro 8MWh DC Liquid-Cooled Energy Storage System at Smarter E Europe 2025

Prevention-First Strategy for Ultra-Safety

Envision’s “Prevention First”  fire safety strategy is fully embodied in the EN 8 Pro.

  • Multi-layer defence combining three levels of fire suppression with active and passive deflagration control for full fire protection from cell to system level.
  • Patented Triple-Fuse Cell Technology -electrical, gas, and solid-state fuses greatly reduces cell-level thermal runaway risk, by interrupting electrical pathways, relieving pressure, and blocking ion transport.
  • Early Fault Detection: AI-IoT diagnostics predict early failure warnings and continuous health insights for proactive intervention.
  • Fully compliant with NFPA 855 and NFPA 68/69, the system delivers industry-leading protection under extreme conditions.

Lower LCOE and  HigherPerformance

  • 26 % smaller footprint (4-hour system) and 12 % lower auxiliary power drive down LCOE.
  • Quick-connect interface allows pack replacement in under one hour, minimising downtime.
  • 700 Ah-plus cells provide > 8 MWh capacity with higher energy density and long service life.
  • Precision SoC algorithms and millisecond-level data acquisition optimize energy management in real time.

Exceptional Environmental Adaptability

With IP55 protection, C5 anti-corrosion ratings, and low-noise technology — achieving 20dB quieter than typical industry standards, the EN 8 Pro thrives in harsh climates, sound-sensitive areas, urban centres, and industrial zones alike.

“In the race to net-zero, energy storage must be safer, smarter, and more efficient,” said Kevin Huang, Senior Vice President and President of Energy Storage Product Line at Envision Energy, “The EN 8 Pro is not just a product launch — it’s a leap forward in how we think about building a decarbonized, AI-driven energy system at scale. With industry-leading safety innovations, record energy density, and exceptional environmental resilience, the EN 8 Pro addresses the real challenges of the global energy transition. We are proud to debut it at Smarter E Europe 2025, a global stage where technology and action meet to accelerate a sustainable future.”

The EN 8 Pro  is poised to support utility-scale renewable integration, grid stabilization, and energy transition projects worldwide.

End