31 C
Vientiane
Saturday, April 26, 2025
spot_img
Home Blog Page 59

Introducing Clementine Bridge: Citrea Deploys First Complete BitVM Bridge Design on Testnet

Citrea’s Clementine Bridge marks the first time that a fully programmable layer is tested for settling on Bitcoin.

GEORGE TOWN, Cayman Islands, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Citrea, the first ZK rollup to enhance capabilities of Bitcoin blockspace and enable Bitcoin applications (₿apps), has successfully deployed its Clementine Bridge, the first complete BitVM bridge design on Bitcoin Testnet. Citrea has also recently revealed Clementine’s whitepaper, marking the first real-world implementation of a BitVM-based bridge which extends BTC’s utility to decentralized finance in the most Bitcoin-secured and native way possible. With Clementine’s testnet deployment, Bitcoin is for the first time tested for optimistically verifying a fully programmable layer. The Clementine whitepaper is currently the only documentation of how to use BitVM in a bridge design with clear solutions toward a secure and efficient bridge implementation. 

Despite being the world’s largest digital asset, BTC has struggled to build relevance in decentralized finance. A secure bridge between Bitcoin and a secondary layer has always been a bottleneck for using BTC in a programmable environment. This problem has forced users to either keep Bitcoin as a passive store of value or rely on custodians for using BTC in financial activities. Citrea’s BitVM-based Bitcoin bridge Clementine solves this by enabling the safest and most trust-minimized way to bridge BTC and extend its utility to decentralized finance. 

Citrea’s Clementine bridge marks a historic moment for Bitcoin and a new beginning for BTC’s utility. “It felt like magic when we saw all the bridge components work smoothly in our internal tests and that any malicious act is stopped by a single honest actor,” said Ekrem Bal, Co-Creator of Citrea. “We’re now ready to test Clementine in a real Bitcoin Testnet environment and make it more battle-tested for Citrea mainnet.”

With the introduction of BitVM by a Bitcoin developer Robin Linus, verifying computations on Bitcoin and building Bitcoin-secured bridges became a possibility. Very soon after its introduction, Citrea team became a core contributor of BitVM and later a founding member of BitVM alliance, where BitVM’s fundamental technology of executing a fraud proof of a zero-knowledge (ZK) proof on Bitcoin was developed collaboratively. Although accomplishing a ZK proof verification on Bitcoin was a prerequisite, there were still critical problems to address to implement this fundamental technology securely and efficiently into a Bitcoin bridge design. A detailed breakdown of this can be found in Clementine’s whitepaper.

Clementine’s design and whitepaper introduce novel solutions to two main research topics in BitVM-based bridge implementation, namely Bitcoin chain fork selection and capital efficiency of operators. These topics have been critical to solve as they ensure both the bridge’s security and efficiency. Citrea’s Clementine bridge offers clear solutions to both of these problems:

  1. Bitcoin Chain Fork Selection: This is related to ensuring that the bridge follows the longest Bitcoin chain. It has been an open research topic where the BitVM creator introduced superblocks approach but its security was later found to be broken. Citrea introduces a new Bitcoin Light Client design that uses succinct Header Chain Proofs of Bitcoin. These proofs are aggregated by operators into a single BitVM proof. 
  2. Capital Efficiency of Operators: This has been another limitation of implementing BitVM efficiently into a bridge design. With Citrea’s approach to non-standard Bitcoin transactions, operators can now process hundreds of withdrawals in parallel with a single collateral. Disproving only one withdrawal is enough to stop other malicious withdrawal processes.

Clementine’s design relies on zero-knowledge proofs, Bitcoin data availability, a novel Bitcoin Light Client design and BitVM. In the case of a malicious act, an honest watchtower provides a proof of the longest Bitcoin chain. Then the operator generates a proof verifying Citrea’s state, watchtowers’ challenges and payout for the withdrawal. If the operator is malicious, it won’t be able to generate such proof, resulting in slashing the operator. Clementine has three main bridge actors to ensure the system’s integrity:

  • Signers enforce BitVM spendings by managing peg-ins through presign transactions
  • Watchtowers are tasked with monitoring operators and challenging any malicious behavior by sending a proof of longest Bitcoin chain
  • Operators, a group of profit-seeking entities, temporarily cover users’ withdrawals and are later reimbursed with presigned transactions.

Citrea: Bitcoin’s Application (app) Layer

Citrea extends Bitcoin’s utility without sacrificing its security. With zero-knowledge technology, Citrea enables Bitcoin to function as a fully programmable layer. With its Bitcoin bridge Clementine, Citrea offers the safest and most trust-minimized way to bridge BTC to a fully programmable secondary layer. 

For the first time in its history, Bitcoin Network will be able to support diverse on-chain applications and its utility will be extended to decentralized finance. 

Apply to Citrea’s unique incubation program ‘Citrea Origins‘ to build ₿apps.

For more information, please visit: Citrea website | Citrea X Account

The Role of Treg Epitopes (Tregitopes) in Antibody Maturation Uncovered in New EpiVax Study: Implications for Therapeutic Antibodies

PROVIDENCE, R.I., April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — EpiVax, Inc. announces a new study published in Frontiers in Immunology unveiling the impact of peptides known as “Tregitopes” on antibody maturation during immune response.

Lymph nodes contain antibodies that undergo changes to their sequence as they adapt to their immune target, such as a flu virus. As this happens, the content of regulatory T cell (Treg) epitope sequences (also called Tregitopes) in the antibodies appears to decrease, which enables the B cells to expand and persist.

The study, Regulatory T Cell Epitope Content in Human Antibodies Decreases During Maturation“, was conducted by Andres Gutierrez, PhD and Annie De Groot, MD of EpiVax, using existing antibody sequence data. “This work provides important insights into how antibodies evolve over time, not just in terms of affinity, but in their ability to engage with the immune system.” said Dr. Gutierrez.  

The discovery of Tregitopes in 2008 marked a shift in awareness about the function of natural Tregs in human and animal immunity. Tregitopes may explain, in part, the tolerogenic impact of IV immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG). Tregitope-like peptides have since been found in other self-proteins.

A prior analysis of human antibody repertoires demonstrated that T cell epitopes decreased with increasing antibody maturation. However, that study didn’t separate regulatory from effector T cell epitope dynamics. In this study, researchers examined antibody repertoires from four healthy human donors. They assessed three subsets of T cell epitopes: previously validated Tregitopes, potentially tolerated T cell epitopes and potential effector T cell epitopes. 

Findings revealed that as antibodies mature and have higher affinity for their target antigen, Tregitope content systematically decreases, while potential effector T cell epitope content increases. This suggests that Tregitope depletion is a fundamental feature of antibody evolution. The observation was confirmed by testing some of the ‘natural’ and ‘modified’ Tregitope sequences in vitro.

“This mechanism is likely relevant to immunity from pathogens, to the development of autoantibodies during autoimmune disease, and for the selection of therapeutic antibody candidates”, said Dr. De Groot. “We are pleased to contribute this finding to the literature on immune regulation and antibody design.”

About EpiVax
EpiVax is a leader in preclinical immunogenicity assessment and sequence optimization for therapeutics and vaccines. EpiVax collaborates with globally recognized partners to accelerate immunogenicity risk assessment, immune modulation, and rapid vaccine design.

Press Contact
Sarah Moniz
Director, Business Development
smoniz@epivax.com 

 

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market update + Tech earnings begin

NEW YORK, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

 

NYSE Content Advisory: Pre-Market update + Tech earnings begin

Kristen Scholer delivers the pre-market update on April 21st

  • Equities are lower early Monday after finishing last week in the red. The major indices have been down three of the past four weeks.
  • President Trump said over the weekend that many world leaders and business executives want tariff relief, while China warned it will retaliate against countries that cooperate with the U.S. in ways that hurt Beijing.
  • Investors anticipate earnings from Tesla on Tuesday and Alphabet on Thursday

Opening Bell
Fundstrat Capital celebrates the Granny Shots U.S. Large Cap ETF (NYSE Arca: GRNY)

Closing Bell
U.S. Global Investors celebrates 10th anniversary of U.S. Global Jets ETF (NYSE Arca: JETS) listing

Watch NYSE TV Live every weekday 9:00-10:00am ET

Video – https://mma.prnasia.com/media2/2669017/NYSE_Market_Update_April_21.mp4

RoboSense Launches EMX: Industry-Leading 192-Beam Digital Automotive LiDAR, Entering Customizable Digital Era

SHENZHEN, China, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — RoboSense, a global leader in AI-driven robotics technology platforms, officially introduced EMX, its latest 192-beam high-performance automotive digital LiDAR. EMX sets a new industry benchmark, accelerating the mass adoption of digital LiDAR with unmatched performance, integration, and customization capabilities.

Product Image – EMX
Product Image – EMX

EMX: 192-Beam High-Performance Automotive Digital LiDAR

EMX, another breakthrough by RoboSense in the digital LiDAR era, is compact yet powerful, featuring an upgraded intelligent “Gaze” function and supporting extensive customization. As high-level assisted driving continues to advance into mainstream adoption, EMX meets diversified automotive intelligence needs comprehensively.

With RoboSense’s EM platform digital advantages, EMX delivers 192-beam high-density scans, producing 2.88 million points per second, ultra-clear global angular resolution of 0.08°×0.1°, and precise detection capabilities within 300 meters. It accurately detects objects such as black vehicles and traffic cones within 200 meters, enhancing driving precision and response.

EMX also integrates RoboSense’s proprietary scanning technology, combining control algorithms with scanner dynamics for scanning rates up to 20Hz—far exceeding industry standards—cutting response latency by over half, significantly enhancing the vehicle’s ability to manage sudden scenarios like pedestrians or fast lane changes.

Offering up to a 140° FOV and enhanced intelligent “Gaze” functionality, EMX can dynamically enhance horizontal angular resolution up to six times, significantly expanding its performance adaptability.

Thoroughly automotive-grade tested, EMX excels under challenging environmental conditions, boasting advanced features like anti-reflectivity interference, noise reduction for rain, fog, and dust, and resistance to contamination and water stains, ensuring comprehensive driving safety.

Utilizing SPAD-SoC and VCSEL chips, EMX provides high detection sensitivity and maintains original data integrity, improving spatiotemporal synchronization and fusion perception outcomes. Benefiting from its digital architecture, EMX is highly integrated and measures only 120mm × 80mm × 30mm, making it the smallest digital automotive main LiDAR, facilitating broader adoption and integration in advanced assisted-driving systems.

The EMX product design has received strong industry recognition, has earned design wins from multiple automotive OEMs upon launch, will start to production within the year.”

Industry’s Most Comprehensive Digital Product Portfolio

As a global leader in LiDAR innovation, RoboSense has mastered full-stack LiDAR chipset capabilities encompassing emission, scanning, and data processing, and pioneered comprehensive LiDAR architecture integration across 1D, 2D, and array scanning.

Currently, RoboSense boasts the industry’s most extensive digital LiDAR product portfolio, capable of quickly developing and iterating solutions tailored to diverse scenarios across intelligent automotive and robotic applications. Since early this year, RoboSense has intensified investments, launching multiple digital LiDAR products, including E1R and Airy for robotics and EM4 and EMX for automotive applications.

These products serve as benchmark reference designs based on industry expertise. Leveraging comprehensive digital advantages, RoboSense swiftly customizes performance parameters and innovative requirements per client needs. For instance, EMX targets mass-market advanced driving below 500 beams, offering customizable options of 192, 256, or 384 beams. EM4 addresses high-end perception needs above 500 beams, customizable from 520 to 2160 beams, including ultra-high-definition specifications.

“Whether it’s product design, beams, frame rates, detection ranges, FOV, or innovative ideas, we collaborate closely and swiftly to support customer-specific projects,” said Mark Qiu, CEO of RoboSense.

Leading the Industry with Continuous Top Ranking and Customizable Digital LiDAR

Since its founding in 2015, RoboSense has consistently focused on self-developed forward-looking technology platforms from R to M, E, and now EM, each marking significant industry milestones. Amidst rapid global automotive intelligence growth, RoboSense has established a leading market position. According to Yole Group’s “2025 Global Automotive LiDAR Market Report,” RoboSense achieved a 26% global market share for passenger car LiDAR in 2024, ranking No.1 globally in market share, annual ADAS LiDAR sales, and cumulative ADAS LiDAR shipments from 2018 to 2024.

Recently, DiDi Autonomous Driving, in collaboration with GAC AION, introduced the first L4 production-ready model featuring six RoboSense solid-state digital LiDARs (E1), marking the industry’s first large-scale deployment of solid-state LiDAR in L4 vehicles, set for delivery by year-end. Additionally, Mammotion and RoboSense have jointly developed the E1R custom version for intelligent garden scenarios, significantly advancing navigation accuracy and adaptability, redefining high-end robotic lawnmower standards.

The EMX launch further enriches RoboSense’s digital LiDAR portfolio, while customizable digital LiDAR solutions enable near-limitless innovation. This approach comprehensively addresses diverse market segments and application scenarios, solidly supporting clients’ continuous intelligent evolution in automotive and robotics sectors. RoboSense remains committed to becoming a global leader in robotic technology platforms, creating safer and smarter living environments.

For more information about the EMX launch event, please view the full event replay at: https://youtu.be/F4moFOSPvRI?si=AFT3hnCI9sBcxQYA 

About RoboSense:

RoboSense (2498.HK), founded in 2014, is an AI-driven robotic technology company that supplies advanced and reliable incremental components and solutions for the robotic industry. The company is committed to “become a global leader in robotic technology platforms,” and its mission is “Safer world, Smarter life.” For more information about RoboSense, visit https://www.robosense.ai 

 

BGM Group Acquires Wonder Dragon to Accelerate “Healthcare” Strategy

CHENGDU, China, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — BGM Group Ltd. (Nasdaq: BGM) today announced that it has signed a definitive transaction agreement with the existing shareholders of Wonder Dragon Global Limited (“Wonder Dragon”), to acquire 100% of the equity interests of Wonder Dragon by issuing 38,165,290 Class A ordinary shares at a price of $2 per share, for a total transaction valuation of RMB550 million. The transaction is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2025.

Wonder Dragon possesses over 3,000 metric tons of premium Qingzhuan dark tea inventory, comprising 1,670 metric tons of raw materials and 1,350 metric tons of finished products. These premium tea products, known for their medicinal and collectible historical value, provide a solid foundation for BGM Group’s research and development efforts.

This acquisition strengthens BGM Group’s position in the healthcare sector by expanding its health product portfolio and market reach. The company has been at the forefront of integrating AI technology, big data analytics, and biopharmaceutical innovations to modernize traditional industries. Post-acquisition, BGM Group plans to optimize tea production efficiency, enhance product adaptability, and accelerate the development of active ingredients for medicinal applications using its AI-powered decision-making platform.

Mr. Xin Chen, CEO of BGM Group, commented: “Wonder Dragon’s Qingzhuan dark tea resources, combined with our biotechnology platform, will significantly advance our medicinal tea product development and distribution. By leveraging our technological expertise, we intend to introduce new health-focused tea products like ginseng Qingzhuan dark tea and goji berry Qingzhuan dark tea, further diversifying our ‘medicine + tea + health’ product ecosystem.”

About BGM Group Ltd

BGM Group Ltd. has a strategic focus on the technology fields of AI application, intelligent robots, algorithmic computing power, cloud computing, and biopharmaceuticals.

In terms of AI application implementation, the group relies on big data mining and AI Agent technology, and utilizes the two platforms of Du Xiao Bao and Bao Wang to provide comprehensive and professional AI solutions and intelligent robot services for insurance companies, insurance brokers, and consumers. Its services cover multiple key scenarios such as sales and marketing, underwriting assessment, claims processing, and customer service. The group is capable of analyzing consumer data, building consumer profiles, accurately predicting insurance needs, and providing highly customized services for consumers.

In the field of biopharmaceuticals, the group’s biopharmaceutical division mainly produces oxytetracycline API, crude heparin sodium, and licorice preparations, which are widely supplied to the global animal husbandry, pharmaceutical, and drug retail markets. The group deeply integrates AI-assisted decision-making into every link of production and manufacturing, achieving supply chain optimization, process efficiency improvement, and market trend prediction. This provides scientific decision-making basis for the management and offers high-quality products and precise services for consumers.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
info@qiliancorp.com

TOYO Co., Ltd to Announce Second Half and Fiscal Year 2024 Financial Results on April 28, 2025

TOKYO, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — TOYO Co., Ltd (Nasdaq: TOYO) (OTC: TOYWF), a solar solution company, today announced it will host a conference call to discuss second half and fiscal year 2024 results on Monday, April 28, 2025.

Conference Call Details are as follow:

Date: Monday, April 28, 2025

Time: 8:30 AM ET

Live Webcast: https://events.q4inc.com/attendee/370740443

The second half and fiscal year 2024 earnings release and related investor deck will be available on the investor relations website at investors.toyo-solar.com prior to the event.

The dial in numbers for the conference call will be as follows:

Participant Toll-Free Dial-In Number: (800) 715-9871

Participant Toll Dial-In Number: +1 (646) 307-1963

JapanTokyo: +81.3.4578.9081

Conference ID: 7240281

About TOYO Co., Ltd.

TOYO is a solar solutions company that is committed to becoming a full-service solar solutions provider in the global market, integrating the upstream production of wafers and silicon, midstream production of solar cells, downstream production of photovoltaic modules, and potentially other stages of the solar power supply chain. TOYO is well-positioned to produce high-quality solar cells at a competitive scale and cost.

Contact Information:

For TOYO Co., Ltd.
IR@toyo-solar.com 

Crocker Coulson
Email: crocker.coulson@aummedia.org
Tel: (646) 652-7185

 

Hesai Unveils “Infinity Eye” Lidar Solution for L2, L3 and L4 Autonomous Driving Systems

SHANGHAI, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Hesai Group (Nasdaq: HSAI), a global leader in lidar technology, officially launched its groundbreaking lidar solution for L2 to L4 autonomous driving – Infinity Eye – along with three next-generation automotive-grade lidar products: the ETX ultra-long-range lidar, the AT1440 ultra-high-definition lidar, and the FTX fully solid-state blind spot lidar.

The solution includes three configurations – Infinity Eye A, Infinity Eye B, and Infinity Eye C – each tailored to meet the specific requirements of L4+ high-level autonomous systems, L3 conditional autonomous driving, and L2 assisted driving, respectively.

Infinity Eye A: Ultra-High Definition, Zero Blind Spot Perception for L4 Autonomous Driving

Infinity Eye A is designed for L4 autonomous driving systems and combines four ultra-high-definition AT1440 lidar with four solid-state FTX lidar, offering full 360° coverage with zero blind spots. This configuration provides both long-range and short-range detection, ensuring comprehensive awareness for autonomous applications like Robotaxis and Robotrucks.

Infinity Eye A: Ultra-High Definition, Zero Blind Spot Perception for L4 Autonomous Driving
Infinity Eye A: Ultra-High Definition, Zero Blind Spot Perception for L4 Autonomous Driving

The AT1440 is the world’s highest-channel-count automotive-grade ultra-high-definition lidar[1]. Powered by Hesai’s fourth-generation proprietary chip, it features 1,440 channels and a ranging capability of 300 meters @ 10% reflectivity. AT1440 ultilizes cutting-edge high-efficiency photodetection and parallel processing technology, increasing lidar channel count by 10 times compared to similar products on the market. With a point rate exceeding 34 million points per second, the AT1440 delivers over 45 times[2] the point cloud density of mainstream automotive lidars. This enables highly precise perception of small objects on complex urban roads, as well as subtle surface changes like bumps and dips.

The AT1440 will enter mass production in the second half of 2025, debuting on Kargobot’s first-ever future transport robot, and will also be deployed in Kargobot’s mass-produced L4 autonomous truck platooning solution, supporting the large-scale commercialization.

The FTX is the world’s widest field-of-view fully solid-state lidar, featuring an ultra-wide 180° × 140° field of view[3]. It delivers over twice the resolution of the previous generation while reducing the exposed window area by 40%. FTX effectively covers blind spots around the vehicle and accurately detects low-profile obstacles such as curbs, pets, and other small objects—enabling precise automated parking. Additionally, it can monitor fast-approaching vehicles from the rear and sides in real time, providing critical support for safe lane change decisions.

Infinity Eye B: Extended Range and Comprehensive Perception for L3 Autonomous Driving

Infinity Eye B is tailored for L3 conditional autonomous driving systems, featuring a forward-facing, long-range ETX lidar in combination with two FTX lidar for blind-spot detection. This multi-lidar configuration balances extended ranging capability with wide-angle field-of-view perception, essential for L3 driving tasks, where the vehicle must take over in certain situations while allowing for human intervention.

Infinity Eye B: Extended Range and Comprehensive Perception for L3 Autonomous Driving
Infinity Eye B: Extended Range and Comprehensive Perception for L3 Autonomous Driving

The ETX is an automotive lidar with the world’s longest ranging capability, designed for L3. It can be mounted behind the cabin’s windshield and, with a compact 32 mm sensor window, achieves an impressive 400-meter range at 10% reflectivity. Powered by Hesai’s proprietary Photon Vector Technology, ETX extends ranging capabilities by 30% all while maintaining Class 1 eye safety compliance and reducing size and power consumption. With an angular resolution of 0.05° (H) × 0.05° (V), the ETX offers eight times the resolution of the AT128 lidar. It has already secured multi-year nominations from a leading European OEM, with mass production set to begin by the end of 2026.

Infinity Eye C: Compact and Powerful Lidar for L2 ADAS

Infinity Eye C is optimized for L2 advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS), featuring the compact yet powerful ATX lidar. With a 200-meter ranging capability at 10% reflectivity, up to 256 channels, and an angular resolution of 0.1° × 0.1°, enabling accurate detection of distant obstacles. Equipped with Hesai’s proprietary Intelligent Point Cloud Engine (IPE), the ATX can filter out over 99.9% of environmental noise, ensuring stable, all-weather perception. Its ultra-compact design and ultra-low power consumption allow for flexible integration into the vehicle body or behind the windshield, offering automakers greater flexibility in installation.

Infinity Eye C: Compact and Powerful Lidar for L2 ADAS
Infinity Eye C: Compact and Powerful Lidar for L2 ADAS

ATX has already been selected by 11 major OEMs, including BYD, Chery, Great Wall Motors, and Changan. Since entering mass production in the first quarter of 2025, over 50,000 units have been delivered as of mid-April, with the ground-breaking sensor already becoming a standard feature as safety component on several mass-production models that launched this year.

Next-Generation Technology Platform Redefine Lidar Performance

Hesai’s fourth-generation proprietary technology platform represents a major enhancement in lidar performance, size, and manufacturability. By integrating advanced capabilities such as advanced photonic sensing and signal processing into a high-efficiency module, the new platform can deliver greater point cloud density with lower power consumption requirements, transforming the way lidar sensors are produced and delivered at scale.

The platform’s proprietary Intelligent Point Cloud Engine (IPE) decodes laser return waveforms with nanosecond-level precision, processing 24.6 billion samples per second. In adverse conditions such as rain, fog, dust, or exhaust, the IPE intelligently filters out over 99.9% of environmental noise, enabling all-weather perception with enhanced accuracy – providing reliable perception for autonomous driving systems.

A Scalable Portfolio for Automotive, Robotics, and Industrial Markets

Hesai’s platform-based approach supports a diverse product range across automotive, robotics, and industrial applications. The AT Series (ultra-high resolution), FT Series (fully solid-state), ET Series (ultra-long-range), and JT Series (mini 3D) all leverage the same core technology platform, ensuring efficient scalability.

With over 85% component commonality across product lines, and fully automated production lines capable of producing 2 million units annually, Hesai is well-positioned to meet surging demand across the ADAS and robotics markets. The Company projects deliveries of between 1.2 and 1.5 million lidar in 2025.

In Robotics, Hesai’s expansive sensor portfolio including Pandar, QT, OT, XT, and JT series lidar have been widely adopted for autonomous delivery, cleaning, lawn care, and logistics robots. The Company collaborates with over 1,700 robotics partners globally, including Dreame, Zelos, VitaDynamics, and Unitree Robotics, accelerating innovation in the billion-dollar robotics market.

[1] Among products that have reached mass production level maturity.

[2] Compared to long-range automotive lidars operating at a point frequency of 750,000 points per second.

[3] FTX offers three horizontal field-of-view (FOV) options: 120°, 140°, and 180°.

 

ROLLER Strengthens Commitment to FECs by Expanding Support for Karting Venues

ROLLER adds industry experts and expands customer reach with leading karting operators 

AUSTIN, Texas, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — ROLLER, the all-in-one venue management platform for the leisure and attractions industry, is deepening its commitment to Family Entertainment Centers (FECs) by expanding its support for karting—a dynamic and fast-growing attraction. As FECs continue to evolve and diversify, ROLLER is investing in the expertise and technology to help operators meet guest expectations, streamline operations, and unlock new growth opportunities.

“FECs are increasingly blending activities like karting, laser tag, and arcade gaming to deliver memorable experiences,” said Luke Finn, CEO and Founder of ROLLER. “ROLLER’s additional focus on karting strengthens our ability to support modern attractions as they innovate and grow.”

To lead this expansion, ROLLER has welcomed three seasoned industry professionals to the team: Wes Ratcliff as General Manager, Karting, Matt Newell as Customer Success Manager, Karting, and Christina Bartlett as Customer Success Manager, Karting. They bring decades of hands-on experience in venue operations and karting-specific technology, ensuring ROLLER remains closely aligned with the needs of operators on the ground.

“Wes, Matt, and Christina bring deep industry experience that reinforces our commitment to helping the global karting and FEC community drive growth and innovation,” added Luke.

With its growing portfolio of karting customers—including Amp Up Action Park, Entertainment Park, Gridline Racing, Kiltorcan Raceway, Partee Shack, Spitfire Indoor Karting, and Top Gear Racing—ROLLER is already the platform of choice for many leading brands. Karting operators depend on ROLLER’s powerful, cloud-based platform to:

  • Drive revenue with online bookings, memberships, and upsells
  • Automate guest check-ins, race scheduling, and waivers
  • Streamline operations with robust integrations and smart race management tools
  • Deliver seamless experiences through integrated payments and digital wallets
  • Track fleet maintenance and manage staff training with ease
  • Boost retention with real-time leaderboards and race result-sharing

“ROLLER genuinely made a massive improvement to our business the first weekend it went live, resulting in the busiest weekend achieved in the 18 years we’ve been operating,” said Jay Frost, Managing Director of Gridline Racing. Jay added, “It helped streamline operations, increase sales, and improve guest experience. We’re excited to see ROLLER continue their investment and improve on what’s already a very good package, but also look forward to what’s ahead with Wes and Matt leading the effort.”

As attractions worldwide look to enhance guest experiences and diversify offerings, ROLLER is proud to be a partner in that journey, providing the tools and expertise to help operators thrive, whether they’re managing parties, play centers, or high-octane race tracks.

ROLLER will be exhibiting at Kart Expo in Okemos, Michigan, from April 28–30, 2025, and invites karting operators and FEC leaders to stop by, connect with the team, and experience firsthand how ROLLER is helping transform the karting and FEC landscape.

About ROLLER

ROLLER is the cloud-based venue management platform for modern attractions, purpose-built to remove friction from the guest experience at every touchpoint. Their all-in-one platform simplifies its customers’ business processes, improving efficiency and maximizing revenue. ROLLER’s comprehensive solution includes: Online Checkout & Ticketing, Point-of-Sale, Integrated Payments, Memberships, Gift Cards, Waivers, Self-Serve Kiosks, Cashless Wallets, Guest Surveys, and more. To learn more, visit roller.software.