AI Empowers Smart Home Connectivity

BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During MWC Barcelona 2026, Huawei held an ISP Industry Forum themed “AI Reshapes ISPs, Leading B2H and B2B Growth.” Huawei unveiled its Next Generation FAN solution at the event, which uses AI and all-optical technologies to build core network capabilities for global ISPs in the intelligent world, aiming to help them unlock new business potential.

“By 2025, AI has transitioned from concept to scaled deployment, fundamentally transforming the ISP industry,” said York Yue, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of ISP & Media BU, in his opening speech. “Internally, it drives network automation, intelligence, and operational efficiency; externally, it enables higher-value B2B services and new monetization models.” Yue also emphasized that ISPs must act decisively, embed AI into their core strategy, and position themselves to capture sustainable growth in the intelligent world.

AI + All-Optical Home Broadband: Building Next-Generation Smart Homes

Smart homes involve various applications like cloud gaming, 8K UHD video streaming, and remote conferencing. These pose higher requirements on the rate, stability, and O&M efficiency of home broadband. To address this, Huawei has released its Next Generation FAN solution. Centered on AI and built on a device-edge-cloud coordinated architecture, this solution provides a comprehensive service system featuring intelligent scheduling, connectivity, services, and O&M. It aims to help ISPs explore new growth potential by improving user experience.

For home connectivity, the Next Generation FAN solution uses Huawei’s OptiXstar EG series ONTs to provide three intelligent features as follows:

1. Intelligent connectivity: This feature allows for automatic switchover between frequency bands and delivers Wi-Fi 7 speeds exceeding 2,000 Mbps, offering whole-home coverage and seamless performance for demanding tasks like cloud gaming and 8K UHD video streaming.
2. Intelligent services: Wi-Fi is integrated with AI algorithms to accurately identify indoor conditions and safeguard home security.
3. Intelligent O&M: Self-diagnosis and self-optimization capabilities enable the devices to automatically detect and rectify faults for smoother and more efficient network performance.

For home service awareness, the solution uses MA5800T series OLTs that feature AI-driven traffic management, offering dedicated network paths for different smart services with tailored SLA guarantees. This enables reliable performance for diverse applications across healthcare, entertainment, and remote meeting scenarios.

The solution enhances smart home experiences across all scenarios. It helps ISPs stand out in the market while boosting user loyalty and business value.

Embracing AI: Enabling a New Intelligent Future for ISPs

The deep integration of AI with communication networks has emerged as the central driver for industrial innovation and advancement. The intelligent transformation of both home broadband and enterprise networks has reached a pivotal juncture.

“AI is reshaping the ISP industry and driving service growth in both B2H and B2B sectors,” said Huang Dachuan, CTO of the ICT Marketing and Solution Sales Department of Huawei. “AI terminals will become common by 2030. With multimodal capabilities, they will help enterprises reduce costs and improve efficiency, while intelligent and resilient networks will significantly enhance O&M efficiency and user experience.” According to Huang, Huawei has introduced an ISP network architecture for the intelligent world. “This architecture integrates AI cloud DCs, optical access, and IP transport capabilities through technologies such as Data Center Optical Cross-Connect (DC-OXC), Segment Routing over IPv6 (SRv6), and Optical Cross-Connect (OXC). It empowers scenarios such as family healthcare, smart homes, and intelligent O&M, helping customers achieve intelligent service transformation,” said Huang.

As a leading global vendor of ICT infrastructure and smart terminals, Huawei has served more than 8,000 ISPs in over 120 countries and regions with innovative products, solutions, and services. Moving forward, Huawei will keep advancing AI and network integration while collaborating with global customers and partners to accelerate intelligent upgrades for home broadband and enterprise networks. The company aims to bring AI to all homes and industries, creating a strong digital base for the future intelligent age.

For more information about Huawei’s digital and intelligent solutions for ISPs, please visit: https://e.huawei.com/en/industries/isp-and-media/isp 

BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — During MWC Barcelona 2026, Huawei hosted a summit titled “Education + AI, Embracing an Intelligent Future.” At the summit, Huawei, in collaboration with industry customers and partners, launched the AIEC Solution for basic education. This initiative aims to accelerate the popularization and development of general AI education.

At the event, Li Junfeng, Vice President of Huawei and CEO of the Global Public Sector BU, stated that the core of future AI education is to achieve “the lowest threshold and the widest coverage.” As a “technology enabler” and “ecosystem builder” in the journey of digital and intelligent education, Huawei collaborates with customers and partners to create innovative, scenario-based solutions for the AI education sector. Among these, the AIEC Solution for basic education accelerates the popularization of general AI education in primary and secondary schools, opening the door to the future world of technology for every student.

Built upon a foundation of hardware computing infrastructure, model services, application platforms, and an AI teaching and laboratory management system, Huawei’s AIEC Solution provides systematic general AI education, experimental applications, and curriculum resources for students of all ages in basic education. This equips students with core competencies for the future society, laying a solid talent foundation for national technological innovation and industrial upgrading.

Currently, the solution has been implemented in Zhejiang Province, China. In collaboration with partners such as CourseGrading, Huawei provides a general AI education platform for 500+ primary and secondary schools. The platform is equipped with AI computing power, open-source large models, 10+ hands-on AI practice projects, and 50+ experimental tools and applications. It is expected to cover one million students in the future.

At the event, Huawei launched the global demonstration project of its AI Education Platform (AIEC) solution in collaboration with Pui Kiu Middle School. The event showcased practical applications of artificial intelligence technology in secondary education. This initiative advances innovative AI applications in education, providing replicable and scalable practical models for digital transformation globally.

Huawei’s AIEC Solution represents a significant milestone in the synergy between Education and AI. Moving forward, Huawei will continue to act as a technological bridge, fostering an open ecosystem with global partners, striving to spark the potential within every child and co-create a future where education equity and technological progress go hand in hand.

LAS VEGAS, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Zoomlion Heavy Industry Science & Technology Co., Ltd. (“Zoomlion” or “the Company”; 1157.HK), showcased a portfolio of North America-certified and market-customized equipment and solutions at CONEXPO-CON/AGG 2026, being held in Las Vegas from March 3-7, 2026, covering engineering hoisting machinery, concrete machinery, earthmoving machinery, mining machinery, and construction hoisting machinery. On the first day of the exhibition, the Company completed product deliveries and signed multiple cooperation agreements across product categories.

All equipment on display complies with relevant North American certifications, and several models have been developed specifically to meet local regulatory requirements and operational preferences. Among the highlights was the ZRT1500V6 rough-terrain crane, developed for the North American market. The crane features a six-section 198.5-foot elliptical boom and is designed to meet regional lifting and mobility requirements. Its self-loading counterweight system allows transport weight to remain within local road limits which supports efficient relocation between job sites. The enlarged operator cab enhances comfort and site usability.

Zoomlion also showcased a range of earthmoving equipment tailored to North American applications, including compact excavators suitable for municipal and confined-space projects, as well as the ZE500G large excavator designed for heavy-duty mining and earthwork operations. The ZE500G is equipped with a high-horsepower engine and cooling system optimized for demanding field conditions which helps to improve maintenance efficiency and operational reliability.

In concrete equipment, a pump truck configured with a North America-specific chassis attracted a lot of attention at the show. With a maximum vertical reach of 151 feet and carbon fiber boom sections designed to reduce weight while increasing effective load capacity, the model reflects Zoomlion’s focus on adapting product configurations to local performance expectations.

Throughout the opening day, customer engagement remained strong, with equipment deliveries completed on site and new agreements signed across crane, earthmoving, and concrete machinery segments.

Tan Ruxu, Deputy General Manager of Zoomlion’s Overseas Company, said: “North America is an important market in our global development. We have been serving customers here for almost 20 years. At this exhibition, we are presenting equipment that has obtained local certification and has been customized for North American requirements. We will continue improving our local service and support capabilities to respond more efficiently to customer needs and deliver reliable project performance together with our partners.”

JOHOR BAHRU, Malaysia, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), a leading public research university and Malaysia’s top institution for engineering and technology, has announced the expansion of its admissions strategy through its Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) pathways offering APEL A, APEL C and APEL Q to widen entry options and reward prior experiential learning. This inclusive approach opens new global pathways for working adults, skilled professionals, and non-traditional learners seeking high-quality academic advancement. Through APEL A pathway, diploma holders with relevant working experience may directly enter master’s programmes. Likewise, bachelor’s degree holders with related professional experience may be considered for direct entry into PhD or Doctorate studies, offering a flexible route for those whose academic journeys have followed non-traditional paths.

The APEL A is an internationally recognised process for validating knowledge and skills gained outside formal education. Applicants submit a portfolio of prior learning for evaluation by UTM’s APEL Centre in accordance with Malaysian Qualifications Agency standards. Assessment may include previous education, professional certifications, work experience, self-directed learning, and other achievements. Successful candidates receive formal recognition, making them eligible for master’s or PhD enrolment, particularly benefiting learners with extensive experience or specialised knowledge but without traditional academic credentials.

“APEL is a formal mechanism designed to recognise skills and knowledge gained through real-world experience, especially learning that has never been formally assessed or awarded credit before,” Assoc. Prof. Dr. Rohaida Basiruddin, the Director of the UTM APEL Centre, explains: “An APEL certificate represents official recognition of an individual’s prior learning and professional achievements, granting eligibility for academic programmes even when traditional entry requirements have not been fulfilled.”

UTM’s APEL pathway provides numerous advantages for learners seeking advanced education. Learners can move quickly from a diploma to master’s programmes or from bachelor’s to PhD studies, significantly reducing time to completion. Skills and knowledge gained outside traditional education are formally validated, ensuring that prior accomplishments are respected. By opening flexible pathways to advanced study, UTM continues to cultivate global talent and produce graduates capable of making meaningful contributions to research, innovation, and leadership worldwide. This impact is evident in the journeys of its learners, such as Mohd Asrizan Deraman, a recent APEL A-T7 graduate from the Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, who has completed the Master of Education (Technical and Vocational Education).

“I am a proud example of how the APEL pathway can transform educational journeys,” said Mohd Asrizan Deraman, “With discipline and spirit built from my TVET background, I managed to complete my master’s through APEL, even though I came from a non-traditional academic route. The programme acknowledges the expertise and potential of learners from diverse backgrounds, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their academic history, has the opportunity to achieve their higher education aspirations.”

In expanding access to higher education, UTM continues to advance APEL C, which recognizes and validates professional expertise and work experience as academic credit exemption. This initiative allows students to earn up to 30 percent of their degree credits through prior learning assessment, addressing the growing demand from working professionals and mature learners seeking flexible pathways to qualification.

In addition to flexible entry and credit pathways, UTM offers APEL Q that is currently available for the Doctor of Business Administration (DBA). This pathway is designed for senior professionals with a minimum of 25 years of relevant work experience and demonstrated prior learning gained through formal, non-formal, or informal settings. Through rigorous assessment processes, including comprehensive portfolio evaluation and capstone projects, APEL Q formally recognises extensive professional expertise, enabling eligible candidates to attain a fully accredited doctoral qualification without following conventional coursework routes. This initiative highlights UTM’s dedication to lifelong learning by formally recognising professional leadership experience as academic achievement.

In line with the newly introduced APEL Q scheme, UTM recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Malaysia’s National Institute of Public Administration (INTAN) to implement accreditation of experiential learning for formal academic qualifications. As stated by UTM’s Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Mohd Shafry Mohd Rahim, during the ceremony:

“We welcome this collaboration under APEL Q as an effort to strengthen national human capacity. This partnership will provide viable academic pathways for working professionals and public‑service staff who possess valuable experience but lack traditional credentials.”  

This initiative underscores UTM’s focus on expanding access to higher education by recognising prior learning and professional experience within a structured academic framework. Consistently recognised at both national and international levels, UTM continues to demonstrate strong performance in graduate employability, research output, and innovation-driven education. Through initiatives such as the APEL pathways, UTM strengthens its role in developing industry-ready graduates by formally recognising prior learning and professional experience, enabling learners to translate real-world expertise into accredited academic qualifications with global relevance. UTM’s diverse international student community further reflects its ongoing engagement with global partners and learners, drawn to its academic standards, experienced faculty, and learning environment that encourages collaboration and cross-cultural exchange.

Learners interested in accelerated pathways through the APEL programme can visit https://apel.utm.my and https://admission.utm.my for more information.

About Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM)

Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) is a research-intensive public university specialising in engineering, science, and technology, with a growing international profile in sustainability, innovation, and the humanities. Established in 1904 and located in Johor Bahru and Kuala Lumpur, UTM is dedicated to producing global talents, impactful research, and meaningful partnerships that contribute to a more just and sustainable world.

BARCELONA, Spain, March 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026, Tencent Cloud, the cloud business of global technology company Tencent, announced its partnership with Maxon, a leading provider of professional software solutions for 3D design, motion graphics, and visual effects, among other creative applications. This partnership introduces powerful generative AI capabilities designed to augment the creative process, putting the artist firmly in the driver’s seat.

Founded in Germany and now contributing to creative communities worldwide, Maxon is recognized for delivering powerful yet approachable tools that help creators across industries. Through its partnership with Tencent Cloud, the company is integrating Tencent HY 3D Global into its Oscar-winning Cinema 4D tool on iPad and desktop, bringing scalable generative AI directly into the workflows of millions of creators around the globe. Powered by Tencent’s self-developed generative AI model, Tencent HY 3D Global offers API-based services for high quality 3D model generation and processing. With this integration, Cinema 4D — already established as a leading solution for 3D animation, modeling, simulation, and rendering — gains new AI-driven capabilities that enhance speed, reliability, and creative flexibility. Cinema 4D’s new feature is expected to be available in late 2026.

This partnership comes at a pivotal moment, as the artistic community is raising concerns that AI could undermine human creativity, replace jobs, or rely on models trained without clear ethical standards. Tencent Cloud and Maxon are responding to these concerns with transparency and a creator-first approach, ensuring that artists remain firmly in control. At MWC, Tencent Cloud presented the first recorded demonstration of the integration, highlighting a workflow where the creator leads every step of the process. In this setup, generative AI functions as a supportive assistant, enhancing efficiency and unlocking new creative possibilities without replacing human ingenuity.

This partnership builds on the long-standing relationship between Tencent and Maxon to introduce new ways for creators to experiment and responsibly enhance their workflows with generative AI. Together, they signal a shared commitment to innovation and a joint effort to shape the future of modern 3D design tools.

Fred Sun, General Manager of Europe, Tencent Cloud International, said, “We are proud to partner with Maxon to bring Tencent HY 3D technology into Cinema 4D. This collaboration underscores our leadership in scalable AI solutions and highlights our commitment to empowering creators with tools that enhance productivity while preserving artistic integrity. We are opening new opportunities across 3D design, character creation, and immersive experiences, demonstrating how innovation can responsibly support the creative community.”

David McGavran, CEO of Maxon, said, “This partnership reflects our core values of delighting customers, empowering the artistic community, and fostering curiosity and exploration. That is why we are approaching generative AI thoughtfully. Our commitment remains unchanged: to build tools that amplify human creativity and strengthen the professional workflows our users rely on. By integrating Tencent’s HY 3D technology into Cinema 4D, we are providing a tool that streamlines tedious tasks and helps creators move more quickly from concept to execution, while the artist remains fully in control.”

Philip Losch, Chief Technology and AI Officer of Maxon, added, “Working closely with Tencent Cloud has given us the agility to experiment and iterate quickly. The collaboration unlocks new levels of scalability and reliability for creators. It ensures generative AI delivers high quality results that expand what artists can achieve, while maintaining the flexibility and precision they expect. This sets the stage for a new era of creative workflows.”

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About Tencent Cloud:

Tencent Cloud, one of the world’s leading cloud companies, is committed to creating innovative solutions to resolve real-world issues and enabling digital transformation for smart industries. Through our extensive global infrastructure, Tencent Cloud provides businesses across the globe with stable and secure industry-leading cloud products and services, leveraging technological advancements such as cloud computing, Big Data analytics, AI, IoT, and network security. It is our constant mission to meet the needs of industries across the board, including the fields of gaming, media and entertainment, finance, healthcare, property, retail, travel, and transportation.

About Maxon:

Maxon makes powerful, yet approachable software solutions for content creators working in 2D and 3D design, motion graphics, visual effects and visualization. Product lines include the award-winning Cinema 4D suite of 3D modeling, simulation and animation technology; the diverse Red Giant lineup of revolutionary editing, motion design and filmmaking tools; the leading-edge, blazingly fast Redshift renderer; and ZBrush, the industry-standard digital sculpting and painting solution available on desktop and on the iPad.