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Beijing E-Town Accelerates the Development of an Integrated Robotics Industry Ecosystem

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Beijing E-Town

BEIJING, CHINA – Media OutReach Newswire – 26 August 2024 – The first comprehensive robot exhibition center in Beijing, “Robot World,” has established a permanent exhibition hall. The National Robot Testing and Evaluation Center (Headquarters) Beijing Evaluation Center provides authoritative domestic and world-class testing and certification services. The Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center focuses on solving common industry challenges in the development of key embodied intelligence robot technologies and ecosystem construction. The Beijing Artificial Intelligence Data Training Base helps build the “strongest brain.”

In Beijing E-Town, also known as the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (BDA), the ‘upstream and downstream’ sectors of the robotics industry have become ‘neighbors,’ fostering closer collaboration and integration. From attracting industry chain enterprises and building industrial spaces to providing computational support and large model training, Beijing E-Town is accelerating the construction of an integrated and interconnected robotics industry ecosystem.

Robot World showcases the application scenarios of handling robots and arc welding robots in the automotive manufacturing field

On the morning of August 21, during the opening ceremony of the World Robot Conference 2024, Beijing Robot World (referred to as Robot World) officially opened in Beijing E-Town, located at Courtyard 3, Jinghai 5th Road, Beijing Robot Industry Park.

In Robot World, a set of futuristic robot application scenarios is presented: In the automotive manufacturing field, handling robots and arc welding robots have become “skilled workers” on the production lines of complete vehicles and parts, working seamlessly in all processes such as welding, body arc welding, roof sidewall handling, painting, and stamping. In the trade and logistics sector, logistics robots have achieved automation in tasks such as shelf-to-person, bin-to-person, robotic sorting, and intelligent robotic logistics warehousing. In the healthcare sector, surgical robots equipped with high-definition stereoscopic vision systems, microsurgery instruments, intelligent surgical forceps, and fiber optic connectors provide doctors with a clearer view and more precise operation during surgery. In the commercial community services sector, the nation’s first certified AI catering robot has achieved the fully automated process of making Chinese crepes, from ingredient preparation to customized final products based on taste preferences.

At the National Robot Testing and Evaluation Center (Headquarters) Beijing Evaluation Center, a staff member demonstrates an upper limb testing system for humanoid robots in the interaction laboratory

A representative from Beijing E-Town Robotics Technology Industry Development Co., Ltd. introduced that the exhibition hall features nine major “robot+” scenarios, including robot + manufacturing, robot + healthcare, robot + artificial intelligence, and more. The goal is to promote production through exhibitions, inspire enterprise development strategies, and create a platform that connects platforms, industries, enterprises, and talents. For example, after the World Robot Conference, the exhibition hall will house select exhibits and provide continuous, free displays of new products and technologies for enterprises. Additionally, it will offer presentation spaces and roadshow services for robot companies to launch new products.

Moreover, within the 250,000-square-meter Beijing Robot Industry Park, a leading domestic robot testing and inspection technology platform—the National Robot Testing and Evaluation Center (Headquarters) Beijing Evaluation Center (referred to as the Evaluation Center)—has also been established. Equipped with authoritative domestic and world-class testing facilities, the center provides testing and certification services for the entire industry chain, including components, modules, complete machines, and integrated applications, for industrial, service, and special robots.

A representative from the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center (referred to as the Innovation Center) told reporters, “As the industry rapidly develops, testing and certification in technical areas such as electromagnetic compatibility, safety, reliability, and intelligence have become industry necessities. The proximity of the Evaluation Center allows us to effectively save time on testing and certification, shortening the research and development testing cycle.”

Turning our attention outdoors, the general humanoid robot platform “Tiangong,” independently developed by the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center, is navigating a dedicated robot path, occasionally tackling challenging terrains like grass and slopes. As the first provincial-level innovation center for embodied intelligent robots in China, the Innovation Center focuses on developing key common technologies and ecosystem construction for embodied intelligent robots. It is committed to tackling the core tasks of “Tiangong” and “Kaiwu,” aiming to become a leading organizer of resources, a promoter of industrial development, and a facilitator of practical applications in the embodied intelligence field. “Our goal is to address common issues in the humanoid robot industry and drive overall industrial development,” stated Xiong Youjun, General Manager of the Innovation Center.

In fact, it’s not just the Innovation Center that has gathered here; full-assembly manufacturing enterprises like the UBTECH humanoid robot headquarters and key component companies like Chietcom and Tsino-Dynatron have also joined. Furthermore, to accelerate the concentration of the robotics industry, promote technological exchange, and facilitate the transformation of innovative achievements, the Beijing Robot Industry Park established a Robotics Industry Incubator in April this year. This incubator provides services such as entrepreneurial guidance, project roadshows, investment and financing, achievement transformation, intellectual property, and policy consultation for start-ups and growing enterprises in the upstream and downstream sectors of robotics. Currently, four robotics companies—Lingzu Times, NextVPU, Ruiqu Technology, and DexForce—have signed up to join.

At the Tongming Lake National Information Technology Application Innovation Park, located 4 kilometers from the Beijing Robot Industry Park, it has been reported that Beijing E-Town is building a comprehensive AI city, with the first batch of ten benchmark application scenarios, including “AI + humanoid robots.” Here, Beijing E-Town’s largest and nationally leading public AI computing power platform has already activated 3000P of high-performance computing power. Throughout Beijing E-Town, 5000P of high-performance intelligent computing power has been deployed, with a planned computing power scale exceeding 10,000P. The Beijing Artificial Intelligence Data Training Base serves as a training ground for companies, helping large models develop the “strongest brains” and continuously advancing data aggregation in related fields to unlock the value of data.

“We have currently innovated in constructing a ‘data security physical space’ and ‘a highly efficient, interconnected data optical network,’ developed a ‘trustworthy data infrastructure,’ and formulated ‘an operational management mechanism.’ Through management mechanisms and technical means, we have built a secure environment for data circulation and model training,” a representative from the Training Base explained.

By leveraging the convenience of exhibition exchanges and testing and evaluation, bringing together leading companies like the Beijing Embodied Intelligence Robot Innovation Center, UBTECH Robotics, and Longwood Valley MedTech, and benefiting from the support of specialized incubation carriers and key component companies, along with the vast application scenarios in intelligent manufacturing factories in industries such as automotive and new displays, the Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area official introduced, “In Beijing E-Town, the ‘upstream and downstream’ of the robotics industry have become ‘neighbors.’ Robotics companies can find innovative partners for research and development, manufacturing, training, testing, and even application stages without leaving the district.”

Moving forward, Beijing E-Town will accelerate the construction of an integrated and interconnected robotics industry ecosystem, continually enhancing soft and hard collaborative service support for industrial development, closely adhering to the comprehensive development needs of the robotics industry supply chain, and refining the allocation of resources such as data, platforms, services, and capital, while continually fostering an environment that attracts talent from near and far, ultimately creating an “industry ecosystem rainforest” characterized by “resource coordination, element aggregation, and innovation collaboration.”

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Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) Announces Finalists for the 2024 AWIEF Awards

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AWIEF

This year, the finalists have been selected from a diverse group of talented women founders and business owners across the continent, each demonstrating excellence in their respective fields

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, September 19, 2024/APO Group/ — 

The Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF) (www.AWIEForum.org/) is delighted to announce the finalists for the prestigious 2024 AWIEF Awards, set to recognize and celebrate the achievements of Africa’s women entrepreneurs and business leaders. The awards, held annually as part of the AWIEF conference, honor the impact of women entrepreneurs in driving innovation, promoting gender equality, and contributing to Africa’s economic development.

This year, the finalists have been selected from a diverse group of talented women founders and business owners across the continent, each demonstrating excellence in their respective fields. The finalists span categories such as agriculture, technology, creative industries, social entrepreneurship, and more. Their accomplishments are a testament to the power, resilience, and innovative spirit of African women in business.

Here are the finalists (in alphabetical order) for the 2024 AWIEF Awards:

1. Young Entrepreneur Award

Mpho Hlongwane – MH Automotive Engineering (South Africa)

Adeline Pelage – Madinina Foods (Cameroon)

Jessy Radwan – Carerha (Egypt)

2. Agri Entrepreneur Award

Naledi Magowe – Brastorne (Botswana)

Ifeoma Okonkwo – Ifgreen Industries & Investment (Nigeria)

Cherotich Rutto – Tawifresh Kenya Limited (Kenya)

3. Creative Industry Award

Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana – Thabo Makhetha CC (South Africa)

Jenny Edwige Mezile – L’École D’Arts les Pieds dans la Mare de Jenny Mezile (Côte d’Ivoire)

Jane Mpholo – Jane Mpholo Pty Ltd (South Africa)

4. Empowerment Award

Fomum Victorine Agum – Global Women Emancipation in Sports (Cameroon)

Judy Makira – Centre for Women Empowerment in Technology (Kenya)

Creseldah Cassandra Ndlovu – CLM Clothing & Textile (South Africa)

5. Tech Entrepreneur Award

Ynes Hafi – ARSELA (Tunisia)

Peace Iraguha – Lifesten Health (Rwanda)

Christiana Okere – myStash (Nigeria)

6. Social Entrepreneur Award

Osen Iyahen – Optimal Greening Foundation (Nigeria)

Temitope Mayegun – Avilla Naturalle (Nigeria)

Tsholofelo Ramokoka – AddressDox (South Africa)

Recognizing Africa’s Women Leaders

The AWIEF Awards continue to celebrate women who are making waves across industries, empowering communities, and setting new benchmarks in entrepreneurship. The finalists represent a diverse array of sectors, highlighting the depth and breadth of women’s contributions to Africa’s economic landscape.

AWIEF Awards Ceremony

The winners of the 2024 AWIEF Awards will be announced at the AWIEF Awards Ceremony on November 29, 2024, during the AWIEF Conference in Cape Town, South Africa. The event promises to be a night of inspiration, celebration, and a testament to the transformative power of women-led businesses in Africa.

Join us for AWIEF2024

Don’t miss this opportunity to join the celebration and be part of Africa’s most impactful conference for women entrepreneurs.

Register Now: https://apo-opa.co/4eMq1Nh

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Women Innovation and Entrepreneurship Forum (AWIEF).

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Unleashing Africa’s Next Big Play: Namibia’s Emerging Oil and Gas Sector (By Rachel Mushabati)

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Namibia

One of the primary drivers of Namibia’s attractiveness as an investment destination is its supportive government and investor-friendly policies

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 18, 2024/APO Group/ — 

By Rachel Mushabati, Senior Associate Attorney, CLG Namibia (www.CLGGlobal.com).

Namibia, a nation renowned for its breath-taking scenery and abundant wildlife, is becoming more and more well-known for its booming oil and gas industry. Namibia is quickly rising to the top of Africa’s oil and gas exploration and investment destinations because to notable discoveries and a favourable investment climate. Here are some reasons for investors to be interested in Namibia’s developing economy and how business advice and strategic law might improve investment prospects.

A Treasure Trove of Potential

Namibia’s oil and gas sector has garnered international attention due to its substantial potential. Recent exploratory drilling has revealed promising reserves off the coast, particularly in the Namibian offshore region. After several years of extensive exploration, Namibia realized its first oil discoveries. In early 2022, Shell, QatarEnergy, and NAMCOR made a landmark discovery in the deep-water well in the Orange Basin, offshore southern Namibia. This was followed by another significant find in 2023, when TotalEnergies, QatarEnergy, and NAMCOR discovered light oil with associated gas on the Venus prospect, also in the Orange Basin. In 2024, Galp Energia, Custos, and NAMCOR further solidified Namibia’s status with a high-quality light oil discovery in the Mopane-1X well, located in the same prolific basin.[1] These discoveries, alongside notable formations such as the Kudu Gas Field, have positioned Namibia as a key player in the global energy market. The country’s geological formations, particularly in the Orange Basin, have demonstrated significant hydrocarbon potential, making it an attractive destination for exploration and production.[2]

Government Support and Favourable Policies

One of the primary drivers of Namibia’s attractiveness as an investment destination is its supportive government and investor-friendly policies. The Namibian government has implemented a range of initiatives to foster a conducive environment for oil and gas investments. Namibia’s Investment Promotion Act[3] is a pivotal component in the country’s strategy to attract and support investors. This comprehensive legislation provides a range of incentives to enhance the financial viability of projects and reduce initial costs[4]. It also ensures robust legal protections, safeguarding investors’ property rights and offering non-discriminatory treatment compared to domestic investors. By streamlining licensing processes and providing one-stop-shop services[5], the Act simplifies the investment process and reduces bureaucratic hurdles. Additionally, it supports priority sectors such as oil and gas, reinforcing Namibia’s commitment to fostering a transparent, stable, and investor-friendly environment. Namibia’s commitment to creating a stable and attractive investment environment is evident through its proactive approach in engaging with international investors and offering competitive terms.

Strategic Location and Infrastructure

Namibia’s strategic location along the Atlantic Ocean provides a crucial advantage for oil and gas operations. The country’s well-developed port infrastructure, particularly the Port of Walvis Bay, facilitates efficient export and import processes.[6] Additionally, Namibia’s proximity to key international markets enhances its appeal as a hub for energy resources. The development of supporting infrastructure, such as pipelines and storage facilities, further strengthens Namibia’s position as a key player in the global energy supply chain.

Economic Growth and Sustainable Investment Opportunities in Namibia’s Oil and Gas Sector

Investing in Namibia’s oil and gas sector not only presents a wealth of economic opportunities but also aligns with the principles of sustainability and responsible investment. The sector’s expansion is expected to stimulate ancillary industries such as construction, logistics, and technology, benefiting local businesses through increased demand for related services and products. The influx of foreign investment is anticipated to drive job creation, infrastructure development, and overall economic growth. Concurrently, Namibia places a strong emphasis on sustainability and environmental stewardship. The government and industry stakeholders are committed to responsible investment practices that protect local communities and ecosystems. Investors who prioritize these practices will not only contribute to positive environmental and social outcomes but also bolster their own reputation and long-term success in the market.

Conclusion

Namibia’s emerging oil and gas sector offers a compelling opportunity for investors seeking to capitalize on new and promising markets. With its substantial hydrocarbon potential, favourable government policies, strategic location, and burgeoning economic opportunities, Namibia is poised to become a prominent player in the global energy arena. The sector’s growth is anticipated to drive significant benefits across various ancillary industries and create widespread economic development. Additionally, the emphasis on sustainability and responsible investment practices aligns with global standards, ensuring that investments contribute positively to local communities and the environment.

However, successfully navigating this promising landscape requires expert guidance. Engaging with local legal and business advisory services can provide investors with crucial insights, help manage regulatory complexities, and enhance overall investment strategies. By leveraging the expertise of these advisory services, investors can maximize their potential for success and make a meaningful contribution to Namibia’s oil and gas sector. For those ready to explore the opportunities in Namibia’s oil and gas industry, the time to act is now. With the right expertise and strategic approach, investors can unlock substantial rewards and play a pivotal role in the growth of this exciting sector.

Namibia’s oil and gas sector has garnered international attention due to its substantial potential


[1] NAMCOR. Press Releases. Retrieved from https://apo-opa.co/3XO3SZ4. Last accessed 5 September 2024.

[2] Koning, T. “The Orange Basin, Deepwater Namibia- What’s Going on with Its Resources, Reserves and Future Production of Natural Gas?”. Retrieved from https://apo-opa.co/3XMKCv1. Last accessed 6 September 2024.

[3] Namibia Investment Promotion Act 9 of 2016

[4] Namibia Investment Promotion Act Section 4 (4)

[5] Namibia Investment Promotion Act Section 7

[6] Namport. “Welcome to the Port of Walvis Bay”. Retrieved from https://apo-opa.co/3Xq02UC. Last accessed 6 September 2024.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of CLG.

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Artificial Intelligence (AI) Essentials for Small Businesses to Drive Growth and Save Time

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GoDaddy

With AI, business owners can quickly craft personalized responses, such as thank-you emails to customers after they make a purchase or sign-up for a service, reminder emails, and responses to inquiries or complaints

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa, September 18, 2024/APO Group/ — 

Generative AI (Artificial Intelligence) is not new, however the recent boom in AI tools available to anyone such as image-generation tools and AI-driven applications, while offering new opportunities, can also place small business owners in new and unfamiliar territory.

GoDaddy shares some ways in which generative AI can help small business owners and entrepreneurs enhance creativity, streamline operations and support customer engagement.

  1. Generate creative and unique business names – The biggest barrier to getting started is sometimes a blank screen. Generative AI is great for helping to get creativity started. If thinking of a catchy business name isn’t your strong suit, consider using AI to kick-start the process. GoDaddy AI Domain Search can help generate potential business names, giving entrepreneurs a list of unique and creative names that they might not have come up with otherwise.
     
  2. Automate content creation – By simplifying the content creation process and enhancing the effectiveness of published materials, such as website content, newsletters or blogs, AI can help save entrepreneurs both time and money.

Using advanced natural language processing algorithms and deep learning techniques, AI-powered content-generation tools can analyze existing content within a specific industry or niche. Using that information, AI tools can then generate relevant and engaging content. And then, you can update the output to match the overall vibe of your unique business.

GoDaddy is equipping small business owners with AI tools and guidance to help them boost their content creativity and streamline operations

To help entrepreneurs be successful in creating prompts to use with AI tools, GoDaddy created a free guide. This guide offers small business owners tips for how to create text and visual prompts.

  1. Enhance customer service – With AI, business owners can quickly craft personalized responses, such as thank-you emails to customers after they make a purchase or sign-up for a service, reminder emails, and responses to inquiries or complaints. By providing fast and personalized responses to customers, using AI-powered tools can help to enhance the overall customer experience, leading to higher satisfaction rates and a stronger brand reputation, and help to drive further engagement with customers.
     
  2. Support for social media management – Engaging on social media channels is an important part of growing a business in today’s digital environment, but managing multiple platforms and attempting to brainstorm creative new content can feel daunting. AI can help here as well.

    Tasks AI can support with include creating a list of key moments and relevant events for a target audience, craft ad copy to grab people’s attention, write simple video scripts, create editorial calendars, and provide creative captions for image-based posts.

    GoDaddy Studio creates professional-looking content for a business or personal brand. Anyone can easily and quickly produce engaging content without needing advanced design skills. This free tool is available for anyone looking to enhance their online presence and take advantage of branded content for their social media channels, website, customer email communications, and more.

While AI tools can help save time and money, it is crucial for a human to closely review the output of the AI tool that you choose to use, as AI can return incorrect, false or outdated information or may include content containing third parties’ intellectual property.

“In today’s fast-changing digital world, GoDaddy is equipping small business owners with AI tools and guidance to help them boost their content creativity and streamline operations, saving them time to focus on growing their businesses,” said Selina Bieber, Vice President of International Markets at GoDaddy.

GoDaddy offers a wide array of online resources to help small businesses and entrepreneurs thrive in the digital world, from website building and ecommerce tools to email and digital marketing solutions.

For more information on how GoDaddy can help your business, visit GoDaddy (www.GoDaddy.com).

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of GoDaddy.

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