Hong Kong Completes First Green Methanol Bunkering, Driving Green Transformation of Its International Shipping Hub

Hong Kong Completes First Green Methanol Bunkering, Driving Green Transformation of Its International Shipping Hub

HONG KONG, March 6, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – 5 March 2026, the world’s first methanol dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off vessel, CM HONG KONG, successfully completed its first green methanol bunkering operation in Hong Kong. This also marks China's first green methanol bunkering operation conducted at anchor.This milestone signifies a major breakthrough in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s deepened collaboration with enterprises, including China Merchants Group (CMG), China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec Group), and China International Marine Containers Group (CIMC). The achievement responds proactively to the “Dual Carbon” goals and advances implementation of Hong Kong’s Action Blueprint for Green Marine Fuel Bunkering, marking a solid step forward in Hong Kong’s development into an international green marine fuel bunkering centre.The bunkering ceremony, themed “RIDING THE TIDE, GREENING THE FUTURE”, was jointly hosted by China Merchants Energy Shipping (CMES), Sinopec (Hong Kong), and CIMC Enric at the Legislative Council Complex. Officiating guests included the Secretary for Transport and Logistics of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Hon Mable CHAN, JP; the Under Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Diane WONG Shuk-han, JP; the Director of Marine, WONG Sai-fat, together with Members of the Legislative Council, the Hon Gary CHAN Hak-kan, SBS, JP; the Hon Judy CHAN Kapui, MH, JP; the Hon Erik YIM Kong, JP; the Hon Aaron BOK Kwok-ming; Dr the Hon Webster NG Kam-wah, JP; Capt the Hon Lothair LAM Ming-fung; and the Hon Tommy CHUNG Ki-fung. Representatives from CMG, Sinopec, and CIMC, along with more than 100 distinguished guests from the shipping, energy, equipment manufacturing, and financial sectors, witnessed the significant moment.During the ceremony, officiating guests jointly launched the bunkering operation. A live screen broadcast the “first injection” of green methanol into CM HONG KONG, while simultaneously displaying the internationally certified green attribute certificate.The vessel completed bunkering via a ship-to-ship (STS) transfer, receiving approximately 500 tonnes of green methanol. According to calculations, this volume is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 85% compared with conventional marine fuels.The green methanol was produced and supplied by CIMC Enric and has obtained ISCC EU certification. The bunkering operation was carried out through Sinopec (Hong Kong)’s professional bunkering service system, and the fuel was ultimately applied by CMES as the shipowner. The operation fully demonstrated a closed-loop green methanol value chain encompassing “production–storage–shipping–bunkering–application”.Pursuant to the Strategic Cooperation Agreement on Jointly Building the Hong Kong Green Methanol Bunkering Centre signed in November 2025, the three parties leveraged their respective core strengths in ocean shipping, oil and gas and green fuel storage-transport-sales, and energy equipment manufacturing. Technical validation, solution optimisation, and emergency preparedness were completed in advance to ensure smooth implementation.To ensure safe and efficient operations, relevant HKSAR Government departments worked closely with participating enterprises. The Transport and Logistics Bureau, Marine Department, Customs and Excise Department, and Immigration Department provided end-to-end support in policy guidance, streamlined approvals, and safety oversight in accordance with the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering.This inaugural bunkering is not merely a technical demonstration, but a pivotal practice in establishing Hong Kong’s green marine fuel bunkering ecosystem. It verifies both the technical feasibility and commercial operability of green methanol bunkering in Hong Kong, and showcases a “Hong Kong’s Approach” characterised by government-enterprise collaboration, port-shipping synergy, and full industry-chain coordination. This initiative helps attract more green vessels to call at Hong Kong and encourages Hong Kong-registered vessels to increase their use of green marine fuels, striving to achieve the 7% target by 2030.The three organizations that collaborated to complete this bunkering operation stated that they would continue to further deepen cooperation, promote the industrialisation, scaling, and regularisation of green methanol supply in Hong Kong, and accelerate the establishment of a comprehensive ecosystem covering production, storage, shipping, bunkering, trading, and financial services. These efforts will support Hong Kong in building a leading green maritime fuel bunkering and trading centre in the Asia-Pacific region, contributing to the national “Dual Carbon” goals, Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality, and the global low-carbon transformation of the shipping industry. Photo 1Bunkering process of CM HONG KONG Photo 2Bunkering process of CM HONG KONGPhoto 3 Bunkering of the world's first methanol dual-fuel roll-on/roll-off vessel CM HONG KONG in Hong KongPhoto 4Group Photo of All Guests at the Hong Kong First Green Methanol Bunkering CeremonyPhoto 5Group Photo of the Kickoff Ceremony at Hong Kong’s First Green Methanol Bunkering Ceremony Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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International Women’s Day: Why Menopause May Be a Missed Cardiovascular Risk Window

International Women’s Day: Why Menopause May Be a Missed Cardiovascular Risk Window

TOKYO, Mar 6, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - As International Women’s Day prompt renewed focus on women’s health, OMRON Healthcare has released a new Women’s Heart Health Factbook spotlighting an often-overlooked issue: the intersection between menopause, hypertension, and long-term cardiovascular risk.Why this mattersAn estimated 32% of women aged 30–79 worldwide are living with hypertension.Yet only 59% are diagnosed, and just 23% achieve effective blood pressure control.That equates to less than a quarter of hypertensive women managing to stabilise their blood pressure.Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women globally, with ischemic heart disease and stroke accounting for the majority of cases. Risk often accelerates during and after menopause, as declining estrogen levels affect vascular health and blood pressure regulation.Women also face additional life-stage factors that may influence cardiovascular outcomes, including pregnancy-related hypertension and hormonal contraceptive use, underscoring the importance of consistent monitoring across the lifespan.Expert perspective"Despite being the leading cause of death for women globally, cardiovascular disease is frequently underdiagnosed and undertreated in women due to longstanding biases in research, clinical guidelines and symptom recognition," said Prof. Alta Schutte, Principal Theme Lead of Cardiac, Vascular and Metabolic Medicine in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at UNSW Sydney, Australia.“Menopause is not only a major life transition — it is also a cardiovascular turning point,” added Karel Herberigs, Managing Director, OMRON Healthcare EMEA. “Greater awareness and routine monitoring can help close a persistent care gap and support earlier intervention.”Archanna Mohangoo, Medical Marketing Manager (EMEA), said: “Too often, symptoms such as fatigue, disrupted sleep, or heart palpitations are attributed solely to menopause, when they may in some cases signal underlying conditions such as hypertension or atrial fibrillation (AFib), which can significantly increase stroke and heart disease risk if left undetected. This Factbook aims to encourage women and healthcare providers alike to look more closely at cardiovascular health during this stage of life.”Potential coverage anglesThe global hypertension care gap in womenMenopause as a cardiovascular risk inflection pointWhy blood pressure monitoring should remain a priority beyond reproductive yearsThe under-recognised burden of heart disease in womenPrevention and early detection strategies across the lifespanThe full Women’s Heart Health Factbook is available to download from: https://brandportal.healthcare.omron.com/share/365D593E-78F0-4F35-9C8A589508CB5951/For interviews, expert commentary, or additional data, please contact: omronhealthcare-pr@kyodo-pr.co.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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TANAKA Develops World’s First High-Performance Palladium Hydrogen Permeable Membrane Exhibiting High Hydrogen Purification Performance at Temperatures around 100 degrees C

TANAKA Develops World’s First High-Performance Palladium Hydrogen Permeable Membrane Exhibiting High Hydrogen Purification Performance at Temperatures around 100 degrees C

TOKYO, Mar 5, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, today announced the successful development of “HPM-L111”, the world’s first metal*1 palladium (Pd) hydrogen permeable membrane capable of delivering high hydrogen permeation performance at low temperature range around 100°C. The breakthrough enables high-purity and fast hydrogen purification at significantly lower temperatures than previously possible, reducing energy consumption and supporting next-generation hydrogen ecosystem development across global markets.Sample shipments of HPM-L111 is scheduled to begin on or after March 5, 2026, with production capacity of approximately 100 samples per month.An academic presentation regarding this product will be made at The Japan Institute of Metals and Materials’ “2026 Spring Meeting,” which will be held at Chiba Institute of Technology from March 11 to 13, 2026. The product and a panel display will also be showcased at “H2 & FC EXPO Int’l Hydrogen & Fuel Cell Expo” being held at Tokyo Big Sight from March 17 to 19, 2026.Palladium (Pd) hydrogen permeable membrane "HPM-L111"A palladium hydrogen permeable membrane is a thin membrane product made from palladium alloy, which has the properties of hydrogen absorption and permeation. It is widely used for the separation and purification of high-purity hydrogen. Traditionally, metal membranes require high temperatures (at least 300°C) to achieve effective hydrogen permeation. By applying special treatment to the membrane’s surface, TANAKA succeeded in developing a metal membrane that can demonstrate high hydrogen permeation performance even at a low temperature range at or below 100°C.Issues in hydrogen purification using metal membranes and background to the development of HPM-L111Among PdCu alloy membranes, the existing product PdCu40 (an alloy with 60% palladium content and 40% copper content) has the highest level of hydrogen permeation performance. However, operation at a high temperature range of around 400°C is required to achieve its true performance, and higher costs from the addition of heating facilities and such were an issue for many years. Furthermore, with the advancement of hydrogen-related technologies in recent years, there are increasing need for hydrogen permeation using metal membranes in the low temperature range of 100°C or lower. Meanwhile, the speed of hydrogen penetration from the surface into metal membranes generally decreases when the temperature is 200°C or lower, significantly reducing the hydrogen permeation performance of conventional metal membranes and making practical application an issue.To solve these issues, for HPM-L111, TANAKA adopted its proprietary surface treatment technology nurtured through many years of precious metal materials research. Minute jagged structures were formed on the membrane’s surface to increase the specific surface area, resulting in a higher hydrogen penetration speed and achieving significant improvement in hydrogen permeation performance in the low temperature range of 100°C or lower.Features of HPM-L111High hydrogen permeation performance in the low temperature range around 100°CWorld’s first metal membrane allowing high-purity hydrogen purification in the low temperature range around 100°CExpected contributions to higher accuracy of hydrogen sensorsAllows high-speed removal of hydrogen generated within devicesCross-section of existing product PdCu40Cross-section of HPM-L111 Product nameThicknessWidthLengthRecommended temperatureExpected applicationsHPM-H310(PdCu40)>10μm
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Honda to Begin Sales of Two U.S.-built Vehicles in Japan

Honda to Begin Sales of Two U.S.-built Vehicles in Japan

TOKYO, Japan, Mar 5, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (Honda) today announced plans to begin sales of two U.S.-built models in the Japanese market — the Acura* Integra Type S and Honda Passport TrailSport Elite — in the second half of 2026.Taking advantage of a simplified certification system for U.S.-made passenger vehicles newly established by the Japan Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), Honda will reverse-import these compelling models produced in the U.S. to enhance its product lineup to accommodate the diverse needs of customers in Japan.Both the Acura Integra Type S and Honda Passport TrailSport Elite are produced by Honda Development & Manufacturing of America, LLC (HDMA), a Honda automobile development and manufacturing subsidiary in the U.S. Honda exhibited both models at the Tokyo Auto Salon 2026 and Osaka Auto Messe 2026, held in January and February 2026, respectively, where many visitors showed strong interest in these models and expressed expectations for the market launch in Japan.* Acura was established in 1986 as a premium performance automobile brand of Honda primarily in the North American market, which is focused on delivering Precision Crafted Performance. Acura Integra Type S (U.S. version) Honda Passport TrailSport Elite (U.S. version)Key features of Acura Integra Type SThe Acura Integra Type S sold in North America is the high-performance variant of the Acura Integra, equipped with a 6-speed manual transmission and 2-liter turbocharged engine. The exterior styling design achieves both the premium character unique to the Acura brand and a striking presence on the street.Key features of Honda Passport TrailSport EliteThe Honda Passport is a midsized SUV model sold in North America, which features full-fledged off-road capabilities while also offering a comfortable on-road driving experience. The TrailSport Elite is the top trim with enhanced off-road capabilities. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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DOCOMO’s New Haptic-sharing System Enables Fans to Feel Closer to Idols

DOCOMO’s New Haptic-sharing System Enables Fans to Feel Closer to Idols

TOKYO, Japan, Mar 5, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it has developed a new system powered by FEEL TECH™ haptic technology that allows fans to experience physical sensations transmitted from artists, creating a stronger sense of closeness with their idols. To demonstrate the system's experiential value, DOCOMO collaborated with Cover Corporation to create trial content featuring the VTuber group “hololive English -Myth-.”FEEL TECH™ digitizes, transmits and reproduces human sensations, including touch (haptics) and emotional cues, through a hand-held haptic device. When synchronized with audio-visual content, the technology delivers immersive experiences. DOCOMO is now applying these capabilities to enhance Japan's rapidly growing “oshi-katsu” culture, in which fans actively support and engage with their favorite actors and other idols, including anime and game characters.Until now, fan experiences have been limited primarily to watching and listening. However, DOCOMO's new system adds haptic sensations to greatly expand the possibilities for artistic expression. Artists can now convey movement, energy and emotion through haptic feedback, communicating feelings that go beyond words and facial expressions.By enabling fans to experience physical sensations transmitted from favorite artists, DOCOMO's system creates a heightened sense of presence—so immersive it feels as if they are right beside the artist, realizing a deeper, more personal emotional connection.To validate the system, DOCOMO created trial content featuring the VTuber group hololive English -Myth-. Trial participants can select one of the three members to experience physical sensations synchronized to on-screen actions, including dynamic movements such as dancing and high-fives, as well as subtler sensations like heartbeats. Compared to conventional audio-visual viewing, the addition of haptic feedback significantly enhances immersion and realism, deepens the bond between fan and artist, and opens new avenues for creative expression. The effectiveness of this next-generation experience is now being evaluated through user participation.DOCOMO will showcase this experiential content at the International Innovations section of South by Southwest (SXSW) 2026 in Austin, Texas, USA from March 12 to 14.Through this initiative, DOCOMO aims to pioneer a new culture of communication, part of its mission to create meaningful value that enriches people's lives.FEEL TECH is a registered trademark of NTT DOCOMO.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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JCB, together with Resona, Realize a New Purchasing Experience: The World’s First Full-Scale Project to Commercialize Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Payments

JCB, together with Resona, Realize a New Purchasing Experience: The World’s First Full-Scale Project to Commercialize Ultra-Wideband (UWB) Payments

TOKYO, Mar 4, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB Co., Ltd. (JCB), together with Resona Holdings, Inc. (Resona), announced the start of a project to commercialize ultra-wideband (UWB) payments that realize a new purchasing experience using UWB communication.The two companies have agreed to launch the world's first full-scale project for the practical application and commercialization of UWB payments. In 2026, JCB will work with multiple technology partners and collaborating merchants to demonstrate payment technology and value-added solutions for merchants, as well as user experience building projects to create new purchasing experiences. On top of that, JCB aims to launch small-scale commercial operations in 2027 and full-scale commercialization in earnest in 2028.The two companies are participating in the FiRa® Consortium, which standardizes and contributes to the development of UWB communication technology, as well as builds new payment experiences and value-added solutions for stores using UWB technology.About the UWB Payment ProjectThrough the activities of the FiRa Consortium, JCB, and Resona will standardize technologies and experiences for payment applications, and with the support of FiRa Consortium’s participating vendors, conduct technology tests. From 2026, the two companies will demonstrate UWB payments and value-added solutions together with multiple partner merchants and provide feedback to FiRa on the necessary technology development.In parallel, JCB and Resona will conduct research on user experience and store payment operations to confirm the acceptability of users and merchants.Moreover, in order to reduce the introduction load at merchants as much as possible, the project aims to build a payment infrastructure that can widely accept payment solutions using UWB provided by competitors. The project is aimed to launch on a small scale in 2027 and commercialize on a full-scale in 2028.In addition, the two companies will aim to realize new UWB payments through collaboration with a wide range of partners in Japan and other countries.image of UWB paymentThe Background of This ProjectUWB communication technology is a short-range wireless communication technology that has the characteristics of (1) accurate location of devices and (2) high-speed data communication and is being used in Japan and overseas for location verification of digital keys for cars and homes, indoor navigation, and tags.The technology is also used overseas in gateless public transportation systems. In the future, it is expected to be used for payments, as with NFC (Near Field Communication) and QR codes.Outside Japan, the spread of smartphones with UWB functions has been slow, but in Japan, smartphones that can use UWB communication are widely available, and can be utilized in advance of the rest of the world. Moreover, the diversification of cashless payments and the wide range of value-added solutions for users and stores are also characteristics of Japan's payment scene. The project believes that it is necessary to take advantage of this location and create new payment solutions to solve problems for users and stores and meet the needs of new solutions.Overview of “UWB Payments”UWB payments are a solution that can greatly improve the purchasing experience. Until now, it has been necessary to physically touch a card or smartphone at a payment terminal in a merchant or to scan a QR code. UWB payments will take advantage of the characteristics of short-range communication to build a new purchasing experience, such as building a hands-free payment experience even with a smartphone in a pocket or bag, and instantly conveying information such as diet restrictions from users to merchants.Also, by utilizing the accurate location information of smartphones, it is possible to realize value-added solutions for both users and merchants that have never been seen before, such as improving the efficiency of navigation and waiting in stores, distributing personalized advertisements and coupons using smart displays, and providing new customer service for VIP customers. It is expected to be used not only to improve the experience but also to be used as a labor-saving solution to address labor shortages.Comparison of NFC and UWB paymentsExamples of value-added solutions:Provide communication functions for both users and merchants. For example, it can be used to automate the communication of requests such as food allergy information, whether or not plastic bags are needed, whether receipts are present and addressed, loyalty program information, whether coupons are available and used, and requests such as handicap and assistance needs, and children's chair preparations.Provide special customer service experiences for VIP customers and support functions for stores. Customers can receive a special customer service experience without verbally communicating with the merchant’s staff, allowing stores to provide appropriate customer service based on specific customer needs.Enable 1-to-1 marketing capabilities for customers. Marketing utilization, such as displaying personalized information on smart displays near customers, distributing coupons to customers, and displaying personalized pricing.Past UWB Payments InitiativesIn January 2024, JCB and Resona entered into a strategic partnership for the "Hands-free Payment" project, an initiative aimed at building a new payment experience that does not require smartphone operation when using device-to-device communication technology. Using UWB communication technology by linking the smartphones held by customers who visit the store with payment terminals and various IoT devices installed in the store, it allows customers to complete the payment process from authentication to payment procedure without taking out a smartphone or activating the screen, and even keeping their smartphone in their bag or pocket. By utilizing this solution, customers can grasp information at the time of their visit to the store and receive customer service and new in-store experiences, such as providing services for VIPs, preferential treatment, and coupon distribution.JCB also announced the development of a UWB-enabled app for iPhones and Apple Watches to support the project, along with a reference model of store checkout equipment and the launch of user testing. Through these efforts, JCB and Resona have been discussing and collaborating with their collaborative partners on technologies and business models.Looking ahead, JCB and Resona will work with multiple technology partners and collaborating merchants to carry out proof-of-concept initiatives for payment and merchant value-added solutions in 2026, with a phased commercial rollout planned for 2027 and full-scale commercialization targeted for 2028.About FiRa ConsortiumThe FiRa Consortium is a member-driven organization dedicated to transforming the way we interact with our environment by enabling precise location awareness for people and devices using the secured fine-ranging and positioning capabilities of Ultra-Wideband (UWB) technology. FiRa does this by driving the development of technical specifications and certification, advocating for effective regulations, and defining a broad set of use cases for UWB. To learn more about UWB and the FiRa Consortium, visit www.firaconsortium.org.About Resona Holdings, Inc.With the Group's purpose of "Making the future positive with finance +," we continue to take on the challenge of transformation and creation in order to transform the future into a positive one with ideas that go beyond the framework of finance. Adhering to our basic stance of "customer joy is Resona's joy," we will work to "strengthen value creativity" and "next-generation management infrastructure" to respond to customers and local communities.About JCB Co., Ltd.JCB is a major global payment brand and a leading credit card issuer and acquirer in Japan. JCB launched its card business in Japan in 1961 and began expanding worldwide in 1981. Its acceptance network includes about 71 million merchants around the world. JCB Cards are now issued mainly in Asian countries and territories, with more than 175 million cardmembers. As part of its international growth strategy, JCB has formed alliances with hundreds of leading banks and financial institutions globally to increase its merchant coverage and cardmember base. As a comprehensive payment solution provider, JCB commits to providing responsive and high-quality service and products to all customers worldwide.For more information, please visit: www.global.jcb/en/ContactAnna TakedaJCB Corporate CommunicationsTel: +81-3-5778-8353Email: jcb-pr@info.jcb.co.jp Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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TANAKA Establishes Transfer Technology for its Sintered Gold (Au) Bonding Technology “AuRoFUSE(TM) Preforms”

TANAKA Establishes Transfer Technology for its Sintered Gold (Au) Bonding Technology “AuRoFUSE(TM) Preforms”

TOKYO, Mar 3, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director & CEO: Koichiro Tanaka), a company engaged in the industrial precious metals business of TANAKA, today announced a gold bump*1 transfer technology for the sintered gold (Au) bonding technology “AuRoFUSE™ Preforms.” This technology allows AuRoFUSE™ Preforms (gold bumps) to be formed even on semiconductor chips and substrates*2 with complex structures.Gold bump transfer substrate producedGold bumps after transferAdvantages of being able to transfer gold bumpsIn this technology, at first, gold bumps are formed on a substrate (transfer substrate). Then, the gold bumps are transferred to the target semiconductor chip or substrate. Openings are created on the silicon substrate used as the transfer substrate, and gold bumps are formed in them. By filling the entire opening, the gold bump is held by the substrate, eliminating the risk of dropping during the process. Meanwhile, during transfer, the gold bump shrinks under heat-treatment, forming a tiny gap between the opening and the gold bump. This allows easy extraction of gold bumps by the application of a force in the vertical direction.As the traditional gold bump formation process is a method that directly forms bumps on the target semiconductor chip or substrate, it is difficult to handle target chips and substrates with complex shapes, such as protrusions, dents, or open holes due to issues such as inconsistent resist heights.In this current transfer technology, gold bumps are manufactured separately and can be transferred only to the target locations. This allows the technology to also be applied to complex shapes. It can also be used with semiconductor chips and substrates that are difficult to process using photolithography*3 due to concerns about damage from stripping solutions and others.Manufacturing of transfer substrate and transfer and bonding process(1) Preparation of silicon substrate as transfer substrate(2) Application of photoresist to silicon substrate(3) Exposure and development of target pattern(4) Etching of silicon substrate to create holes(5) Application of AuRoFUSE™ using a squeegee, etc.(6) Vacuum drying of AuRoFUSE™ at room temperature and scraping off excess gold particles on the resist(7) Removal of resist to complete transfer substrate(8) Placement of transfer substrate on target (semiconductor chip or substrate) for gold bump formation, thermocompression at 10 MPa and 150℃ for one minute, followed by vertical lifting of substrate to transfer gold bumps(9) Bonding of post-transfer target through thermocompression at 20 MPa and 200℃ for 10 secondsAn illustration of the traditional gold bump formation process is available in the “Manufacturing of AuRoFUSE™ Preforms” section for reference on TANAKA’s website.About the sintered gold bonding technology “AuRoFUSE™ Preforms”Developed by TANAKA, “AuRoFUSE™ Preforms” is a bonding technology that forms bumps of all kinds of shapes using a paste comprising gold particles and an organic solvent. Through a thermocompression bonding process (20 MPa at 200℃ for 10 seconds), AuRoFUSE™ Preforms exhibits compression of approximately 10% in the compressive direction while showing minimal deformation in the horizontal direction. This gives them sufficient bonding strength*4 for practical applications. With the main component being gold, which has a high level of chemical stability, AuRoFUSE™ Preforms also provides excellent reliability after mounting.This technology enables miniaturization of semiconductor wiring and greater integration (higher density) for various types of chips. It is expected to contribute to the needs for miniaturization and better performance of semiconductors, which have been rising in recent years, including optical devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and semiconductor lasers (LDs), use in digital devices such as personal computers, smartphones, as well as in-vehicle components, micro-electromechanical systems (MEMS), and such.Traditionally, the main methods used in bump formation technology are soldering and plating. However, as solder tends to spread outward in molten state, there was the risk of short-circuiting through contact between electrodes as the bump pitch becomes finer. Meanwhile, plating can achieve a fine pitch, but because comparatively higher pressures are required during bonding, there is the possibility of causing chip damage. For reference, an illustration outlining the advantages of this technology compared with soldering and plating materials is provided in the “Comparison of AuRoFUSE™ Preforms with Other Materials” section on TANAKA’s website. This technology was developed to address these issues for use in next-generation high-density mounting and photonics-electronics integration devices.AuRoFUSE™ and TANAKA’s gold materialsAuRoFUSE™ is a paste-type bonding material containing a mixture of gold particles, with the particle diameter controlled to be submicron sized, and an organic solvent. Compared to the melting point of gold (approximately 1,064℃), bonding is possible at a low temperature of approximately 200℃.Gold is a material with low electrical resistance and extremely high thermal conductivity. Therefore, in power semiconductors that handle large currents and high-density chips that dissipate a lot of heat, it can efficiently dissipate heat and limit energy loss. Among precious metals, it is also particularly resistant to oxidation and has stable properties, making it less susceptible to corrosion after mounting and ion migration (a phenomenon in which metals move and cause short circuits). This allows it to maintain high reliability over long periods of time.TANAKA is highly skilled in precious metal material development technologies, developed since its establishment. It has used these technologies to undertake development of precious metal materials, such as gold, which plays a key role in the semiconductor field. With a system that integrates the entire chain of processes, from raw material procurement to material development, manufacturing, and recycling, TANAKA will contribute to the development of semiconductor technologies and the realization of a sustainable society while effectively using limited precious metal resources.*1 Bumps: Protruding electrodes*2 Substrate: Board that electrically and mechanically supports semiconductor chips mounted on it*3 Photolithography: Technology for forming fine circuit patterns on substrates*4 Bonding: Refers to shear strength (strength determined through application of a lateral load during testing)About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA Industrial Precious Metal Materials Portalhttps://tanaka-preciousmetals.comProduct inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL TECHNOLOGIES Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-on-industrial-products/Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://tanaka-preciousmetals.com/en/inquiries-for-media/Press Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260303_EN.pdf Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Fujitsu and BCN Port Innovation Foundation leverage ocean digital twin technology to drive the regeneration of the Port of Barcelona

Fujitsu and BCN Port Innovation Foundation leverage ocean digital twin technology to drive the regeneration of the Port of Barcelona

Kawasaki, Japan and Barcelona, Spain, March 3, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu and BCN Port Innovation Foundation today announced a new agreement between Fujitsu Spain and the BCN Port Innovation Foundation to develop a proof of concept (PoC) for an ocean digital twin at the Port of Barcelona. This pioneering initiative is aimed at the regeneration of the marine environment, the protection of biodiversity and the promotion of the blue economy(1).Catalina Grimalt, CEO and President, BCN Port Foundation (left) and Ángeles Delgado, President of Fujitsu Technology Solutions S.A. (right) shaking hands after the signing ceremony to kick off the proof of concept.The project is based on the use of underwater drones combined with artificial intelligence and advanced analytics, capable of capturing high-resolution representations of the seabed. Using this non-destructive sensing approach, the digital twin will make it possible to visualize and quantify biodiversity, calculate biomass based on vegetation cover, and estimate blue carbon(2) associated with marine algae.This project lays the foundations for the BCN Port Innovation Foundation to have a unified digital platform that centralizes all information on port biodiversity and enables its long-term monitoring.With this initiative, Fujitsu reinforces its commitment to developing proprietary technology with social and environmental impact, aligned with climate neutrality goals and the protection of marine ecosystems, and consolidates its role as a technology partner in sustainable innovation projects in Spain.Fujitsu and the BCN Port Innovation Foundation plan to carry out the proof of concept in the Port of Barcelona during 2026.A new approach to measuring and protecting marine biodiversityGlobal marine ecosystems face a severe crisis due to global warming and ocean pollution. The EU is accelerating marine environmental conservation and restoration efforts, notably with the 2024 adoption of the Nature Restoration Law, which mandates marine ecosystem recovery.By integrating AI-enabled underwater data capture with advanced analytics, the Ocean Digital Twin transforms how marine ecosystems are measured, understood, and utilized. Autonomous surface and underwater vehicles follow optimized survey routes with real-time stabilization control, enabling consistent and repeatable seabed data acquisition and generating high-quality data suitable for AI processing.Machine learning models convert this data into quantitative environmental intelligence, estimating vegetation coverage, assessing habitat extent, and calculating blue carbon absorption. The technology also provides precise spatial data on seabed conditions, habitat distribution, and species types, creating a strong empirical foundation for the design and evaluation of conservation, restoration, and regeneration projects.In addition, the system enables continuous monitoring of multiple plant species, making it possible to analyze ecosystem evolution over time and anticipate potential impacts resulting from both climate change and port activity.Figure: Ocean Digital TwinEnvironmental simulation and data-driven decision-makingThe platform developed by Fujitsu enables the simulation of “what if” scenarios, helping pre-verification of environmental measures before they are implemented to prioritize investments based on their real impact. Thanks to the creation of a high-fidelity digital model, port authorities can identify priority areas for protection, as well as zones suitable for environmental restoration or rehabilitation.This simulation capability makes the digital twin a key tool for balancing port activity with the preservation of the natural environment, facilitating the design of more sustainable infrastructure and operations. Following a successful PoC, Fujitsu and BCN Port Innovation Foundation can collaborate to add regeneration and preservation simulation scenarios to the project.Blue economy, transparency and social engagementBeyond environmental conservation, the project could open up new opportunities within the blue economy, facilitating the potential development of marine research initiatives, environmental education and scientific outreach activities.Moreover, the visual and immersive nature of the digital twin enhances transparency and awareness, helping to bring knowledge of the marine environment closer to stakeholders and fostering greater understanding of the importance of protecting coastal ecosystems.Ángeles Delgado, president of Fujitsu Spain and Portugal, points out: “This project demonstrates how technology can become a true ally of sustainability. The ocean digital twin allows us to transform complex data from the marine environment into actionable information to protect biodiversity, promote blue carbon initiatives, and make evidence-based decisions.”(1) Blue economy:Achieving economic growth, job creation, and environmental preservation simultaneously while sustainably utilizing marine resources.(2) Blue carbon:Carbon captured by coastal and marine ecosystems through photosynthesis and subsequently stored in seabeds and deep seas.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout BCN Port InnovationBCN Port Innovation is a public-private collaboration initiative between the Port of Barcelona and the enterprise ecosystem aimed at promoting and validating innovative solutions in areas such as the logistics and port processes, mobility, and the energy transition, with a cross-cutting focus on digitalization and sustainability. More information: https://bcnportinnovation.org/en/Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesBCN Port InnovationMar Fernándeze-mail: m.fernandez@bcnportinnovation.org Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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MHI and SoftBank Corp. Collaborate to Adapt AI-RAN Network Architecture for Edge Data Centers

MHI and SoftBank Corp. Collaborate to Adapt AI-RAN Network Architecture for Edge Data Centers

TOKYO, Mar 2, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) and SoftBank Corp. (SoftBank) today announced the launch of a demonstration experiment using SoftBank's AI-RAN product(1) "AITRAS" to deploy edge AI applications(2) within the edge data center(3) "DIAVAULT" solution installed at MHI's Yokohama Hardtech Hub (YHH). This demonstration will verify the effectiveness of high-speed AI inference executed over a secure and stable communication environment isolated from external networks in an on-premises(4) setting.Furthermore, both companies have agreed to integrate MHI's highly scalable edge data center facility technologies with "AITRAS" to enable AI execution in real-world environments, aiming for social implementation of a new AI infrastructure.Background of CollaborationIn recent years, efforts to enhance the operation and maintenance of equipment through AI, referred to as "AI Transformation," have accelerated across various industries, including energy and industrial machinery. To utilize AI effectively in such real-world environments, there is a growing demand for data centers that can be installed closer to the operational sites and provide an AI execution environment that balances stable communication and data security.Overview of Demonstration ExperimentThe Edge Data Center "DIAVAULT" in YHHIn response to these practical challenges, as the first step of this collaboration, an AI-RAN environment using "AITRAS" will be constructed within the on-premises "DIAVAULT" solution. An AI application developed by MHI that can "Defect Detection & Repair AI Application for Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Products" will be deployed within this environment for demonstration testing.During the demonstration, image and video data sent from field workers' smart devices will be analyzed in real-time within the closed network environment to identify fault locations and suggest appropriate repair methods.Value Delivered by This DemonstrationThrough this demonstration, the following three points will be validated:1. Real-time analysis through edge AI processingAI processing is completed within the closed network without passing through the cloud, significantly reducing data transmission and analysis latency under a stable communication infrastructure.2. Enhanced security and closed network environmentA secure AI inference environment is established that prevents confidential product data from leaving the company.3. Efficiency and standardization of repair operationsAI-based fault identification reduces the operational burden that previously relied on the expertise of skilled technicians.Future OutlookBuilding on this collaboration agreement and demonstration experiment, both companies will leverage their respective strengths to develop a scalable and reliable edge AI operational platform that continuously adapts to AI advancements. They will also promote initiatives to accelerate customers' on-site "AI Transformation" through the creation of innovative solutions.(1) A technology concept that realizes both RAN (Radio Access Network) control functions and AI server functions on the same hardware platform. "AITRAS" is an integrated AI-RAN product that provides high-capacity, high-performance, and high-quality communication networks at carrier grade and also enables the provision of AI applications.(2) Applications that perform data processing and AI inference at the site where the data is created, rather than in the cloud.(3) A small-scale data center installed close to users and devices.(4) A system where servers are placed at sites such as companies, factories, or research institutes rather than in the cloud, allowing direct management and processing of data.- SoftBank, the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.- Other company, product and service names in this press release are registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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DOCOMO and NEC Launch Japan’s First Commercial 5G Core on AWS, Built with World’s First AI-automated Network Construction Technology

DOCOMO and NEC Launch Japan’s First Commercial 5G Core on AWS, Built with World’s First AI-automated Network Construction Technology

TOKYO, Mar 2, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and NEC Corporation today announced the launch of Japan’s first commercial 5G core network (5GC) on Amazon Web Services (AWS) on February 26.(1) Advanced architecture, constructed using Agentic AI,(2) enables the network to flexibly and rapidly expand capacity, such as dynamically expanding its capacity in response to sudden traffic surges, for dramatically improved reliability, flexibility and sustainability.In a separate world-first achievement(3), DOCOMO and NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. in collaboration with NTT DOCOMO SOLUTIONS, Inc. have also successfully automated 5GC design and construction on AWS. To do this, they leveraged Agentic AI—a combination of AI and GitOps(4) in a hybrid cloud environment. This innovative approach prevents human error and reduces construction time by approximately 80% compared to conventional methods.First in Japan to Construct and Commercially Launch 5GC on AWSIn March 2022, DOCOMO and NEC started verifying 5GC network equipment operating on a hybrid cloud using AWS, aiming to enhance network deployment flexibility and reliability. The process included testing the coordinated operation of the 5GC on AWS and DOCOMO’s proprietary virtualization platform,(5) as well as ensuring carrier-grade availability and operability.(6) Connecting the two platforms presented significant challenges, including network and security design considerations, but DOCOMO and NEC successfully overcame these issues to confirm that the 5GC operates seamlessly in a hybrid cloud environment.Building on this success, DOCOMO and NEC have now implemented the necessary fault tolerance and redundancy for a commercial environment, creating a hybrid cloud that combines their virtualization platform with a public cloud. In developing this environment, DOCOMO defined the requirements, established design policies, and reviewed the implementation method for the hybrid cloud. NEC redesigned the entire architecture to establish a construction and operation model based on infrastructure as code (IaC)(7) and continuous integration/continuous delivery (CI/CD)(8) for AWS. This process incorporated AWS managed services, such as AWS CloudFormation,(9) AWS CodeBuild,(10) and AWS CodePipeline,(11) into the design.This hybrid cloud environment is expected to improve network operational efficiency and enable the flexibility and reliability required in the 5G era. For example, building the 5GC on AWS in addition to a separate virtualization platform enables flexible operations, such as rapidly expanding capacity when network demand increases due to a sudden event, and scaling down when increased capacity is no longer needed.Additionally, operational tests confirmed a power consumption reduction of approximately 70%(12) by running the 5GC on AWS Graviton2(13) processors and conducting operational tests in a hybrid cloud environment that connected the 5GC on Graviton2 with the 5GC on DOCOMO’s virtualization platform. In a commercial environment, the 5GC built on AWS Graviton3 is expected to reduce environmental impact similarly.World’s First Automation of 5GC Network from Design to Construction Using GitOps and AIDOCOMO and DOCOMO BUSINESS, in collaboration with DOCOMO SOLUTIONS, achieved the world’s first automation of 5GC design and construction using GitOps(14) and AI, aiming to prevent human error and shorten the construction period.DOCOMO and DOCOMO SOLUTIONS used GitOps to automate construction from the cloud infrastructure up to the 5GC. DOCOMO BUSINESS automated the 5GC design and construction processes, as well as the development of Agentic AI, while NTT DOCOMO SOLUTIONS implemented and verified the AWS infrastructure portion of GitOps.To minimize manual tasks, such as designing configuration values, they adopted Agentic AI with Amazon Bedrock AgentCore,(15) AWS’s agentic AI platform for building, deploying, and operating effective agents securely at scale, and the Model Context Protocol (MCP),(16) creating a new architecture integrated with GitOps.Conventionally, 5GC construction required the creation and modification of numerous complex configuration files, a process that demanded significant manpower and time. However, by implementing Agentic AI with multiple AI agents using Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, DOCOMO BUSINESS was able to automate tasks such as designing configuration values, creating settings files, and issuing construction instructions to GitOps. Consequently, they succeeded in automating everything from design to construction. As a result, the 5GC construction period was reduced by approximately 80% compared to conventional methods.In the future, the companies plan to improve access to their knowledge base and optimize task allocation among AI agents, aiming to achieve faster network speeds and higher precision. They will also expand the scope of AI utilization and accelerate efforts toward the complete automation of 5GC operations by enhancing reproducibility, reliability and operational efficiency through AI-driven generation and execution.This automated 5GC construction solution using Agentic AI is currently on display at the NTT booth (Hall 3, Stand 3M29) at the 2026 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. Through this exhibition, DOCOMO and NEC aim to communicate the innovation and uniqueness of their world-leading communication infrastructure for an AI-powered world.Executive CommentsNobuko Hiraguchi, Executive Officer, General Manager of Core Network Design Department, NTT DOCOMO, INC.“This initiative is a major step forward in DOCOMO’s ongoing effort to advance networks. We have integrated AWS’s scalable cloud platform, which flexibly supports advanced initiatives, including AI, with NEC’s highly reliable 5GC and DOCOMO BUSINESS’s Agentic AI expertise. Also, combining on-premises and cloud technologies enhances network reliability and the ability to respond to demand. Furthermore, shortening the 5GC construction period on the public cloud through AI automation will allow us to deliver services to customers more quickly. I believe our proactive approach to embracing AI has led to this world-first achievement. DOCOMO will continue to take on new challenges to provide communication services that our customers will choose.”Takashi Sato, Corporate Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Network Solutions Business Division of NEC Corporation“NEC is proud to contribute to the transformation of communication infrastructure alongside DOCOMO and AWS by providing our 5GC software. Since 2022, we have been addressing the challenge of creating a carrier-grade 5GC network in the cloud through technical verification. This commercial deployment is the result of combining Japanese telecommunications technology with a global cloud platform to create world-leading communication infrastructure. NEC will continue to contribute to the network evolution of our telecommunications carrier partners in the future.”Yuichi Ikejiri, Deputy Senior Vice President, Innovation Center, NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc.“I am honored to have participated in this project. Agentic AI’s automated construction of 5GC will transform the core network construction process, which has traditionally required significant time and specialized knowledge for design, verification and configuration. Starting with this initiative, we will continue to leverage the power of AI to shorten service provision lead times, standardize design and construction processes, and ensure consistent quality, thereby enabling us to deliver services to the market more quickly and reliably.”Mikihiko Tsunematsu, Director, Telecom, Media, Entertainment, Game & Sports, Strategic Business Unit, Amazon Web Services Japan“NTT DOCOMO has led the telecommunications industry as a technology leader and has driven various innovations through its longstanding partnership with AWS. Applying AI and cloud to telecommunications unlocks new possibilities for operators to respond to customer needs more quickly and flexibly while delivering stable communication services. AWS will continue to collaborate with DOCOMO and NEC toward the evolution of telecommunications infrastructure that supports people's lives and industrial development.”(1) As of March 2, 2026, based on DOCOMO research.(2) System in which multiple AI agents, each with a specific role, automate an entire workflow toward a goal while dynamically updating their action plans according to the situation.(3) As of March 2, 2026, based on DOCOMO research.(4) Operational automation methodology for continuously aligning an environment by managing the entire state of infrastructure and application configurations (e.g., setting files and manifests) in Git and automatically detecting and synchronizing any differences.(5) Proprietary platform developed by DOCOMO that can run core network equipment from multiple vendors. 70% of DOCOMO’s commercial core network equipment operates on this platform.(6) NTT DOCOMO and NEC are Onboarding 5G SA Core Using Energy-efficient and High-performance AWS Cloud Computing Services(7) Practice of managing and provisioning infrastructure components such as servers, networks, and storage through code (e.g., YAML or JSON). This approach enables infrastructure to be automatically built, modified, and reproduced.(8) Method of automating the stages of the software release process, from building and testing to deployment, triggered by changes to the source code. It allows for the continuous integration and delivery of software.(9) Infrastructure as Code (IaC) service that allows you to define AWS resource configurations as templates in YAML or JSON format, and then automatically create, update, or delete those AWS resources based on the template.(10) Fully managed build service that compiles source code, runs tests, and produces software packages that are ready to deploy, without the need to manage servers.(11) Continuous delivery service that automates the various stages of the software release process—such as fetching source code, building, testing, approval, and deployment—by defining them as stages and automatically orchestrating their execution.(12) Family of processors designed by AWS for its cloud computing services. Graviton2 and Graviton3 are the- second and third-generation processors, respectively. For more information, see AWS’s website.(13) NTT DOCOMO and NEC Reduce Power Consumption for 5G SA Core by an Average of 72% Using AWS Graviton2, followed by a Successful Onboarding of 5G SA Core on Hybrid Cloud(14) Database system for storing and managing the change history of files and directories.(15) Fully managed agent infrastructure service that provides the execution environment, memory management, and tool integration required to build, deploy, and operate AI agents securely and at scale.(16) Standardized protocol that enables AI agents to access external tools and data sources securely and uniformly. It decouples the tool implementation from the AI interface, enhancing reusability and extensibility.ShareAbout NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan "Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness," DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.⁠https://www.nec.com/en/About DOCOMO BUSINESSNTT Communications Corporation changed its name to NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, Inc. on July 1, 2025. As an Industrial and Regional DX Platformer that drives digital transformation across industries and communities, we are enabling the development of a decentralized, autonomous, and collaborative society where businesses and communities can thrive sustainably. Our mission is to unlock new value and help create prosperity for all. https://www.ntt.com/en/index.html Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Fujitsu supports sustainable growth for retailers with data and AI through Uvance for Retail

Fujitsu supports sustainable growth for retailers with data and AI through Uvance for Retail

KAWASAKI, Japan, Mar 2, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited today announced the launch of Uvance for Retail, a solution that integrates data onto a robust and secure cloud. The solution, which leverages Fujitsu's accumulated business knowledge and implementation capabilities, also incorporates advanced technologies such as agentic AI. By seamlessly connecting fragmented data and operations across retail sites, Fujitsu aims to enhance both on-site execution capabilities and management decision-making and support the sustainable growth and competitiveness of Japan's retail industry.Even as AI and digital technologies evolve rapidly, the Japanese retail industry faces extremely complex and structural challenges such as population decline, intensifying competition, labor shortages, and rising costs. Underlying these challenges is the overwhelming amount of data required for decision-making compared to other industries, coupled with the current situation where systems are fragmented by operation and data is scattered. Furthermore, data structures differ among manufacturers and wholesalers, leading to data silos and making cross-sectional utilization difficult. As a result, people are forced to make decisions without fully utilizing vast amounts of data, leading to increased burden. This situation undermines the agility that the retail industry has traditionally demonstrated, leading to a decline in competitiveness.For over 50 years, Fujitsu has supported the Japanese retail industry, and possesses a deep understanding of the business and related data structures developed through discussions with numerous customers and various business endeavors. Furthermore, by welcoming GK Software and BrainPad Inc. into the group, Fujitsu has strengthened its comprehensive support system, integrating industry-rooted knowledge with cutting-edge technology. By providing this accumulated retail industry knowledge and technology as Uvance for Retail, which transforms on-site execution and management decision-making as one, Fujitsu aims to enhance corporate agility and support the sustainable growth of the Japanese retail industry.Uvance for Retail comprehensively provides the capabilities necessary for retail business growth, with data and AI at its core. Fujitsu's retail-specialized consultants define management and operational challenges, leveraging their years of industry expertise to design an ideal state that includes business processes and core systems. Subsequently, offerings incorporating agentic AI are implemented by system engineers with deep retail knowledge, ensuring their effective utilization in daily operations. AI rooted in business processes enables advanced decision-making and operational autonomy. Fujitsu also provides the platform that safely connects operations, systems, and data for supporting these. Through Uvance for Retail, Fujitsu aims to innovate experiences for consumers and employees, enhance supply chains, and advance the future of retail.Uvance for Retail: Value creation and visionExhibition at RetailTech JAPAN 2026Fujitsu will exhibit at RetailTech JAPAN 2026, held at Tokyo Big Sight from March 3 to March 6, 2026. Fujitsu will focus on the value provided by Uvance for Retail through data and AI, showcasing various use cases as exhibition demos.Overview of main exhibits for Uvance for Retail1. Enhancing customer touchpoints with causal inference AIFor companies struggling to provide personalized experiences to all customers due to labor shortages, thereby missing opportunities for loyalty improvement, Fujitsu will support a deeper understanding of customers using its unique causal inference AI. Fujitsu's causal inference AI is characterized by its ability to clarify not just correlations but the "why" behind customer actions and outcomes, based on vast and complex operational and customer data. Using a proprietary algorithm, it can rapidly explore causal relationships even in data involving thousands of variables and a mix of operational, customer, and external factors. Visitors can see concrete examples of how AI reveals the causal structure behind customer behavior and needs, leading to enhanced customer service and touchpoints.2. Advanced management and operational decision-making with multi-AI agentsApparel merchandisers are required to accurately grasp the situation of each store and issue optimal instructions promptly. However, due to data fragmentation across different operations and systems, decision-making takes time, leading to missed opportunities. Fujitsu's multi-AI agent system enables multiple AI agents with different roles to collaborate, making cross-functional judgments and providing support across the entire operation. It presents the analysis results of each agent in an easy-to-understand manner and facilitates subsequent actions based on human judgment, enabling swift and effective decision-making.In the exhibition demo, Fujitsu's AI agent Watomo analyzes various data, notifies merchandisers of alarms that need attention, and performs simulations with merchandisers on how to address operational issues. Visitors can see concrete examples of how AI agents support advanced human decision-making and on-site responses.Press Conference MaterialsHeld on March 2, 2026Presentation materials and movie *Coming soonAbout FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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WELIREG(R) (belzutifan) Plus LENVIMA(R) (lenvatinib) Reduced the Risk of Disease Progression or Death by 30% Compared to Cabozantinib in Certain Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

WELIREG(R) (belzutifan) Plus LENVIMA(R) (lenvatinib) Reduced the Risk of Disease Progression or Death by 30% Compared to Cabozantinib in Certain Previously Treated Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

RAHWAY, NJ and TOKYO, Mar 2, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA (known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada) and Eisai (Headquarters: Tokyo, CEO: Haruo Naito) today announced the first presentation of results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-011 trial evaluating the dual oral regimen of WELIREG® (belzutifan), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s first-in-class oral hypoxiainducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, plus LENVIMA® (lenvatinib), an orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) discovered by Eisai, for the treatment of patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) whose disease progressed on or after treatment with anti-programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)/ programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) therapy. These data are being presented as a late-breaking oral abstract at the 2026 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Genitourinary (GU) Cancers Symposium (abstract #LBA417) and are included in the official ASCO GU Press Program.At a pre-specified interim analysis with a median follow-up of 29.0 months (range, 19.3-49.2), WELIREG plus LENVIMA demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in the primary endpoint of progression-free survival (PFS), reducing the risk of disease progression or death by 30% (HR=0.70 [95% CI, 0.59-0.84]; p=0.00007) compared to cabozantinib. For WELIREG plus LENVIMA, the median PFS was 14.8 months (95% CI, 11.2-16.6) versus 10.7 months (95% CI, 9.2-11.1) for cabozantinib. A trend toward improvement in overall survival (OS), the trial’s other primary endpoint, was also observed for WELIREG plus LENVIMA (HR=0.85 [95% CI, 0.68-1.05]; p=0.06075). The median OS was 34.9 months (95% CI, 27.5-NR) for WELIREG plus LENVIMA versus 27.6 months (95% CI, 24.0- 31.4) for cabozantinib. The trial is continuing, and OS will be evaluated at a subsequent analysis per the clinical trial protocol.Based on data from the LITESPARK-011 trial, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has accepted two supplemental New Drug Applications (sNDA) for review seeking approval for WELIREG plus LENVIMA for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC with a clear cell component following a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor. The FDA set a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA), or target action date, of October 4, 2026, for both the WELIREG and LENVIMA sNDAs. Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and Eisai will also discuss these data with regulatory authorities worldwide to support potential submissions outside the United States.“Choosing the right treatment for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma after immunotherapy has been an ongoing challenge, and treatment options in this setting had not previously been evaluated against a current standard of care tyrosine kinase inhibitor in a Phase 3 trial,” said Dr. Robert Motzer, Principal Investigator and Genitourinary Medical Oncologist, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. “The LITESPARK-011 study demonstrated a 30% reduction in the risk of disease progression or death with belzutifan plus lenvatinib compared to cabozantinib, and 52.6% of patients experienced a response to treatment. These findings mark a critical step forward for these patients.”“The LITESPARK-011 trial highlights the potential of this first-of-its-kind combination regimen to deliver a meaningful benefit for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma whose disease progresses after PD-1/L1 therapy,” said Dr. M. Catherine Pietanza, Vice President, Global Clinical Development, MSD Research Laboratories. “These WELIREG plus LENVIMA data demonstrate important progress for patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and reinforce our commitment to improving the lives of patients through innovative treatment strategies.”“The LITESPARK-011 results reinforce LENVIMA's established role in renal cell carcinoma and highlight the potential of this novel combination to address an area of significant unmet need,” said Dr. Corina Dutcus, Senior Vice President, Oncology Global Clinical Development Lead at Eisai. “The acceptance of this regulatory filing is an important milestone, and we remain committed to working toward approval to bring this option to patients as soon as possible. We are grateful to the patients, their families, and the investigators, whose dedication made this research possible.”Additional findingsData for objective response rate (ORR) and duration of response (DOR), two key secondary endpoints, were also reported. At the first interim analysis with a median follow-up of 19.6 months (range, 9.9-39.8), WELIREG plus LENVIMA met ORR, demonstrating a statistically significant improvement compared to cabozantinib. A confirmed ORR of 52.6% (95% CI, 47.3-57.7) was observed for WELIREG plus LENVIMA versus 39.6% (95% CI, 34.6-44.8) for cabozantinib. At the second interim analysis with a median follow-up of 29.0 months, the median DOR was 23.0 months (95% CI, 2.0-44.3+) for WELIREG plus LENVIMA versus 12.3 months (95% CI, 1.8+-35.9+) for cabozantinib.WELIREG plus LENVIMA was administered to 370 patients and cabozantinib was administered to 371 patients. Grade ≥3 treatment-related adverse events (TRAEs) occurred in 71.6% of patients receiving WELIREG plus LENVIMA versus 65.8% of patients receiving cabozantinib. Adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 11.1% of patients receiving WELIREG plus LENVIMA and in 11.3% of patients receiving cabozantinib, respectively. Serious adverse events were observed in 51.6% of patients receiving WELIREG plus LENVIMA versus 43.9% of patients receiving cabozantinib, and AEs led to death in 5.4% of patients (two were treatment-related: thrombotic microangiopathy [n=1] and pneumonitis [n=1]) versus 3.2% (one was treatment-related: hemoptysis [n=1]) of patients, respectively.LITESPARK-011 is part of a comprehensive late-stage clinical development program for WELIREG comprised of several Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials in pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma, von HippelLindau disease-associated neoplasms and RCC. The Phase 3 LITESPARK-012 trial is evaluating the addition of WELIREG to KEYTRUDA® (pembrolizumab), Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s anti-PD-1 therapy, plus LENVIMA in the first-line advanced RCC disease setting.WELIREG is approved in the U.S., European Union (EU), Japan and other countries for the treatment of adult patients with advanced clear cell RCC following a PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor and 1-2 VEGFTKIs based on results from the Phase 3 LITESPARK-005 trial.KEYTRUDA plus LENVIMA is approved in the U.S., the EU, Japan and other countries for the treatment of advanced RCC. Lenvatinib is approved as KISPLYX for advanced RCC in the EU.LENVIMA in combination with everolimus is approved in the U.S., EU and other regions for the treatment of adult patients with advanced RCC following one prior anti-angiogenic therapy.Dr. Motzer has provided consulting and advisory services for Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA and Eisai.About LITESPARK-011LITESPARK-011 is a randomized, open-label Phase 3 trial (ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04586231) evaluating WELIREG in combination with LENVIMA compared to cabozantinib for the treatment of patients with advanced clear cell RCC that has progressed on or after anti-PD-1/L1 therapy. The dual primary endpoints are PFS per Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors version 1.1 (RECIST v1.1) as assessed by blinded independent central review (BICR) and OS. Key secondary endpoints include ORR per RECIST v1.1 as assessed by BICR, DOR per RECIST v1.1 as assessed by BICR, and safety. The trial enrolled 747 patients who were randomized to receive WELIREG (120 mg orally once daily) plus LENVIMA (20 mg orally once daily) or cabozantinib (60 mg orally once daily).About renal cell carcinomaRenal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer, with about nine out of 10 kidney cancer diagnoses being RCC.1 In 2022, there were about 435,000 new cases of kidney cancer and approximately 156,000 deaths from the disease worldwide.2 RCC is about twice as common in men as in women.1 Most cases of RCC are discovered incidentally during imaging tests for other abdominal diseases. Approximately 30% of patients with kidney cancer are diagnosed at an advanced stage.3About Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s research in genitourinary cancersMerck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA is advancing research aimed at helping transform the treatment landscape and broaden options for people with genitourinary (GU) cancers, including bladder, kidney and prostate cancers. Globally, GU cancers account for an estimated 2.6 million new cancer diagnoses each year, equaling over 1 in 8 of all cancer incidences. Through a robust clinical development program with more than 50 clinical trials evaluating more than 22,000 patients around the world, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA is investigating the potential of several portfolio medicines and pipeline assets, leveraging multiple novel combination strategies, across various stages of disease, to help address unmet needs in GU cancers.About WELIREG® (belzutifan) 40 mg tablets, for oral useWELIREG, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s first-in-class hypoxia-inducible factor 2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor, is an orally administered small-molecule designed to reduce transcription and expression of HIF-2α target genes associated with cellular proliferation, angiogenesis and tumor growth. By inhibiting HIF-2α signaling, WELIREG aims to disrupt key pathways certain tumors may use to adapt to low-oxygen conditions, including those that help promote abnormal blood vessel formation and support tumor survival.WELIREG has demonstrated antitumor activity in certain von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease-associated tumors, renal cell carcinoma and in pheochromocytoma or paraganglioma. As part of a broader clinical program, Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA continues to research WELIREG monotherapy and combination approaches for people with genitourinary, breast and gynecologic cancers across a range of treatment settings to further define where HIF-2α inhibition may provide clinical benefit and to better understand which patients are most likely to respond.About LENVIMA® (lenvatinib); available as 10 mg and 4 mg capsulesLENVIMA, discovered and developed by Eisai, is an orally available multiple receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that inhibits the kinase activities of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptors VEGFR1 (FLT1), VEGFR2 (KDR), and VEGFR3 (FLT4). LENVIMA inhibits other kinases that have been implicated in pathogenic angiogenesis, tumor growth, and cancer progression in addition to their normal cellular functions, including fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptors FGFR1-4, the platelet derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRα), KIT, and RET. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, LENVIMA decreased tumor-associated macrophages, increased activated cytotoxic T cells, and demonstrated greater antitumor activity in combination with an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody compared to either treatment alone. LENVIMA has been approved for the indications below.Thyroid cancer- Indication as monotherapy(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe, China and Asia)Japan: Unresectable thyroid cancerThe United States: The treatment of patients with locally recurrent or metastatic, progressive, radioiodine-refractory differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC)Europe: The treatment of adult patients with progressive, locally advanced or metastatic, differentiated (papillary/follicular/Hürthle cell) thyroid carcinoma (DTC), refractory to radioactive iodine (RAI)Hepatocellular carcinoma- Indication as monotherapy(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe, China and Asia)Japan: Unresectable hepatocellular carcinomaThe United States: The first-line treatment of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)Europe: The treatment of adult patients with advanced or unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) who have received no prior systemic therapy- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA (generic name: pembrolizumab) and transarterial chemoembolization(Approved in China)Thymic carcinoma- Indication as monotherapy (Approved in Japan)Japan: Unresectable thymic carcinomaRenal cell carcinoma (In Europe other than the United Kingdom, the agent was launched under the brand name Kisplyx®)- Indication in combination with everolimus(Approved mainly in the United States, Europe and Asia)The United States: The treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) following one prior antiangiogenic therapyEurope: The treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma following one prior vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) targeted therapy- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe and Asia)Japan: Radically unresectable or metastatic renal cell carcinomaThe United States: The first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinomaEurope: The first-line treatment of adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinomaEndometrial carcinoma- Indication in combination with KEYTRUDA(Approved mainly in Japan, the United States, Europe and Asia)Japan: Unresectable, advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma that progressed after cancer chemotherapyThe United States: The treatment of patients with advanced endometrial carcinoma that is pMMR or not microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H), as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have disease progression following prior systemic therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery or radiationEurope: The treatment of adult patients with advanced or recurrent endometrial carcinoma (EC) who have disease progression on or following prior treatment with a platinum-containing therapy in any setting and are not candidates for curative surgery.About the Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA Strategic CollaborationIn March 2018, Eisai and Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, through an affiliate, entered into a strategic collaboration for the worldwide co-development and cocommercialization of LENVIMA. Under the agreement, the companies jointly develop, manufacture and commercialize LENVIMA, both as monotherapy and in combination with Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s anti-PD-1 therapy, KEYTRUDA, and HIF-2α inhibitor, WELIREG.Eisai’s focus on cancerEisai acknowledges “Oncology” as one of its key strategic areas, and will continue to focus on the discovery and development of anti-cancer drugs within drug discovery domains including “microenvironment”, “protein integrity and homeostasis”, and “cell lineage and cell differentiation” under the Deep Human Biology Learning (DHBL) drug discovery and development organization. Eisai aspires to discover innovative new drugs with new targets and mechanisms of action from these domains, with the aim of contributing to the cure of cancersAbout EisaiEisai’s Corporate Concept is “to give first thought to patients and people in the daily living domain, and to increase the benefits that health care provides.” Under this Concept [also known as our human health care (hhc) Concept], we aim to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. With a global network of R&D facilities, manufacturing sites and marketing subsidiaries, we strive to create and deliver innovative products to target diseases with high unmet medical needs, with a particular focus in our strategic areas of Neurology and Oncology.In addition, our continued commitment to the elimination of neglected tropical diseases (NTDs), which is a target (3.3) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), is demonstrated by our work on various activities together with global partners.For more information about Eisai, please visit www.eisai.com (for global headquarters: Eisai Co., Ltd.), us.eisai.com (for U.S. headquarters: Eisai Inc.) or www.eisai.eu (for Europe, Middle East, Africa, Russia, Australia, and New Zealand headquarters: Eisai Europe Ltd.), and connect with us on X (U.S. and global), LinkedIn (for U.S. and EMEA) and Facebook (global).Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA’s Focus on CancerEvery day, we follow the science as we work to discover innovations that can help patients, no matter what stage of cancer they have. As a leading oncology company, we are pursuing research where scientific opportunity and medical need converge, underpinned by our diverse pipeline of more than 25 novel mechanisms. With one of the largest clinical development programs across more than 30 tumor types, we strive to advance breakthrough science that will shape the future of oncology. By addressing barriers to clinical trial participation, screening and treatment, we work with urgency to reduce disparities and help ensure patients have access to high-quality cancer care. Our unwavering commitment is what will bring us closer to our goal of bringing life to more patients with cancer. For more information, visit https://www.merck.com/research/oncology.About Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USAAt Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USA, known as MSD outside of the United States and Canada, we are unified around our purpose: We use the power of leading-edge science to save and improve lives around the world. For more than 130 years, we have brought hope to humanity through the development of important medicines and vaccines. We aspire to be the premier research-intensive biopharmaceutical company in the world – and today, we are at the forefront of research to deliver innovative health solutions that advance the prevention and treatment of diseases in people and animals. We foster a diverse and inclusive global workforce and operate responsibly every day to enable a safe, sustainable and healthy future for all people and communities. For more information, visit www.merck.com and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.Forward-Looking Statement of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USAThis news release of Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, N.J., USA (the “company”) includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are based upon the current beliefs and expectations of the company’s management and are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. There can be no guarantees with respect to pipeline candidates that the candidates will receive the necessary regulatory approvals or that they will prove to be commercially successful. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements.Risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to, general industry conditions and competition; general economic factors, including interest rate and currency exchange rate fluctuations; the impact of pharmaceutical industry regulation and health care legislation in the United States and internationally; global trends toward health care cost containment; technological advances, new products and patents attained by competitors; challenges inherent in new product development, including obtaining regulatory approval; the company’s ability to accurately predict future market conditions; manufacturing difficulties or delays; financial instability of international economies and sovereign risk; dependence on the effectiveness of the company’s patents and other protections for innovative products; and the exposure to litigation, including patent litigation, and/or regulatory actions.The company undertakes no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and the company’s other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) available at the SEC’s Internet site (www.sec.gov).(1) American Cancer Society, “What Is Kidney Cancer” https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/kidney-cancer/about/what-is-kidney-cancer.html(2) International Agency for Research on Cancer, World Health Organization. “Kidney fact sheet” Cancer Today, GLOBOCAN 2022. https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/cancers/29-kidney-fact-sheet.pdf(3) E. Esterberg et al. Real-World Treatment Patterns and Clinical Outcomes Among Patients With Advanced Renal Cell Carcinoma. Clinical Genitourinary Cancer April 2024, Vol. 22, No. 2, 115–125. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1558767323002203Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USAMedia RelationsJulie Cunningham: +1-(617) 519-6264John Infanti: +1-(609) 500-4714Merck & Co., Inc., Rahway, NJ, USAInvestor RelationsPeter Dannenbaum: +1-(732) 594-1579Steven Graziano: +1-(732) 594-1583Eisai Co., Ltd.Public Relations:+81-(0)3-3817-5120Eisai Co., Ltd.Investor Relations:+81-(0) 3-3817-5122 Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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NEC Strengthens Multi-Vendor Optical Network Solutions with New TIP-Certified Phoenix Hardware Lineup

NEC Strengthens Multi-Vendor Optical Network Solutions with New TIP-Certified Phoenix Hardware Lineup

TOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), in collaboration with Pegatron Corporation (Pegatron; 4938.TW) and Edgecore Networks, has obtained Bronze Badge certification from the Telecom Infra Project (TIP) for its new hardware products: Endeavor (Pegatron MPND400-2) and AMX3200 (Edgecore), components of the open and disaggregated 400G optical transponder platforms known as Phoenix, demonstrating the continued expansion of NEC's ecosystem portfolio.TIP is a global collaborative community advancing the development and deployment of open, disaggregated, and interoperable telecommunications infrastructure.The Phoenix solution is a standard specification defined by TIP's Open Optical and Packet Transport (OOPT) Project Group, that includes NTT, Telia, Telefonica, Vodafone, Deutsche Telekom, and MTN. OOPT is an operator-driven initiative responsible for the development of technical requirements and focused on the growth of open technologies, architectures, and interfaces in the optical and IP networking domains.NEC’s Phoenix Solution consists of the NEC Network Operating System (NOS), white box hardware, and third-party optical transceivers, enabling highly flexible and scalable network deployments. The newly added Endeavor and AMX3200 platforms are both 1U-height white boxes designed for standard 19-inch rack mounting. Each is equipped with four CFP2-DCO ports supporting 400G coherent pluggable transceivers, enabling transmission capacity of up to 1.6Tbps per device for Wavelength Division Multiplexing (WDM) applications.The NEC NOS is universally deployed on Phoenix-certified white box platforms, providing advanced hardware management and supporting open APIs such as OpenConfig and YANG data models to ensure seamless integration and automation for network operators.The NEC NOS has previously been awarded the TIP Phoenix Gold Badge in combination with the Galileo Flex-T white box. The new Bronze Badge certifications for Endeavor and AMX3200 further strengthen the Phoenix ecosystem, enabling network operators to benefit from a truly multi-vendor environment and enhancing the reliability and flexibility of optical transport networks.Phoenix disaggregated 400G transponder solution- NEC & Partner Eco-system -"The Bronze Badge certification for the Endeavor and AMX3200 platforms further highlights the robustness of our optical networking solution ecosystem," said So Sato, Senior Director, Network Solutions Business Division, NEC Corporation. "This achievement demonstrates the value of openness, affirming our commitment to supporting operators with flexible solutions that meet diverse networking needs.""The Telecom Infra Project is excited to see the broader impact of TIP’s Phoenix open transponder design across the industry. This new hardware solution greatly enriches the open transponders ecosystem by offering operators multiple choices to deploy this solution at scale," said Arturo Mayoral, Head of Transport Technology at TIP. "We are especially proud to see how the TIP test and validation program is enabling the community to accelerate interoperability among open solutions while reinforcing market confidence in their maturity and reliability.""We are proud to achieve TIP Phoenix Bronze Badge certification for Pegatron’s Endeavor MPND400-2 muxponder in collaboration with NEC," said Dr. James Shue, SVP & CTO of Pegatron. "This certification validates our commitment to delivering high-quality, standards-based optical networking hardware for the open and disaggregated ecosystem. Pegatron remains dedicated to advancing open optical networking solutions that provide operators with greater flexibility and choice.""Edgecore Networks is proud to expand our collaboration with NEC through the Phoenix ecosystem. Achieving TIP Bronze Badge certification for the AMX3200 underscores our shared commitment to delivering open, scalable, and interoperable optical transport solutions," said Nanda Ravindran, VP of Product Management and Planning of Edgecore. "By combining Edgecore’s open hardware innovation with NEC’s proven NOS and system integration expertise, we are empowering operators worldwide to accelerate network modernization with greater flexibility, efficiency, and confidence."These research results were obtained from a grant program (No.JPJ012368G50311) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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NEC Demonstrates Agentic AI-Driven Autonomous Network Operations in Collaboration with AWS

NEC Demonstrates Agentic AI-Driven Autonomous Network Operations in Collaboration with AWS

TOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) has successfully demonstrated a technology in which Agentic AI autonomously manages the entire lifecycle of the User Plane Function (UPF)*, a primary function of 6G/5G core networks, from design, construction, and deployment through to operational monitoring. This research achievement was realized in collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).Based on NEC’s expertise and experience in communications service provider networks, this demonstration was achieved by leveraging "Kiro," an AWS agentic AI with an integrated development environment (IDE) and command-line interface (CLI). As a result, NEC confirmed that the time required from network design to initial service launch, which previously required several weeks with manual configuration by network operators, can be significantly reduced to just a few hours. In addition, automated anomaly detection and self-healing operations without human intervention were also verified using an AWS AI tool. These results demonstrate that automated orchestration of UPF utilizing an AWS AI tool contributes to reducing deployment burden for communications service providers (CSPs), improving operational efficiency, and accelerating service rollout.Traditionally, building and deploying network functions required extensive manual configuration and advanced technical expertise, placing a heavy burden on network operators at CSPs. These manual processes also increased the risk of human error, which complicated fault isolation and recovery during network incidents. These issues contributed to longer service rollout timelines and rising operational costs.Key Features1. Autonomous UPF Deployment and Operation Enabled by AIDrawing on expertise gained through designing, building, and operating commercial carrier networks, NEC embedded this knowledge into AI models capable of automatically generating and executing UPF deployment procedures. This enables not only automation of operational tasks but also supports truly autonomous network operations suitable for production environments.2. Flexible Deployment Enabled by Cloud-Based Operational ModelsBy leveraging AWS, NEC can apply cloud-native operational models directly to CSP environments, enabling flexible deployment across networks, including edge locations and on premises systems.Benefits / ValueReduces network function deployment time from weeks to hours—from network design to initial service launch (compared to traditional manual deployment methods at NEC)Minimizes human error and improves operational quality through automationAllows personnel without deep technical expertise to deploy and operate network functions, helping address labor shortagesSupports CSPs with rapid service launches and maximizes revenue opportunitiesThis initiative represents an important achievement as a foundational technology for realizing autonomous network operations required in the future 6G era. Looking ahead, NEC will continue to take on new technological challenges based on its vision of being "AI Native," addressing the challenges that communications service providers may face both today and in the future as networks become increasingly complex.A demonstration based on the verified environment will be showcased at the AWS booth during MWC Barcelona 2026 (March 2–5, 2026), the world’s largest mobile industry event."The telecommunications industry is at an inflection point where AI-driven automation is becoming essential to build a competitive advantage by serving the end-customers faster and reducing the operating costs. NEC's breakthrough in autonomous UPF orchestration demonstrates how AWS AI services can fundamentally transform network operations, enabling communications service providers to deploy complex 5G infrastructure in hours rather than weeks. This level of automation democratizes advanced network deployment capabilities, allowing operators to serve the ever-increasing capacity needs and focus their innovation efforts on service differentiation rather than manual configuration and operational tasks. This collaboration with NEC exemplifies the intelligent automation that will define the next generation of telecommunications infrastructure."-Amir Rao, Global Director, GTM and Telco Solutions at Amazon Web Services"Validating the automation of UPF deployment and operations using AI and GitOps in an AWS environment is an important accomplishment for NEC. This technology does more than just improve operational efficiency. By embedding the design and operational expertise that NEC has cultivated through commercial networks into AI, we aim to enable autonomous operations and achieve a significant improvement in end-to-end efficiency across UPF deployment and operations, including on-site activities. NEC will continue to contribute to the realization of autonomously operable mobile networks that are required for the 6G era, providing environments that allow communications service providers to focus on creating service value."- Takashi Sato, Corporate Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Network Solutions Business Division of NEC CorporationA portion of the technologies used in this project were obtained from a grant program (No. JPJ012368G50701) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.(*) User Plane Function: The processing of user data traffic in the 5G Core Network (5GC).About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society. For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Acquires Swiss Rotating Equipment Maintenance Company AST Turbo AG

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Acquires Swiss Rotating Equipment Maintenance Company AST Turbo AG

CompressorTOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Compressor Corporation (MCO), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has acquired all shares of AST Turbo AG (AST), a Swiss company specializing in rotating equipment maintenance services, as of February 27.AST is engaged in maintenance, inspection, and field services for rotating equipment such as compressors and steam turbines that drive compressors, used in resource and energy development sites, including in the oil and gas sectors. The company has highly experienced technical supervisors and advanced engineering capabilities, such as virtual assembly technology utilizing 3D laser measurement(*1). AST has a proven track record of projects in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and other regions worldwide. Through this acquisition, MCO aims to strengthen its field service system in international markets.Turbo machinery such as compressors requires indispensable after-sales services, including replacement of consumable parts, repairs, and inspections following installation. In recent years, customers have increasingly requested shorter inspection intervals to improve equipment uptime, along with greater use of virtual assembly technology and deployment of experienced supervisors. MCO and AST have a long established and collaborative relationship and have jointly provided field service on several projects to date. Following the acquisition, under the leadership of AST's current management team, the company will leverage its existing customer and business base, while integrating MCO's and the MHI Group's technological expertise and know-how to further enhance service quality and expand business operations.With this acquisition, MCO is committed to better meeting customer expectations and delivering high-quality services to customers worldwide.This acquisition is an example of the partnering initiatives promoted by the MHI Group. The Company will continue to build strategic partnerships globally to incorporate external expertise through partnering efforts and deliver its technologies, products, and services to a wider range of customers.(*1) Virtual assembly technology refers to a technique that uses 3D data to simulate the product assembly process on a computer. This enables the omission of certain on-site assembly steps, resulting in shorter inspection periods, maintaining plant high availability.About AST Turbo AGCompany Name: AST Turbo AGHeadquarters: Altendorf, SwitzerlandFounded: 2012Core Business: Maintenance and field services including installation for rotating equipment such as compressors and steam turbines that drive compressorsFor more information, please visit https://www.ast-turbo.com/About MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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NEC Strengthens Its Edge Portfolio for the 6G Era, Enabling Efficient Edge Deployment and Integration with Cloud Services

NEC Strengthens Its Edge Portfolio for the 6G Era, Enabling Efficient Edge Deployment and Integration with Cloud Services

TOKYO, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation has expanded the capabilities of its User Plane Function (UPF, *1) for telecom operators by adding support for second-generation AWS Outposts racks (*2), further strengthening its multi deployment model. With this enhancement, NEC’s UPF can now operate consistently across on-premises environments, the cloud, edge locations, and AWS Outposts racks installed within operators’ network sites. This enables flexible deployment design that is tailored to traffic characteristics and service requirements.NEC’s UPF is designed for lightweight, high performance operation in telecom networks, achieving 200 Gbps throughput while limiting CPU usage to only 20% of total CPU cores on second generation AWS Outposts racks. This lightweight architecture enables easier coexistence with other workloads on second-generation AWS Outposts racks and supports the deployment of low-latency, edge-based services such as network slicing and service application integration. These capabilities have been achieved through close collaboration with Amazon Web Services (AWS).Another key feature of NEC’s UPF is its unified software architecture, which delivers a consistent experience from edge sites to centralized deployments. The same software can be used when deployed on second generation AWS Outposts racks, ensuring network wide consistency in design and operations. With a cloud optimized approach that incorporates continuous updates and automated operations, NEC enables labor efficient, stable, large scale network operation. This supports telecom operators’ diverse network strategies, from leveraging existing infrastructure to adopting cloud native architectures.With edge deployments expected to accelerate in the 6G era, NEC has combined expanded cloud adoption options enabled by second-generation AWS Outposts racks with the space- and power-efficient design of its UPF to achieve efficient edge rollouts and the integration of edge environments with cloud services.The provision of this solution helps to advance NEC’s "AI Native" vision for society and contributes to solving social challenges."NEC's innovative approach to User Plane Function deployment exemplifies how AWS Outposts enables telecommunications operators to modernize their infrastructure without compromising on the application's mission-critical performance or the operational consistency delivered by the cloud. With second-generation AWS Outposts, NEC delivers the cloud-native agility that operators need while maintaining the low-latency, high-throughput performance that 5G services demand. This collaboration demonstrates AWS's commitment to helping telecommunications partners build mission critical, high-performance, flexible, and scalable networks that will power the next generation of connected experiences."- Amir Rao, Global Director, GTM and Telco Solutions at Amazon Web Services"Enabling NEC’s UPF, which is designed for multi-platform environments, to run on second-generation AWS Outposts racks will expand the range of choices that communications service providers have for network design and operations. The UPF supports both rapid service deployment and stable operations while minimizing design and operational complexity, thereby strengthening service providers’ ability to deliver reliable services. Going forward, NEC will continue to pursue the realization of network platforms that seamlessly and pragmatically integrate cloud and network technologies, contributing to value creation for communications service providers."- Takashi Sato, Corporate Senior Vice President and Managing Director, Network Solutions Business Division of NEC CorporationA portion of the technologies used in this project were obtained from a grant program (No. JPJ012368G50701) by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Japan.*1)User Plane Function: The processing of user data traffic in the 5G Core Network (5GC).*2)AWS Outposts is a family of fully managed solutions that brings AWS infrastructure and services to virtually any on-premises or edge location for a consistent hybrid experience. Second-generation AWS Outposts racks deliver up to 40% better compute performance than the first generation, simplify network operations, enable cost-efficient scaling of on-premises workloads, and are optimized for ultra-low-latency, high-throughput requirements.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society. For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Fujitsu POS solution enhances customer experience at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores

Fujitsu POS solution enhances customer experience at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores

Kawasaki, Osaka, Japan, Feb 27, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and H2O Retailing Corporation today announced the successful implementation of a wireless tablet POS system utilizing Fujitsu's POS solution across all 15 Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores. This initiative marks one of the largest deployments of a tablet POS system in a department store in Japan, with approximately 5,000 tablet units introduced in non-food sales areas and about 400 dedicated POS units in food sales areas.The system enables sales associates to provide seamless, one-stop[1] service from customer engagement to payment without leaving their sales floor. This allows sales associates to dedicate more time to customers, to enhance service quality and deliver a high-value shopping experience unique to department stores.Going forward, H2O plans to integrate other business applications into these tablet units at Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores including customer relationship management tools and customer service support tools to create a higher quality one-stop customer experience.Fujitsu, under its Uvance business model to address societal challenges, is committed to solving customer and societal issues through data and AI, focusing on both the purchasing experience and supply chains. By linking the experience cycle, which supports comfortable purchasing experiences for customers and improved operational efficiency for employees involved in purchasing, with the supply chain cycle, which aims to realize sustainable and resilient purchasing supply chains, Fujitsu will integrate complex customer touchpoints and achieve centralized information management across all channels. This will enhance customer and consumer experiences and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.Overview of the SystemThe system implemented in this initiative incorporates a POS solution from Unified Commerce, an offering within Fujitsu's Uvance business model that aims to centralize customer touchpoint information. By establishing this system as a common platform, the screen displays and operability of both stationary and mobile POS systems have been unified.This achieves the following three points, leading to improved operational efficiency and enhanced customer experience:Reduced burden of learning multiple operating methods and decreased training labor hours for sales associates due to a unified operating system.Establishment of a one-stop operation within the same sales area, from customer engagement to payment, through the introduction of wireless tablets. Provides customers with a smoother and more comfortable shopping experience.Utilization of SIM-equipped tablet units to increase flexibility by expanding POS systems outside stores for special events, external sales activities, and mobile sales, while maintaining the same service quality as in-store systems.The system is built in a cloud environment and adopts a pay-per-use licensing model based on the annual number of transactions. This allows for flexible adjustment of POS system resources according to sales floor fluctuations and demand, balancing appropriate cost management with stable operation. It ensures a stable payment environment even during peak seasons, offering customers a comfortable and smooth shopping experience.[1] Not including tax-free procedures.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuAbout H2O Retailing CorporationThe H2O Retailing Group engages in a variety of retail-related business, including department stores, supermarkets, shopping centers, specialty stores and convenience stores, primarily in the Kansai region of Japan.Hankyu Hanshin Department Stores operate a total of 15 department stores, including Hankyu Department Store and Hanshin Department Store. We strive to become the No.1 fun department store to make our customers lives also fun and enriched by energizing their future. In addition to the flagship Hankyu Umeda Main Store, we have a wide variety of stores, including the Hanshin Umeda Main Store, Kobe Hankyu, and Hakata Hankyu stores in the city center, as well as suburban stores that are close to the lives of the community.Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Mitomo Semicon Engineering to Change Company Name

Mitomo Semicon Engineering to Change Company Name

TOKYO, Feb 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitomo Semicon Engineering Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of EEJA Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Akihiko Domae), which operates TANAKA’s plating business, announces that it will change its company name effective April 1, 2026, as outlined below.Details of the company name changeCurrent name: Mitomo Semicon Engineering Co., Ltd.New name: EEJA Technologies Ltd.Mitomo Semicon Engineering is engaged in the design, manufacture, and sale of plating equipment for semiconductors and electronic components. With this company name change, the company will further strengthen collaboration with EEJA, which provides plating chemicals and processes, and will offer enhanced value to customers through total solutions that integrate plating chemicals, equipment, and process design.Company name: Mitomo Semicon Engineering Co., Ltd.(New company name: EEJA Technologies Ltd.)CEOToshio KuzushimaEstablished1976CapitalJPY 100 millionEmployees47 (January 1, 2026)SalesJPY 2,925,911,000 (FY2024)Main businessesManufacture and sales of plating equipment for semiconductors and electronic components Company name: EEJA Ltd.CEOAkihiko DomaeEstablished1965CapitalJPY 100 millionEmployees133 (including overseas subsidiaries) (December 31, 2024)SalesJPY 29,957,393,000 (FY2024)Main businessesDevelopment, manufacture, sales, and export of precious metal and base metal plating chemicals, additives, and surface treatment-related chemicals Company name: TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.Headquarters2-6-6 Nihonbashi Kayabacho, Chuo-ku, TokyoRepresentativeKoichiro Tanaka, Group CEOFounded1885Incorporated2024CapitalJPY 100 millionEmployees in consolidated group5,591 (December 31, 2024)Net sales of consolidated groupJPY 846,921 million (FY2024)Main businesses of the groupCompany responsible for management of TANAKAWebsitehttps://www.tanaka.co.jp/english (TANAKA Corporate Website) About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.TANAKA Corporate Websitehttps://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://www.tanaka.co.jp/support/req/other_contact_e/index.htmlPress Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260226_EN.pdf Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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The University of Tokyo, NTT, and NEC demonstrate real-time augmented reality assistance made possible by integrating three newly proposed technologies on a 6G/IOWN platform to realize the widespread use of AI agents supporting safety and security

The University of Tokyo, NTT, and NEC demonstrate real-time augmented reality assistance made possible by integrating three newly proposed technologies on a 6G/IOWN platform to realize the widespread use of AI agents supporting safety and security

Highlights:Integration of the proposed technologies will help address the transmission and computational infrastructure challenges faced when implementing AI agents.This trial verified the effectiveness of optimizing the transmission and computational processing of high-volume data handled by AI agents.This initiative has been selected for exhibition at the Japan Pavilion at MWC 2026, where the research findings and underlying concept will be presented to an international audience.TOKYO, Japan, Feb 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo (Tokyo; Dean of the Graduate School of Engineering: Professor Yasuhiro Kato; Head of the Nakao Research Laboratory: Professor Akihiro Nakao; hereinafter "The University of Tokyo"), NTT, Inc. (Headquarters: Tokyo; President and CEO: Akira Shimada; hereinafter "NTT"), and NEC Corporation (Headquarters: Tokyo; President and CEO Takayuki Morita; hereinafter "NEC") have integrated three newly proposed technologies on a 6G(*1)/IOWN(*2) platform to realize the widespread use of AI agents(*3) supporting a safer and more secure society. Through this initiative, the three parties have combined streaming semantic communication technology(*4), AI-oriented media control technology(*5), and In-Network Computing (INC) architecture technology(*6) to optimize the high-volume data transmission and computational processing required for AI agents. The effectiveness of these technologies has been quantitatively verified through a trial, and plans are slated for this initiative to be showcased at the Mobile World Congress 2026 (MWC 2026) Japan Pavilion, where the research findings and underlying concept will be presented to an international audience.Figure 1. Overview of the technologies integrated on the 6G/IOWN platform1. Background and significance of this three-party collaborationInternational collaboration and global standardization are vital to the advancement of telecommunications, which serves as a universal platform accessible to anyone, anywhere in the world, and should therefore be considered from a global value perspective. In recent years, the importance of safety and security has grown, as both offer global value.To realize a safer and more secure society, the ability to quickly perceive and take appropriate action in response to disasters, accidents, cyberattacks, and other rapidly evolving situations is imperative. However, relying solely on personnel and predefined rules to respond to such situations has its limitations, making the use of AI essential. Utilizing AI agents enables autonomous, real-time perception of the situation at hand, helping to prevent potential damage and minimize the impact of any damage that does occur.Meanwhile, next-generation ICT infrastructure capable of processing and transmitting massive amounts of data with low latency and high reliability is vital to enhancing the functionality of AI agents.Against this backdrop, The University of Tokyo, NTT, and NEC—all three of which possess strengths in 6G and IOWN—have united under The University of Tokyo’s Social Cooperation Program to conduct research and development on 6G and IOWN platform technologies to realize AI agents supporting safety and security.2. Research backgroundWhile the use of AI in recent years has primarily centered on models that act based on human prompts, the utilization of AI agents capable of acting autonomously based on sensor data and other non-human-originated inputs without relying on specific instructions from human operators is expected to become increasingly common in the society of the future. In turn, these advancements will enable the realization of AI agents that support safety and security by continuously collecting and monitoring data from the surrounding environment and responding in real time when signs of abnormalities are detected.However, the expanded use of continuously operating AI agents will cause the amount of multimodal data(*7) to skyrocket, and existing ICT infrastructure is not equipped to support such a drastic increase in data due to the technological challenges listed below.(1) Insufficient wireless bandwidthContinuous transmission of vast amounts of data from countless sensors and devices makes it difficult to secure sufficient wireless bandwidth.(2) Increasing computational load due to round-the-clock AI processing of sensor dataIf all sensor data is continuously processed using computationally intensive AI, it will cause an excessive computational load, making it difficult to respond in real time.(3) Increasing computational load and power consumption with large-scale AILarge-scale AI is required to analyze a wide range of sensor data, thereby increasing the need for computational capabilities and electrical power.3. Technology highlightsIn this research, the three parties proposed the following technological approaches to resolve the aforementioned challenges.(1) Streaming semantic communication technology (The University of Tokyo)This applied form of semantic communication detects contextual changes and transmits only semantic differences, thereby reducing wireless communication resources dramatically.(2) AI-oriented media control technology (NEC)Assigning a data identifier to an AI agent and then selectively feeding only key sensor data to the AI agent reduces the computational resources required for inference. Learning inference results from the AI agent, the data identifier is able to identify critical sensor data.(3) In-Network Computing (INC) architecture technology (NTT)Rather than relying on a single massive AI model, highly efficient and reliable AI processing is made possible by combining small, specialized AI distributed across the network with external information sources.Figure 2. Technological challenges and the proposed approach4. Trial OverviewThis trial was conducted to verify the impact of the proposed technologies in terms of reducing latency through the improvement of transmission and computational processing efficiency, taking into account the characteristics of end-to-end latency(*8) (E2E latency) when using AI agents. In this trial, a video dataset including critical situations (60 seconds; 1,800 frames) was used to conduct a phase-by-phase evaluation of the configuration with which an AI agent processes video input from sensors. The intended use cases are scenarios requiring real-time performance where an AI agent continuously monitors the surroundings of a user wearing augmented reality (AR) glasses to identify environmental and contextual changes that can be used to predict and assess risk indicators.First, the latency characteristics in a configuration where all frames fed from a sensor were sequentially processed using AI were assessed as a preliminary evaluation. The results confirmed that processing wait time increases cumulatively with each frame, resulting in a tendency for E2E latency to build over time. This implies an increase in the amount of time it takes from the occurrence of a critical situation in front of the user until assessment results and guidance are provided, thus revealing that this could pose an issue in use cases involving real-time AR assistance.Next, on the basis of the results of the preliminary evaluation, a system configuration was assessed in which the proposed technology was applied in this trial. The evaluation confirmed that both communication traffic and computational load were reduced, and that E2E latency could be maintained at an almost constant level throughout the entire video stream. In addition, no tendency was observed for processing wait times to increase cumulatively. Furthermore, no degradation in AI inference accuracy was detected as a result of applying the proposed technology. These results demonstrate that, for this use case, which requires real-time performance, the proposed technology can stably reduce E2E latency while maintaining AI inference accuracy. Figure 3.1. Use of AR glasses in the trial Figure 3.2. AR glasses display5. Roles and Responsibilities(1) The University of Tokyo:Responsible for research and development of streaming semantic communication technology, primarily contributing to addressing technical challenges related to bandwidth constraints in wireless network segments.(2) NEC:Responsible for research and development of AI-oriented media control technology primarily contributing to addressing the technical challenge of increased computational load resulting from continuous AI processing of sensor data.(3) NTT:Responsible for research and development of In-Network Computing (INC) technology, primarily contributing to addressing technical challenges related to increased computational load and power consumption associated with the scaling of AI models.Through the interaction and integration of each party’s technologies, the collaboration has also enabled contributions to addressing additional technical challenges beyond their primary areas of responsibility.6. Future outlookThis initiative has been selected for exhibition at the Japan Pavilion at MWC 2026, where the research findings and underlying concept will be presented to an international audience.Going forward, with a view toward the social implementation of the research findings, the three parties will accelerate research and development aimed at realizing AI agents and next-generation ICT infrastructure that support safety and security.Notes:*1.6G6G (sixth-generation mobile communication systems) refers to next-generation mobile communication technologies currently under research as the successor to 5G. In addition to ultra-high speed, ultra-low latency, and high reliability, 6G is expected to provide a communications infrastructure designed to support massive device connectivity and AI-native applications.*2.IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network)The IOWN concept envisions a network and information processing infrastructure, including end devices, that optimizes both individuals and systems as a whole based on diverse information. By leveraging innovative technologies centered on optical communications, IOWN aims to provide ultra-high-speed, large-capacity communications and vast computational resources.*3.AI AgentAn AI agent is an AI technology that understands objectives based on surrounding conditions and input data, and autonomously makes decisions and takes actions to execute tasks. In addition to conventional AI systems that operate based on human-issued instructions (prompts), growing attention is being given to AI agents that continuously perceive and assess their environment using non-human-originated inputs, such as sensor data.*4.Streaming semantic communication technologySemantic communication is a communication method that focuses on the meaning and importance of data, extracting and compressing only the necessary information for transmission. Compared with conventional bit-level communication, it significantly reduces communication volume while efficiently transmitting information required for AI processing. Streaming semantic communication technology is an applied form of semantic communication that detects changes in surrounding context and transmits only semantic differences, thereby dramatically reducing communication resource usage in wireless segments.Related publication:Shota Ono, Akihiro Nakao, "Semantic Communication Scheme for Real-Time Video Streaming Considering Temporal Semantic Continuity," IEICE Technical Report, March 2026 (in Japanese).*5.AI-oriented media control technologyAI-oriented media control technology analyzes input data, such as sensor data and video, prior to AI processing and selectively filters it based on importance and necessity. This reduces the computational load required for AI inference, enabling improved real-time performance and more efficient use of computing resources.Related publication:K. Azuma, H. Itsumi and K. Nihei, "Similarity-based Frame Screening for Edge-Cloud In-Cabin Monitoring," In Proc. of 2026 IEEE 23rd Consumer Communications & Networking Conference (CCNC), Las Vegas, NV, USA, 2026.*6.In-Network Computing (INC) architecture technologyIn-Network Computing (INC) is an architecture that integrates computational functions, such as AI processing, within the core of mobile networks, allowing critical processing to be completed inside the network. By effectively utilizing distributed computing resources across devices, networks, and cloud systems, INC enables low-latency and highly reliable service delivery.Related publications:Kentaro Hayashi, Shiku Hirai, Tatsuya Matsukawa, and Hiroki Baba, "High-Speed End-to-End Information Synchronization and Collaboration Technology ‘In-Network Service Acceleration Platform’ for the 6G/IOWN Era," NTT Technical Journal, October 2024 (in Japanese).Kentaro Hayashi, Shota Ono, Tomonori Takeda, Akihiro Nakao, "Network and Cost-Aware Tool Selection System for MCP-Integrated LLM," IEICE Technical Report, December 2025. (in Japanese).Hiroki Baba, Kentaro Hayashi, Shiku Hirai and Tomonori Takeda, "Unified Control of Network and Compute Toward 6G In-Network Computing Service," In Proc. of 2026 IEEE 23rd Consumer Communications & Networking Conference (CCNC), Las Vegas, NV, USA, 2026.*7.Multimodal dataMultimodal data refers to data that combines multiple types (modalities) of information, such as video, audio, sensor data, and location information.*8.End-to-end latencyEnd-to-end latency refers to the total time required for data to be transmitted from the source, processed at the destination, and returned as a response. It includes both communication latency and computational processing latency, and is a critical metric for AI services that require real-time performance.About The University of TokyoThe University of Tokyo is Japan's leading university and one of the world's top research universities. The vast research output of some 6,000 researchers is published in the world's top journals across the arts and sciences. Our vibrant student body of around 15,000 undergraduate and 15,000 graduate students includes over 5,000 international students.About NTTNTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include business consulting, agentic AI solutions, managed application services, cloud, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $90 billion in revenue and 340,000 people, investing 30% of our profits into fundamental research and development each year. Our operations span across 70+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of enterprises, government clients and millions of consumers.About NEC CorporationThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society. For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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NEC and Nokia to Expand Eletrone’s Optical Fiber Network in Brazil by 50%

NEC and Nokia to Expand Eletrone’s Optical Fiber Network in Brazil by 50%

TOKYO, Feb 26, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701), a leading global IT and network transformation services provider, today announced that it has been selected by Eletronet, a leading Brazilian Telecom and IT infrastructure provider, to modernize its optical backbone with the deployment of Nokia’s optical solutions. The project adds 8,000 kilometers of new fiber routes. This expansion will reach a total of 25,000 kilometers across 23 Brazilian states, covering all regions of the country by the end of 2026. The network will be upgraded with the Nokia 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS) and Nokia 1830 Global Express (GX) platforms to further enhance infrastructure reliability and stability. The modernization will enable services with speeds of up to 1.2 Tb/s per optical channel and ensure higher quality data transport. Project integration, including work coordination and equipment deployment, will be led by NEC as the system integrator.Eletronet is investing BRL 157 million (USD 30.4 million) in this initiative to reinforce its role as a neutral connectivity hub. The infrastructure uses OPGW fiber optic cables installed on power transmission lines, providing high resilience and availability. This modernization includes the creation of 85 new Edge Data Centers. These units will bring the company’s total to 255 Edge Data Centers nationwide to support low-latency applications.To further optimize this network, the project is based on Reconfigurable Optical Add-Drop Multiplexer (ROADM) technology and a flexible optical grid, embedded in Nokia solutions. These technologies optimize long-haul transport, expand revenue opportunities by handling traffic growth more dynamically, and reinforce high-demand routes with compact, energy-efficient equipment.ROADM functions as an "intelligent traffic system," enabling remote reconfiguration, new route activation, and traffic rerouting—accelerating service turn-up, reducing response times, and increasing overall service stability. With the flexible optical grid, Eletronet can transport more data over the same fiber, enabling these ultra-high speeds without new fiber installations, ensuring scalability for future demand and large strategic projects.NEC and Nokia will continue delivering robust optical network solutions to support Eletronet’s growth, driving broader and faster internet coverage across Brazil. By enabling scalable, high-performance connectivity, both companies aim to foster digital transformation and AI-driven innovation, contributing to economic development and a more connected society for the future."We are living in a moment of rapidly growing data traffic, driven by cloud applications, intensive use of Artificial Intelligence, and the continuous increase in connected devices. This scenario demands increasingly robust networks to keep pace with the digital economy. The modernization of our backbone directly addresses this need, ensuring that Internet Service Providers (ISPs), telecom operators and submarine cable operators, data centers, and hyperscalers have an infrastructure ready to support the country’s growth."- Rogério Garchet, CEO, Eletronet"Advancing our backbone is essential to support Eletronet’s next expansion cycles and the delivery of high-quality services. Leveraging the experience of Nokia and NEC in this project strengthens our continuous evolution strategy and ensures the levels of quality, security, and performance our customers require."- Emerson Hioki, Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Eletronet"This is a highly relevant project for Brazil. With Nokia’s solutions, Eletronet is reinforcing the infrastructure needed to support growing demand across market segments for low-latency connectivity, increased capacity, and distributed processing. At the same time, it expands broadband connectivity options and access to digital services across different regions of the country. We value Eletronet’s trust in Nokia and NEC’s partnership with us on this initiative."- Rafael Mezzasalma, Nokia Director for Brazil"NEC is delighted to support Eletronet’s business expansion in collaboration with Nokia. Leveraging decades of optical networking expertise built on our Global Center of Excellence, we are committed to building a robust optical foundation worldwide that fuels business growth and delivers positive social impact."- Masayuki Kayahara, Corporate SVP, Global Network Division, NEC CorporationTechnical Information, Multimedia, and Related NewsWebsite: Nokia Optical NetworksWebsite: Nokia 1830 PSSWebsite: Nokia 1830 Global ExpressWebsite: NEC Network Transformation Service for Value Added SolutionsAbout NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Everest Medicines Shareholders Pass Resolutions Including Commercialization Service Agreement at EGM

Everest Medicines Shareholders Pass Resolutions Including Commercialization Service Agreement at EGM

HONG KONG, Feb 25, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Everest Medicines shareholders passed all proposed resolutions at an extraordinary general meeting (the “EGM”) held virtually on February 24, 2026, the company said in a filing.Per the voting results, shareholders formally approved, confirmed and ratified the Commercialization Service Agreement entered into with Hasten on 11 December 2025, along with the transactions contemplated thereunder. Resolutions regarding the grant of awards to the company’s management and the adoption of the 2026 Share Scheme—including the associated mandate limits—were also passed at the meeting.The unified shareholder support signals strong investor confidence in the company's strategic direction and corporate governance. Following the approval, Everest Medicines is expected to improve utilization and productivity of its existing commercial platform, while strengthening its commercial capabilities and life-cycle management in support of its long-term development strategy. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Toyota Launches New bZ4X Touring BEV Focused on Driving Performance and Spaciousness in Japan

Toyota Launches New bZ4X Touring BEV Focused on Driving Performance and Spaciousness in Japan

Toyota City, Japan, Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) launched the new bZ4X Touring BEV on February 25, 2026, following the bZ4X.bZ4X Touring Z (4WD) (Model with options shown)The bZ4X Touring is a new battery electric vehicle (BEV) that combines the original bZ4X's defining qualities―the joy of driving, including strong acceleration and off-road capability, and the everyday convenience of ample cruising range―and is suited for a wide range of situations, including outdoor activities, offering a spacious luggage compartment.Throughout vehicle development, Toyota revisited customer feedback to make BEVs a more accessible choice. This revealed a significant global demand for enhanced utility in BEVs to support family leisure activities like outdoor adventures.The bZ4X Touring features approximately 1.4 times more luggage space*1 than the bZ4X. It also incorporates outdoor-inspired equipment throughout, making it a model designed for enjoyable long-distance touring with family and friends.It also achieves a class-leading*2 cruising range of 734 km*3 and enables rapid charging in as little as approximately 28 minutes*4 under cold conditions. Furthermore, the 4WD model, achieving 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.6 seconds*5, comes equipped with X-MODE as standard, further enhancing the joy of driving in outdoor situations.Toyota will continue developing powertrains aimed at achieving carbon neutrality and expand a diverse range of mobility solutions under its multi-pathway approach, which provides electrified vehicle options tailored to the diverse needs of customers in every country and region. Going forward, Toyota will offer these diverse choices to customers around the world under its new brand spirit of "to you"―carmaking for a specific someone.*1an fit up to four 9.5-inch golf bags (depending on shape).*2Compared to mid-size BEV class. As of February 2026 according to Toyota Motor Corporation research.*3Z grade (FWD). Driving range per charge in WLTC mode.*4Approximate time required to charge from approximately 10% to 80% of full capacity using a 150kW (350A) rapid charger in an environment with an outside temperature of -10°C.*5Internal measurement value for Z (4WD).Manufacturer's Suggested Retail PricesZ5FWDAC synchronous motor (2XM)Lithium-ion battery5,750,0004WDAC synchronous motor (2XM + 2XM)◎6,400,000◎Models as shown in the photos (excluding options)*Includes consumption tax. Different pricing applies for Okinawa. Does not include recycling fees.Vehicle Outline1. An easy-to-use package for every situationThe bZ4X Touring is the ideal size for traveling with family and friends, measuring 4,830 mm in length, 1,860 mm in width, and 1,675 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 2,850 mm. It features elegant styling while providing ample rear head clearance of 113 mm*1 and front/rear couple distance of 1,000 mm*2, creating a spacious and comfortable interior.It offers a cargo length of 1,092 mm*3 and cargo height of 850 mm*4 even with the 6:4 split-folding rear seats in use, creating a large 619L*5 luggage space that supports a wide range of activities for customers with active lifestyles.In addition to luggage hooks (4*6) for securing items and shopping hooks (4*6) for hanging reusable bags, levers (2*6) near the rear hatch allow the rear seat to be folded from the cargo area. It has been designed for ease of use, accommodating various luggage shapes and sizes.bZ4X Touring Z (4WD) (interior color: Black)*1Internal measurement value.*2Distance between hip points between the front and rear seats. In this case, between the first and second rows.*3Internal measurement value. 1,850 mm when rear seats are folded (internal measurement value).*4Internal measurement value. 918 mm when the deck board is in the low position (internal measurement value).*5Internal measurement value using the VDA method. 1,240L when rear seats are folded (internal measurement value using the VDA method).*6Two hooks and one remote control lever on each side of the deck board.2. The joy of driving unique to the bZ4X TouringAs a BEV developed by a carmaker, the bZ4X Touring pursues the joy of seamless acceleration and excellent ride comfort. It delivers outstanding off-road performance and comfort in outdoor situations, expanding the potential of BEVs as active gear that customers can operate with confidence.The 4WD model features high-output eAxles front and rear that deliver a maximum system output*8 of 280kW, paired with a lithium-ion battery with a total capacity of 74.69kWh*7. This enables 0-100 km/h acceleration in just 4.6 seconds*9, delivering an exhilarating driving experience with responsive acceleration even at high speeds.A new 4WD control system optimally distributes front and rear driving force according to the condition of each tire. It continuously monitors steering input along with front/rear and left/right wheel speeds to suppress vehicle instability caused by irregular road surfaces, enabling stable cornering even on snowy roads and off-road terrain.X-MODE*10 has been added to the drive mode select. Three modes can be selected based on driving conditions, optimizing the coordinated control of driving force and brakes to ensure driving stability and handling on rough terrain.bZ4X Touring Z (4WD)*7Calculated in accordance with IEC standard 62660-1.*8Output achievable by the system. Internal measurement value.*9Internal measurement value for Z (4WD).*10X-MODESubaru Corporation's AWD technology that supports smooth escape from rough terrain simply by selecting a mode according to road conditions.3. Ample cruising range and anytime charging for peace of mindIn addition to improving cruising range and charging performance, Toyota has been developing a charging infrastructure that allows customers to use BEVs with confidence from home to their destination to make them a more accessible option. The standard Toyota 6kW Charger (200V), available as a dealer option, features an integrated charging cable for a comfortable and smooth charging experience, further enhancing the convenience of BEVs.bZ4X Touring Z (4WD)In addition to adopting a large-capacity battery, efficiency improvements in the eAxle through the use of SiC power semiconductors and optimized aerodynamic performance have enabled a driving range of 734 km*11 on a single charge. This allows for confident and exhilarating driving, from daily trips to long-distance touring.Aerodynamic performance has been enhanced through a streamlined vehicle exterior, including the addition of a large roof spoiler and rear side spoiler as well as optimization of the shape of the lower rear bumper.Battery preconditioning*12 has been employed to optimize the temperature of the lithium-ion battery before rapid charging. This enables rapid charging to approximately 80% of full capacity in approximately 28 minutes, even in environments with an outside temperature of -10°C.Pre-setting charging stations in the navigation system activates battery preconditioning*13 based on estimated arrival time, optimizing battery temperature upon arrival.Establishing a home charging environment with the standard Toyota 6kW Charger (200V) enables charging during periods when the vehicle is not in use, significantly improving the ease of use for BEVs.When used with the demand controller*14, the controller automatically manages the electricity used for charging, allowing for charging while using home appliances without worrying about tripping circuit breakers.*11Z grade (FWD) in WLTC mode.*12A function that adjusts the battery temperature before rapid charging.*13May not work at some charging stations.*14Dealer option (sold separately).4. Comprehensive safety and driver assistance featuresThe bZ4X Touring is a model intended for frequent use in its owners' everyday lives, such as trips with family and friends, and Toyota believes the vehicle should offer comprehensive safety and driver assistance features. It supports the driver in a wide range of situations, including while driving and parking.The advanced active safety package Toyota Safety Sense comes equipped as standard.It integrates Proactive Driving Assist, which provides deceleration and steering support for preceding vehicles and curves, in addition to features like pre-collision braking.It also comes equipped with Advanced Drive (support during traffic congestion) and Advanced Park (with remote function), functions of Toyota Teammate's advanced driving support technologies. These functions reduce driver burden under certain traffic congestion conditions*15 on highways and assist with safe and secure parking.*15Including that the driver is facing forward, and Radar Cruise Control and Lane Tracing Assist are both operating5. Styling with a strong presence that reveals different expressions in different settingsThe bZ4X Touring features an exterior and interior design that combines sleek body lines with practicality for enjoying leisure time as an active gear vehicle.The powerful black LED rear combination lamp (tail, stop, back, turn) extends horizontally from the center of the rear hatch door to both sides, creating a single line of light from the tail and stop lights that further emphasizes the bZ4X Touring's presence.Black 20-inch aluminum wheels*16, large bridge-type roof rails, and front and rear skid plates accentuate its rugged feel as an active gear vehicle.A total of five body colors are available, including three monotone colors such as Crystal White Pearl and Magnetite Gray Metallic, and two two-toned color combinations including the newly developed Brilliant Bronze Metallic with a Crystal Black Silica roof.bZ4X Touring Z (4WD)*16Manufacturer optionA low-profile horizontal instrument panel has been adopted. The space between the slim upper section of the instrument panel and the center pad features thin, wide-spanning registers extending on both sides, creating an open feel while ensuring excellent visibility.The 14-inch center display is now a stand-alone unit, with functions consolidated into a tray-shaped center console. The center display integrates navigation, air conditioning, audio, and other functions, enhancing convenience and operability. The console also features wireless charging and functions for linking smartphones and multimedia, providing a new digital experience for customers.Black wood grain-patterned trim adorns the upper portion of the instrument panel.This wood grain pattern, featured on the area most visible to the driver, emphasizes an outdoor aesthetic.Two interior color options express the worldview of the bZ4X Touring: Black, the standard color that creates a premium cabin space, and Khaki, which adds an outdoor touch to the modern interior.bZ4X Touring Z (4WD) (interior color: Khaki)Sales Outline1.Base sales volume920 units2.TEEMO charging service available for peace of mind when away from homeToyota's TEEMO charging service provides rapid charging to support a more comfortable BEV / PHEV lifestyle.Offers rapid chargers (CHAdeMo standard), primarily in the 150kW classIn addition to TEEMO chargers (installed at Toyota and some Lexus dealerships), eMP chargers*1 are also availableThere is no monthly base fee, and chargers can be searched for, reserved, and paid for using a smartphone app*2.Click here for details: https://toyota.jp/info/e-toyota/teemo/*1Approximately 27,000 connectors installed nationwide by e-Mobility Power Co., Inc. (as of January 31, 2026).eMP chargers are available only to TEEMO members.*2Reservation function is only available to TEEMO members.3.Dealer options that expand the joy of customizationThe bZ4X Touring offers dealer options to accommodate diverse lifestyle situations, such as camping and skiing with family or friends. Flex Belt*3 Cross Bars*3 Floor mats for snow / leisure use Rear hatch door opening guard(passenger seat, raised edge type)Click here for details: https://toyota.jp/info/bz4xtouring/customstyle/*3Props used in photography are not available at dealers.4.KINTO availabilityThe new bZ4X Touring is scheduled to be available through the KINTO*4 car subscription service starting around April. The Z grade (FWD) will be available starting at 77,440 yen per month (including tax)*5.*4A service that packages optional insurance payments, vehicle tax, maintenance, and other vehicle-related expenses into a monthly fee.*5When selecting the lowest-priced Z grade (FWD) package with no additional options and using the seven-year lease plan with no initial payment and two bonus payments of 165,000 yen (including tax) per year. The total price paid over the seven-year subscription period is 8,814,960 yen (including tax).Information regarding other grades and fees offered by KINTO will be announced on the KINTO website when they become available starting from April.Production PlantYajima Plant, Subaru Corporation"Achieving zero, and adding new value beyond it"As part of efforts to pass our beautiful "Home Planet" to the next generation, Toyota has identified and is helping to solve issues faced by individuals and overall society, which Toyota calls "Achieving Zero," hoping to help reduce the negative impacts caused by these issues to people and the environment to zero. Additionally, Toyota is also looking "Beyond Zero" to create and provide greater value by continuing to diligently seek ways to improve lives and society for the future.About Beyond Zero: https://global.toyota/en/mobility/beyond-zero/Toyota Motor Corporation works to develop and manufacture innovative, safe and high-quality products and services that create happiness by providing mobility for all. We believe that true achievement comes from supporting our customers, partners, employees, and the communities in which we operate. Since our founding over 80 years ago in 1937, we have applied our Guiding Principles in pursuit of a safer, greener and more inclusive society. Today, as we transform into a mobility company developing connected, automated, shared and electrified technologies, we also remain true to our Guiding Principles and many of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals to help realize an ever-better world, where everyone is free to move.SDGs Initiatives: https://global.toyota/en/sustainability/sdgs/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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DOCOMO and Keio University Demonstrate World’s First Stable, High-Fidelity Robot Teleoperation via Commercial 5G Using Low-Latency Slicing

DOCOMO and Keio University Demonstrate World’s First Stable, High-Fidelity Robot Teleoperation via Commercial 5G Using Low-Latency Slicing

TOKYO, Japan, Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. and Keio University Haptics Research Center announced today that they have successfully conducted a demonstration of high-precision remote robot operation over commercial 5G. By combining Configured Grant,*1 a low-latency network slicing technology,*2 with Keio's Real Haptics® technology,*3 delicate force feedback and tactile sensations were transmitted stably. This marks the world's first demonstration*4 of Configured Grant enabling practical robot teleoperation over commercial 5G.In the experiment, Configured Grant was applied to the radio link between the terminal and base station to minimize latency and jitter. Results confirmed that latency requirements for practical teleoperation of Real Haptics robots were met, while force reproducibility and operability were improved.To convey precise force feedback when a remote robot interacts with objects controlled by an operator at a distant location, mobile data communication must maintain low latency and minimal jitter. High or fluctuating latency can disrupt synchronization between the operator and remote robot. This compromises the precise force reproduction of Real Haptics, hindering delicate robot operation.DOCOMO and Keio University have previously collaborated on the development and testing of Real Haptics for robot teleoperation over mobile networks.*5 By reducing the impact of latency in the wireless segment, highly precise and delicate remote robot control can now be performed stably even under network congestion.Going forward, the two organizations will continue developing and testing technologies to accelerate the practical use of advanced robot teleoperation.This demonstration will be exhibited at the NTT Group's booth during MWC Barcelona 2026, organized by GSMA and held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to March 5, 2026.*1 A scheduling method in which the base station pre-allocates communication resources to specific devices.*2 A network slicing technology that provides virtualized network segments optimized for low latency.*3 A technology invented by Professor Kohei Onishi (Keio University Haptics Research Center) that transmits tactile and contact information bidirectionally and reproduces human force on robots.*4 As of February 25, 2026, according to DOCOMO's research.*5 NTT DOCOMO, “Evolution of robotics with Force & Tactile Tele-Transmission“ (Japanese only)Real Haptics® is a registered trademark of MotionLib Inc.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies.Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,“ DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/About Keio University Global Research Institute Haptics Research CenterThe Haptics Research Center is aiming to make RealHaptics technology widely and universally available to consumers and companies worldwide and operates a council for RealHaptics technology in which private companies also participate. As a research institution for RealHaptics technology, Keio University holds a core set of related patents. Furthermore, the Haptics Research Center works closely with companies to carry out joint research to explore new applications for the technology. https://haptics-c.keio.ac.jp/AppendixOverview of the Demonstration1. BackgroundReal Haptics® is a technology that reproduces the force sensation of touching objects on a robot. Using Real Haptics, a remote operator can perform delicate tasks by controlling a robot with precise force. By synchronizing the position, force, and speed between the operator robot (the “leader“) and the remote robot (the “follower“) in real time, the system conveys the sensation of touch to the operator and transfers subtle force to the target object.Applying advanced robots like Real Haptics over mobile data networks enables outdoor operation and expands potential use cases. However, latency and jitters in mobile networks make stable robot teleoperation challenging. In Real Haptics, network delays can hinder force feedback, cause jerky movements, and reduce operational precision.DOCOMO and Keio University have been exploring various approaches, developing and verifying technologies to reduce the impact of latency and jitters on wireless robot teleoperation. Previously, the two organizations demonstrated the effectiveness of combining network functions that stabilize latency with robot functions that mitigate its negative effects. For this demonstration, it focused on the wireless segment, which has a strong influence on mobile network latency, and introduced Configured Grant, a new approach that directly reduces latency and jitters.2. Overview of Configured GrantConfigured Grant, a low-latency network slicing technique, assigns dedicated communication resources in advance to specific devices under a base station. This helps minimize latency and jitters in the wireless segment, regardless of network congestion.Normally, mobile devices communicate with a base station using the Dynamic Grant method (see Figure 1, left). When a device has data to transmit, it first requests communication resources from the base station. The base station then allocates resources based on the status of other devices and notifies the requesting device. The devices then use these resources to transmit the data. The time between the resource request and actual data transmission is known as scheduling delay. This delay always occurs under Dynamic Grant and can fluctuate depending on network conditions, posing a major challenge for stable remote operation of advanced robots, especially in congested networks.On the other hand, with Configured Grant (see Figure 1, right), the base station pre-allocates exclusive communication resources to a device (or a line) for a specific period. The device can transmit data without requesting resources, effectively eliminating scheduling delay. As a result, both latency and jitters are reduced, enabling more stable wireless remote operation.Figure 1: Overview of Data Communication Between Device and Base StationConfigured Grant provides a stable mobile network with consistently low latency, ideal for precise teleoperation of advanced robots, regardless of network conditions.3. Network Configuration and Experimental MethodThe demonstration used DOCOMO's commercial 5G SA network, connecting the operator robot (Leader) and remote robot (Follower) via a virtual server on docomo MEC®*1 running the Bilateral Edge Platform™,*2 a proprietary platform currently under development for robot control (Figure 2). Control data packets sent from one robot travel through the uplink via DOCOMO's commercial network and docomo MEC private network to the server. The server then forwards these packets to the other robot over the downlink. Real-time bidirectional packet exchange enables force feedback of Real Haptics control. Furthermore, to simulate realistic teleoperation conditions where video transmission traffic would be present, 20 Mbps of background traffic was added alongside the control traffic.Configured Grant was implemented at both the base stations and 5G devices. When communication occurs over a line assigned Configured Grant settings, the mechanism becomes active, enabling low-latency transmission.Figure 2: Experimental ConfigurationFor the experiment, a hand-type follower and its leader were used to perform a standardized task: grasping a hard wooden block, quickly moving the hand while varying applied force, and transporting it within a set time. The task was performed twice, once using 5G SA with Configured Grant and once using standard 5G SA without it, to compare performance (Figure 3).Figure 3: Robot Operation4. ResultsUsing 5G SA with Configured Grant, both the average communication latency and jitters (standard deviation) were lower compared to standard 5G SA without Configured Grant, meeting the latency requirements for practical teleoperation of Real Haptics robots. Furthermore, as latency characteristics improved, performance metrics for robot operation were also enhanced. The force-feedback reproduction rate*3 increased by 40% (24 points) with Configured Grant, providing more precise force feedback (Figure 4). The smoothness of robot operation, measured by Dimensionless Jerk Cost,*4 decreased by 59%, enabling smoother, more stable control (Figure 5).Figure 4: Force Feedback Reproduction ResultsFigure 5: Robot Motion Smoothness Results*1 A cloud service providing Multi-access Edge Computing (MEC) features for the 5G era, including low latency and high security.*2 A platform service that combines ultra-low-latency mobile data communication with remote control and AI operation of force- and touch-sensitive robots.*3 A measurement of how accurately one robot replicates the force applied to the other robot. Values closer to 100% indicate higher fidelity.*4 An indicator of motion smoothness based on acceleration changes. Lower values indicate smoother robot movements.docomo MEC is a registered trademark of NTT DOCOMO, INC.docomo MEC is provided by NTT DOCOMO, INC. and related services are consigned to and sold by NTT DOCOMO BUSINESS, INC. as the agent.Bilateral Edge Platform is a trademark of NTT DOCOMO, INC. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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DOCOMO Successfully Demonstrates AI Application Operation Using Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) Infrastructure

DOCOMO Successfully Demonstrates AI Application Operation Using Virtualized Radio Access Network (vRAN) Infrastructure

TOKYO, Japan, Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that it successfully demonstrated the operation of AI applications directly on the general-purpose CPU resources of virtualized radio access network (vRAN), deployed in its commercial network. This demonstration confirmed the potential of a network architecture design to address rapid traffic growth driven by the expansion of AI services while optimizing network operational costs.With the growing adoption of AI-powered services such as generative AI and robot control, network traffic is expected to increase dramatically, and data traffic is expected to grow explosively in the coming years. DOCOMO has been exploring a next-generation network architecture design of “In-Network Computing,“*1 *2 in which AI processing is executed within the network itself. For telecommunications operators entering the AI era, continuously analyzing various types of data available within the network using AI by creating new value, while simultaneously achieving energy efficiency and sustainable network operations, has become a critical challenge.DOCOMO has been studying next-generation network architectures aimed at improving user experience, optimizing network traffic, and enabling optimal placement and effective utilization of computing resources, including various types of xPUs, by fully leveraging their respective characteristics. Specifically, DOCOMO seeks to enhance performance and efficiency for customers from both networking and AI perspectives by appropriately deploying high-performance GPUs - one of the key elements for advanced AI workloads - and CPUs, which are well suited for wide-area deployment and low-power, efficient operation, at suitable network nodes.DOCOMO integrated a platform that enables vRAN functions and AI service applications to run simultaneously by utilizing CPU resources on general-purpose servers. The results confirmed that even when using CPUs, a certain level of AI processing can be executed in parallel with communication network processing. This achievement demonstrates that flexible operation combining network and AI applications is possible without relying on dedicated high-performance accelerators, thereby expanding viable options for efficient network deployment.Going forward, DOCOMO will continue to study and promote the optimal placement of computing resources, including CPUs and GPUs, while taking actual traffic characteristics and requirements of various AI applications into account.Operational Concept(a) Conventional network architecture(b) Network Architecture in this demonstrationThis demonstration utilized a vRAN configuration composed of the following commercially deployed products:vRAN base station software, provided by NEC CorporationVirtualization infrastructure hosting the vRAN and AI applications, provided by Amazon Web Services (AWS)Accelerator cards for accelerating specific computational processing, provided by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc.Servers equipped with the above products, provided by HPELooking ahead, DOCOMO will continue to advance integration and verification of platforms for both network infrastructure and AI services toward the realization of “In-Network Computing,“ while pursuing further studies aimed at commercialization. In addition, DOCOMO will work in collaboration with business partners to realize optimal network architecture design for 6G and AI era.This initiative will be showcased at the NTT Group's booth during Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026, organized by GSMA and held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to March 5, 2026.*1 Press Release:“Successful demonstration of computing and mobile networks convergence to provide diverse services in the 6G era“*2 Press Release:“NTT and DOCOMO Successfully Demonstrates On-Demand Unified Control of Computing Services Through Network and Service Integration“About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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DOCOMO Begins Commercial Deployment of Agentic AI System for Network Maintenance Using One of the World’s Largest Datasets

DOCOMO Begins Commercial Deployment of Agentic AI System for Network Maintenance Using One of the World’s Largest Datasets

TOKYO, Japan Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today the start of commercial use of an agentic AI system in mobile network operations. The platform went live across the company's mobile network services on February 4, 2026.Mobile networks are critical social infrastructure, supporting not only daily life and business activities but also public services and communications during disasters. Today's networks have become increasingly complex due to services across 4G and 5G, as well as multi-domain and multi-vendor environments. As a result, faster response times and swift service restoration have become increasingly important for maintenance operations in the event of network failures.Previously, failures with established procedures were handled through automated, preconfigured processes. However, complex failures without predefined solutions have required multiple engineers to manually collect and analyze large volumes of data to identify root causes, often resulting in longer service restoration times. To address this challenge, DOCOMO developed an agentic AI platform built with AWS's managed services, enabling AI to perform network behavior analysis, troubleshooting and remediation recommendations.DOCOMO's agentic AI platform is built on Amazon Bedrock AgentCore, which enables the secure governance and deployment of agentic AI at scale, along with high-performance databases for time-series, tabular, and graph data optimized for agentic AI workloads. Orchestrating multiple AI agents and leveraging graph-modeled network topology, the platform analyzes traffic and alarm data in real time from more than one million network devices, including base stations and core network equipment. It detects anomalies, identifies suspected failure points, and presents recommended actions to maintenance engineers.Using one of the world's largest datasets of its kind, the platform isolates failures, reduces response time for complex network failures that previously required manual analysis by more than 50%, significantly shortening service disruption time and contributing to greater network reliability.Takahiro Makiyama, General Manager, Network Service Management Department, Network Division, NTT DOCOMO, INC., commented: “This initiative represents a major step toward realizing the Autonomous Network operations that DOCOMO aims to achieve.By adopting agentic AI in maintenance operations, DOCOMO is advancing the automation of network fault response and striving to further reduce service impact for our customers.By building agentic AI based on data from more than one million network devices on an unprecedented scale, we were able to accelerate development and implementation by utilizing AWS's agentic AI platform and managed database services.As we move ahead, DOCOMO will continue to advance the use of AI to deliver more comfortable and higher-quality communication services to our customers.““DOCOMO's commercialization of the agentic AI system for network operation is a pioneering initiative that underpins stable mobile communication services,“ said Mikihiko Tsunematsu, Director, Telecom, Media, Entertainment, Game & Sports, Strategic Business Unit at Amazon Web Services Japan. “By combining the advanced agent capabilities of Amazon Bedrock AgentCore with the world's largest-scale telecommunications data, the company has successfully built the agentic AI system that can significantly reduce response time to complex network failures. This achievement demonstrates how collaboration between DOCOMO and AWS is making autonomous and intelligent network operations a reality-essential capabilities for 6G and beyond. We are delighted to support DOCOMO as they establish new standards in network reliability and operational efficiency.“The agentic AI system will be exhibited at the NTT Group's booth during MWC Barcelona 2026, organized by GSMA and held in Barcelona, Spain, from March 2 to March 5, 2026.Going forward, DOCOMO will continue to pursue advanced AI-driven operations and strive to further enhance service quality for its customers.About NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO, Japan's leading mobile operator with over 91 million subscribers, is one of the global leaders in 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Under the slogan “Bridging Worlds for Wonder & Happiness,” DOCOMO is actively collaborating with global partners to expand its business scope from mobile services to comprehensive solutions, aiming to deliver unsurpassed value and drive innovation in technology and communications, ultimately to support positive change and advancement in global society. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/ Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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NEC Implements AI Code Review Service “Metabob,” Reducing Technical Verification Time by Up to 66%

NEC Implements AI Code Review Service “Metabob,” Reducing Technical Verification Time by Up to 66%

- Spun-Off from NEC X, Metabob Fully Operational for NEC's Internal DX -TOKYO, Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced the operation of "Metabob," an AI-powered code review service for software development. The service is provided by Metabob, Inc., a Santa Clara-based AI startup established through NEC X, Inc.'s new business creation initiatives.Metabob is an important advancement for the development of AI agents, software programs that use AI to autonomously achieve specific goals. The development of AI agents requires both speed and high-quality assurance. However, traditional development processes rely heavily on manual code reviews and maintenance tasks.Existing static analysis tools are limited to syntax-level checks, making it time-consuming to detect, pinpoint, and verify fixes for complex defects. This often leads to prolonged development cycles.Metabob differs from conventional static analysis tools by analyzing code dependencies and execution flow as graph structures. This enables the early detection of complex bugs spanning multiple files, including issues that would otherwise only appear as runtime errors when a program is operating.Furthermore, its proprietary AI model, trained on millions of code-fix examples, can automatically detect bugs, explain what is causing them, and suggest how to fix them.NEC's verification tests of Metabob have reduced labor-hours required for software maintenance and defect fixes as follows:66% reduction compared to manual visual review and manual fixes50% reduction compared to reviews and fixes using coding AI toolsThese results were achieved through NEC’s "Client Zero" initiative, where the company acts as the first user of its own advanced technologies and operational expertise, then shares the insights and value created through this approach with customers and society.Going forward, NEC and NEC X will continue verifying Metabob's effectiveness while exploring its adoption and implementation throughout numerous fields."Companies need AI that can make changes to complex systems while maintaining accuracy and reliability. Through the NEC X program, we gained not only technical and financial support but also access to enterprise customers and investors, including NEC. By conducting repeated verification directly in actual development environments and use cases, we have incorporated the quality and requirements truly demanded by enterprises into our product. Through our collaboration with NEC, we have clearly demonstrated that AI can be safely and effectively utilized in large-scale software development."- Massimiliano Genta, Founder and CEO, Metabob"Metabob's technology is already contributing to operations within the NEC Group and generating concrete results as part of NEC X's efforts to create new business value."We expect Metabob's approach, which combines advanced code analysis technology with generative AI, to become a new standard for safely and practically utilizing AI, even within companies possessing large-scale, mission-critical systems. NEC X will continue contributing to operational efficiency and productivity across society by leveraging the technology and insights we have cultivated to support startup growth."- Shintaro Matsumoto, President and CEO, NEC X"While striving to enhance productivity through AI, prolonged development cycles and application quality have been longstanding challenges. Metabob utilizes AI to streamline and enhance complex code reviews, enabling our teams to focus on more creative and essential development tasks."Through this collaboration with NEC X, insights that are gained internally can be deployed across the entire NEC Group, accelerating innovation."Metabob is a powerful driver for advancing NEC's transformation into an AI-native company. We will continue to actively incorporate cutting-edge technologies and return the results achieved to our customers and society's DX."- Tokuaki Seki, Executive Professional, NEC Corporate IT Systems DivisionAbout NEC XThrough its business creation program (Elev X!), NEC X empowers early-stage startups' journeys to success. The company’s unique blend of collaborative support and resources enables tech entrepreneurs to actualize their ideas into impactful realities that revolutionize the world around us.About NECThe NEC Group leverages technology to create social value and promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. NEC Corporation was established in 1899. Today, the NEC Group’s approximately 110,000 employees utilize world-leading AI, security, and communications technologies to solve the most pressing needs of customers and society.For more information, please visit https://www.nec.com, and follow us on LinkedIn and YouTube. Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Beisia Automates Supermarket Refrigerator Temperature Monitoring and Recording with Fujitsu’s IoT Visualization Solution

Beisia Automates Supermarket Refrigerator Temperature Monitoring and Recording with Fujitsu’s IoT Visualization Solution

Kawasaki, Gunma, Japan, Feb 25, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - BEISIA CO., LTD. and Fujitsu Limited today announced that both companies have begun introducing and operating Fujitsu's Advanced Operation & Management offering for digitalizing stores and improving labor productivity at Beisia stores. This solution, part of Fujitsu’s Uvance business model, is being used to automate the temperature management of refrigerator and freezer facilities within stores. The companies plan to implement the solution in all 138 Beisia stores across Japan by May 2026.Introduction of the solution commenced in December 2025This initiative will streamline operations for store employees in complying with HACCP requirements(1), enhancing product freshness management and reducing food loss by providing alert notifications when abnormalities exceeding set thresholds are detected.Under its Uvance business model, which addresses societal challenges, Fujitsu will leverage the knowledge and experience gained from implementing Advanced Operation & Management at Beisia to drive the digitalization of stores through data and AI, enhance labor productivity and promote sustainable store operations.OverviewPrior to the full-scale rollout, Beisia conducted a practical verification of the solution at its Beisia Foods Park Takasaki Kuragano store (Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture). After confirming the effectiveness of temperature data acquisition and management, as well as the efficiency gains for employees, Beisia decided to implement the solution across all its stores, with sequential deployment beginning in December 2025.Fujitsu's Advanced Operation & Management is a solution that visualizes data acquired from various IoT sensors in real-time. A key feature is its rapid deployment and operation through the attachment of IoT sensors to existing equipment, without dependency on specific hardware.At Beisia, IoT sensors attached to refrigeration and freezing equipment throughout the stores will extract and visualize temperature information in real-time. This eliminates the need for manual inspection and recording by store employees, significantly reducing their workload.Moreover, when abnormalities exceeding thresholds or conditions are detected, alerts are promptly sent to the store's operational communication tools. This enables quicker initial responses to anomalies, strengthening product freshness management, and reducing food loss. Additionally, both headquarters and individual stores can access the same real-time information via a dashboard, facilitating centralized management of information from multiple stores and supporting overall store operation optimization.In Japan, the revised Food Sanitation Act(2) mandates the implementation of HACCP, an international standard for food hygiene management, for all food-related businesses. In the supermarket retail industry, thorough temperature management is crucial for product freshness and consumer trust. However, with a severe labor shortage, streamlining inspection and recording tasks has become an urgent issue.Previously, Beisia stores manually recorded temperatures twice a day for an average of 150 refrigeration and freezing units per store, posing a significant workload for employees. Against this backdrop, Beisia decided to introduce a solution to automate temperature management for its in-store refrigeration and freezing equipment.Figure 1: Overview of Fujitsu's IoT Visualization SolutionFigure 2: IoT Sensor installed in a Beisia store freezer(1) HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point):A food hygiene management method that ensures product safety by identifying and managing critical control points throughout the entire food production process, from raw material reception to product shipment, to eliminate or reduce hazards such as food poisoning bacteria contamination and foreign object mixing.(2) Revised Food Sanitation Act:A law designed to ensure food safety in response to changes in the food environment and globalization. Revised in 2018, it mandated HACCP implementation.About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers around the globe, our 113,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: AI, Computing, Networks, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.6 trillion yen (US$23 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: global.fujitsuPress ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiries Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Hong Kong Tech Delegation Heading for Market Expansion at Mobile World Congress 2026

Hong Kong Tech Delegation Heading for Market Expansion at Mobile World Congress 2026

HONG KONG, Feb 24, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), in collaboration with Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), will lead a delegation of 21 Hong Kong tech companies and institutions to showcase at Mobile World Congress (MWC) 2026—the world’s premier connectivity event, and debut at 4 Years From Now (4YFN) 2026—a global stage for start-ups, taking place concurrently 2-5 March in Barcelona, Spain. Building on the momentum from MWC 2025, the Delegation will be featuring solutions beyond the Connectivity category, covering focus areas across Devices and Systems, Digital Transformation and support from Ecosystem Partners. The Pavilion duet ought to give a more comprehensive picture of Hong Kong’s innovation and technology (I&T) capabilities in engaging global telecom leaders, enterprise decision-makers, industry partners, and investors, bridging cutting-edge research and development (R&D) into real-world applications and propelling Hong Kong’s I&T sector onto the international stage.Iris Wong, Director, Merchandise Trade and Innovation / Director, External Relations, HKTDC, said, “The Hong Kong Tech Pavilion is an ideal platform for Hong Kong tech enterprises to present their latest R&D achievements at major international tech gatherings, support their journey to explore overseas markets, while highlighting Hong Kong’s strengths as an international innovation and technology hub.”Derek Chim, Head of Startup Ecosystem and Development, HKSTP said, “MWC is a global bellwether for communications technology and tech companies at any stage, to connect with the industry and investors, to have a solid ground that validate solutions, catalyse pilot projects, accelerate commercialisation, and scale internationally.”A series of dialogues and exchanges, spanning from networking reception and themed talks to pitching sessions, will take place throughout the events at the Pavilion to facilitate partnerships and investment opportunities for innovative solutions that are market-ready with high potential for market expansion, in particular, Asmote and Cresento under “Connectivity” make stellar examples of the notion:5G & 6G for Communication, Sensing, and AI computing – Shannon & Turing, (Asmote), located at MWC, specialises in mmWave technology for Integrated Sensing and Communication (ISAC) technology—drone communications and control—rising to the occasion as the city advances its low-altitude economy initiatives, while winning favors for its efficiency in managing industrial scenarios such as smart ports and dark factories. The company previously secured the world’s first 26GHz mmWave 5G commercial communications project, demonstrating its leadership in industrial-grade applications.Smart Performance Insights for Sport – Cresento, located at 4YFN, focused on developing an AI-powered shin guard to deliver real-time insights—performance analytics, team leaderboards, and more—with a design that incorporates into gears that athletes already wear and creates minimal friction for, in particular, football players to adapt, will be moving from prototypes to pilot collaborations with European football clubs, academies and sport tech platforms and distributors.HKTDC continues to join hands with HKSTP to support Hong Kong tech enterprises to “go global” by jointly organising the Hong Kong Tech Pavilion to build bridges linking tech companies with the world. This expedites the industry’s progress in internationalisation to meet the growing demand for I&T globally. This will attract talents, facilitate forward-looking investments and explore opportunities globally, realising the mission of entrepreneurs to reach out to the world and further consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international I&T hub.Mobile World Congress Barcelona (MWC) & 4 Years From Now (4YFN)Date: 2-5 March 2026Venue: Fira Gran Via, Av. Joan Carles I, 64, 08908 L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, SpainHong Kong Tech Pavilion:MWC – Booth 6E44 at Hall 64YFN – Booth 8.1B31 at Hall 8.1Please visit https://bit.ly/MWC2026HKTech for more information on Hong Kong Tech Pavilion and the exhibitors.Full list of 21 tech entities showcasing at Hong Kong Tech Pavilion during MWC and 4YFN 2026 (in alphabetical order):MWC 2026 - Booth 6E44 at Hall 61 Entoptica Limited Devices & Systems2 eSIX Connectivity3 Faraconix Technologies Co., Ltd. Connectivity4 FreightAmigo Services Limited Digital Transformation5 Glassdio Scientific Company Limited Connectivity6 Harvest Elite International Limited Digital Transformation7 HongKong Umedia Limited Devices & Systems8 iASPEC Services Limited Digital Transformation9 InvestHK Ecosystem Partners10 Robocore Technology Limited Devices & Systems11 Shannon & Turing Technology Limited Connectivity12 The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Ecosystem Partners13 Xeroptix Technology Devices & Systems4YFN 2026 - Booth 8.1B31 at Hall 8.114 AIGM Limited Digital Transformation15 BWSea Technology (HK) Co., Limited Digital Transformation16 Cresento Limited Devices & Systems17 GoGoChart Technology Limited Digital Transformation18 HairCoSys Limited Devices & Systems19 KNQ Technology Limited Digital Transformation20 Solos Technology Limited Devices & Systems21 Vista Innotech Limited Devices & SystemsAbout HKTDCThe Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) is a statutory body established in 1966 to promote, assist and develop Hong Kong's trade. With over 50 offices globally, including 13 in Chinese Mainland, the HKTDC promotes Hong Kong as a two-way global investment and business hub. The HKTDC organises international exhibitions, conferences and business missions to create business opportunities for companies, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), in the mainland and international markets. The HKTDC also provides up-to-date market insights and product information via research reports and digital news channels. For more information, please visit: www.hktdc.com/aboutus.About Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks CorporationHong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) was established in 2001 to create a thriving I&T ecosystem grooming 12 unicorns, more than 16,000 research professionals and around 2,600 technology companies from 24 countries and regions focused on developing healthtech, AI and robotics, fintech and smart city technologies, etc.Our growing innovation ecosystem offers comprehensive support to attract and nurture talent, accelerate and commercialise innovation for technology ventures, with the I&T journey built around our key locations of Hong Kong Science Park in Pak Shek Kok, InnoCentre in Kowloon Tong and three modern InnoParks in Tai Po, Tseung Kwan O and Yuen Long realising a vision of new industrialisation for Hong Kong, where sectors including advanced manufacturing, micro-electronics and biotechnology are being reimagined.Hong Kong Science Park Shenzhen Branch in Futian, Shenzhen plays positive roles in connecting the world and the mainland with our proximity, strengthening cross-border exchange to bring advantages in attracting global talent and allowing possibilities for the development of technology companies in seven key areas: Medtech, big data and AI, robotics, new materials, microelectronics, fintech and sustainability, with both dry and wet laboratories, co-working space, conference and exhibition facilities, and more.Through our R&D infrastructure, startup support and enterprise services, commercialisation and investment expertise, partnership networks and talent traction, HKSTP continues to contribute in establishing I&T as a pillar of growth for Hong Kong.More information about HKSTP is available at www.hkstp.org.Media Contact: Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks CorporationHong Kong Trade Development CouncilAngela LauTel: +852 6535 7611Email: angela.lau@hkstp.orgWinnie KanTel: +852 2584 4055Email: winnie.wy.kan@hktdc.org Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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Galaxy Payroll Group Renews Five-Year Strategic Cooperation Agreement with NIKE China Holding HK Limited (Macau Branch)

Galaxy Payroll Group Renews Five-Year Strategic Cooperation Agreement with NIKE China Holding HK Limited (Macau Branch)

HONG KONG, Feb 24, 2026 - (ACN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) – February 22, Galaxy Payroll Group Limited (NASDAQ: GLXG) (“Galaxy” or the “Company”), a Nasdaq-listed human resources solutions provider, today announced that it has formally renewed a five-year strategic cooperation agreement with NIKE China Holding HK Limited (Macau Branch) (“Nike Macau Branch”).Five-Year Renewal with Comprehensive HR Service CoveragePursuant to the agreement, the renewed cooperation term will commence on December 1, 2025 and continue through November 30, 2030. During this period, Galaxy will continue to provide Nike Macau Branch with a comprehensive suite of human resources outsourcing services, including local payroll processing, attendance and leave management, social security and tax compliance filings, as well as advisory services relating to labor regulations and employment policies.This integrated service model is designed to enable Nike Macau Branch to focus on its core retail and brand operations while enhancing overall organizational efficiency and compliance management.Strategic Renewal Reflects Client Confidence and Enhances Revenue VisibilityThe renewal marks an important milestone in the long-standing relationship between the parties and reflects the continued trust placed in Galaxy’s professional capabilities, compliance standards, and service delivery quality by a leading international brand.The execution of a multi-year agreement is expected to enhance the Company’s revenue visibility and cash flow stability over the next five years, further aligning with its capital markets strategy of building a high-quality, resilient, and sustainable business model. While the agreement provides for long-term cooperation, actual results may vary and remain subject to market and operational conditions.Local Expertise and Scalable Service Infrastructure as Core Competitive AdvantagesSince its establishment in 2013, Galaxy has focused on the Hong Kong and Macau markets while progressively expanding its cross-regional service capabilities. The Company has developed deep expertise in Hong Kong and Macau labor laws, taxation, and social security regulations, forming a strong local compliance foundation.Through a service framework that combines standardized operational processes with customized solutions, Galaxy delivers consistency and scalability across its client base. Its proprietary payroll and attendance management platform enhances operational efficiency while supporting data security and business continuity, serving as a key differentiator in attracting and retaining multinational enterprise clients.Throughout prior phases of cooperation, Galaxy has supported Nike Macau Branch in navigating complex employment and compliance environments. The Company’s solutions have demonstrated reliability in accuracy, responsiveness, and risk control, providing a solid foundation for this long-term renewal.Looking Ahead: From Service Delivery to Value Co-CreationEntering the new cooperation cycle, Galaxy intends to further optimize payroll workflows and intelligent attendance systems within the existing service framework. Through enhanced data integration and periodic management reporting, the Company aims to support the client’s ongoing efforts toward standardized and digitalized human resource management.The parties have also agreed to retain flexibility to expand the scope of services through supplemental agreements, enabling the partnership to evolve in alignment with the client’s business development.The renewal of this five-year strategic agreement not only represents long-term recognition of Galaxy’s professional value, but also underscores the sustainability of its business model. It is expected to further strengthen the Company’s brand presence in the Hong Kong, Macau, and broader Asia-Pacific human resources outsourcing markets, while serving as a replicable benchmark case for multinational retail, sports, and consumer brands.As global enterprises increasingly prioritize compliance efficiency, cost optimization, and organizational resilience, Galaxy continues to leverage its localized expertise, robust service infrastructure, and high-quality client base to build sustainable long-term growth momentum.The Company’s management commented: “We will continue to place service capability at the core of our growth strategy, deepen strategic cooperation with existing high-quality clients, and proactively expand relationships with multinational and regional enterprises that offer long-term value, with the goal of delivering steady and sustainable returns to our shareholders.”Contact informationJune TuoTel: +852-5983-9260Phone: +86-1392-3804-279Intelligent Joy Limited Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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TANAKA to Provide Medals for the Tokyo Marathon 2026 That Represent All the Participants in the Event with Woven Lines

TANAKA to Provide Medals for the Tokyo Marathon 2026 That Represent All the Participants in the Event with Woven Lines

TOKYO, Feb 24, 2026 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd. (Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo; Group CEO: Koichiro Tanaka) will provide and donate gold, silver, and bronze medals to the top three men and women finishers of the marathon and wheelchair marathon events at the Tokyo Marathon 2026. The Tokyo Marathon 2026 is organized by the Tokyo Marathon Foundation and will be held on March 1, 2026.Design Representing All the Participants in the Event with Woven LinesThe medals were designed based on the concept of the Tokyo Marathon: The Day We Unite. On the front of the medal, the logo type is placed horizontally above the event logo pattern, which represents “runners, supporters, and cheerers,” to express the image of the Tokyo Marathon, which is held based on the involvement of many people, including runners, as well as volunteer staff and cheerers.On the back of the medal, the name of the event, Tokyo Marathon 2026, is written in Braille, and the words “FINISHER” and the event date are engraved, along with TANAKA’s logo. The medal’s ribbon design continues the 2016 design and is based on the event logo, which resembles a tapestry of lines woven together to represent all the runners, volunteers, and spectators.Sustainability InitiativesThe Tokyo Marathon 2026 is advancing sustainability initiatives centered on “waste reduction,” “environmental conservation,” and “DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion).” In support of this initiative, the medal ribbons are made using recycled polyester. In addition, for the gold medals, the gold plating solution used is from TANAKA’s “RE Series” regenerated precious metals made using only 100% recycled materials. Through these initiatives, TANAKA is helping to make the event more sustainable.About the Tokyo Marathon 2026The Tokyo Marathon 2026 is the 19th edition of one of the largest public participation marathons in Japan. As it will celebrate its 20th anniversary in 2027, the event has evolved further to help all the participants play active roles so that the metropolis of Tokyo unite as one, based on three pillars: “The safest and most secure race in the world,” “The most exciting race in the world,” and “The warmest and most friendly race in the world.” This year, the event has adopted “Run. Tokyo. Own.” as the keyword to express how, on the grand stage of Tokyo, each runner lives their own run and their own story—and how countless individuals coming together create “one Tokyo” for that day and that moment alone.TANAKA has produced the winner and finisher medals for every Tokyo Marathon since the first held in 2007, with this year marking the 19th year. The Tokyo Marathon joined the World Marathon Majors (currently the Abbott World Marathon Majors) in 2013, attracting global attention as one of the world’s seven premier marathons. Other than the Tokyo Marathon, TANAKA has also produced medals for the winners of the Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon, supported the promotion of para sports as an official partner of the Japanese Para Sports Association (JPSA), and produced and sold official commemorative medals for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. As part of its contribution to the realization of an inclusive society and the creation of a healthier society, TANAKA will continue to support the promotion of sports going forward.Overview of the Tokyo Marathon 2026 MedalsWeight, size and materialGold Medal: approx. 100g 65mm in diameter and approx. 3mm: pure silver with gold platingSilver Medal: approx. 100g 65mm in diameter and approx. 3mm: pure silverBronze Medal: approx. 85g 65mm in diameter and approx. 3mm: pure copper platingRace Information of the Tokyo Marathon 2026OrganizerTokyo Marathon FoundationCo-organizersJAAF (Japan Association of Athletics Federations); Tokyo Metropolitan Government;The Yomiuri Shimbun; Nippon Television Network Corporation; Sankei Shimbun Co., Ltd.; The Tokyo Shimbun.Managing OrganizationTokyo Athletics AssociationOperation SupporterTokyo Sports Association for the Disabled; Kanto Para Athletics.Supporting OrganizationsJAPAN SPORTS AGENCY; Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism; Japan Tourism Agency; Metropolitan Tokyo Mayors' Council; Japan Sports Association; Japanese Olympic Committee; Japanese Para Sports Association;Japan Para Athletics; Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation);KEIZAI DOYUKAI (Japan Association of Corporate Executives);The Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Tokyo Medical Association;Tokyo Disaster Prevention & Emergency Medical Service Association;Tokyo Private Ambulance Call Center Registered Companies Liaison Council;TOKYO NURSING ASSOCIATION; Tokyo Convention & Visitors Bureau;Tokyo Federation of Neighborhood Associations;Tokyo Federation of Shopping Center Promotion Associations & Tokyo Federation of Shopping Centers; Tokyo Sports Association; Community Sport Leaders Tokyo; Metropolitan Expressway Co., Ltd; The Hochi Shimbun; Radio Nippon Co., Ltd.;Sankei Sports; Nippon Broadcasting System, Inc.; The Tokyo Chunichi Sports.Presenting PartnerTokyo Metro Co., Ltd.Official PartnersSTARTS CORPORATION INC.; Mastercard; OujiSeiyaku Co., Ltd.;ASICS Japan Corp.; Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.;KINTETSU INTERNATIONAL; SEIKO GROUP CORPORATION;The Dai-ichi Life Insurance Company, Limited; McDonald's Company (Japan), Ltd.; Mizuho Bank, Ltd.; Kokumin Kyosai co-op (National Federation of Workers and Consumers Kyosai Cooperatives); Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical Co., Inc.;Kao Corporation; Earth Corporation; Porsche Japan K.K.; realbuzz; VENEX Co., Ltd.; NIHON KOHDEN CORPORATION; KOYOU RENTIA Co., Ltd.; Fanplus, Inc.;Shimizu Octo, Inc.; SAGAWA EXPRESS CO., LTD.;TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.; Rokko Butter, Co., Ltd.;Hibino Corporation; Photocreate Co., Ltd; ASUENE Inc.;DateSunday, March 1, 2026*The race information is current as of the time this press release was published. For the latest information, please check the Tokyo Marathon official website.About TANAKASince its foundation in 1885, TANAKA has built a portfolio of products to support a diversified range of business uses focused on precious metals. TANAKA is a leader in Japan regarding the volume of precious metals it handles. Over many years, TANAKA has manufactured and sold precious metal products for industry and provided precious metals in such forms as jewelry and assets. As precious metals specialists, all Group companies in Japan and worldwide collaborate on manufacturing, sales, and technology development to offer a full range of products and services. With 5,591 employees, the group’s consolidated net sales for the fiscal year ended December 2024 were 846.9 billion yen.TANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.TANAKA Corporate Websitehttps://www.tanaka.co.jp/english/Press inquiriesTANAKA PRECIOUS METAL GROUP Co., Ltd.https://www.tanaka.co.jp/support/req/other_contact_e/index.htmlPress Release: https://www.acnnewswire.com/docs/files/20260224_EN.pdf Copyright 2026 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com
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