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Inside the World's First AGI <b>Smart</b> Health <b>Cities</b>: QAIAx AI

RICHMOND, Va., July 06, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The biggest myth about smart cities? That they're privacy-invading data traps run by unaccountable corporations (e.g., Toronto's failed Quayside project sponsored by GOOGL). The AI Wat QAIAx Microcities Project flips that script. It's the world's first federally registered clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov PRS: NCT07661823) for an AGI-governed community—and privacy is built in from the ground up. An automatic shield strips away 18 personal data points—name, IP address, GPS—turning users into anonymous numbers. The AI never knows who you really are. What the QAIAx Technology License Patent Does The newly filed patent (USPTO App. No. 64/105,164) creates the QAIAx TDC Model Code—an AI/AGI technology, data privacy, and public compliance transparency license that establishes a strict safety rulebook that opens a legal path for AI humanoid robot manufacturers and licensed professional service providers (e.g., lawyers, physicians, public auditors) to operate within 300 planned Microcities, each housing 1,500 to 15,000 occupants in accordance with federal administrative and military research laws. For manufacturers, QAIAx becomes the compliance benchmark—the "UL certification" for AGI humanoids. For attorneys, doctors, and other licensed providers, the patent establishes the QAIAx Pro License: a 220-hour super-class that trains humans not to fix computers, but to oversee computers that run themselves. Think 1990s network certifications (Novell CNE, Cisco CCNA)—but for the autonomous AI era. Scale-Ready for Thousands of Clients Simultaneously Each Microcity runs on a 90/10 Hybrid Workforce Model: Omni-AI humanoids handle 90% of daily operations—recycling water, robotic farming, air management—while human staff act as High-Level Executive Auditors. This architecture enables a single licensed provider to serve thousands of patients simultaneously through AI-assisted workflows, with human oversight reserved for major medical or legal decisions. The multi-year study targets 1,000,000 participants. Waiting lists are now open. Clinical Trial Details Waiting List & Enrollment: Key Sponsor

Monsoon is here, so why do Delhi, Mumbai, and other Indian <b>cities</b> still feel hotter? | Explained

Amid the scorching heat, the arrival of the monsoon comes as a welcome relief, however, for millions living in Indian smart cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad and Hyderabad, this time the rains are making the weather feel cooler. Instead, many people are experiencing sticky, uncomfortable conditions that can feel even more exhausting-including the heat. Let's decode as to what is happening and what factors are causing the ' new heat effect'. Primary reason for the heat despite arrival of monsoon is 'heat index'-but there's more it now. Heat Index Explained Heat Index is basically the 'feels like' temperature. While rainfall may lower the air temperature, it also increases the amount of moisture in the air. High humidity makes it difficult for sweat to evaporate from the skin, reducing the body's natural cooling mechanism. As a result, people feel much hotter than the temperature shown on a weather app. Delhi's heat index has regularly crossed 46-50 degrees Celsius during July and August in recent years, according to a policy brief by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE), even when the actual temperature was lower. This has resulted in greater discomfort and higher electricity consumption. Humid heat- the new threat The humidity that contributes to the heat index is becoming more common now than past years. According to a study by US-based non-profit Climate Central, cited by Hindustan Times, India has witnessed a sharp rise in the number of dangerously humid heat days since the 1970s. Delhi, Ghaziabad, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Nagpur and Raipur have all recorded a significant rise in such days. Scientists say warming seas, especially the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, are carrying more moisture inland. At the same time, rapid urbanisation and concrete-heavy cities trap heat, making conditions worse. Why nights are no longer providing

Lee Yi, Systems Engineer, <b>Smart City</b> Technology, Government Technology Agency ...

Lee Yi, Systems Engineer, Smart City Technology, Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore Meet the young public sector officials in the inaugural Young & Official Report 2026. Lee Yi, Systems Engineer, Smart City Technology, Government Technology Agency (GovTech) of Singapore. Image: GovTech Singapore. 1) What does public service mean to you? Can you share more about your role in the public sector? To me, public service means working on consequential problems that are not always easily or naturally solved by the private sector alone. These are often complex, long-term challenges that cut across technology, infrastructure, policy, operations, and people’s everyday lives. What makes public service meaningful is the breadth of its mandate: the work is not only about delivering a product or service, but about improving outcomes for citizens, strengthening trust, and building systems that can serve society fairly and sustainably. I was drawn to the public sector because it offers the opportunity to work on problems at scale, with a direct line of sight to citizen impact. I began my career as a systems engineer, where I worked on building smart estates and applying technology to make our urban environment more responsive, efficient, and liveable. That experience gave me a very tangible appreciation of how digital innovation can translate into better public services, whether through smarter infrastructure, improved operational awareness, or more seamless experiences for residents. I later had the opportunity to support Government Technology Agency (GovTech) Singapore's Chief Executive in some of his public-facing engagements, which gave me a broader view of organisational leadership and transformation. In that role, I supported work that went beyond individual projects to look at how the organisation could strengthen its strategy, performance, and culture of excellence. This helped me understand that innovation in government is not only about adopting new technology. It

Why Macron is making a strategic bet on Oman

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Frontier AI <b>Smart Cities</b> Tech License Patent Creating a Legal Path for Public Robot-Run ...

ALEXANDRIA, Va., July 05, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Inventors working on the pro-Veterans public health and addiction disorder study have just filed a new patent application with the U.S. Government. It creates a strict safety rulebook called the QAIAx TDC Model Code . This code sets up a special training and certificate program for people who will work inside futuristic, dome-shaped communities called Microcities . This project is part of an official trial registered with the National Institutes of Health (PRS: NCT07661823 ). It aims to test how humans and advanced Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) can live and work together safely. To run these microcities of 1,500 to 15,000 occupants— ( as previously reported × Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. kAm%96 4=:?:42= EC:2= >@56= 4@56 >2?5:E@CJ ] tIA6CED D2J E9:D ?6H 46CE:7:42E:@? :D E96 >@56C? G6CD:@? @7 E96 72>@FD 4@>AFE6C ?6EH@C< 46CE:7:42E6D 7C@> E96 `hg_D 2?5 `hh_D[ 3FE 3F:=E 7@C E96 6C2 @7 D>2CE C@3@ED]k^Am kAmw@H xE r@>A2C6D E@ E96 `hg_D 2?5 `hh_D x?E6C?6E tC2k^Am kAm(96? A6CD@?2= 4@>AFE6CD 2?5 E96 x?E6C?6E 7:CDE 3=6H FA E9:CEJ J62CD 28@[ E649 4@>A2?:6D ?66565 2 H2J E@ AC@G6 E92E 9F>2?D <?6H 9@H E@ 92?5=6 4@>AFE6CD] %96J 4C62E65 72>@FD 46CE:7:42E:@? E6DED =:<6ik^Am kF=mk=:m}@G6== r}t Wr6CE:7:65 }6E(2C6 t?8:?66CXi %2F89E A6@A=6 9@H E@ 4@??64E @77:46 4@>AFE6CD E@86E96C]k^=:mk=:m|:4C@D@7E |r$t Wr6CE:7:65 $JDE6>D t?8:?66CXi !C@G65 2 9F>2? 4@F=5 D6E FA (:?5@HD D6CG6CD]k^=:mk=:mr:D4@ rr}p Wr6CE:7:65 }6EH@C< pDD@4:2E6Xi r6CE:7:65 E92E 2? 6?8:?66C 4@F=5 A=F8 :? :?E6C?6E C@FE6CD]k3C ^mk3C ^mk3C ^mk3C ^mk^=:mk^F=m kAm%9@D6 @=5 46CE:7:42E6D @?=J AC@G65 2 9F>2? 4@F=5 7:I 2 A2DD:G6[ F?A=F8865 >249:?6] %96 ?6H "pxpI !C@ {:46?D6 :D 4@>A=6E6=J 5:776C6?E] x?DE625 @7 E6249:?8 9F>2?D E@ 7:I 4@>AFE6CD[ :E EC2:?D E96> E@ @G6CD66 4@>AFE6CD E92E CF? E96>D6=G6D] %96 A2E6?E D6ED FA 2 h_^`_ wJ3C:5 (@C<7@C46 |@56=] $FA6C4@>AFE6CD

Frontier AI <b>Smart Cities</b> Tech License Patent Creating a Legal Path for Public Robot-Run ...

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Municipal Machines Market Growth Forecast to 2035: <b>Smart City</b> Investments and ...

World Municipal Machines - Market Analysis, Forecast, Size, Trends and Insights - Full report in PDF · Excel data package · Word document · Executive presentation - Email delivery 24/7 any day, weekends and holidays included - Content copy-paste enabled · printable format - Unlimited clarification rounds after delivery Municipal Machines Market Forecast Points Higher Toward 2035 Driven by Smart City Infrastructure Investments Abstract According to the latest IndexBox report on the global Municipal Machines market, the market enters 2026 with broader demand fundamentals, more disciplined procurement behavior, and a more regionally diversified supply architecture. The World Municipal Machines market is entering a transformative decade as municipalities globally accelerate the replacement of aging electromechanical fleets with digitally enabled, sensor-rich systems. By 2035, the market is projected to reach an index of 175 relative to 2025, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. This expansion is underpinned by rapid urbanization in Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, and Africa, where large-scale water, waste, and traffic-management projects drive over 60% of new procurement volume. Concurrently, mature markets in Europe and North America sustain steady replacement demand, albeit at low-to-mid single-digit growth rates. A defining trend is the integration of IoT telemetry, with the share of machines shipped with embedded connectivity rising from an estimated 35-40% in 2026 to over 60% by 2030. Electrification of municipal fleets—including refuse trucks, street sweepers, and utility vehicles—is reshaping component demand, with power electronics, battery-management systems, and charging infrastructure expanding at 12-18% per year in value terms. Service-based procurement models, such as leasing and pay-per-use contracts, are gaining traction, particularly in mature markets where 30-40% of new contracts now include multi-year service agreements. However, supply chains remain heavily import-dependent for core electronic components, with over 70% of motor drives, programmable logic controllers, and communication modules sourced from

Bac Ninh's inclusive approach to religious policy helps accelerate key infrastructure projects

Bac Ninh (VNA) – As part of site clearance efforts for the Gia Binh International Airport project, authorities in the northern province of Bac Ninh have prioritised land allocation and developed plans to relocate and rebuild religious and spiritual facilities in a way intended to respect community needs and secure broad public support, helping to accelerate progress on the strategic infrastructure project. Ngo Thon Church in Gia Binh commune is among the religious sites affected by land acquisition for the project. Notably, the replacement site allocated by the province is larger than the original plot and has completed all legal procedures relating to land-use rights. The arrangement is regarded as an important step in ensuring the land-use right of religious organisations when land is reclaimed by the State for socio-economic development projects. Presenting the land-use right certificate for the replacement site to the Ngo Thon parish and formally handing over the land to representatives of the Bac Ninh Bishop’s Residence, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Van Thinh said the local administration remains committed to fully implementing the Party’s guidelines and the State’s policies and laws on belief and religion while safeguarding lawful religious activities. Representing the Bac Ninh Bishop’s Residence, priest Nguyen Van Khiem appreciated the support provided by provincial authorities, which enabled residents of Ngo Thon to receive a larger and more favourable site for rebuilding the church. He also expressed his hope that authorities will continue assisting with subsequent procedures so that land arrangements could be stabilised promptly and preparations could begin for the reconstruction of Ngo Thon Church and other affected places of worship. Prior to this, local authorities had held multiple meetings and consultations with the Bac Ninh Bishop’s Residence and affected parishes to better understand their concerns and aspirations while supporting timely

IKN phase II expected to drive stronger growth across East Kalimantan

Deputy for Planning and Agrarian Affairs at the IKN Authority (OIKN) Mia Amalia said in North Penajam Paser on Saturday that the 2025-2029 development phase is expected to generate greater economic benefits not only for Nusantara but also for surrounding regions. Citing an OIKN study, she pointed out that North Penajam Paser’s economy expanded by nearly 20 percent during the first development phase from 2022 to 2024, outperforming other districts and cities in East Kalimantan Province. Amalia added that the provincial economy grew by around 3.7 percent during the period, supported by increased government spending and a surge of investments in the construction sector. She voiced optimism that Nusantara’s development would further boost the regional gross domestic product, leading to sustainable growth for the city and neighboring regions. Amalia said the positive trend has been driven by stronger local supply chains through construction activities, greater involvement of local businesses, and increased activity in supporting sectors. According to her, the government is working under the Nusantara Economic Superhub framework to designate the future capital as a new epicenter of growth connected to surrounding regions, including the major cities of Balikpapan and Samarinda. Amalia further noted that the approach forms part of a broader strategy to boost East Kalimantan’s economy as a whole through more productive sectors capable of generating sustainable economic growth. The OIKN official went on to emphasize that the Nusantara project had evidently stimulated regional growth through intensified trade and increased demand for goods and services, logistics, accommodation, and transportation. “IKN’s success is not just measured by the number of buildings but also by economic growth and benefits for local communities,” she concluded. Related news: Indonesia, South Korea build smart city center in Nusantara Related news: IKN Authority strengthens local MSME's competitiveness Translator: Nyaman Bagus, Tegar Nurfitra Editor: M

DEWA installs 46 EV charging points at Al Shera'a to advance <b>sustainable</b> mobility

DEWA installs 46 EV charging points at Al Shera'a to advance sustainable mobility DUBAI, 4th July, 2026 (WAM) -- Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) provides 46 electric vehicle (EV) charging points at the car park of Al Shera'a, its new headquarters, supporting its commitment to sustainability and green mobility. Installed under DEWA's EV Green Charger initiative, the infrastructure comprises 40 alternating current charging points dedicated to DEWA employees, alongside six direct current charging points designated for visitors. Al Shera'a is the tallest, largest and smartest net-positive government building in the world, reflecting DEWA's commitment to consolidating its position as a global model for innovation, sustainability and energy efficiency. "During the inauguration of Al Shera'a, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, affirmed that 'Dubai represents a unique model where sustainability has been transformed from a strategic goal into a way of life and an everyday theme touching all aspects of society'. Guided by this vision, we have ensured that Al Shera'a embodies the highest global sustainability standards, not only as a net-positive energy building that generates more clean energy than it consumes, but also as a smart, sustainable and human-centric workplace with integrated infrastructure that supports green mobility. This includes comprehensive EV charging facilities that encourage employees and visitors to adopt environmentally friendly transport options," said Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA. "In line with the vision of our wise leadership and the objectives of the UAE Net Zero Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Green Mobility Strategy 2030, we continue to strengthen Dubai's leadership in sustainable mobility by encouraging greater adoption of EVs. We also support the emirate's efforts to reduce carbon emissions from the transport sector, improve air quality and enhance quality of life, further consolidating

Chaouen Returns to Environmental Cinema: Four Days of Dialogue Between Images and Nature

Chaouen Returns to Environmental Cinema: Four Days of Dialogue Between Images and Nature This edition confirmed, once again, that environmental cinema has become a tool for collective reflection, anticipating the future, and raising new questions about the relationship between humans and their natural environment. From Chaouen to the World: The Environment Through the Language of Images The fifteenth edition stood out for its broad openness to international cinematic experiences from France, Spain, Germany, Tunisia, the Sultanate of Oman, and other countries across different continents, offering the public the opportunity to discover diverse perspectives on contemporary environmental challenges, ranging from climate change and biodiversity loss to the sustainable management of natural resources and the protection of ecosystems. In his opening remarks, Abdelilah Tazi, president of the Talassemtane Association for the Environment and Development, emphasized that the festival is grounded in the conviction that natural, cultural, and artistic resources can serve as a true catalyst for sustainable development, and that investing in film and visual media is an investment in raising awareness and driving change. For his part, the festival director, Mohamed Sattar, noted that this cultural and environmental gathering has evolved from a simple film event to become, over the course of its successive editions, an international platform for reflection on the major environmental challenges facing the world today. He noted that the discussions hosted by the festival addressed urgent issues such as the decline in forest cover, growing pressure on water resources, the degradation of biodiversity, and the plastic waste crisis—one of the most pressing environmental problems of our time. Sattar added that the Talassemtane Association believes in the power of images and sound as effective tools for raising awareness and transforming behavior, reaffirming its ambition to establish Chaouen as the capital of green cinema and as an international hub

Why India is planning Namo <b>Cities</b>—and what they could mean for Delhi-NCR

India is preparing for one of the biggest urban transformations in its history. Over the next 15 years, the population of the National Capital Region (NCR) is projected to almost double, from about 7.86 crore today to 14.73 crore by 2041. That means nearly seven crore additional people will need homes, jobs, transport and public services in and around Delhi. The question confronting planners is straightforward: where will all these people live? Instead of allowing Delhi and its existing satellite cities to keep expanding outward, the government now wants to create entirely new urban growth centres connected by high-speed public transport. These proposed urban centres, officially described as "Namo Cities" under the Regional Plan-2041 (RP-2041), represent one of the most ambitious planning ideas introduced for the NCR in years. Announced after the 42nd meeting of the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) in June 2026, the proposal aims to develop four semi-greenfield, mixed-use cities around existing and upcoming stations on the Namo Bharat Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). The idea is simple in theory but ambitious in practice: instead of building transport after cities expand, build cities around transport from the very beginning. Whether that vision succeeds, however, will depend on far more than railway stations and real estate. Why does NCR need new cities? The NCR is already India's largest urban agglomeration. According to the housing and urban affairs ministry, it covers 55,083 square kilometres across Delhi and 27 districts of Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. The region contains 230 urban settlements and nearly 11,800 villages, while contributing roughly 8% of India's GDP. Its economic importance has continued to grow for decades, attracting migrants from across the country seeking employment, education and better opportunities. But success has created its own challenges. Delhi, Gurugram, Noida, Ghaziabad and Faridabad have experienced

Trump, Duke, Spain &amp; SF₆: This Week's Top Energy Stories

Trump, Duke, Spain & SF₆: This Week's Top Energy Stories 1. Trump Pays Duke Energy US$129m to Scrap its US Wind Projects Duke Energy has accepted a multi-million-dollar settlement from the US Government, agreeing to relinquish its offshore wind leases in North Carolina Duke Energy, one of the US’s premier energy providers, has agreed to scrap its plans to build a wind farm off the coast of North Carolina following discussions with the Trump administration. Duke has accepted a settlement of US$129m from the White House with the proceeds expected to go instead towards investments in nuclear power and natural gas, as well as upgrades to the grid. The termination of the company’s offshore wind lease is just the latest scalp of US President Donald Trump’s campaign against wind energy, which has already seen TotalEnergies axe its plans for two arrays on the Eastern Seaboard. The agreement, announced by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum on 29 June, covers Duke's Carolina Long Bay lease, a site located around 22 miles south of Bald Head Island in Brunswick County. The site had been earmarked to generate enough electricity to power more than 300,000 homes. Under the terms of the settlement, Duke has agreed to relinquish the lease and reinvest an equivalent sum into other projects in the Carolinas. The deal is the fourth of its kind struck by the Trump administration since taking office. As well as the deal with TotalEnergies in March (which saw the White House pay compensation of around US$1bn), Trump has paid settlements to Ocean Winds and Invenergy, to the tune of US$885m and US$765m respectively. 2. Spain's Decree to Keep Telco Networks Live During Blackouts A new decree from the Spanish Government forces mobile network providers to guarantee at least four hours of mobile coverage during blackouts and

LEAP East 2026, HK book fair, Foshan cultural and creative week

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Center will host LEAP East 2026 from July 8 to 10 to connect global tech solution providers, investors, industry leaders and high-growth startups from across key future-driven sectors, including artificial intelligence, deep tech, fintech and smart cities. The technology event will feature over 250 expert speakers and more than 300 exhibitors covering core themes such as fintech, biotech and blockchain. The event will host an iconic main stage and a dedicated Ecosystem Xchange platform, alongside an integrated network for investors and startups, which will streamline deal negotiations, strategic business matchmaking and cross-border industry collaboration. Where pages come alive The 36th Hong Kong Book Fair, one of the city’s most anticipated literary events, will kick off on July 15 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Under the theme “Cultural Legacy, Joyful Journeys,” this year’s fair features a rich lineup of author seminars, interactive cultural activities and a dedicated “World of Art and Culture” zone — all designed to spark public curiosity and encourage discovery through reading. The fair and the concurrent Hong Kong Sports and Leisure Expo and the World of Snacks are expected to bring together more than 770 exhibitors from nearly 30 countries and regions, creating a vibrant one-stop hub for culture, sports, and gourmet experiences. Beyond the exhibition halls, over 600 cultural events will unfold both at the venue and across various locations throughout the city. Lingnan culture shines further The FOCUS Foshan International Cultural and Creative Week, which kicked off on Friday, is being held across the city. Marking its debut in Foshan, the four-day event is expected to draw over 200 leading cultural and tourism figures from across the country, along with more than 90 government delegations representing 23 provinces. The events will feature 15

Astana is a metropolis with its own identity and ambitions, says Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike

Astana is a metropolis with its own identity and ambitions, says Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike On the eve of Capital City Day, Qazinform News Agency publishes an exclusive interview with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who praised Astana's rapid pace of development. Earlier this May, Yuriko Koike paid an official visit to Kazakhstan. In recognition of her significant contribution to strengthening friendly ties between Kazakhstan and Japan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded the Tokyo Governor the Order of Dostyq, I Degree. Despite her busy schedule, Koike found time to give an exclusive interview to Qazinform. She describes Astana as a modern megacity and highlights its growing role as a Eurasian hub for business and tourism. Ms. Koike, you paid an official visit to Kazakhstan in May this year. What do you consider the main achievement of that visit? During my stay in Astana, I had the opportunity to meet with the President of Kazakhstan. I was impressed by my conversation with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and highly appreciate his leadership and the institutional reforms he is advancing to promote economic growth, expand artificial intelligence and digitalization, and enhance the country's investment attractiveness. Under President Tokayev's leadership, Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a key Central Asian hub connecting Europe and Asia. Last December, Tokyo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Akimat of Astana city. During this trip, I visited and toured the organizations relevant to this MOU. Specifically, we carried out high-profile promotional initiatives for Tokyo-based startups and SMEs in the green transformation (GX) sector, while also undertaking site visits across a broad range of fields, including AI, disaster prevention, education, and sturgeon aquaculture. I believe this visit will help to deepen our cooperation on addressing shared challenges and strengthening our international competitiveness, leading to success for both cities. What insights

Astana is a metropolis with its own identity and ambitions, says Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike

Astana is a metropolis with its own identity and ambitions, says Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike On the eve of Capital City Day, Qazinform News Agency publishes an exclusive interview with Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, who praised Astana's rapid pace of development. Earlier this May, Yuriko Koike paid an official visit to Kazakhstan. In recognition of her significant contribution to strengthening friendly ties between Kazakhstan and Japan, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev awarded the Tokyo Governor the Order of Dostyq, I Degree. Despite her busy schedule, Koike found time to give an exclusive interview to Qazinform. She describes Astana as a modern megacity and highlights its growing role as a Eurasian hub for business and tourism. Ms. Koike, you paid an official visit to Kazakhstan in May this year. What do you consider the main achievement of that visit? During my stay in Astana, I had the opportunity to meet with the President of Kazakhstan. I was impressed by my conversation with President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and highly appreciate his leadership and the institutional reforms he is advancing to promote economic growth, expand artificial intelligence and digitalization, and enhance the country's investment attractiveness. Under President Tokayev's leadership, Kazakhstan is strengthening its role as a key Central Asian hub connecting Europe and Asia. Last December, Tokyo signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Akimat of Astana city. During this trip, I visited and toured the organizations relevant to this MOU. Specifically, we carried out high-profile promotional initiatives for Tokyo-based startups and SMEs in the green transformation (GX) sector, while also undertaking site visits across a broad range of fields, including AI, disaster prevention, education, and sturgeon aquaculture. I believe this visit will help to deepen our cooperation on addressing shared challenges and strengthening our international competitiveness, leading to success for both cities. What insights

Mekotronics Launches Jetson Orin AI Box for Edge Applications | Let's Data Science

Mekotronics Launches Jetson Orin AI Box for Edge Applications Mekotronics has launched an AI Box built around NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson Orin NX modules, targeting humanoid robots, Smart Cities management, and transportation (V2X) applications, according to CNX Software. The device supports module options up to 157 TOPS (16GB Orin NX) and includes HDMI output, six USB Type-A ports, dual Gigabit Ethernet with PoE, dual M.2 NVMe slots, a 40-pin GPIO header, and a CAN/UART terminal block, per CNX Software, which also reports Mekotronics has not yet published pricing or a sales listing. For edge-AI practitioners, compact Jetson Orin systems like this lower integration friction for vision, SLAM, and transformer-inference workloads in robotics and municipal sensing, though thermal design and lifecycle support still trade off against pricier, more ruggedized competitors. Compact Jetson Orin systems remain a practical path for deploying computer vision, visual SLAM, and transformer inference at the edge, because they package GPU acceleration and common I/O into a small, thermally manageable form factor. That matters for teams building humanoid robots, V2X hardware, and municipal sensing systems, where integration time and enclosure design are often bigger constraints than raw compute. What happened CNX Software reports that Mekotronics, a company better known for Rockchip-based industrial PCs, has launched an "AI Box" compatible with NVIDIA Jetson Orin Nano and Jetson Orin NX modules, targeting humanoid robots, smart transportation (V2X), Smart Cities, Smart Agriculture, and medical imaging applications. Supported module configurations include Jetson Orin Nano 4GB (up to 34 TOPS), Orin Nano 8GB (up to 67 TOPS), Orin NX 8GB (up to 117 TOPS), and Orin NX 16GB (up to 157 TOPS), per CNX Software. The board's I/O includes HDMI video output, six USB Type-A ports plus USB-C, two Gigabit Ethernet ports (one with PoE), two camera connectors, a 40-pin GPIO