Daily Archives: October 17, 2024

Acusensus tech pumps breaks on the ‘fatal five’

In 2019, the NSW government unveiled a world-first program to crackdown on illegal mobile phone use by drivers. 
In 2021, the Queensland government kicked off a first-of-its-kind seatbelt compliance enforcement technology scheme. 
Soon after, the Western Australian government announced a new platform aiming to enforce speeding, distraction and seatbelt rules for drivers, and a new scheme to crackdown on drivers in bus lanes began in Sydney. 
The landmark programs all had one thing in common: they were powered by Melbourne-based tech firm Acusensus.
Acusensus managing director Alexander Jannink
The startup has created an artificial intelligence-powered multi-function enforcement solution aiming to address the “fatal five” most common causes of road deaths: speeding, impaired driving, failure to wear a seatbelt, driver fatigue and driver distraction. 
These lead to the deaths of 1.19 million people each year around the world. 
Acusensus’ platform can capture high-resolution, prosecutable evidence of illegal driving behaviour 24 hours a day, seven days a week in all weather conditions. This can be done no matter the level of sunlight and glare, with extremely high clarity and without blur up to speeds of 300km/hr. 
The platform can now detect three of the “fatal five”, including speeding, drivers not wearing a seatbelt and drivers being distracted behind the wheel. 
The technology is currently in use across New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia and the ACT, and the company has offices in the United Kingdom and United States. 
Acusensus is a finalist in the InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence in the Software Innovation category. The InnovationAus Awards for Excellence winners and finalists will be celebrated at a black-tie gala dinner at The Venue Alexandria in Sydney on Wednesday October 30. You can book your tickets here.
The Software Innovation category is sponsored by TechnologyOne. 
The Acusensus platform was rolled out as part of a program in Western Australia aimed at data collection, and now has 224 deployments across 170 sites in the state. 
In 2019, it was rolled out in NSW to identify the illegal use of mobile phones by drivers. Across the following three years there was a sixfold reduction in the rate of camera-detected mobile phone offences in the state. 
After just six months of the program being in place, the rate of mobile phone offences in NSW fell steadily to 0.3 percent, compared with 1.2 percent earlier. 
The initial trial of this service in NSW, running from January to April 2019, led to the detection of 100,000 drivers using their phones while driving, among 8.5 million vehicles that were checked by the platform. 
The program was made permanent in NSW later that year. 
Early last year Acusensus completed a listing on the Australian Securities Exchange under the ACE ticker. 
Looking for brand exposure in front of Australia’s tech ecosystem? Purchase a table of 10 for the InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence and have your logo displayed on screens across the venue and in the event programme as a ‘Table Sponsor’.  
The InnovationAus 2024 Awards for Excellence are supported by: Australian Computer Society, Investment NSW, Department of Industry, Science and Resources, Technology Council of Australia, TechnologyOne, National Artificial Intelligence Centre, CSIRO’s ON Innovation Program, Reason Group, Q-CTRL, University of New South Wales, South by South West Sydney and IP Australia. 
Protecting your great ideas with intellectual property (IP) rights can lead to lasting benefits for your growing business. IP refers to creations of the mind, such as a brand, logo, invention, design or artistic work. Head to the IP Australia website to find out more about IP, and how it might help your business. 
Do you know more? Contact James Riley via Email.

Sitharaman two-nation visit to Mexico, USA: Full schedule including key meetings

Nirmala Sitharaman arrives at Guadalajara Airport (Picture credit: X) Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman began her official visit to Mexico and the USA on Thursday. She arrived at Guadalajara Airport, also known as Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla International Airport (GDL), where she was welcomed by India’s ambassador to Mexico, Pankaj Sharma.Sitharaman’s visit to MexicoThe finance minister will be in Mexico from October 17 to 20. This marks her first visit to the country, aimed at strengthening ties between India and Mexico with a focus on trade, investment, and technology.She will meet political and business leaders in Guadalajara and Mexico City. The ministry of finance posted photos of Sitharaman’s visit to Mexico on the social media platform X, saying, “The Union Finance Minister will engage with political and business leaders from different sectors … focusing on exploring further collaboration in #trade, #investment, #technology, #innovation, and #DPI, leading to deepening bilateral relations between #IndiaMexico.”Starting her trip in Guadalajara, known for its

Korean Government Set to Designate Robotics as High-tech Strategic Industry 

Aei Robot’s humanoid robot Alice ver. 3 (Aei Robot)

The Korean government is moving to designate robotics as a national advanced strategic industry as early as this year. The designation is expected to boost the competitiveness of the Korean robotics industry, as the government will provide various tax benefits to robotics companies and shorten administrative red tape.

Park Sung-taek, deputy minister of trade, industry and energy, said that his ministry will launch a project in the first half of 2025 with the goal of developing a world-class humanoid in 2027. He disclosed this plan during a visit to Aei Robot, a humanoid company at Hanyang University’s ERICA Campus in Ansan, Gyeonggi Province.

Currently, there are four industries designated by the Korean government as advanced strategic industries –: semiconductors, secondary batteries, displays, and bio. The Korean government plans to expand the number to five by including robotics. Companies in a hi-tech strategic industry will be given not only tax benefits such as corporate tax cuts, but technical support, a fast-track service for licensing, and special treatments in feasibility studies.

The Korean government sees great growth potential in the robotics industry. In particular, robots with advanced cognitive and judgmental capabilities that are close to human intelligence such as humanoids are expected to dramatically increase productivity, safety, and quality at industrial workplaces.

A global race for humanoids is also heating up. In January, Goldman Sachs forecast the global humanoid market to reach $38 billion in 2035. Compared to its November 2022 forecast ($6 billion), the figure is a six-fold increase in just a year and two months. Tesla, led by Elon Musk, is investing heavily in its humanoid, Optimus, with the goal of mass-producing robots within a few years. Some experts predicted that a one-robot-per-household era, where humanoids serve as personal assistants, is on the horizon.

The Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy (MOTIE) plans to designate robotics as a high-tech strategic industry soon after deliberations by the National Advanced Strategic Industry Committee. “The United States and China are leading the way in the humanoid industry with massive preemptive investments, but we also have ample potential in terms of manpower and technology,” Park said, emphasizing that the planned “Humanoid AI Transformation Project” will serve as a focal point for consolidating the capabilities of AI, robots, AI semiconductors, and component companies.

Aei Robot, which Vice Minister Park visited on the day, is a Korean humanoid company that won the Robo Cup, an international humanoid soccer competition, for three consecutive years. It is developing humanoids that can be used in various industrial fields.

Topcon Agriculture introduces Value Line Steering solution, bringing affordable precision technology to small and medium-sized farms

Topcon Agriculture has announced the release of its new Value Line Steering solution designed specifically for farmers using mid-range tractors on small to medium-sized farms. The new offering represents a significant step in making autosteering technology, typically used on larger machinery, accessible to a broader range of farmers. 
“At Topcon Agriculture, we are committed to the democratization of technology — putting precision agriculture technology in the hands of more farmers throughout the world,” said Antonio Marzia, executive vice president and general manager of Topcon Agriculture.
“With the Value Line, we are opening up opportunities for farmers who have older or smaller machinery, or smaller specialty farms, to boost the value of their machinery, with autosteering technology that is based on our proven premium steering technology used for decades on larger machines. It is an integrated system designed to seamlessly work with a variety of tractors, including compliance with ISOBUS-UT functionality to offer universal compatibility and ease of use. Our goal is to provide high-quality, reliable, affordable, value-added technology that works across a wide range of applications, machinery and brands, keeping with our philosophy of being a partner to farmers and supporting their independent brand choices.”
The Value Line Steering solution is a comprehensive package that includes a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver, electric steering wheel controller, touchscreen console, and Horizon Lite software, compatible with front-wheel-steer tractors. Farmers also have the option to add local, satellite or RTK correction services such as Topcon’s Topnet Live for enhanced precision based on their unique needs.
Autosteering allows for more efficient use of resources, leading to reduced input costs for seeds, fertilizers, and fuel. This not only improves the farm’s bottom line but also contributes to more sustainable farming practices. The increased accuracy in field operations can also lead to improved crop yields, further enhancing profitability.
Farmers from various agricultural sectors, including commodity crops, specialty crops, and mixed farming systems, can expect significant benefits in their operations when adopting the technology.
“There is tremendous potential for growth in the agriculture industry, and Value Line is another step for Topcon in being a preferred partner in this evolving landscape by fostering adoption and effective collaboration both with OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) and the farmer,” Marzia said.
“We are a global company with decades of precision technology experience with engineering, R&D, and manufacturing operations on multiple continents, along with a global network of dealers for sales and support. Designed with quality in mind, Topcon facilities across the world, such as Germany, Italy, and the United States, are providing the display consoles, steering wheels, and receivers.”
The Value Line Steering solution is now available through Topcon Agriculture’s global network of authorized dealers. For more information about the autosteering solution and Topcon Agriculture’s full range of precision farming technologies, visit topconpositioning.com/value-line. 

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United States and China are Both Vying for Africa’s Minerals

The United States finds itself in a new geopolitical contest with China—not over ideology, but for access to critical minerals. These resources are essential to modern technology and the transition to a low-carbon future. With 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves, Africa is at the heart of this struggle. Yet, while China has aggressively expanded its influence through diplomacy and investment, the U.S. has lagged behind. As global demand for minerals like cobalt, lithium, and graphite intensifies, the U.S. must reassess its foreign policy toward Africa. America cannot afford to fall further behind in this strategic competition. To secure its supply chains and protect its national security, the U.S. must treat African nations as equal partners, fostering relationships built on mutual benefit rather than short-term gains. Since the early 2000s, China has strengthened its foothold in Africa through extensive loans, infrastructure projects, and diplomatic efforts. Its Belt and Road Initiative has positioned China as the dominant foreign player on the continent, securing access to the critical minerals it needs for economic growth. Today, China controls 90% of the world’s mineral refining capacity, giving it outsized power in global markets. This dominance is no accident. China’s engagement with Africa dates back to the 1960s when it supported African liberation movements during decolonization. Today, many African nations owe debts to Chinese lenders, and China’s influence spans sectors from energy to mining, information technology, and defense. This long-standing relationship has given China a significant edge over the U.S. in gaining access to Africa’s critical resources. The U.S. needs a more proactive, strategic approach to Africa—one that acknowledges the continent’s pivotal role in global supply chains. Rather than viewing Africa as merely a source of raw materials, the U.S. should engage African nations as equal partners. Only by fostering partnerships that align with Africa’s economic development goals can the U.S. build mutually beneficial relationships that advance both African interests and U.S. foreign policy objectives. In 2022, the United States signed formal agreements with the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Zambia, which are a step in the right direction. By supporting the development of electric vehicle battery supply chains, the agreements provide a blueprint for future engagement. But much more is needed. First, the U.S. and its Western allies must include African nations in global mineral initiatives. The Minerals Security Partnership (MSP), which aims to diversify supply chains, involves Western countries, India, Japan, South Korea, and the EU—but excludes African nations. Given Africa’s vast mineral reserves, this is a glaring oversight that must be corrected. Second, U.S. policy should support African countries in developing their own mineral processing capacity. Several nations, including Namibia, Ghana, and Zimbabwe, have banned the export of unprocessed minerals, opting instead to build domestic industries and processing capabilities. The U.S. can play a critical role here by offering technical assistance and investment to help these countries move up the value chain. Finally, the U.S. must prioritize strategic outreach to key African nations, employing commercial diplomacy to engage decision-makers. Countries like the DRC, Guinea, and Mozambique are not only rich in critical minerals but also hold strategic importance for U.S. interests in the region. The U.S. cannot afford to be a bystander in the global race for critical minerals. Securing access to these resources is not just an economic priority—it’s a matter of national security. Whether under a second Trump administration or a Harris-led one, American foreign policy must focus on strengthening ties with African nations. The U.S. can safeguard its supply chains and remain competitive by offering a compelling alternative to China’s exploitative tactics and investing in sustainable, long-term relationships. The time to act is now. If you’re interested in writing for International Policy Digest – please send us an email via [email protected]

The 32nd Annual CAST-USA Conference and 2024 Global Innovation Summit Concluded with International Collaboration.

The 32nd Annual CAST-USA Conference and 2024 Global Innovation Summit Concluded with International Collaboration. – Technology Today – EIN Presswire