<div>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Brain Corp (developer of AI systems for autonomous robots) announced the introduction of a new UX design that aims to optimize the usage of robots for different users, ranging from robot operators to management personnel. The new interface uses international symbols, which makes it convenient for robot operators to quickly understand the instructions.
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        The new software features also include enhanced reporting capabilities that enable users to obtain performance metrics of a single robot or multiple robots in a single interface. The interface comes in 12 different languages and the company plans to introduce more languages in the future. 
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <ul>
    <li>
      <p>
        Brain Corp&rsquo;s brainOS powered robotic applications include floor scrubbers, vacuums, and delivery tugs. It currently operates over 14,000 autonomous mobile robots globally. 
      </p>
    </li>
  </ul>
  <p>
  </p>
</div>


<div>
  <p>
    <a href="https://www.braincorp.com/newsroom/brain-corp-announces-new-ux-design-and-reporting-capabilities-that-simplify-robotic-usage-at-scale#:~:text=Powerful%20route%2Dcleaning%20upgrades%20%E2%80%94%20New,to%20be%20scheduled%20and%20executed.">
      Company press release
    </a>
  </p>
  <p>
    <a href="https://mobilerobotguide.com/2020/10/14/new-brainos-release-features-enhanced-ui-and-reporting-features/">
      Mobile robot guide
    </a>
  </p>
</div>


Retail Industry Robots

Brain Corp introduces new features to simplify robotic usage globally

Autonomous and connected technologies shaping the future of the auto industry

Auto Tech

INCUMBENTS_PRESENT

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 <p>Luminar Technologies, a LiDAR sensor manufacturer, has collaborated with Applied Intuition, a vehicle software supplier, to create advanced driver-assistance systems and autonomous driving technologies. Their initial product offering includes validated sensor models of Luminar LiDARs for testing in Applied Intuition's sensor simulator.</p>
 <p>This tool allows simulation of real-world scenarios, enhancing safety measures and decreasing testing expenses. Other features incorporated are sensor model validation by Luminar, efficient cloud simulation test running and performance assessment.</p>
 <p>Both companies are aiming to soon provide validated sensor models of Luminar LiDARs, "Iris" and "Iris+". Expected to be released in the future is Luminar's latest LiDAR sensor, the "Halo", a compact, affordable solution ideal for vehicles like low-cost cars.</p>
 <p>Luminar has also begun production and delivery of automotive-grade LiDAR sensors for Volvo Cars. This marks a major breakthrough as the Volvo EX90 is the first consumer vehicle to standardize this technology.</p>
</div>

Luminar Technologies partners with Applied Intuition for LiDAR simulation; unveils compact LiDAR version ‘Halo'; starts shipping LiDAR for Volvo

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 <p>Helm.ai, a company specializing in the development of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) software, autonomous driving software, and robotics, has announced the release of a new high-quality virtual scenario generation model. This model, which is based on neural networks, is designed with the goal of improving AI software for the development of ADAS and autonomous driving systems.</p>
 <p>Helm.ai's revolutionary technology can create virtual driving scenarios that feature a wide range of conditions, such as various weather and lighting situations, and different geographical environments. Furthermore, it includes detailed road features, which facilitate the training and validation of AI systems in handling rare or uncommon driving scenarios.</p>
 <p>This technology has the additional advantage of flexibility. Users are able to input either text or images to generate specific driving scenes to use in testing and development. This feature greatly enhances the efficiency and scalability of the training of perception software, which is key for autonomous vehicles.</p>
 
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> Helm.ai has enhanced its product offerings with new features. The company also introduced <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/25060"> Deep Neural Network (DNN)-based foundation models </a> in December 2023 to predict vehicular and pedestrian behaviors and to anticipate autonomous vehicle paths.</p>

Helm.ai launches high-fiidelity virtual scenario generation models for perception simulation

<div>
 <p>China-based autonomous driving technology firm, Momenta, is collaborating with automotive tech company, Qualcomm, to introduce a suite of scalable solutions for improved driver assistance systems (ADAS) and autonomous driving functions. These solutions incorporate Momenta's "One flywheel" technology and Qualcomm's latest Snapdragon Ride platform, supporting various scenarios such as highway and urban navigation. The plan is to implement these solutions in vehicle models later in the year.</p>
 <p>In addition to this, Momenta and Qualcomm are planning additional developments through the newest Snapdragon technology, aiming to enhance the integration of in-cabin and driving functions.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> This partnership will help accelerate the development of in-vehicle systems and highly automated driving functions to improve the driving experience, emphasizing safety and innovation in the automotive industry. Qualcomm has been partnering with automakers, including <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/21544"> BMW </a> and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/20653"> Hyundai </a> , for similar purposes.</p>

Momenta and Qualcomm partner to create scalable intelligent driving solutions for ADAS and autonomous driving functions

Technologies bringing about a new reality

Extended Reality

<div>
 <p>The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has launched an initiative called the Home as a Health Care Hub to incorporate home environments into the healthcare system. This initiative makes use of augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) technologies.</p>
 <p>In order to actualize this, the FDA has teamed up with an architectural firm to help in conceptualizing the transformation. They aim to have a prototype of this product ready by the end of the year. The initiative will focus specifically on developing structures in rural and low-income communities, with a particular emphasis on diabetes as the primary health concern.</p>
</div>

FDA announces Home as Health Care Hub project for improved health equity

<div>
 <p>According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple has reportedly reduced its shipment forecasts for the Vision Pro headset due to a decrease in demand. It is said that Apple anticipates selling around 400,000–450,000 units in 2024, as opposed to the earlier market consensus of 700,000–800,000 units. This development may prompt Apple to reassess its headset roadmap, potentially pushing back the release of a more affordable version of the Vision Pro headset till after 2025.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The reported downward revision in headset shipments is likely due to the Vision Pro’s price tag of USD 3,500, compared to more budget-friendly alternatives such as the Quest 3 (USD 500). Additionally, the news follows Sony reportedly <a href="https:<br>
//www.roadtovr.com/report-sony-psvr-2-pauses-production-low-sales/"> pausing </a> production of its PSVR 2 headset as the company looks to clear out excess inventory.&nbsp;</p>

Apple reportedly cuts Vision Pro headset shipment forecasts amid softening demand

<div>
 <p>DPVR, a China-based firm, has revealed its latest innovation, the E4 Arc VR headset, set to ship at the end of May. It features Ultraleap's Leap Motion Controller 2 hand-tracking camera, which allows users to interact with virtual reality settings without the need for separate controllers.</p>
 <p>The E4 Arc headset is specifically developed for arcade game creators, corporate training programmes, and 3D designers. The included Ultraleap hand-tracking camera facilitates collaborative spatial design, prototyping, and visualization of CAD designs. In addition, the headset is designed with a cooling system for temperature regulation and easily replaceable cables for straightforward maintenance.</p>
 <p>Furthermore, DPVR's R&amp;D team is performing compatibility tests for hand-tracking supported games in the SteamVR library. This includes popular titles like Half-Life: Alyx and VRChat.</p>

</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
</b> The E4 Arc headset likely incorporates the new cooling and audio systems announced by the company in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/27053"> February 2024 </a> , and follows the launch of its E4C headset in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/22921"> October 2023 </a> , tailored toward VR arcade operators. Additionally, Ultraleap’s Leap Motion 2 Controller (launched in <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/18981"> May 2023 </a> and priced at USD 139), offers improved camera resolution, a wider field-of-view (FOV), and lower power consumption than its predecessor.&nbsp;</p>

DPVR announces launch of hand-tracking-supported E4 Arc VR headset

<div>
    <p>Rokid has unveiled the AR Lite, a combination of Rokid Max 2 AR glasses and Rokid Station 2 host unit. Details on pricing and availability have not been released yet as the company intends to crowdfund for the product on Kickstarter.</p>
    <p>Weighting 75 g, the Rokid Max 2 AR glasses come with an adjustable interpupillary distance (IPD), reducing the need for corrective lenses. The Rokid Station 2 host unit, made with an aluminum frame, operates on a Snapdragon platform optimized by Qualcomm for graphics rendering and AI calculations, and uses one-, two-, and three-finger touch controls.</p>
    <p>The combination of Max 2 and Station 2 supports multiscreen mode, allowing users to anchor multiple virtual displays (300 in) in real space. The "Motion Mode" also offers increased image stabilization, enabling users to wear the AR glasses while on the move without suffering from motion sickness.</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> The AR Lite aligns with Rokid’s plans to build out spatial computing capabilities for its AR glasses, for which the company raised USD 71 million in funding in January 2024. Notably, mixed reality (or spatial computing) devices have seen a revival in investor interest following the debut of Apple’s Vision Pro headset, which prominently featured such capabilities.</p>

Rokid introduces AR Lite featuring Max 2 AR glasses and Station 2 host unit

A new wave of meat, fish, and poultry alternatives are driving this hyper-growth industry into the mainstream.

Plant-based Meat

<div>
 <p>UNLIMEAT, a plant-based brand from South Korean company Zikooin, has teamed up with Starbucks Hong Kong to launch a plant-based pulled pork wrap. The product includes UNLIMEAT's substitute for pulled pork along with vegetables, providing a new plant-based dish at Starbucks. This partnership follows previous collaborations by UNLIMEAT in Hong Kong, suggesting promising outlooks and possible expansion in the future.&nbsp;</p>
</div> <p><b>Analyst QuickTake:<br>
 </b> This partnership follows a series of collaborations between UNLIMEAT and global brands like IKEA and 7-Eleven in Hong Kong. In 2023, the brand partnered with&nbsp; <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/18703"> Two Hands </a> and <a href="https:<br>
//sp-edge.com/updates/21096"> JUST Egg </a> in the US to develop Korean-inspired vegan products.</p>

UNLIMEAT partners with Starbucks Hong Kong to introduce plant-based pulled pork wrap

Platforms, apps, and cards to keep the corporate wallet in check

Business Expense Management

<div>

 <p>Basware, a company based in Finland, offers automated accounts payable and invoice processing solutions. Their latest product is an AI solution called "AP Protect" that aims to protect businesses from financial setbacks caused by invoice errors or fraudulent actions.</p>
 <p>AP Protect is powered by over 800 algorithms and offers real-time monitoring. Its objective is to detect and prevent potential errors and fraud, thereby avoiding overpayments. The system uses confidence indicators in order to reduce the occurrence of false positives, that is, transactions that are wrongly labeled as fraudulent. Additionally, it assists businesses in determining and eliminating the fundamental causes of fraud or overpayment in their vendor master data.</p>
 <p>The company highlights three key benefits of the AP Protect solution. Firstly, it can proactively identify mistakes, preventing unnecessary fund disbursement. Secondly, it helps in identifying unauthentic vendors and suspicious transactions through invoice analysis. Lastly, it provides insights that can help eliminate the primary causes of overpayment and fraudulent activities in the vendor master data.</p>

</div>

Basware launches AI solution AP Protect to combat invoice fraud and errors

AI, robotics, and IoT to streamline the flow of goods and information

Logistics Tech

<div>
 <p>Coupa Software, a procurement and accounts payable management software, has collaborated with Bottomline, a business payment solutions provider. The partnership integrates Coupa Pay with Bottomline's Paymode-X network, enabling digital payments between buyers and suppliers to be automated.</p>
 <p>The united system will boost payment security and facilitate Premium ACH payments.</p>
 <p>This collaboration marks the first launch under Bottomline’s network-as-a-service initiative, introduced in October 2023. It grants Coupa Pay users access to a network of over 550,000 verified suppliers.</p>
</div>

All Updates