However, when delving into this topic, many people are often overwhelmed by its complex information and various standards and technical jargon. This has led many corporate leaders to adopt a wait-and-see attitude because they find it challenging to grasp accurate and comprehensive information.

In a previous interview with《The Icons》(Asia’s Leading Private Board Guru! TXA Private Board Secretary General Steve Hsu: Empower Start-up CEOs to Secure Funding and Soar from Struggle to Success!). This time, Steve Hsu, the founder of TXA Private Board and Secretary-General of MISA (Management Innovation and Smart Sharing Association), is back to share the strategic purpose and unique insights of his latest creation, the “ESG Private Board.”

“The market information may be complex, but who says you can only be a follower?”

“In times of chaos, heroes emerge—you can become a market definer!”

For many corporate leaders, to stand out in their industry, they need more than just capabilities, luck, and capital; they also need a vision that can “perceive the market” deeply and with a long-term perspective.

Steve Hsu points out that 2023 is the “ESG breakout year,” with various regulations, standards, and operational details emerging. While many corporate leaders recognize the importance of ESG, they often struggle to start due to the complexity of standards, technical terms, and regulations.

“If you hesitate to enter the game because you find the standards confusing and the terminology overwhelming, you’ll miss out on a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for an industry shake-up! I believe that leaders should think from another perspective. While the government sets the rules, it’s the companies that truly understand the industry. Don’t wait for the regulations to become clear and the waters to settle; instead, get involved while the global game rules are still unclear. Do it within manageable costs and play along with these new rules!”

Steve Hsu gives an example that governments can’t possibly understand how to calculate the carbon footprint of a product better than companies can. Governments are even more puzzled. This is an excellent opportunity for companies to proactively participate in rule-making.

“If no other company or government organization has designed carbon footprint calculation rules (PCR, Product Category Rules) for your product yet, why not take the initiative to create rules for the industry? Governments allow industries to define and apply their rules after review. By doing so, you gain a say in the industry and build a favorable foundation for your brand image. Besides, sooner or later, you’ll have to comply with these rules for calculating carbon footprints, so why not actively participate in rule-making?”

Steve Hsu emphasizes that the execution plans for ESG vary from country to country, providing excellent opportunities for companies looking to actively participate in international markets in specific fields. Learning curves are lowest when you act early. After establishing practical cases, companies can actively engage in ESG dialogues in international supply chains. When it comes time to restructure the supply chain, companies will have a stronger position compared to their competitors. This is the essence of “heroes emerge in times of chaos.”

“While ‘do good without letting others know’ is a personal virtue, companies need to communicate actively.”

In addition to actively participating in ESG practices, Steve Hsu also suggests that corporate leaders should proactively convey their ESG beliefs and perspectives, letting the market know their values and mission. It’s not just about integrating these principles into the corporate culture; it’s about showing the world the company’s efforts in relevant areas.

“I often tell entrepreneurs that their views on ESG should not be coldly enclosed in sustainability reports but should be communicated through the media, especially online media. This can be done through in-depth interviews with leaders and even through lively storytelling. It should reach international media if possible.”

Steve Hsu emphasizes that this is a global competition for supply chains, and ESG is inherently global. Besides pushing themselves to the international stage, entrepreneurs have no other choice. ESG places a strong emphasis on stakeholder communication. Each section of the sustainability report should correspond to the company’s mission and vision and be presented in a storytelling manner to make the global market aware of your company. And these stories should not be limited to traditional print media but should fully utilize new media to engage in cross-border global communication with stakeholders.

“Thank you, 《The Icons》 for representing the international community and stepping up at this time, becoming a leading global wall of sustainable leaders. I see that you are not only providing entrepreneurs with the opportunity to tell their ESG stories to the world but also creating a virtuous cycle on the global sustainability track.”

Steve Hsu concludes by emphasizing that standing at the forefront of the ESG trend, any entrepreneur has the opportunity to gain more influence and even set the rules. However, the prerequisite is not only active participation in practice but also conveying their values to others:

“The concept of ‘doing good without letting others know’ does not apply to ESG. Your ideas, vision, values, and your company’s performance should be made known to the world. It’s not about pride or humility, or being high-profile or low-profile; it’s about a leader’s commitment and attitude, which can trigger more positive cycles. This doesn’t just bring more business opportunities and resources for yourself but also helps the entire ecosystem succeed!”

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The post Is the Global ESG Standard a Mess? TXA Private Board Secretary General Steve Hsu: Become the “Market Definer”! first appeared on The Icons.

Far EasTone’s Two Remarkable Initiatives Earn High Praise for Providing Effective Solutions to Society

Far EasTone’s two standout initiatives include the “AI Anti-Fraud Mechanism” and “5G Telemedicine Services.” The “AI Anti-Fraud Mechanism” serves to protect users from fraudulent calls and messages. Through a collaborative effort with law enforcement agencies, Far EasTone has implemented an “AI Predictive Anti-Fraud Detection System” to analyze high-risk areas and big data models, thereby identifying and blocking suspicious fraud activities from mobile phone call records. Impressively, their fraud detection rate using AI technology stands at a remarkable 92.5%, having successfully prevented 2.24 million fraudulent text messages, 1.71 million overseas calls, and 43,000 malicious URLs over the past five years.

Rural healthcare often faces challenges due to geographical constraints, unequal healthcare distribution, and difficulties in providing medical services in remote areas. “5G Telemedicine Services,” powered by 5G networks and IoT technology, offers secure and private remote medical care, presenting a novel solution to rural healthcare challenges. Additionally, it optimizes information and communication environments within hospitals, enabling vertical integration applications and realizing the vision of smart healthcare facilities, ultimately improving healthcare access for rural residents.

Far EasTone’s CEO, Chi Jing, emphasized, “As the economy and technology continue to evolve, there is a growing awareness of environmental and social issues. In recent years, the international focus on ESG is not just about corporate competitiveness but is crucial for achieving sustainability. Far EasTone, through our ‘Far EasTone Big Three’ (big data, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things), combats fraud and safeguards our consumers. Furthermore, our 5G-powered telemedicine platform, developed in-house, brings medical resources to remote areas and strengthens the development of digital talents, benefiting rural residents. We are honored to receive recognition from the ‘Citizens for Sustainability Award’ judges. We will continue to develop more green ICT solutions, deepen our collaboration with strategic partners, and accelerate corporate digital transformation and net-zero initiatives, ultimately contributing to a smarter and more sustainable life experience for society as a whole.”

The judging panel also highlighted that Far EasTone’s long-term commitment to “5G Telemedicine Services” demonstrates the ability to not only recognize societal issues but also take impactful and effective ESG actions. Far EasTone’s actions translate into significant contributions to the economy, environment, and society, embodying the principles of ESG and sustainability for the greater good.

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The post The 2023 “Citizens for Sustainability Award” Results Announced! Far EasTone Dominates the Telecommunications Industry first appeared on The Icons.

To provide some context, carbon emissions are categorized into three scopes:

Scope 1: Direct emissions from sources owned or controlled by a company, including emissions from processes, facilities, and vehicle fleets.

Scope 2: Indirect emissions from purchased electricity, heat, or steam used by the company.

Scope 3: All other indirect emissions produced externally, encompassing employee commuting, business travel, and emissions throughout a product’s lifecycle.

The Dilemma of Carbon Reduction for Giant Corporations

Meta’s exceptionally high proportion of Scope 3 emissions highlights the complex challenges that many large companies face in the next phase of their journey towards achieving net-zero emissions. Influencing and measuring greenhouse gas reductions among suppliers, customers, and other participants in the value chain who are far removed from a corporation’s direct control is undeniably challenging.

To address this issue, Meta is actively seeking solutions. According to their “request for information (RFI),” this effort constitutes the third pillar of Meta’s high-level emissions reduction strategy, with the first two pillars being a focus on decarbonization in business decisions and collaboration with suppliers to reduce their emissions.

Meta explains, “We are initiating an RFI for value chain emissions reduction projects so that we can directly connect with entities that are positioned to originate, host and/or support a value chain emissions reduction project or the increased offtake of low-carbon solutions or materials. This RFI is focused on the hard-to-abate sectors within which our value chain partners operate.”

Some of the sectors under consideration include:

• Trucking and other transportation of durable goods (such as the hardware and networking equipment needed for its data centers).
• Maritime and aviation shipping (reflecting the origin of many information technology products).
• Manufacturers and producers of low-carbon versions of materials including cement and concrete, copper, and steel.
• Semiconductor manufacturing.
• Industrial heating and cooling equipment.
• Green hydrogen.

This initiative builds upon Meta’s ongoing work since 2021 to better understand supplier emissions, as outlined in their July white paper. In 2021, they collaborated with a pilot group of 38 partners to calculate their carbon footprints and identify reduction opportunities. Last year, Meta expanded this engagement to 114 suppliers, focusing on carbon accounting training, setting science-based reduction targets, and creating renewable energy procurement strategies.

Currently, Meta has partnered with over a hundred suppliers for ongoing research. In their white paper, Meta also states that their collaboration with suppliers includes carbon accounting training, setting science-based emission reduction targets, and developing renewable energy procurement strategies. Meta emphasizes that investing in value chain emissions reduction projects is a crucial key to addressing sources that cannot be directly influenced.

Meta has further committed to reducing Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 42% compared to 2021 levels by the year 2031. By 2026, they aim to have at least two-thirds of their suppliers commit to “precise greenhouse gas emission reduction targets.” Additionally, Meta intends to keep Scope 3 emissions below the 2021 baseline by the end of 2031.

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The post New Carbon Emission Sources Emerging? Meta’s High Scope 3 Emissions and Potential Solutions first appeared on The Icons.

In June of this year, “Business Today” held the “Taiwan Great Future International Summit” with the theme of “Green and Sustainable New Realms of Life.” Huang Hsin-Chuan, the CEO of Lion Travel, shared insights about the interaction, perspectives, and efforts between the travel industry and sustainability.

Minimizing the pain points for travelers and reducing their inconvenience

Huang Hsin-Chuan pointed out that low-carbon travel is already an ongoing initiative at Lion Travel. The company has established two integrated transfer centers in the north, central, south, and east regions of Taiwan, and has introduced 16 diverse bicycle routes, which have been well-received by businesses. Lion Travel will continue to set up bicycle supply stations in Yilan, Hualien, and Taitung, collaborate with five-star hotels, and arrange for travelers to rest in VIP lounges. This provides a low-carbon, healthy travel option to consumers with varying preferences, while offering thoughtful services to minimize inconveniences for consumers. Huang Hsin-Chuan stated:

“We do our best to minimize the pain points for travelers and reduce their inconvenience.”

Sustainability trickles down from the top, with employee understanding as the key

Huang Hsin-Chuan mentioned that starting from 2022, Lion Travel announced that it would no longer provide bottled water, which led to resistance from both guests and frontline staff. “Initially, it kept me awake at night. The staff felt that I didn’t understand the hardships at the frontline,” he said. In the process of promoting sustainability, one often encounters numerous challenges. However, Lion Travel’s original intention behind this decision was, “We shouldn’t just make money and leave the trash for the local community.”

During the implementation of this policy, a communication process spanning six months took place. Fortunately, employees and the majority of consumers were able to understand this measure. After calculations, this policy saves the equivalent of 157 Taipei 101 skyscrapers worth of plastic bottles each year. Huang Hsin-Chuan also shared, “Although a few customers still find it inconvenient, I hope most consumers are willing to give us a new chance.” The process of promoting sustainability is a “top-down” process, and within this process, how communication flows between upper and lower levels not only tests the wisdom of leadership but also becomes a critical factor in the long-term implementation of corporate ESG.

As the United Nations has defined a sustainable lifestyle, it is “a way of life and patterns of consumption and production that minimize the use of natural resources, reduce waste and emissions, respond to social needs, and are culturally acceptable and economically viable.” Practicing sustainability in daily life while contemplating the meaning of a sustainable new life involves establishing sustainable habits in the most mundane aspects of life, including food, clothing, shelter, transportation, and leisure. This transforms what is commonly perceived as “inconvenient” into a “habit.”

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The post Inconvenience Arises from Unfamiliarity! Lion Travel Service CEO, Huang Hsin-Chuan: Sustainability May Cause Inconvenience to Consumers, but It can Save the Earth first appeared on The Icons.

Collaborating with the Government to Promote Taiwanese Industrial Excellence

To promote Taiwanese industrial excellence in Japan, Taiwan’s Bureau of Foreign Trade under the Ministry of Economic Affairs initiated the “Taiwan Excellence Program,” collaborating with the renowned Japanese bookstore “Yodoyabashi,” to launch the “Everyday Taiwan” themed Taiwanese Excellence Concept Store at Eslite Spectrum Nihonbashi. The store features a two-month event showcasing over a hundred products from award-winning Taiwanese companies, creating a distinctly Taiwanese atmosphere for Japanese consumers to experience without leaving the country.

During the opening of the Taiwanese Excellence Concept Store, Lin Chun-shou, Director of the Economic Division at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan, remarked, “The Taiwanese Excellence Concept Store is the fruit of Taiwan-Japan cooperation. Eslite Nihonbashi serves as a mature, refined consumption channel that gathers elements of Taiwan and high-quality aesthetics. It perfectly aligns with the spirit of the ‘Taiwan Excellence Award’ and welcomes friends from various sectors in Japan and Taiwanese residents in Japan to come and experience the charm of Taiwanese excellence.”

Strengthening the Concept of Sustainable Products! Green Products Draw Attention

During the opening ceremony and press conference, each boutique company presented their finest products to captivate consumers’ attention. Tokuyo, a pioneer in holistic health, introduced an egg-shaped massage chair, providing the ultimate massage experience. Novium showcased a self-standing pen that maintains a 23.5-degree angle, combining technology and aesthetics, alongside other captivating exhibits.

With the United Nations’ continued emphasis on sustainability, Deng Chih-cheng, Director of the Taiwan Trade Center in Tokyo, noted that Japanese businesses and citizens have placed greater emphasis on sustainable development in recent years. Therefore, the event specifically highlighted numerous sustainable products, including Acer’s energy-efficient air purifier, Delta’s all-purpose charger using 100% renewable energy, and O’right’s globally pioneering zero-carbon shampoo.

Creating a Green Platform for Green Living, Co-crafting a Balanced Aesthetic Environment

Beyond international promotion, Eslite Life took the initiative in June of this year to promote cultural and design brands through the lifestyle cultural platform “expo.” The platform brought together over 50 eco-friendly brands to create the “Eslite Life Green Festival,” jointly creating a daily outlook that balances aesthetic living with environmental sustainability.

Eslite Life’s expo curated its store space to convey a relaxed, lightweight concept of green living: “Every choice you make contributes to the Earth.” It nurtures the seeds of dreams for a greener lifestyle, collecting a diverse array of designs to cultivate a new world of cultural creativity.

Mercy Wu, Chairman of Eslite Life, once said, “Now it seems that we are at the end of the tunnel, and we can already see the light ahead.”　　

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The post Mercy Wu, Chairman of Eslite Life, “It Looks Like We Are at the End of the Tunnel Now, and We Can Already See the Light Ahead.” first appeared on The Icons.

With COMPUTEX TAIPEI drawing to an end, the exemplary ESG practices demonstrated by BenQ throughout the event have earned them ISO certification from the British Standards Institution (BSI), attracting media attention worldwide. In an exclusive interview with “The Icons,” BenQ Taiwan General Manager, Steve Yang, stated, “BenQ is a people-centric brand. We aim to assist customers in green transition, minimizing waste at exhibitions and delivering positive social impact. We hope to spread the BenQ spirit of “bringing enjoyment n’ quality to life” far and wide.”

Following 100% environmental sustainability with the 3R principles! BenQ becomes the first and only global company to achieve ISO 20121 sustainable event management requirements in COMPUTEX.

During COMPUTEX TAIPEI, BenQ sprang its sustainability concept into action, creating a highly profiled green booth. The design of the booth not only met the three dimensions of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) but also complied with the requirements of the ISO 20121 sustainable event management system. Besides, all 15 ESG targets were achieved and verified by BSI assessment. Taiwan General Manager, Steve Yang mentioned in the interview with “The Icons,” “Our goal is to become the first and the only company in the world to obtain ISO 20121 since COMPUTEX’s inception in 1981. The company has been involved in smart solution development for ten years, generating revenue of over 60 billion TWD last year. In this exhibition, we provided more than 50% of ESG solutions and designed the booth abiding by the 3R principle, producing zero decoration waste. We endeavor to promote green practices alongside our customers.”

BenQ not only adhered to environmental sustainability principles in booth design but displayed indicators of the 3R approach (reduce, reuse, recycle), employing a clean, natural wood-tone aesthetic to present sustainability. Furthermore, they digitized over 90% of promotional materials, sourced 80% of building materials locally to reduce carbon emissions, and ensured 70% of gifts were manufactured in Taiwan. This act is to encourage exhibitors and partnering suppliers to embrace sustainability together.

“ESG should not be limited to the exhibition booth. We hope that everyone can follow and spread this spirit!”

Steve Yang also added, “Apart from showcasing smart solutions for green transition, paperless operations, and low-carbon practices at the event, we continue to initiate sustainable acts. BenQ collaborates with Teach For Taiwan, we built the ‘Pingtung Education Innovation Hub,’ and imported BenQ education interactive displays together. We hope that by using technology, teachers in remote areas can help children to explore knowledge, and ultimately, improve education in those regions. Our goal is to provide high-quality education and opportunities for self-development to children from all backgrounds. By understanding the primary needs of the education field, we wish to sow seeds of hope in remote areas of Taiwan, making positive changes throughout the country.”

Regarding waste reduction efforts at the exhibition, Steve Yang stated, “Taiwan produces an average of 417 kilograms of waste per person per year. However, the waste generated at a single international large-scale exhibition often starts from tens of metric tons. If businesses can proactively reduce waste at each exhibition, their influence will be much greater than individual efforts. This is why BenQ takes initiative action, implementing 100% 3R design at COMPUTEX, achieving zero waste in decoration, and using 100% reusable tableware and 90% digital promotional materials to minimize waste during the exhibition.”

At this exhibition, BenQ showcased smart solutions and demonstrated its strong commitment to sustainability and innovation in the presence of international enterprises and media. On one hand, they assist customers in achieving waste and carbon reduction in their operations. On the other hand, they strive to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), pledging BenQ’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This has attracted significant attention from the industry, establishing them as a role model in the global sustainability movement.

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The post COMPUTEX Showcases Green Values! BenQ Taiwan General Manager, Steve Yang: Precisely Practicing ESG and SDGs, We Achieve Zero Waste in Exhibition Decoration! first appeared on The Icons.

Is it true that Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, with a portfolio worth trillions of dollars, adjusted its investments solely due to ESG considerations?

ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) refers to an investment and business approach that considers environmental, social, and governance factors during the operational process of a company. In recent years, ESG has become a global focal point, with an increasing number of companies incorporating it into their strategic planning.

Mark shared a compelling case study with us. Over the past decade, Norway’s sovereign wealth fund, with a massive portfolio worth 1.3 trillion dollars, has divested from hundreds of companies solely to mitigate ESG risks. Additionally, since 2012, the Norwegian Bank Investment Management has abandoned around 300 stocks to avoid unnecessary risks. With Nicolai Tangen assuming the position of CEO in 2020, they plan to base future investment decisions on the results of a new ESG screening process, forming a portfolio of 9,000 stocks.

Mark summarized several reasons why companies must consider implementing ESG as a crucial choice for the future:

Firstly, ESG investments have proven to be profitable. The case of Norway’s sovereign wealth fund exemplifies this point. By divesting from companies with high environmental, social, and governance risks, the fund achieved stable returns and ensured long-term financial sustainability. This demonstrates that incorporating ESG factors into investment decisions can provide better long-term returns, reduce investment risks, and increase corporate value.

Secondly, ESG investments align with societal expectations and demands. As the focus on environmental protection, social justice, and good governance continues to grow, consumers, investors, and regulatory bodies are placing higher requirements on companies regarding sustainable operations and social responsibility. Implementing ESG strategies allows companies to better respond to societal expectations, enhance reputation, increase customer loyalty, and attract more investments.

Thirdly, ESG investments can mitigate risks and improve operational stability. Considering environmental factors helps companies reduce risks associated with environmental disasters and resource scarcity. Simultaneously, considering social factors assists in building positive labor relations and social reputation, reducing the risks of labor disputes and reputation crises. Focusing on governance factors ensures transparent, fair, and effective decision-making and management systems, minimizing the risks of non-compliance and internal disputes.

Lastly, ESG investments are a long-term strategic consideration. As global resource scarcity, escalating environmental issues, and persistent social inequalities intensify, ESG investments become crucial for companies’ sustainable development and competitive advantage. Companies that excel in the ESG field are more likely to attract investors, talent, and collaborative partnerships, establishing themselves as leaders in future competitions.

The post ESG’s High Impact on Investment Portfolios? Mark Anderson, CEO of Cambridge Centre of Performance & Excellence, Shares the Substantial Benefits of ESG Implementation. first appeared on The Icons.

The ESAP would provide at least the following functionalities:

• a web portal with a user-friendly interface in all the official languages of the Union to provide access to the information in the ESAP
• an API enabling easy access to the information available in the ESAP
• a search function in all the official languages of the Union
• an information viewer
• a machine translation service for the information retrieved
• a download service, including the download of large quantities of data
• a notification service informing users of any new information available in the ESAP. Research may be done using criteria related to the entity that submitted the information (name, Legal Entity Identifier, size) or to the information itself (type, submission date of the information).

Refer: The Future is you

The EU’s Capital Markets Union (CMU) Action Plan aims to consolidate corporate disclosure documents from member states under a single reporting standard. Traditionally, each of the 27 countries managed financial disclosures within their respective borders. However, the EU has been working towards harmonizing the reporting process, with an emphasis on financial disclosures akin to those filed by publicly traded US companies with the SEC. In the past year, the introduction of sustainability reporting standards has introduced a new requirement to this endeavor.

Elisabeth Svantesson, Minister for Finance of Sweden, expressed optimism about the recent agreement, stating, “Today’s agreement comes as good news both to European businesses as well as investors worldwide. We are about to create a platform which will make it much easier to find and compare investment products and companies, including SMEs, which are sustainable and which have a bright financial future. This will help European businesses in becoming even more attractive for investors.”

It is important to note that ESAP itself does not introduce new reporting standards. Instead, it provides a centralized location for the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), which has been developed by the European Financial Reporting Advisory Group. The CSRD is being implemented in phases, initially focusing on publicly traded companies. Eventually, the reporting requirements will extend to all businesses, including small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Similar to the phased implementation of the CSRD, ESAP will also be introduced gradually, with each phase concentrating on different markets and reports. Phase 2 will encompass sustainability reporting, including the CSRD, Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation (SFDR), and the EU Taxonomy Regulation. Phase 1 is anticipated to commence in the middle of 2027, followed by the implementation of Phase 2 six months later. During the interim period, CSRD reporting will occur at the national level.

Considering the pressing need for ESG considerations and unified norms, it is crucial for the EU to expedite its efforts and streamline the overall reporting process. This will not only benefit European businesses but also enhance their attractiveness to investors worldwide. By establishing a robust framework for sustainable and financially promising companies, the EU can take a significant step towards ensuring a greener and more responsible business landscape.

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Robot Vision represents a significant milestone in Nikon’s pursuit of pushing the boundaries of visual excellence. With this system, robots can now achieve visual acuity surpassing that of the human eye. It empowers them to identify ultra-small parts and process them swiftly and flexibly, rivaling the capabilities of their human counterparts. Mounted on the end of a robot’s arm, Robot Vision can effortlessly undertake complex tasks that were previously exclusive to humans.

Indeed, the video footage showcased in Nikon’s booth perfectly illustrates the extraordinary flexibility and prowess of Robot Vision. The demonstration features the placement and recovery of toppled dominos, showcasing the system’s ability to perceive and manipulate objects with unrivaled accuracy. Such capabilities promise to revolutionize various industries, including manufacturing, logistics, and healthcare, where robots can now handle intricate operations with ease and efficiency.

When asked about the potential impact of Robot Vision on manufacturing processes, Mark Cruz explained, “The integration of Robot Vision into manufacturing lines has the potential to streamline operations and significantly enhance productivity. With its superior visual acuity, Robot Vision can swiftly identify minute defects and inconsistencies in production lines, reducing waste and improving overall quality control.”

Nikon’s foray into robotics reflects the company’s commitment to innovation and its relentless pursuit of pushing technological boundaries. Mark Cruz expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “At Nikon, we are dedicated to advancing technology to benefit society as a whole. Robot Vision is a testament to our unwavering commitment to driving progress and facilitating the seamless integration of robotics into various domains.”

In terms of future developments, Mark Cruz shed light on Nikon’s ongoing efforts to further enhance Robot Vision’s capabilities. “We are continuously refining our algorithms and incorporating cutting-edge technologies, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence, into Robot Vision. This allows the system to adapt and learn from its surroundings, making it even more versatile and efficient,” he shared.

As our conversation drew to a close, Mark Cruz reiterated the potential impact of Robot Vision on society, asserting, “Robot Vision represents a significant step forward in the symbiotic relationship between humans and robots. It has the power to transform industries, drive economic growth, and alleviate the burden on human workers. With Robot Vision, we are enabling a future where humans and robots work hand in hand, revolutionizing the way we live and work.”

The post Nikon Senior Marketing Manager Mark Cruz: “Robot Vision” Will be an Important Step in the Symbiotic Relationship Between Humans and Robots first appeared on The Icons.

Sprama Game Labs is a new tech startup focused on developing an ecosystem for hybrid board games based on its new flexible, customizable, and cost-effective technology called the “Atlas Game System.”

The Atlas gaming device is user-friendly, compact for easy portability, and boasts a battery capacity that can last several hours. It also features the different sensors hidden in the game mat surface, from NFC readers to get items’ positions to capacitive touch areas and force sensing pads (FSR) that can implement buttons and sliders. It also provides several side functionalities, like identifying the Game Map through unique serial numbers. It then sends information about the game surface to the app running wirelessly on a mobile device or a pc using BLE technology.

Curatti emphasized, “We prioritize user experience and satisfaction. Players can utilize reusable game maps to play new games. Various assistive tools and tutorials make the games simpler and time-saving. They can also engage with other skilled players through the leaderboard feature, enhancing their overall gaming experience.”

One of the main goals of the Atlas Game System is to make board games more inclusive: the visually impaired, or dyslexic, dyscalculic people would have several problems playing a regular board game due to the supports used (cards with small prints, complex calculations); but they can play with Atlas games thanks to the digital support, which for example helps them regulate font sizes, can read and can make calculations for them. The technology makes it easier to include everyone at the game table: this aligns with the UN SDG 3, “Good Health and Well being”: board games are an important social activity that helps the development of vital social skills.

Sprama Game Labs has designed its games to be cost-effective without compromising quality. By lowering production costs and maintaining customization capabilities, players can enjoy cutting-edge technology at an affordable price, encouraging consumer engagement.

Through their business model, Sprama Game Labs aligns with UN SDG 12, “Responsible Consumption and Production,” and SDG 17, “Partnerships for the Goals,” emphasizing cost-effectiveness and collaboration.

The post Sprama Game Labs CEO Stefano Curatti: New technologies for Board Games! Calling All Board Games Enthusiasts to Compete! first appeared on The Icons.