In The Spotlight
Zebra Technologies Corporation has introduced a new range of advanced AI features to its Aurora machine vision software, significantly boosting its deep learning capabilities for complex visual inspection tasks.
This enhancement is particularly relevant as, according to Zebra’s 2024 Manufacturing Vision Study, 61% of global manufacturing leaders anticipate AI will be a key driver of growth by 2029. Additionally, a Zebra report on AI usage in the automotive industry reveals that while AI and deep learning are already in use, there is a growing demand for these technologies to deliver even more advanced capabilities.
The updated Aurora software suite now offers powerful visual inspection tools designed to meet the needs of machine and line builders, engineers, programmers, and data scientists across various industries, including automotive, electronics, semiconductor, food and beverage, and packaging. It features a no-code deep learning optical character recognition (OCR) tool, drag-and-drop environments, and extensive libraries, enabling users to tackle complex challenges that traditional rules-based systems cannot easily address.
The Aurora Design Assistant, a part of the suite’s integrated development environment, allows users to create applications by arranging flowcharts rather than writing traditional code. The software also facilitates the development of web-based human-machine interfaces (HMIs) for these applications. The newest update introduces deep learning object detection and an enhanced Aurora Imaging Copilot companion application, which features a dedicated workspace for training deep learning models in object detection. Additional add-ons are available to support the training and deployment of deep learning models using NVIDIA and Intel GPU cards.
New advancements
Aurora Vision Studio offers a flexible, hardware-agnostic software platform that assists engineers in developing, integrating, and overseeing machine vision applications. The software’s user-friendly graphical interface allows the creation of complex vision applications without the need for coding, using over 3,000 pre-configured filters. The latest improvements include a new training engine designed to optimise results from low-quality datasets, along with support for Linux systems when performing inference tasks.
For developers working in C++, C#, and Python, the Aurora Imaging Library provides a comprehensive set of tools for processing and analysing 2D images and 3D data, employing both traditional methods and deep learning techniques. New additions to the library include anomaly detection tools designed for defect and assembly verification, using unsupervised deep learning. The OCR tool has also been upgraded to recognise a wider range of characters and symbols, leveraging a pre-trained deep neural network without the need for specific font instructions.
“Manufacturers across many industries face longstanding quality issues and new challenges with advances in materials and sectors such as automotive and electronics,” said Donato Montanari, vice president and general manager, Machine Vision, Zebra Technologies. “They are looking for new solutions that complement and expand their current toolbox with AI capabilities needed for more effective visual inspection, particularly in complex use cases.”
Emirates Global Aluminium announced that over 110 women have joined the company since Emirati Women’s Day 2023, including 67 UAE nationals.
EGA now employs over 550 women in the UAE in total, including more than 195 in operations. The company is aiming for 25 per cent of supervisory roles to be held by women by 2025, up from around 20 per cent today, and 15 per cent of all positions by 2026. EGA marked Emirati Women’s Day with the launch a new initiative dedicated to promoting gender diversity across UAE industry.
EGA's Break the Mould initiative seeks to inspire young women interested in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) to follow the path of trailblazing women who have made notable contributions to the UAE's industrial sector.
The UAE stands out as one of the few countries globally where more women than men graduate in STEM fields. In celebration of Emirati Women’s Day, EGA’s Women’s Network hosted an event for all female employees at EGA, highlighting the progress made in gender diversity and exploring ways to further enhance it.
In 2022, EGA opened its long-standing National Training programmes for industrial operations roles to women for the first time, resulting in women making up 20% of new entrants in the first full year. Additionally, EGA introduced the Challenger Programme last year, which unites leading industrial companies to accelerate gender diversity by tackling common practical challenges.
EGA is also a signatory of the United Nations' Women’s Empowerment Principles and is committed to advancing gender diversity across its operations while advocating for the role of women in both industry and society.
Abdulnasser Bin Kalban, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Global Aluminium, said: “At EGA and in the UAE industrial sector, pioneering women are making significant contributions and inspire many more women to follow in their footsteps. Emirati Women’s Day is an opportunity to celebrate their achievements in our industry and our nation. We believe that diversity leads to improved business performance, and we are committed to creating more opportunities for women and to inspire the next generation of women leaders and innovators in the UAE.”
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Dubai, UAE – August 27, 2024 – Khansaheb Civil Engineering (KCE), in collaboration with Autodesk, is set to host a webinar that will delve into the transformative effects of adopting a Common Data Environment (CDE) within the construction industry. The webinar will showcase how KCE has revolutionised its construction operations by leveraging digital solutions, significantly improving project efficiency, quality, and client satisfaction.
The webinar, titled “KCE: Revolutionising Construction Operations through Digital Delivery”, is scheduled for 18 September 2024. Participants will gain insights into how KCE utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive CDE solution across all project phases—from preconstruction to construction. This platform enabled KCE to centralise project data, streamline workflows, and ensure high accuracy in information exchange, ultimately delivering faster and more effective construction outcomes.
During this session, you will learn how KCE:
* Utilised Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as a comprehensive solution for CDE needs across all project phases, from preconstruction through to construction, centralising project data in one place, including BIM Coordination, collaboration, and issue management.
* Streamlined daily tasks such as drawings, material submittals, site inspections, and snag lists, revolutionising workflow.
* Exchanged vast amounts of information with multiple parties, ensuring high accuracy and speed, delivering the right information at the right time, resulting in faster construction processes, improved quality, greater client satisfaction, and enhanced project outcomes.
* Managed to have one-click access to drawings, models, and Microsoft Office files, and handled file version control, comparison, and change management, all within a single platform.
This webinar is an essential event for professionals in the construction industry who are looking to enhance their operations through digital solutions. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear directly from experts at KCE and Autodesk about the practical applications and benefits of using a Common Data Environment.
Registration: The webinar is free to attend, but spaces are limited. To secure your spot, please register at https://alaincharlestraining.com/webinar2/kce-autodesk-webinar
For more information, please contact:
Imran Uddin
Project Manager - Events
Technical Review Middle East
Alain Charles Publishing
+44 (0) 20 78347676
About Khansaheb Civil Engineering:
Khansaheb Civil Engineering is a leading construction company in the UAE, committed to delivering high-quality construction services through innovation and excellence. With a focus on sustainability and client satisfaction, KCE continues to be at the forefront of the construction industry.
About Autodesk UAE:
Autodesk is a global leader in design and make technology, providing innovative solutions for industries including architecture, engineering, construction, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. Autodesk supports the region's construction industry with advanced digital tools and platforms.
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Astrongergy, an intelligent manufacturing enterprise focusing on photovoltaic cells and modules, is preparing to ship 1GW of n-type TOPCon solar modules to Algeria as part of the country’s 1GW solar plant construction plan
The company announced the order after winning the tenders from China International Water & Electric Corp. and the Power Construction Corporation of China. It will be part of the 2GW power plant construction plan proposed by Algeria’s state-owned power utility, Sonelgaz. This will include the delivering of 15 solar plants across the country’s 12 provinces, each with a capacity ranging from 80-220MW, most of which will be built by Chinese companies.
Astronergy won six of these major projects: Abadla (80MW), Batemete (220MW), Gueltet Sidi Saad (200MW), Douar El Maa (200MW), Ouled Djellal (80MW), and Biskra (220MW). Construction on the latter, Biskra, has already begun, making use of Astrongergy’s N5 TOPCon solar modules.
The MENA region is increasingly facing severe challenges in the water sector. Issues such as water scarcity and high energy costs are creating a growing demand for sustainable and cost-effective treatment solutions for water reuse. Brentwood, with its proven expertise in drinking water and wastewater treatment technologies, sedimentation technology, sludge collection and removal systems, and biofilm processes, is at the forefront of addressing these challenges.
Brentwood are excited to invite you for its final session in or three-part webinar series on water technology, specifically focused on the MENA region. This session aims to provide technical insights into sustainable, efficient, and cost-effective water management solutions tailored for the unique challenges of the region.
Brentwood's featured speaker, Dr. Noama Shareef, will share her extensive knowledge and present various technical solutions for addressing water and wastewater treatment challenges in the MENA region. Dr. Shareef's expertise in the field ensures that attendees will gain valuable insights into the latest advancements and practical applications in water treatment technologies. Following her presentation, there will be an interactive Q&A session, allowing participants to engage directly with Dr. Shareef and get their specific questions answered. The entire webinar will be conducted in Arabic, making it accessible to many attendees in the region.
We encourage you to register now to secure your spot for this informative session. The webinar will focus on the application of lamella settlers as a solution for improving sedimentation processes in water and wastewater treatment plants.
These advanced technologies are essential for enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of sedimentation processes, which are critical components of water and wastewater treatment systems.
Mark your calendar for Wednesday, 23 October 2024, from 5:00 to 6:00 PM GMT+1. This is an excellent opportunity to stay informed about the latest developments in water technology and to learn from a leading expert in the field.
Additionally, if you missed the previous sessions in our webinar series, you can watch them on-demand at your convenience. We have made the recordings available to ensure that you have access to all the valuable content and insights shared during the series.
Register now for the final session of our MENA water technology webinar series: https://hubs.ly/Q02HsRdD0. Don’t miss this chance to enhance your knowledge and stay ahead in the ever-evolving field of water treatment technology.
Watch past webinars on-demand here: https://hubs.ly/Q02HsRm-0.
Speaking at the Saudi Fund for Development’s 50th anniversary celebration, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has praised Saudi Arabia for its support, dedication and friendliness to Africa
The president said the fund translated the pulse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into development support in Africa. “Its work covers 407 projects in 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with support of over US$5.3bn,” he noted.
As outlined by AfDB, projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities. These efforts have been part of an attempt to develop a deeper friendship and engagement between Saudi Arabia and Africa.
Adesina remarked that the Saudi Fund for Development stands out in the development financing landscape due to its “unlimited territorial scope” and its focus on “countries need”.
“That means: Open heart. Open hands. Open purse. Its success is rooted in its values, reflected by its acronym, SDF, which I call: Supportive. Dedicated. Friendly. That’s why countries appreciate the SDF,” he continued. “The African Development Bank is your friend and strategic partner in Africa… I wish the Saudi Fund for Development another 50 exciting years ahead, as we partner together to support Africa with renewed dedication to accelerate Africa’s development.”
MDS, a global leader in manufacturing heavy-duty rock trommels and conveyors, has announced the appointment of Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery as its inaugural distributor in the Middle East.
With immediate effect, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery will oversee the sales, service, and support of the MDS range of materials processing equipment throughout Saudi Arabia.
Headquartered in Jeddah, Abdul Latif Jameel Machinery is a well-established supplier of heavy machinery, commercial vehicles, material handling solutions, and crushing and screening equipment.
Their broad portfolio includes the sale and maintenance of internationally recognised brands, such as Komatsu construction and mining machinery. Already representing Powerscreen and Terex MPS, this new partnership with MDS marks the third Terex brand to join their extensive product lineup.
Emirates Steel Arkan, the UAE’s largest listed company in the steel and building materials sector, has unveiled a new identity as EMSTEEL, reflecting its ambitions for accelerated transformation and enhanced global reach.
The rebranding was officially presented at a high-profile event in Abu Dhabi, attended by prominent officials, over 400 clients, partners, and employees.
This new identity marks the successful integration of Emirates Steel and Arkan Building Materials, a merger finalised in late 2021. The union has created the UAE’s foremost steel and construction materials company, with an estimated value of US$3.5bn (AED 13 billion). The merger positions EMSTEEL for significant expansion both locally and internationally.
Green steel production
Operating under the EMSTEEL banner, the company is divided into two key sectors: Emirates Steel and Emirates Cement. Emirates Cement oversees brands such as Al Ain Cement Factory, Emirates Blocks Factories, ANABEEB, and Arkan Bags. These divisions form the backbone of EMSTEEL's operations, ensuring the delivery of top-tier products to meet the growing demands of both domestic and global markets in the construction and manufacturing sectors. The group’s structure is flexible, designed to accommodate new business lines and expansions into fresh markets.
At the core of EMSTEEL’s strategy are innovation and sustainability. The group is investing in advanced technologies and clean energy initiatives, driving the development of cutting-edge solutions that focus on safety, quality, and efficiency. Producing low-carbon products remains a central objective as the company works towards offering environmentally sustainable solutions.
EMSTEEL controls 11% of Abu Dhabi’s manufacturing output and holds a 60% share of the UAE’s steel market. As a key player in supporting the UAE’s "Operation 300bn" industrial strategy, the company is also championing digital transformation across the sector. This is exemplified by its receipt of five prestigious "UAE Industry 4.0 Digital Leader" awards from the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT).
Eng. Saeed Ghumran Al Remeithi, Group Chief Executive Officer of EMSTEEL, said, “Today’s unveiling of our new brand identity marks a milestone in our evolution, as the group forges ahead to support its customers and add value to its shareholders with a unified vision. Our EMSTEEL brand carries us forward into a future full of opportunities for expansion, business growth and digital transformation. It represents our commitment to creating products, services and solutions to build a better world, in addition to driving global sustainability efforts in our sector through promoting a low-carbon supply chain in collaboration with our partners.
He added, “The company is committed to reducing carbon emissions in alignment with the UAE's Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, where the use of clean energy in our operations is at 80%. EMSTEEL is a global leader in low-carbon steel production and the first steelmaker in the world to capture its CO2 emissions, enabling us to operate with 45% less carbon than our peers.”
Cat Lift Trucks quality is now within reach of more users and applications, thanks to the new entry-level EQ line.
Specified for lighter duties and smaller jobs, these warehouse trucks have everything you need for dependable materials handling. That includes sturdy construction, simple maintenance, energy-efficient features, robust performance, user-friendly design, and safety.
The EQ line covers eight key warehouse product ranges. Each benefits from the productivity, efficiency and long-term cost-saving advantages of lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology. Power levels are higher and more consistent; runtimes are longer; no battery maintenance is needed; and lifespan is extended. In addition, opportunity charging can keep the trucks going without battery changes.
The EQ Line full range
Power pallet trucks
First up in the EQ line are the mini power pallet trucks, NPP15-20QBL. These are great all-rounders, combining small size with impressive strength and resilience. They can transport loads up to 2.0 tonnes, but they’re compact enough to work anywhere. You can manoeuvre them easily in narrow aisles, containers, goods vehicles and small buildings.
More conventionally shaped pedestrian power pallet trucks are offered with capacities of 1.8 tonnes (NPP18QL) and 2.0 tonnes (NPP20QL). They’re compact and easy to handle, with an ergonomic tiller arm, high-quality forks and a smoothly controlled AC drive motor. Robustly built, they will give many years of trouble-free service.
A 2.0 tonne platform power pallet truck, NPV20QL, builds on the same features and capabilities. Its platform can be easily folded up for pedestrian use in the narrowest spaces. Ride-on mode enables faster travel over longer distances, with less operator fatigue. This versatile model is ideal for vehicle loading and unloading as well as transport.
The new range has been developed specifically for lighter duties and smaller jobs
Compact stackers
For exceptional versatility in a small package, the EQ line offers a choice of compact pedestrian stackers. These are even small enough to take into vans and elevators. The 1.2 tonne mono mast version, NSP12QLMI, will stack and retrieve at heights up to 1.95 metres. The 1.2 tonne duplex mast model, NSP12QLDI, extends this to 3.3 metres. You can also use them for short shuttle runs and order picking. They’re a great do-it-all solution for smaller warehouses and supermarkets.
Sit-on tow trucks
The EQ line’s sit-on tow trucks, NTS30-60Q, offer capacities of 3.0 or 6.0 tonnes. They’re great for transporting heavy loads over both rough and smooth surfaces, indoors and outdoors. Their high ground clearance smooths out bumps and gradients. And they’re tough enough to withstand the knocks of a busy workplace. Comfortably seated, the operator stays productive mile after mile.
Mini order picker
One of the most unusual EQ line products is the mini order picker, MNO1.5Q1. It’s not just for order picking: it does the job of a ladder too – but much more safely and efficiently. Automatic aids prevent operation unless the user’s hands and feet are properly in place and the safety gates are closed.
With its stable mast and chassis, you can lift its platform safely to 3 metres. From there, the operator can pick items as high as 5 metres.
As well as picking at racking levels 1, 2 and 3, you can use it for inspection and maintenance tasks at height. Changing a light bulb or repairing a ceiling fixture, for example. It will even optionally transport additional loads by towing trailers.
For applications needing only occasional use of a lift truck each day, EQ line products are your perfect choice. They bring you all the right qualities to do the job quickly and simply – and make your life easier. And as well as raising your productivity, they lower your overall costs. In particular, they save money through their durability, minimal maintenance needs and low energy consumption.
To find out more, visit EQ Line. Further information on the complete range of Cat forklifts, warehouse equipment and related services can be found at www.catlifttruck.com. See them in action via https://www.catlifttruck.com/videos and follow the news on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.