TerraONE Tech Co., Ltd., a company specializing in modern IT solutions, has announced a strategic partnership with Wasabi Technologies, a leading cloud storage company, becoming the authorized distributor for Wasabi Technologies in the Taiwan market. With the partnership, Taiwanese businesses can enhance their data management and redundancy services with high-performance, secure, and cost-effective cloud object storage.Credit: TerraONEWasabi is one of the technology industry's fastest-growing companies. Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is a predictable, affordable cloud object storage service. Compared to traditional storage solutions, Wasabi eliminates fees for egress and API usage and provides 99.9999999999% (11 nines) data durability and robust enterprise-grade security. Wasabi Hot Cloud Storage is widely adopted by tens of thousands of businesses and MSPs worldwide.Kevin Chen, General Manager of TerraOne Technology, said, "Amid digital transformation and IT modernization, many businesses are increasingly demanding highly flexible and scalable cloud storage. Wasabi Technologies' services offer significant advantages in performance, price, and security, making them ideal for storage, backup, redundancy, video surveillance, big data analytics, and other application scenarios across various industries. By partnering with Wasabi, we can provide our customers with more professional technical support, integration services, and customized solutions, helping businesses seamlessly transition to cloud platforms.""TerraONE has extensive experience in enterprise IT deployments and a broad distribution network in the Taiwanese market, making them a key partner in our efforts to expand our distribution network in Taiwan," said Raymond Koh, Country Manager, ASEAN, Wasabi Technologies. "We look forward to working together to accelerate the adoption and innovative applications of enterprise cloud storage."TerraOne Technology will host a Wasabi partner product launch event on 9th September 2025. Interested distributors are welcome to contact TerraOne. Alternatively, click here to stay up-to-date on TerraOne Technology events.For more information, please visit.
In the past decades, the memory industry has been one of the most volatile sectors in semiconductors, marked by price fluctuations, supply-demand imbalances, and rapid capacity shifts. Yet as we step into 2025, the rise of AI, massive data processing, and edge intelligence is propelling memory from a "cycle-driven" market into a new stage of "structural growth."The global memory market is moving beyond sheer "capacity expansion" toward "breakthroughs in performance, energy efficiency, and system-level integration". Rapid advances in DRAM and NAND, coupled with the accelerated adoption of new packaging, protocols, and architectures, are propelling the memory ecosystem into a new phase of robust and sustainable development.According to the World Semiconductor Trade Statistics (WSTS), the global semiconductor market reached USD 346 billion in H1 2025, up 18.9% year-over-year, with the memory segment growing by 20%. Multiple institutions forecast that memory product prices will continue to rise in the third quarter of 2025, particularly in high-value segments such as enterprise SSDs and high-speed DRAM. This wave of AI-driven structural demand is becoming the starting point of a new growth cycle for the memory industry.GMIF2025: Shaping the Future of Memory in the AI EraIn this paradigm-shifting moment, the industry needs a collaborative hub to connect upstream and downstream players, bridge technology with markets, and bring together key forces across the global memory ecosystem to explore trends, align resources, and foster partnerships.The 4th Global Memory Innovation Forum (GMIF2025 Innovation Summit) will be held on September 24–25, 2025, at the Renaissance Shenzhen Bay Hotel.Co-hosted by the Shenzhen Memory Industry Association and the School of Integrated Circuits at Peking University and organized by JWinsights (Shanghai) Technology Co., Ltd., GMIF2025 will focus on the theme "AI Applications, Innovation Empowered" to discuss memory breakthroughs and ecosystem collaboration under the momentum of AI.Four Core Themes:01 Trends and Roadmaps of Storage and Memory Technologies: From CXL and Chiplet to near-memory computing, new architectures are transforming memory from isolated optimization to system-level synergy.02 AI Applications & Deployment Practices: Deep dives into emerging memory innovations driven by AI servers, AI smartphones, AI PCs, and intelligent vehicles.03 Industry Collaboration Across the Value Chain: Uniting IDM manufacturers, controller providers, solution vendors, packaging & testing suppliers, material and equipment companies to build dual engines of technology and market growth.04 Global Ecosystem & New Industry Dynamics: Exploring new pathways to reshape supply chains, jointly build standards, and establish a paradigm for cross-border collaboration in the post-globalization era.Summit Highlights. Credit: GMIFGMIF2024 Data Insights. Credit: GMIFAn Industry Gathering Not to Be MissedGMIF is more than just a technology summit; it is a global high-end platform that combines dialogue, showcase, partnership, and influence:For enterprises: it's a premier stage to showcase technological achievements and expand upstream & downstream collaborations.For industry professionals: it's a vital arena to grasp trends, access resources, and discover opportunities.For investors: it's a unique vantage point to anticipate turning points and uncover industry value.For media & academia: it's a core hub for first-hand insights and shaping industry discourse.We sincerely invite you to join us this September in Shenzhen Bay, where global industry leaders will gather to discuss memory innovation in the AI era, witness a new stage of collaboration, and co-create the future of the memory ecosystem.Click the link to secure a seat.An Industry Gathering Not to Be Missed. Credit: GMIFFor more information about GMIF, please visit.
As cybersecurity threats continue to evolve, attackers are no longer just targeting applications or operating systems, but are now penetrating deeper into the boot firmware layer of devices, including BIOS, UEFI, and BMC. These firmware components are responsible for initializing and verifying the system integrity during the boot process. Once compromised or embedded with malicious code, they can compromise the entire system.Real-world incidents and attack simulations have shown that firmware attacks are highly stealthy and persistent, often eluding traditional antivirus software and OS-level defenses. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) addressed this as early as 2018 in the release of NIST SP 800-193: Platform Firmware Resiliency Guidelines, proposing a three-step framework: Detect–Protect–Recover, as the core architecture for platform firmware security.Among these, the"Recover" mechanism has drawn significant attention. It not only mandates that a system halt upon detection of firmware anomalies, but also be capable of restoring original firmware from a secure image (such as a Golden Image)—automatically, without human intervention—thus ensuring the platform can return to a trusted state and cutting off any potential long-term malware residency.To learn the latest cybersecurity regulations and trends, download the hardware security whitepaper for free.Challenges in PFR Adoption: Legacy Architectures and Weak Firmware VerificationAlthough NIST SP 800-193 is widely recognized as a reference for governments and enterprises implementing firmware security, the practical deployment of PFR (Platform Firmware Resiliency) still faces numerous hurdles.First, many embedded systems or server platforms rely on conventional SPI NOR Flash as firmware storage, which lacks support for key-based verification, partition control, and redundancy mechanisms, making it difficult to meet the "Protect" and "Recover" requirements defined by NIST. Even when the platform includes a Root of Trust (e.g., TPM, CPLD, BMC), vulnerabilities remain if the external memory used does not support secure image switching or key-binding mechanisms.Common challenges include:Firstly, firmware regions vulnerable to rollback attacks, where outdated, exploitable images are reintroduced. Secondly, the inability to separate access rights between boot-time and run-time, leading to broken access control. Thirdly, the lack of integrated verification tools and APIs requires extensive engineering effort to build verification workflows.Unnder these conditions, the search for a secure storage component that supports the PFR framework has become a critical entry point for enhancing firmware security.Winbond TrustME Secure Flash — W77Q: A Secure Memory Fully Supporting PFRTo address the above challenges, Winbond's TrustME Secure Flash — W77Q series offers a solution specifically designed for platform firmware security and recovery. It allows for fast deployment of the NIST PFR-required protection and automatic recovery features without altering the main platform architecture.Dual Images with Secure Verification—Seamless Auto-Recovery DeploymentThe W77Q integrates both a Primary Image and a Recovery Image, supporting secure verification mechanisms and auto-switching logic. When the primary firmware image is corrupted or fails verification, the Root of Trust controller (e.g., BMC or CPLD) can trigger a switch to restore the system to the Golden Image. This entire process requires no additional software or CPU intervention, fulfilling the "unattended, automatic recovery" requirements of PFR.Moreover, the mechanism complies with the Detect-Protect-Recover architecture outlined in NIST SP 800-193, and can be integrated with major platform vendors' boot verification logic, establishing a full Chain of Trust from chip initialization to firmware validation.Multi-Level Access Control and Key Binding to Strengthen Firmware IntegrityW77Q supports partitioning and key-based access control, allowing different keys and permissions to be configured for each firmware region (e.g., Bootloader, UEFI, BMC). This prevents unauthorized access and tampering. It also supports rollback prevention and restricts firmware updates to authorized controllers only, significantly reinforcing platform firmware integrity verification.Modular Integration and Development Support—Accelerating PFR ImplementationThe W77Q Secure Flash not only strengthens hardware-based firmware protection but also provides complete software development and validation support to help device manufacturers accelerate PFR deployment:Offers ready-to-integrate verification API interfaces and reference designsProvides boot verification parameters and switching logic in coordination with Root of Trust controllers (e.g., BMC, CPLD)Delivers test reports and certification documents compliant with NIST SP 800-193 and ISO 26262The Winbond W77Q Secure Flash is pin-to-pin compatible with existing SPI Flash devices, requiring no hardware changes, greatly reducing implementation costs.For applications like server motherboards, 5G base stations, industrial control systems, or automotive ECUs, W77Q presents an ideal solution for quickly realizing platform firmware recovery mechanisms and meeting security compliance requirements.To learn more about Winbond's advanced security solutions, visit Winbond's website or contact Winbond directly, or download the latest Hardware Security White Paper.
xMEMS Labs, the global leader in solid-state MEMS speakers and micro-scale thermal solutions, today announced the return of its highly anticipated xMEMS Live Asia seminar series, taking place September 16 in Taipei and September 18 in Shenzhen.Now in its third year, xMEMS Live Asia brings together engineers, product designers, system architects and company executives to explore how MEMS-based audio and active thermal management technologies are redefining the design and performance of next-generation AI interface devices – from AI glasses, smartphones, headphones and earbuds to SSDs, optical transceivers and rack servers in the data center.This year's one-day seminars will center on live product demonstrations of Sycamore, xMEMS' revolutionary thin and lightweight full-range MEMS loudspeaker, and cooling, the world's first solid-state air pump-on-a-chip delivering active thermal management in devices where conventional fans can't go.Attendees will experience:1) AI glasses featuring Sycamore speakers and cooling for discreet, high-fidelity sound and heat management in ultra-thin eyewear2) Next-gen headphones featuring full-range Sycamore, paired with cooling to deliver the world's first active earcup ventilation3) SSD thermal management featuring cooling for higher sustained data transfers4) Plus a smartwatch with Sycamore, TWS earbud solutions with Cypress and Lassen, and thermal demos showcasing cooling at both chip and system levelsIn addition to hands-on demos, the seminar features deep-dive technical sessions from xMEMS engineers, covering performance testing, system integration, and product optimization for Sycamore and cooling across a variety of applications. Dedicated sessions on headphone and TWS implementations will offer further insight into how xMEMS solutions deliver superior fidelity, form factor reduction, and system-level benefits for consumer electronics."AI is changing how we interface with devices while also increasing processor and thermal loads," said Joseph Jiang, CEO of xMEMS Labs. "At xMEMS Live Asia, we'll demonstrate how Sycamore and cooling technologies are enabling a new generation of thinner and lighter-weight conversational AI interfaces and active thermal management for improved on-device intelligence and system performance."Registration is now open. Seating is limited. Click here for English, here for Simplified Chinese, or here for Traditional Chinese. Reserve your spot today to experience the future of conversational AI interfaces and AI thermal management!For more information about xMEMS and its solid-state solutions, visit xmems.com.Showcasing Live Demonstrations of AI Interface and Thermal Device Innovation Enabled by Sycamore and cooling on September 16 in Taipei and September 18 in Shenzhen.
Power modules have undergone a significant transformation- from simple power sources into critical enablers of system scalability, performance, and energy efficiency. This evolution is driven by the increasing demand for energy resilience, industrial transformation and enhancement. MEAN WELL, the global leader in standard power supply solutions, will adopt an application-oriented approach and work in close collaboration with distributors to showcase the effectiveness of their diversified product portfolios in practical applications at the upcoming Automation Taipei 2025.Partnering with distributors to develop complete solutions for automation, green energyTony Hsieh, Section Manager of MEAN WELL's Technical Service Center, indicated that the company's focus at this exhibition is on automation and green energy applications. Distributors will leverage their expertise in automation applications to incorporate MEAN WELL's green energy and backup power products.Hsieh further noted that the company's product designs follow cross-industry standards, efficiently fulfilling the application requirements of distributors in their specific sectors. In the field of humanoid robotics, MEAN WELL provides an array of charging power options, including wall-mounted designs, high-power density models, and fanless or fan-equipped configurations. These technologies can be easily adapted for various scenarios, including outdoor applications. Moreover, they support CAN bus communication and system-level integration, ensuring a stable power supply.The characteristics offer a broader range of collaborative models between MEAN WELL and its distribution partners. Partners leverage their technical expertise and capabilities to integrate MEAN WELL's standard products and related components as a foundational element in their offering, in addition to traditional product sales. Furthermore, by applying their professional integration capabilities—tailored to specific application scenarios—they co-develop comprehensive solutions that deliver significant added value.At Automation Taipei 2025, factory automation specialist YAU-YIH Enterprise will present a complete industrial robotic arm display solution powered by MEAN WELL's automation-oriented power supplies. RiKO, specialist in smart lighting control, will showcase the integration of MEAN WELL's Matter wireless and DALI wired dimming controllers with its proprietary sensors for use in industrial and commercial automation scenarios. JIDIEN will exhibit its most recent XDR and XTR series DIN-rail power supplies, as well as the next-generation mobile energy storage system, the NTN-5K, highlighting its advancements in energy storage applications and power integration.MEAN WELL's distributors will present backup power solutions for energy applications. Integrating redundant power supplies with control modules allows automation systems to securely retain operational progress, document work steps, and ensure a consistent power supply during outages, thereby reducing equipment loss and downtime expenses.Hsieh stated that MEAN WELL's target applications prioritize energy conservation, green energy and smart systems. These technologies prioritize high-efficiency energy conversion, support a variety of communication protocols, and enable remote monitoring. They can be integrated with other products to enhance energy storage and feedback systems in both grid-connected and off-grid setups, effectively fulfilling the stability and intelligent energy demands of modern automation systems. This presentation leverages distributors' expert integration capabilities, combining MEAN WELL power modules with green energy and backup products to create a unified system that provides significant value-added services to end customers.The simultaneous release of key products aims to greatly improve industrial control and energy storage applications solutionsMEAN WELL will exhibit a variety of key products at this exhibition, in addition to the two target applications. These products include the XDR series DIN-rail power modules, the BIC-2200 bidirectional power supply, the LOP-200/300 ultra-thin PCB power supplies, and other solutions that have garnered significant industry attention.The XDR, XDR-E, and XTR represent significant enhancements to MEAN WELL's DIN-rail power supply product line, effectively tackling spatial limitations, thermal management, and communication needs within the industrial and automation sectors. The three products are distinctly categorized: the XDR serves as the premium flagship with superior performance and extensive communication capabilities; the XDR-E presents a budget-friendly alternative; and the XTR accommodates three-phase input, rendering it appropriate for substantial loads and extended usage. series can function at full capacity at 60 degrees Celsius. These products meet international safety standards such as CB, TUV, UL, CE, and UKCA, with some models offering explosion-proof and maritime safety certifications.The BIC-2200 is a bidirectional AC/DC power supply designed to support various energy storage applications by facilitating both charging and discharging operations. It can be paralleled with a maximum of five units for a total output of 11kW, delivering 2200W of power per unit in a 1U ultra-slim rack-mount design. It possesses a bidirectional conversion efficiency of 93% and switching rates of one millisecond. Furthermore, it has an optional CAN bus interface for connection with energy management systems. This product is TUV/UL 62368-1 and CE certified, and adheres to the IEC 62477-1 grid-connection standard. It includes comprehensive protective measures, including islanding protection, overvoltage, overload, short-circuit, and overtemperature safeguards, rendering it appropriate for battery manufacturing and energy scheduling applications like vehicle-to-vehicle (V2G) systems.The LOP-200/300 series is an ultra-thin, high-power PCB-mounted power supply, measuring 4×2×1 inches and around 25mm in thickness. They are offered in 200W and 300W variants, featuring a maximum output capacity of 150% and an output voltage range of 12-54V. They can operate reliably at altitudes of up to 5,000 meters and within a temperature range of -40 to 80 degrees Celsius. The LOP-200/300 series has obtained numerous international safety certifications, including IEC 62368-1, IEC 60601-1, and IEC 61558-1/60335-1. They demonstrate a conversion efficiency of up to 94%, and a leakage current of 500µA, and an integrated auxiliary power supply of 12V/0.5A. The entire series comes with a three-year warranty.Product and application solution partner: MEAN WELL and distributors building a complete value chainAt Automation Taipei 2025, MEAN WELL will present the outcomes of its strategic evolution into a comprehensive product and application solutions partner. Distributors can leverage their specialized expertise, together with MEAN WELL's extensive standardized product line, to create a full value chain from product to application. Hsieh indicated that driven by a triadic strategy of module standardization, application orientation, and customization support, MEAN WELL is moving beyond the traditional role of a power supply manufacturer and evolving into an application-driven power solution partner. In the future, MEAN WELL will enhance its flexible integration and application extension capabilities across automation, energy storage, AI computing, medical care, and high-density equipment. Through close collaboration with industry partners, the company aims to deliver efficient, safe, and stable smart solutions.Caption: XTR Series Ultra-Thin, High-Efficiency, and Durable DIN Rail Power Supply.Caption: XDR-E Next-Generation Ultra-Thin DIN Rail Power Supply.
Taiwan has officially transitioned into a super-aged society. The swiftly increasing older demographic and the labor force deficit have resulted in a significant scarcity of nursing personnel. By 2030, it is projected that the global demand for nursing personnel will rise by 5.5 million to 7.4 million, necessitating an increased patient care burden on medical professionals.Simultaneously, the quality standards of contemporary medical care are perpetually advancing, while the nursing operational procedures have become increasingly intricate and burdensome, hence augmenting the workload and time constraints faced by nursing personnel. Confronted with multiple problems, medical institutions must devise ways that sustain high-quality care while alleviating the pressure on nursing personnel. In response, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) implemented the ASUS VivoWatch smart band to significantly enhance nursing efficiency and service quality.The aging population affects medical care: Smart wearables helpLiu, Cai-wen (transliterated from Chinese), supervisor of the FEMH Nursing Department, stated that the ASUS VivoWatch, a wearable produced by ASUS, can automatically measure patients' vital indicators such as heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels. It transfers this data to the hospital system in real time using its built-in Bluetooth module, allowing for continuous 24-hour physiological monitoring. Furthermore, the device boasts a pleasant and lightweight design, suitable for extended usage, which can substantially reduce discomfort and limit interference with patients' daily activities. The FEMH Information Technology Department has partnered with the ASUS team to link the wearable device to the hospital's information system, incorporating it with the early warning system to provide an automated health risk assessment process. Upon detecting abnormal vital signs in a patient, an alert notification can be promptly generated to improve care response efficiency and ensure patient safety.Liu stated that this solution effectively addressed numerous clinical pain points. Firstly, nursing workers are no longer required to measure physiological data during the night to prevent disrupting patients' sleep. Secondly, the wearable device autonomously captures physiological data, alleviating the burden on nursing staff regarding manual measurement and documentation; thirdly, high-frequency automatic monitoring, in conjunction with an early warning system, facilitates the medical team in identifying early indicators of deteriorating conditions, thereby enhancing patient safety. This smart wearable is being utilized in the VIP and general acute wards at FEMH, serving inpatients aged 18 and above. An Institutional Review Board (IRB) has authorized the assessment of the proposal's ethical criteria and safety.Clinical advantages are reinforced in a variety of ways, resulting in a win-win situation for both patients and nursesThe efficiency of FEMH nursing operations has been substantially improved by the implementation of ASUS VivoWatch wearable devices. The automated measurement and data recording capabilities allow nursing staff to focus on patient care and emergency interventions, thereby achieving the objective of "minimizing pressure and workload." The ASUS VivoWatch wearable is seamlessly incorporated with the EWS system, allowing the nursing team to promptly identify abnormal patient signs. This integration reduces the occurrence of abrupt deterioration incidents and improves patient safety. The real-time update function of physiological data boosts the quality of care by enhancing the speed and accuracy of decision-making for the medical team. Additionally, patients are less frequently disturbed during sleep by traditional measurement methods, which strengthens hospital comfort and recovery outcomes.Liu noted that FEMH and ASUS will continue to expand the use of the wearable device across wards and for patients with various diseases, while also improving technology integration. Simultaneously, they will promote the standardization of smart care by using technology to simplify consistent nursing operational procedures, so boosting overall medical service quality and the hospital's potential for long-term development. It is hoped that by combining clinical nursing experience with technical innovation, we would be able to handle the caregiving challenges posed by an aging population and attain the long-term care aim of "nursing personnel and technology collaborating," Liu concluded.
Test Research, Inc. (TRI), the leading test and inspection systems provider for the electronics manufacturing industry, will join SEMICON Taiwan held at Taipei Nangang Exhibition Center, Hall 1 - 1F from September 10-12, 2025. Visit TRI's Booth No. K3070 to learn more about the latest Advanced WLP/PLP and SEMI Back-End Package Inspection and metrology solutions.TRI's Inspection and Metrology Applications include: Chiplet & Chip-on-Wafer (CoW), System-in-Package (SiP), Advanced WLP, TSV Metrology, μBump, Cu Pillar, Surface Topology, Profiling, Thin Film Thickness, Patterned Wafer, Inner Crack/Chipping, After Sawing Defects, Die Underfill, Glue, Epoxy & Flux, Wafer Bumping and Die / Wire Bonding.TRI will showcase the Wafer Inspection and metrology Platform, TR7950Q SII, capable of wafer macroscopic 3D inspection and micro measurement metrology. The TR7950Q SII has applications in Advanced WLP, Wafer Frame, Patterned Wafer, Wafer Bumping, WLCSP, Through Silicon Via (TSV), thin film, and more.TRI will also exhibit the back-end inspection solutions, the TR7007Q SII-S for C4 bumps (~100 μm Ø), Mini-LED, and 008004 paste inspection applications, and the TR7900Q SII-R TRI's Reject Station with A-Powered 3D Inspection that can inspect die, wire diameters of up to 15 μm (0.6 mil), SiP, underfill, bumps, and more. The lineup will also include an X-ray Inspection Demo Station. TRI's SEMI AXI solutions can inspect C4 bumps and Cu pillars.
The trend of integrating generative artificial intelligence (Gen AI) applications into edge AI (Edge AI) is gaining momentum. More Edge AI systems are providing intelligent applications with multi-layered user interaction, stimulating explosive growth opportunities in Edge AI. For example, at CES 2025, we saw the unveiling of new products such as AI toys, AI pets, AI robots, and AI robot dogs. Emerging applications using compact, energy-efficient smart devices coupled with AI inference and ample computing power are on the rise.Edge AI currently demands higher performance, privacy, response speed, and efficiency. However, due to the limitations of miniaturized devices in computing power, memory capacity, and battery size, the industry is actively addressing this demanding challenge. Thanks to the rapid iteration of cutting-edge semiconductor and AI technologies, a microcontroller (MCU) semiconductor solution supporting a neural processing unit (NPU) is rapidly emerging in the market. Aiming to quickly meet AI MCU products that combine security, energy saving, and computing power, it aims to meet these requirements.Alif Launches New Ensemble MCU Series E4, E6, and E8 ProductsAlif Semiconductor, a global leader in AI MCU technology, announced the latest additions to its New Generation Ensemble MCU family on August 12, 2025. The three new models, E4, E6, and E8, are designed to handle the workloads required for generative AI inference on Edge AI devices. Targeted for battery-powered use cases, these products enable rapid execution of generative AI applications on compact devices such as wearables. They feature core capabilities for ultra-low power consumption and information security. By eliminating the need for frequent charging and degrading the user experience, Alif's New Generation Ensemble E4/E6/E8 MCU solutions establish a leading position in the Edge AI market.In terms of product specifications, the E4, E6, and E8 products feature functional configurations ranging from dual-core, triple-core, to quad-core microprocessors. The E4 chip, for example, features two Cortex-M55 MCU cores, each paired with an Ethos-U55 NPU, and additionally there is an Ethos-U85 NPU that can be accessed by either Cortex-M55 for Generative AI tasks. This coupled with flexible built-in memory configurations, including up to 5.5MB of MRAM and a maximum of 9.75MB of SRAM, greatly facilitates the execution of diverse AI models.The E6 chip adds a Cortex-A32 core to create a tri-core microprocessor to address applications requiring higher computing power for AI model inference. The highest-performance E8 chip utilizes a quad-core microprocessor configuration, combining the a forementioned configuration with a Cortex-A32 core to meet the demands of highly complex generative AI inference. Through this new product combination, Alif is optimistic about new business opportunities for generative AI applications in subsequent consumer electronics products and is poised to capitalize on diverse Edge AI applications and the flourishing business opportunities.Ethos-U85 NPU is configured to run Transformer-based neural network systems with high efficiencyAlif's new Ensemble MCU is equipped with the Arm Ethos-U85 NPU, making it the industry's first MCU product to be launched with this NPU. It supports generative AI neural networks based on the Transformer architecture, providing ultra-low energy efficiency. Current customer test data shows that some AI toys capable of automatically generating and compiling story content tailored to children's age, emotions, and personalization use a small language AI model (SLM) to execute story generation scripts on Ensemble's E4 chip, consuming only 36mW of power. These AI toys also have voice control capabilities for interactive interactions with children, representing new applications that combine educational and entertainment value, creating optimistic expectations for the market for smart toys and a wider range of interactive smart devices.Accelerated image processing achieves object detection in 2 milliseconds and image classification in under 8 millisecondsIn terms of image processing performance, the new chips currently support up to two MIPI-CSI image sensors and include a fully hardware-accelerated image signal processor (ISP) channel. Thanks to the design of a high-performance memory subsystem, high-speed video image captures up to 60 frames per second (fps) at a 2-megapixel resolution is achieved. In particular, the chips are equipped with ultra-energy-efficient and highly flexible MRAM memory, which enables AI inference speeds to be reduced to under one millisecond.Given that generative AI is playing a vital role in optimizing intelligent robotics, it not only enhances the precision and adaptability of autonomous robots, but also the new E4/E6/E8 products in the New Generation Ensemble MCU series can enhance real-time data acquisition and analysis capabilities in applications such as health monitoring and wearable devices. This allows OEM/ODM electronic product development teams to launch a new generation of user experiences that create a good interactive experience with generative AI. This can then be expanded to include solutions in areas such as smart robots for medical care, smart healthcare or auxiliary diagnosis, smart transportation, smart toys, smart homes and smart cities, driving innovation in the next generation of AI products.For more information, please visit Alif Semiconductor website.Ensemble Family
The proliferation of smart healthcare is transforming the global landscape, with wearable devices progressively integrating into clinical and health management sectors. The health management center at Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) has partnered with ASUS to conduct a strategic experiment, incorporating the ASUS VivoWatch into the advanced health check-up procedure to establish an innovative model of "post-check care." This illustrates the potential of wearable technology in healthcare while providing essential practical experience for the sector.Lee Ai-Hsien, Director of FEMH Health Management Center, stated that FEMH has consistently prioritized personalized care and preventive medicine. The ASUS VivoWatch wearable device is designed to enhance the utility of health check-up services by transitioning from a "single-point check-up" to a " monitoring".Lee also stated that the ASUS VivoWatch smartwatch has the potential to serve as a critical link in the long-term health management relationship between the health check-up center and its customers by providing more immediate and continuous health information for high-risk groups.Users agree that wearable devices are beneficial in therapyThe trial participants primarily consisted of affluent health check-up clients requiring cardiovascular assessments or vascular examinations. The demographic primarily comprised individuals between the ages of 40 and 59, a critical age range for the prevention and management of cardiovascular disease.The participants have conveyed substantial approval of the ASUS VivoWatch, with various satisfaction metrics exceeding 84%, following more than four months of testing. Lee outlined four primary advantages after conducting a thorough evaluation and analysis of user feedback.The clinical monitoring feature is exceptional and effectively meets the needs of high-risk populations. The ASUS VivoWatch health tracker is equipped with critical physiological monitoring capabilities, such as electrocardiogram (ECG), blood pressure (BP), and pulse wave (PPG) sensing modules, which facilitate the comprehensive monitoring of the user's critical physiological metrics. The Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) of Taiwan's Ministry of Health and Welfare has granted medical device certification to this device App, which enables it to be legally utilized in medical settings. This certification significantly enhances the credibility and professionalism of health assessment services. With clear clinical application scenarios, including post-operative tracking, daily monitoring of individuals with the "three highs" (high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and high cholesterol), preventive health care for suboptimal health status (SHS), and remote monitoring, it has the potential to generate significant value in the field of health management.The second aspect is the exceptional user experience, characterized by remarkable performance across multiple satisfaction metrics. User feedback surveys indicate that the ASUS VivoWatch has achieved over 80% high satisfaction across five key metrics, mostly attributable to its straightforward working interface and comfort, making it user-friendly for individuals over 60 years old. This device effectively converts "one-time health check" into a "continuous health management process," establishing a comprehensive service cycle that encompasses wearing, data feedback, and professional advice. This enables the examinee to experience ongoing care and concern, thereby generating added value beyond its fundamental function.Brand trust and medical certification are mutually reinforcing. ASUS, a domestic technology brand in Taiwan, merges corporate research and development capabilities with medical-grade certification to offer users more assurance, while efficiently integrating local medical procedures in the Taiwanese market and securing prompt professional technical assistance.The final aspect is that integrated health management improves the differentiation of medical services. The ASUS VivoWatch is effectively incorporated into the health checkup process, creating a comprehensive health management cycle that offers personalized tracking recommendations and fosters a sustained trust relationship between physicians and patients. This transformation turns a singular health checkup into an ongoing health collaboration, thereby enhancing customer retention and willingness to recommend.Enhance preventive medicine, optimize the relationship between physicians and their patients, and create a new value chain for ubiquitous medical careLee emphasized that the successful implementation of the ASUS VivoWatch by FEMH Health Management Center demonstrates that wearable devices have transcended their role as mere technological products, evolving into a crucial strategic asset for medical institutions to bolster preventive medicine, improve service differentiation, and cultivate enduring health relationships. Its fundamental value is not solely derived from its advanced technological specifications; it is also rooted in its ability to seamlessly integrate into the medical environment, facilitate health monitoring, and secure patients' acceptance and trust. Consequently, it has established a new paradigm for Taiwan's healthcare model.The ASUS VivoWatch, offered by Far Eastern Memorial Hospital's health management center, can continually track physiological information after the examination, transforming health examinations from "single-point examinations" to "whole day monitoring" services.
Taiwan is expected to transition into a super-aged society in 2025, when those aged 65 and older would constitute over 20% of the overall population, coinciding with an increase in cardiovascular disease prevalence. For cardiovascular patients, post-discharge risk management has consistently been an oversight in medical care. Despite the condition being stable and the patient being discharged, home emergency care may still be required owing to abrupt occurrences such as arrhythmias, cardiac arrest, or falls. Family members or caregivers frequently lack knowledge of the disease, which results in delays in the golden rescue time, in addition to geriatric individuals living alone.Far Eastern Memorial Hospital (FEMH) has implemented measures to address those issues, including the establishment of a 24-hour immediate care and rescue ecosystem outside the hospital, the development of innovative wearable devices, and the establishment of a Safe Medical Care Platform. The objective is to extend medical care to patients' homes.Three entities work together to create a novel framework for immediate emergency careFEMH's immediate care and rescue ecosystem consists of three fundamental elements: "Smart wearable devices, a remote health management platform, and a fire rescue system." The patient's condition can be evaluated via real-time data transmitted by wearable devices and mobile applications. In the event that an irregular cardiac rhythm is detected, the system will promptly notify the case manager and activate the New Taipei City Fire Department 119 system to initiate the ambulance response protocol. This three-party integrated innovation disrupts the framework of the traditional hospital-based medical care system, seamlessly extends cardiovascular care to the home environment, and realizes a new medical model of "out-of-hospital instant emergency network".Smartwatches, characterized by high accuracy, immediacy, and system integration, possess the potential to function as front-line monitors during the operation of this mechanism. The data can be transmitted to the remote platform in real time through the mobile phone without the patient's active involvement by continuously monitoring the heart rhythm for 24 hours. Emergency rescue personnel can swiftly identify and access the patient's location for assistance by employing the integrated GPS to deliver accurate location data during emergencies.The preliminary research initiative by FEMH educates patients on the use of smartwatches before their hospital discharge and provides monitoring following their return home. The watch can independently detect variations in heart rate through a mobile application without apparent symptoms. Upon identifying substantial anomalies, the mobile application system automatically activates the notification protocol, enabling a secondary response of "detection-return-response-rescue activation." The complete procedure, from the identification of abnormalities to the alerting of the New Taipei Fire Department, averages only 21 seconds, thus minimizing delays in emergency care. Especially when the patient is unconscious or unable to seek help independently, the system is expected to autonomously secure vital rescue time.Empirical findings confirm the benefits while expanding the scope of careYen-Wen Wu, Director, Department of Medical Research, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, revealed that the pioneering project endorsed by the hospital effectively performed heart rate monitoring tests on more than 100 subjects, achieving a 100% success rate for data transmissions from the wearable device to the platform. Furthermore, the physiological detection values adhered to the reference standards for clinical decision-making, confirming the system's reliable performance in a practical environment.FEMH has inaugurated the "FEMH Peace of Mind Care Center," thereby broadening its service offerings to include remote monitoring of implantable cardiac devices and continuous electrocardiogram surveillance. In the future, it is anticipated that the care objects will extend from high-risk cardiovascular patients to sub-healthy populations with a familial predisposition.Wu further stated that this innovative model entails the development of various wearable devices designed to deliver precise sensing data and real-time alerts. ASUS will collaborate with FEMH to develop an "out-of-hospital real-time detection and emergency rescue" system aimed at transforming Taiwan's medical framework, ensuring that patients receive continuous protection at home, akin to hospitalization, thereby providing reassurance to both patients and physicians.Far Eastern Memorial Hospital and ASUS have teamed with the New Taipei City Fire Department to develop an off-site quick rescue system using the wearable device and an instant notification platform. When irregularities in patients are detected, the 119 attendance system can be automatically activated, saving valuable rescue time.In the event that a patient wearing the smart watch detects an abnormal heart rhythm upon returning home, the device can automatically transmit the information back to the platform and immediately activate the fire department's rescue mechanism, thereby establishing a new remote medical model with 24/7 protection.