The global medical imaging market continues to grow steadily. Driven by an aging population, the rising prevalence of chronic diseases, and the acceleration of healthcare digitalization, the market has surpassed USD 60 billion and is expected to maintain a 4 - 6% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the coming years. The rapid adoption of AI and 3D imaging technologies is further fueling demand for advanced imaging equipment and integrated medical imaging solutions.Amid these industry trends, Cypress Technology which is a company with 35 years of expertise in professional audiovisual R&D and design, has successfully expanded into the medical imaging sector. By leveraging its long-standing expertise in image processing, Cypress brings advanced imaging technologies into clinical environments and has become a trusted partner for healthcare institutions in Taiwan and overseas seeking to build smart, integrated imaging infrastructures.35 Years of Image Processing Expertise Powering Comprehensive Medical Imaging IntegrationMedical imaging, including endoscopy, ultrasound, CT scans, and surgical imaging, forms the foundation of modern diagnosis and treatment. Cypress Technology has successfully translated its 35 years of image processing expertise into medical imaging integration, with solutions now widely deployed in hybrid operating rooms, telemedicine, medical image recording, hospital resource management centers, naked-eye 3D visualization, and specialized medical resolution processing.Cypress solutions enable real-time, stable, and high-quality image transmission and integration across diverse medical devices, significantly improving clinical workflows and operational efficiency.Core Technologies: Zero Latency, High Fidelity, and Support for Specialized Medical ResolutionsPrecision and efficiency are critical in medical imaging applications. Cypress delivers zero-latency image transmission, high-fidelity image reproduction, and support for a wide range of specialized medical resolutions, all of which are core capabilities refined through 35 years of R&D experience. These technologies form the essential foundation of Cypress’ medical imaging integration solutions.Cultivating an Imaging Ecosystem to Build an End-to-End Medical Imaging EcosystemTo support healthcare institutions in rapidly deploying comprehensive smart imaging infrastructures, Cypress actively promotes a medical imaging ecosystem strategy. Through close collaboration with ecosystem partners including AVer medical cameras, Avalue medical computing platforms, Karl Storz endoscopy systems and its Taiwan distributor Scutum Technology, Pentax endoscopy systems and its Taiwan distributor YM Medical Instruments, Sony medical displays, and AUO Display Plus for intelligent healthcare solutions. Cypress delivers an end-to-end ecosystem covering image acquisition, processing, and visualization. This ecosystem approach enhances device compatibility, accelerates clinical adoption, and extends applications beyond human healthcare to meet the growing demands of the veterinary market.The Rise of AI and 3D Imaging: Cypress Advances New Medical Applications with AI-Enabled HardwareAI represents one of the fastest-growing segments in medical imaging, with market forecasts projecting CAGR exceeding 20%. Deep-learning-based image analysis, imaging-based screening, 3D visualization, and advanced image preprocessing have become key investment priorities for healthcare providers.In response, Cypress has expanded beyond audiovisual transmission to introduce image processing hardware with built-in AI computing capabilities, supporting real-time 3D image processing and visualization, as well as AI-assisted deep learning for medical imaging. By integrating AI with advanced imaging technologies, Cypress empowers healthcare professionals with faster, more accurate, and real-time insights which significantly enhancing clinical efficiency and decision-making.Based in Taiwan, Expanding Globally: Strong Momentum in Medical Imaging IntegrationIn recent years, Cypress Technology has worked closely with system integrators to successfully deploy medical imaging integration solutions in numerous major hospitals across Taiwan, earning a strong reputation in the local market. Meanwhile, Cypress has established partnerships with leading global endoscopy brands and medical system providers, delivering customized imaging solutions that highlight Taiwan’s image processing expertise on the international healthcare stage.New medical recorder and video matrix with KVM management. Credit: Cypress Technology

EarFun, a fast-growing audio brand recognized with CES Innovation Awards, Red Dot Design Awards, and IF Design Awards, will unveil its latest lineup of wireless audio products at CES 2026. Visitors are invited to experience EarFun's newest innovations at Booth No. 31923, LVCC – South Hall 1.At CES 2026, EarFun will debut several groundbreaking products. The EarFun Wave Pro X introduces the world's first dual-driver ANC headphones with Auracast, delivering best-in-class noise cancellation powered by advanced adaptive hybrid ANC technology. Its dual-driver design creates a wider, cleaner soundstage with rich detail, while next-generation Bluetooth connectivity ensures seamless pairing and extended listening performance.EarFun will also present the EarFun Clip 2, the world's first Hi-Res comfort ear-clip earbuds with AI translation. Built with a weightless open-ear architecture for all-day comfort, the Clip 2 combines enhanced dynamic drivers with long playback capability and wireless charging support, offering a new level of convenience and accessibility.Another highlight is the EarFun Air Pro 4+, the world's first Hi-Res dual-driver adaptive hybrid ANC earbuds under €100. Featuring EarFun's first AI-powered translation system for seamless cross-language communication, the Air Pro 4+ introduces a pioneering nano side-fitted acoustic architecture and self-developed miniature driver for natural, expansive sound. With advanced connectivity including Bluetooth 6.0, Auracast, LE Audio, Google Fast Pair, aptX Lossless, Snapdragon Sound, and extended battery life, the Air Pro 4+ represents EarFun's most ambitious innovation to date.EarFun's products have consistently earned global recognition. The Air Pro 4+ was named a Red Dot Design Award Winner in 2025 and an IFA Innovation Award honoree, and has been praised by leading outlets including CNET, Tom's Guide, Forbes, Soundguys, ZDNET, and Scarbir for its outstanding sound quality, comfort, and value.To learn more and experience EarFun's latest innovations, visit Booth No. 31923 at CES 2026 in Las Vegas.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is changing how digital gaming platforms operate, enhancing user experiences and improving security. By using AI, these platforms offer personalized interactions and advanced fraud detection. This transformation is significant in the context of online gambling in Texas.Digital gaming platforms have experienced growth, with technology significantly influencing user experiences. As artificial intelligence continues to advance, its integration into these platforms is redefining user interaction and engagement. AI's impact is particularly evident in enhancing personalization and security measures. In this context, online gambling in Texas benefits from AI advancements that cater to personalized user experiences while ensuring a secure environment for players.AI algorithms enhance personalized gamingAI algorithms are crucial in analyzing user behavior to deliver personalized gaming experiences. By examining how users interact with games, AI systems can tailor content that aligns with individual preferences. This approach enhances engagement and fosters a deeper connection between players and digital platforms. Personalized recommendations ensure that users encounter games that resonate with their interests, leading to increased satisfaction.The ability of AI to curate gaming experiences is transformative for user retention. Players are more likely to return to a platform where they feel understood and valued. As a result, digital gaming companies are investing in AI technologies to harness this potential. By focusing on what players enjoy most, these platforms can create dynamic environments that adapt and evolve alongside user preferences, setting new standards for engagement in the industry.Fraud detection technologies powered by AISecurity is a top priority for digital gaming platforms, and AI plays a crucial role in safeguarding users against fraudulent activities. AI-driven systems can detect anomalies in behavior patterns that may indicate fraudulent transactions or unauthorized access attempts. This capability is vital for maintaining trust among users who demand secure environments when engaging with online platforms.The application of AI in fraud detection extends beyond simple identification; it actively prevents fraudulent activities before they can impact users. Real-time monitoring and rapid response capabilities allow platforms to address threats swiftly, reinforcing user confidence. By continuously learning from new threats, AI systems evolve to offer robust security measures that protect both the platform and its users from emerging cyber risks.Customer service improvements using AI assistantsAI's role extends into customer service through the implementation of chatbots and virtual assistants that provide immediate support. These systems are designed to handle user inquiries efficiently around the clock, offering solutions without human intervention. For many users, this means quick resolutions to common issues without waiting for human agents.The efficiency of AI-powered customer service lies in its ability to learn from interactions and improve over time. As these systems gather data from user interactions, they become more adept at understanding complex queries and providing accurate responses. This evolution enhances the overall customer experience by delivering timely assistance and freeing up human resources for more intricate tasks.

3D technology has long promised a new level of visual immersion, yet widespread adoption has remained limited due to high content production costs, expensive hardware, and inconsistent user experiences. Taiwan-based startup Optiqb is redefining the category from the ground up. By combining AI algorithms with a proprietary optical screen protector, the company enables any smartphone to convert everyday 2D content into glasses-free 3D in just seconds - bringing stereoscopic viewing closer to everyday life.Optiqb CEO Jye Lin explained that the team's philosophy centers on "no change in device, no change in content, and no change in user behavior." By allowing users to access 3D in the most natural and familiar context, the company aims to remove long-standing barriers to adoption and pave the way for more widespread 3D usage.At the core of Optiqb's technology is an AI-powered 3D engine capable of real-time eye-tracking to determine the viewer's position. Through depth-prediction models, the system calculates the stereoscopic depth of each frame and generates separate parallax images for the left and right eyes. The algorithm then rearranges pixel information, which is refracted through a specialized optical layer embedded in the screen protector, enabling a full 3D effect without the need for head-mounted devices.A key breakthrough lies in the engine's ability to work with any 2D content - whether recorded video, streaming services, or platforms like YouTube - allowing instantaneous conversion and dramatically lowering the entry barrier for 3D consumption. Beyond content flexibility, Optiqb has focused heavily on visual comfort. Traditional 3D and VR experiences often induce dizziness because users must adapt to the device. Optiqb reverses this dynamic: its system adapts to the user. The AI dynamically adjusts parallax based on eye position and viewing distance, optimizing depth effects and mitigating the discomfort commonly associated with conventional 3D technologies.Optiqb's business model follows a dual-track approach that integrates both hardware and software. Revenue is sustained through the sale of its optical screen protectors, while its AI 3D engine is licensed to telecom operators and content service providers - allowing streaming platforms to upgrade to glasses-free 3D without remastering existing content. According to Lin, Singtel has already adopted the technology and is preparing to launch a premium 2D-to-3D service. Chunghwa Telecom is also in partnership discussions to gradually introduce glasses-free 3D versions of local content. Optiqb is additionally collaborating with device manufacturers to embed its technology directly into smartphones, tablets, automotive systems, and commercial displays, building an end-to-end ecosystem that connects content, software, and devices.National-Level Support Accelerates Optiqb's Global Deployment of Next-Generation Visual TechnologyOptiqb now derives nearly 90% of its revenue from overseas markets, with customers spanning Singapore, Japan, Southeast Asia, Europe, North Africa, India, and North America. Its very first commercial client - Singtel - underscores the high replicability of its core technology and its strong appeal across global markets.As the company rapidly expands worldwide, Taiwan Tech Arena (TTA) has played a pivotal role in accelerating Optiqb's internationalization. According to CEO Jye Lin, TTA has not only secured access to major global exhibitions but has also provided multi-layered support through its mentorship network, cross-border connections, client matchmaking, and hands-on commercialization guidance. These efforts helped Optiqb build a structured overseas expansion framework - from product pitch refinement and meeting preparation to time management during exhibitions - ultimately generating more international leads and partnership opportunities.For CES 2026, Optiqb has already finalized its meeting schedules, target customer lists, and outreach strategies with assistance from TTA and its mentor network. The company will engage with a broad spectrum of potential partners, including global telecom operators, content studios, major retail distributors, and automotive and display manufacturers, with the goal of signing multiple MOUs during the event.Looking ahead to 2026, Optiqb plans to standardize its "reference model" solution by the end of this year, enabling the company to replicate deployment globally through a unified offering. Its expansion strategy will focus on four major customer segments - telecom operators, content platforms, retail channels, and device manufacturers - building a scalable and efficient go-to-market model. With a clear strategy and mature technology stack, Optiqb aims to further accelerate the adoption of glasses-free 3D across international markets.Optiqb AI 3D engine quickly identifies user's eye position. Credit: Optiqb

As devices evolve toward 4K, 8K, multi-camera sensing, immersive displays, autonomous perception, and AI-driven vision, uncompressed video has become increasingly difficult to move, store, or process efficiently. At CES 2026, intoPIX will present new advancements in real-time, low-power image processing and video compression, offering manufacturers a powerful alternative that maintains uncompressed image quality while drastically reducing bandwidth, latency, power, and system cost.This year's participation also marks a milestone for intoPIX, as the company celebrates 20 years of innovation and was honored with a prestigious Emmy Award recognizing its contribution to the JPEG XS standard - a technology showcased prominently at the show.Located at Venetian Expo Booth #50752, intoPIX will demonstrate its latest implementations of JPEG XS, TicoXS FIP, and TicoRAW. These technologies behave unlike traditional codecs and enable uncompressed image quality that is ideal for high-end capture, automotive perception, gaming, wireless displays, and AR/VR. They deliver sub-millisecond latency thanks to line-based processing, making them perfectly suited for real-time interaction and safety-critical systems. They also achieve massive bandwidth reduction, enabling simpler connectivity, lighter architectures, and reduced memory load. With low power consumption, they are key for mobile devices, wearables, cameras, and edge systems. Finally, ISO-standard JPEG XS interoperability provides a reliable foundation for scalable products.These capabilities allow manufacturers to design devices that are faster, cooler, lighter, and more cost-effective, while delivering an instant "wow factor" in image quality.Solutions for tomorrow's most demanding applicationCameras and sensors benefit from precise, low-latency streams that preserve every detail for human and machine vision. Automotive and ADAS systems gain ultra-efficient bandwidth usage and real-time multi-camera data processing for faster, safer autonomous decisions. Wireless displays, AR/VR, and gaming achieve seamless responsiveness, premium resolution, and freedom from cables or heavy bandwidth. Cloud processing and storage workflows become scalable with significant data and cost savings.Meet INTOPIX At CES 2026The intoPIX team will provide hands-on demonstrations throughout the show and will be available to discuss how these technologies can be integrated into next-generation devices, platforms, and workflows. Attendees are invited to experience how intoPIX enables uncompressed performance without uncompressed constraints at Booth #50752 (Venetian Expo, Halls A-D). Book a meeting or learn more at intoPIX.

Smart building and lifestyle service solutions are entering a new phase, driven increasingly by software rather than hardware. As demand grows for equipment-free, low-maintenance and rapidly deployable solutions - and as governments worldwide promote net-zero and sustainable building standards - traditional hardware-centric intercom and property-management systems are reaching their limits.Positioning itself around the concept of "software-defined lifestyle services", Epic Tech Taiwan is building a seamless smart-living ecosystem that connects residents' daily routines - from leaving home, navigating their day, to returning safely.Epic Tech Taiwan, a software startup under Taiwan Secom Group, leverages the group's decades of service experience while operating with the agility of a modern software company. According to VP Harry Chang, Epic Tech Taiwan combines strong software R&D capabilities with rapid market responsiveness, enabling it not only to develop software products but to fundamentally solve pain points in residential living. By adopting a SaaS-driven approach, the company aims to accelerate the next stage of smart-living innovation.Epic Tech Taiwan currently offers three major solutions: the Zhongbao Good Life property-management platform, the CES 2026 Innovation Award-winning G.Talk AI intercom solution, and the soon-to-launch LaLa POS system for retail and food-service operators.Zhongbao Good Life is the company's most mature offering, already deployed in over 6,000 communities, covering roughly 300,000 households and serving more than 200,000 members. The platform consolidates essential community management functions - including mailroom registration, announcement distribution, bill payment, facility maintenance requests and security-patrol records - into a single interface, streamlining operations for property managers and residents alike.Building on this foundation, Epic Tech Taiwan developed G.Talk, a software-based intercom system that eliminates the need for dedicated hardware, allowing residents to communicate with visitors remotely. LaLa POS adds the final piece to the "consumer-services" puzzle. Chang notes that the company's vision extends beyond serving residents - it also seeks to empower local merchants. Designed for retail and food-service businesses, LaLa POS delivers comprehensive store-management features and will eventually integrate with Zhongbao Good Life, enabling merchants to address operational challenges while connecting seamlessly with purchasing needs within the surrounding communities.Expanding into North America to Build an Exportable Smart-Living EcosystemIn its global expansion strategy, Epic Tech Taiwan has identified North America as its initial priority market, with G.Talk serving as the company's primary entry point. According to VP Harry Chang, the North American rental market is vast and highly fluid, creating strong demand for communication tools that require no physical installation and can be activated instantly. During the company's participation in CES 2025, local property-management and leasing operators highlighted that G.Talk's hardware-free and wiring-free design significantly reduces deployment costs. Government agencies also expressed interest due to its sustainability and non-invasive implementation.Given the differences in market conditions, regulatory requirements and maintenance models, Epic Tech Taiwan has adopted a distributor-led approach for overseas expansion. Local partners engage directly with end users, while Epic Tech Taiwan provides system-level support, accelerating the company's market entry and operational scale-up.Epic Tech Taiwan is set to return to CES in 2026. Chang notes that the trip carries two strategic objectives: first, to leverage the CES Innovation Award–winning G.Talk to target government agencies and real-estate developers with clear smart-building demands; and second, to debut LaLa POS on the international stage by engaging U.S. retail and food-service distributors. Together, these initiatives aim to present an exportable smart-living model that extends from residential services to consumer scenarios, advancing the company's global footprint in smart-building and smart-lifestyle solutions.Chang emphasized that TTA has played a crucial role in Epic Tech Taiwan's internationalization journey - not only by providing CES exhibition space, but also by helping refine presentations, sales narratives and messaging, translating engineering-heavy language into business-oriented communication aligned with global investor expectations. TTA also assisted in developing sales tools that can be directly applied in international markets.Looking ahead, Chang stated that Epic Tech Taiwan is transitioning from early-stage market validation to full-scale commercialization. In addition to deepening applications of Zhongbao Good Life and G.Talk, the company will position LaLa POS as its key offering for entering the retail and food-service sector in 2026, with the goal of deploying the system in 1,000 stores in the first phase. This expansion not only accelerates Epic Tech Taiwan's business growth but also lays the groundwork for broader cross-scenario integration and the global export of its smart-living ecosystem.Illustration of Epic Tech Taiwan's G.Talk and Zhongbao Good Life products.Credit: Epic Tech Taiwan 

Taipei, Taiwan (December 2, 2025) – ASRock Industrial made its mark at FIDO Taipei Seminar, presenting a keynote on Secure Device integration with FIDO Device Onboard (FDO) deployment technology, demonstrating how automated, trusted, and scalable onboarding is transforming industrial edge AI. As the first industrial computer company in Taiwan to achieve FIDO Device Onboard (FDO) certification, ASRock Industrial continues to raise the bar for industrial cybersecurity. Backed by IEC 62443-4-1 and IEC 62443-4-2 certifications, the company delivers a security architecture that spans from product design and manufacturing to deployment, building an unbroken chain of trust at every layer.With its newly introduced Ai FDO solution, ASRock Industrial empowers enterprises to automate device onboarding and configuration from factory to field, reducing risk, accelerating deployment, and enhancing operational resilience. By merging secure device, verifiable trust, and zero-touch deployment, the company continues to push the boundaries of what's possible at the industrial edge, anchored by its leading industrial cybersecurity platform and in collaboration with ecosystem partners, driving transformation across smart manufacturing, smart retail, smart cities, and other critical infrastructure industries.Security Engineered into Every Layer – Secure Device + FDO DeploymentBuilt on the foundation of the FDO trust chain, ASRock Industrial strengthens security across every layer – from secure device to secure deployment, establishing a comprehensive secure edge AI platform that sets a new industrial cybersecurity standard for critical infrastructure.Secure Device: ASRock Industrial's Secure Device architecture delivers multi-layered, industrial-grade protection built on a hardware-rooted and boot-time chain of trust. Leveraging TPM, Secure Boot, and other trusted technologies, it protects data from boot to runtime through defense-in-depth. The architecture reinforces virtualization and I/O isolation, strengthens memory and code safeguards during runtime, and incorporates accelerated cryptography to secure stored data.It also provides a verifiable security baseline for automated deployment and remote management. Fully aligned with the FDO onboarding stages (TO0, TO1, TO2), it verifies device identity, keys, and configuration integrity, reducing tampering risks and establishing trusted readiness for the intelligent edge.  Secure Deployment: Taking trust beyond the device, ASRock Industrial advances security by integrating its Secure Device design with FDO deployment through the Ai FDO solution, developed in accordance with the FIDO Alliance standard. Upon first boot, devices can automatically connect to designated servers to complete authentication, registration, and deployment - shortening time-to-deploy and minimizing manual intervention and human errors. Supporting bare-metal FDO onboarding, Ai FDO combines cryptographic validation and anti-tampering mechanisms to ensure consistent and scalable secure deployment across both cloud and private environments.Certified for Global Standards, Driving FDO Adoption Across the Industrial EdgeASRock Industrial’s secure hardware platform is certified under multiple international standards, including IEC 62443-4-1 (Secure Product Development Lifecycle Requirements) and IEC 62443-4-2 (Technical Security Requirements for IACS Components). Every stage - from design and development to testing - undergoes rigorous risk assessment and security validation to ensure compliance and resilience.As the first industrial computer company in Taiwan to achieve FDO certification, ASRock Industrial strengthens its leadership in trusted and verifiable edge AI platforms. Beyond product certifications, the company continues to enhance secure applications, supply chain transparency, and incident response capabilities - establishing multiple-layer defenses across device, deployment, and operations.At the FIDO Taipei Seminar, ASRock Industrial showcased its integrated Secure Device and FDO deployment solution that accelerates secure onboarding, reduces cyber risks, and ensures deployment consistency. James Lee, Chairman of ASRock Industrial, stated: "Industrial cybersecurity is the new baseline for intelligent edge computing. With field-proven expertise in secure edge AI, ASRock Industrial unifies secure device with FDO-driven deployment, aligned with international standards. Through zero-touch onboarding and a verifiable chain of trust, every device is protected from the first connection and runs reliably at scale - enabling enterprises to deploy faster, operate safely, and expand edge AI with confidence."For more information on ASRock Industrial's secure device and FDO deployment solutions, visit our Website or contact us via Product Inquiry.

As artificial intelligence (AI) and edge computing continue to accelerate worldwide, industrial displays are undergoing a significant transformation. Once regarded merely as passive terminals for visual output, displays have now become intelligent interfaces that connect human–machine interaction, data visualization, and real-time decision-making across diverse smart environments. From collaborative robots and medical systems to EV charging stations, automated factory lines, and self-service kiosks, industrial displays increasingly serve as the first point of contact between AI-driven systems and users, directly influencing operational efficiency, system reliability, and brand perception.Multi-Scenario Demand Accelerates Industrial Display EvolutionAcross factories, medical equipment, and retail environments, the role of industrial displays has expanded far beyond simple information presentation. Autonomous mobile robots and unmanned transport vehicles rely on displays for real-time navigation feedback. Medical diagnostic equipment requires precise visualization to support AI-assisted analysis. Self-service kiosks integrate touch interfaces, sensing, user identification, and edge computing to deliver responsive, data-driven interaction.  According to Roger Ma, Director of Advantech's Industrial Display Solutions Business Unit, industrial sectors exhibit vastly different display requirements. Medical environments demand high accuracy and easy-to-clean designs; outdoor EV charging stations require high brightness and durable weather-resistant builds; robotics and automation systems prioritize responsiveness, stability, and seamless user interaction. These increasingly differentiated use cases are driving industrial displays toward greater flexibility, durability, and customization—creating new growth momentum for the market.Sector-Driven Strategy Accelerates Customization and InnovationAs industrial applications become more complex, a key challenge is integrating display hardware with edge AI, image processing, and intelligent computing. Backed by extensive cross-industry expertise, Advantech adopts a sector-driven strategy, enabling the company to deeply understand the operational challenges of autonomous systems, robotics, factory automation, medical diagnostics, and retail environments. This approach allows Advantech to deliver display solutions tailored to specific industry demands and expedite deployment.Roger Ma pointed out that a major competitive strength lies in Advantech's Design To Order Service (DTOS) capabilities. Its in-house R&D teams cover the entire design spectrum, including mechanical and optical engineering, electronic and software development, touch-bonding integration, assembly precision, and picture-quality tuning. This vertically integrated capability enables stronger quality control and significantly accelerates development cycles.Advantech further enhances customer responsiveness through agile supply chain management and regional manufacturing, enabling rapid customization and efficient adoption of new technologies such as miniLED backlighting. Looking forward, the company is advancing the integration of edge-AI capabilities directly into displays, including embedded cameras, microphone arrays, and sensor modules to support intelligent video conferencing, AI-enabled recognition, and real-time decision-making. With these advancements, displays are evolving into intelligent front-end nodes capable of analysis rather than merely presentation.AI-Enabled Applications: Real Deployment across Factory and Retail EnvironmentsAdvantech's industrial display technologies are already demonstrating real-world impact across multiple vertical markets. In robotic palletizing systems, Advantech's 12.1-inch WXGA (1280 × 800) industrial display serves as the primary interface for complex robotic operations. Offering 400-nit brightness, wide 160/160° viewing angles, and responsive PCAP touch, the display ensures clear visibility and intuitive control even in demanding factory environments.For real-time information visibility on the production line, Advantech deployed the 55-inch VUE-55 digital signage solution, configured as a 2×2 video wall to create a 110-inch large-format display. With a robust design supporting 50,000 hours of LED lifetime and 24/7 continuous operation, the solution delivers reliable performance for critical factory data.In retail environments closely connected to consumers' daily lives, Advantech's technologies also play a critical role. The 850-nit high-brightness, optically bonded IDP31-101W display enhances the touch experience and durability of intelligent cleaning robots. Meanwhile, the VUE-2238 anti-glare touch display provides flexible landscape and portrait installation options for self-service ordering kiosks and hotel counters. Its IP65 front-panel water- and dust-resistant design, along with its color accuracy, not only improves product reliability but also effectively strengthens brand image.Global Reach and Cross-Platform Integration as Key AdvantagesDisplays serve as the critical bridge connecting humans and machines, as well as data and decision-making. In the era of AI and edge computing, industrial displays are shifting from simple information output devices to core interfaces that drive digital transformation and create business value. According to Roger Ma, the competitiveness of Advantech's display product line stems from the company's unique strengths, including its expertise in multi-platform system integration and its extensive cross-industry experience. These capabilities enable Advantech to deliver complete solutions that go beyond standard display products and integrate seamlessly into customers’ overall application ecosystems.Looking ahead, Advantech will continue to provide high-reliability, rapid-deployment intelligent display solutions for global customers. With stronger edge-AI integration and enhanced customization capabilities, the company is poised to lead industrial displays into a new stage of development.Advantech's Industrial Display Solutions.Credit: Advantech

In 1988, Japanese firms controlled 51% of worldwide chip sales, dominating memory production and manufacturing equipment. Fast forward to 2019, and that share had steadily declined to 10%, a stunning reversal that left the country dependent on foreign suppliers for critical technology.Fusion Worldwide: Japan's $65 Billion Bet: Inside the Government's Semiconductor Revival Plan.Credit: Fusion WorldwideBut 2025 marks a turning point. Armed with unprecedented government investment and strategic partnerships with global tech giants, Japan is mounting an ambitious comeback that could reshape the semiconductor landscape.The Decline: What Happened to Japan's Chip Dominance?The 1986 U.S.-Japan Semiconductor Agreement created challenges. Under pressure from Washington, Tokyo agreed to minimum chip prices and doubled foreign market access from 10% to 20%. These concessions immediately eroded Japanese competitiveness, allowing American, South Korean, and Taiwanese companies to capture market share.Meanwhile, Japan's economy entered the "Lost Decades" after 1990. Corporate investment dried up just as the industry shifted toward a specialized "fabless" model, where design and manufacturing separated. While TSMC pioneered contract manufacturing in Taiwan and Samsung built massive fabs in South Korea, Japanese firms clung to outdated integrated models, trying to do everything in-house.By the 2000s, legendary Japanese chipmakers like NEC, Hitachi, and Toshiba had consolidated and exited.The $65 Billion Comeback StrategyJapan's revival plan centers on massive government intervention. Between 2021 and 2025, Tokyo has allocated approximately $65 billion in semiconductor subsidies, representing a larger share of GDP than America's CHIPS Act.This funding targets three strategic pillars:1. Attracting Foreign Fabs: TSMC's Kumamoto facility, which began operations in 2024, received $8 billion in Japanese subsidies. The plant produces 12-28nm chips for automotive and consumer electronics, with a second fab targeting advanced 6-7nm production by 2027.2. Building Domestic Champions: Rapidus Corporation, backed by Toyota, Sony, and SoftBank, represents Japan's boldest bet. Partnering with IBM, Rapidus aims to mass-produce cutting-edge 2nm chips by 2027 at its Hokkaido facility, a feat only TSMC and Samsung have achieved. The government has committed $12 billion to this project alone.3. Strengthening Equipment Makers: Tokyo Electron, the world's third-largest semiconductor equipment manufacturer, continues receiving R&D support to maintain Japan's edge in critical manufacturing tools.The strategy also includes workforce development, infrastructure upgrades in semiconductor hubs like Kyushu and Hokkaido, and participation in the "Chip 4" alliance with the U.S., South Korea, and Taiwan.Why This Matters GloballyJapan's semiconductor resurgence isn't just about national pride, it addresses critical vulnerabilities in the global supply chain.The 2020-2023 chip shortage exposed dangerous dependencies. When Taiwan made chips became scarce, Japanese automakers like Toyota lost production of 500,000 vehicles. With 75% of advanced chips manufactured in Taiwan, just 100 miles from mainland China, geopolitical tensions threaten the entire tech ecosystem.Japan's revival offers geographic diversification. Its partnerships with TSMC, IBM, and American firms like Micron (which received $3.6 billion for Hiroshima expansion) create alternative production nodes outside the Taiwan Strait flashpoint.Moreover, Japan retains formidable strengths. Companies like Sony control 50% of the global image sensor market, while Japanese firms dominate semiconductor materials—holding 88% of the coater/developer market and 53% of silicon wafers.The Road AheadJapan isn't just catching up, it's positioning for next-generation leadership. Rapidus's 2nm technology, if successful, will power AI computing and autonomous vehicles. TSMC's expanding Kumamoto operations are already attracting 44 supplier companies, creating a self-reinforcing ecosystem.The critical test comes in 2027, when Rapidus targets mass production. Success would prove Japan can compete at the cutting edge. Failure would raise questions about whether even $65 billion can overcome decades of decline.One thing is certain, Japan is back in the semiconductor race, and this time, it's playing for keeps.(Article Sponsored by Olivia Seohyun Ju, Vice President of Sales, Korea/Japan, Fusion Worldwide)

AIRoute Technology is a US-based AI startup building vertical AI agents that deeply understand domain data, workflows, and decision processes. The company's mission is to turn complex, information-heavy work into streamlined, intelligent workflows so professionals can focus on judgment, not manual processing.At the center of its portfolio is StockNews.AI, an AI agent platform for financial and market intelligence. Powered by advanced AI models, StockNews.AI continuously ingests large volumes of news, filings, and research, then delivers real-time alerts, concise summaries, and clear views of what has changed. It is designed to plug directly into the daily routines of analysts and investment teams-helping them cut hours of information sorting into minutes, standardize their research process, and respond faster with greater confidence.To serve enterprise customers, AIRoute Technology builds on Microsoft Azure as its core cloud platform and is expanding integration across the Microsoft ecosystem. Azure's security, reliability, and compliance foundation allows enterprises to deploy AIRoute Technology's solutions at scale while maintaining control over data and access. Through the Microsoft Startup Accelerator program, Azure Marketplace listing, and upcoming integrations with Microsoft 365 and Copilot on Windows, AIRoute Technology aims to bring its AI agents into the tools knowledge workers already use every day-so AI becomes a built-in assistant, not a separate destination.AIRoute Technology's approach has already earned international recognition. The company won 2nd place at the 2025 Erupture Global Hackathon in California, underscoring both its technical strength and its ability to translate advanced AI into practical products for real users.At the same time, AIRoute is actively stepping onto international business platforms. By bringing StockNews.AI to Singapore's SWITCH exhibition, the team is building new partnerships and exploring collaborations with leading enterprises and ecosystem partners. In 2025, AIRoute is running proof-of-concept projects with global companies to validate its AI agents in real-world, high-stakes environments. These POCs, combined with planned new funding, will support AIRoute's next stage of growth as it expands its advanced AI solutions across Asia and North America.AIRoute Technology brings StockNews.AI to 2025 Singapore SWITCH.Credit: AIRoute