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Friday 13 March 2026
NEXCOM to showcase solutions for Physical AI and SD-Edge computing
NEXCOM, A leading global provider of industrial computing and automation technology, is coming to Embedded World in Nuremberg (booth 3/341) with ambitious goals. With the help of European partners, the company aims to further expand its AI presence in edge applications, including automation, rugged mobile computing, safety-oriented robotics, smart cities, on-premises GPT, and industrial cybersecurity."As robots increasingly become the primary physical carriers for AI capabilities, NEXCOM is committed to accelerating their adoption across various industries," explains CEO Clement Lin, who will be attending Embedded World himself. "At Embedded World 2026, we will be presenting, among other things, a comprehensive range of safety-certified industrial robotics solutions in collaboration with the German robotics innovators. These solutions are specifically designed for smart factories, service robots, automotive manufacturing, and logistics."NEXCOM Robotic Solutions: Building a Safety-Oriented Foundation for Physical AIThe integration of physical AI into industrial environments requires rigorous and comprehensive safety certification for every component, from joint actuators and control motors to safety sensors, to ensure safe human-machine collaboration. As the central architect of the intelligent machine ecosystem, NEXCOM Robotic Solutions offers a robust motion control platform integrated with joint drive modules and safety software from European partner Synapticon. These solutions enable developers to significantly shorten development cycles while achieving the highest safety standards for robots used in manufacturing, logistics, and automated services."Over the past 34 years, NEXCOM has gradually evolved into one of the world's leading providers of robotics, IoT, and Industry 4.0 solutions. NEXCOM's extensive portfolio and long-standing experience in the global market perfectly complement the innovations developed by our team in Europe," reports Simon Fischinger, CEO at Synapticon. "Especially in the field of AI-based robotics, enormous opportunities are emerging as leading providers opt for open standards, enabling them to collaborate efficiently with partners."To further accelerate the deployment of safe and flexible robotic applications, NEXCOM is also collaborating with Botfellows, a German high-tech robotics startup specializing in safety-driven automation solutions. Botfellows focuses on enabling flexible and efficient robotic applications through software-defined safety architectures and intuitive robot programming."Physical AI will only scale if robotics becomes significantly easier and safer to deploy," says Dr. Mohamad Bdiwi, CEO of Botfellows. "Our collaboration with NEXCOM and Synapticon demonstrates how the combination of edge AI computing, advanced motion control, and software-defined safety enables a new generation of flexible robotic systems for smart factories and logistics."Embedded World 2026 Highlight: Unlocking the Potential of SD Edge ComputingUnder the motto "Unleashing the Genius of SD Edge Computing," NEXCOM's presentation is divided into two main areas: AIoT solutions and AI computing. The exhibition demonstrates the enormous potential of Software-Defined Edge Computing (SDEC) using real-world implementations of Edge AI and Physical AI in global AIoT infrastructures.Key product highlights include:NDiS B340: A rugged edge computing computer specifically designed for the demanding requirements of smart healthcare.APPC 160/210 C21: Industrial touch computers for high-performance AI applications in smart factories.IP67 AI edge telematics: Innovative, rugged solutions for challenging outdoor and vehicle environments.NEXCOM remains committed to accelerating the practical implementation of intelligent applications. From high-performance AI computing platforms and physical AI to comprehensive AIoT operating frameworks, NEXCOM delivers innovative products that empower the next generation of AI-driven businesses and improve people's lives.NEXCOM at Embedded World 2026NEXCOM invites trade show visitors to discover the future of autonomous innovation at its booth (4/341) in Nuremberg. Those interested can experience firsthand how NEXCOM's software-defined solutions are transforming the landscape of industrial automation and edge intelligence.For more information, please visit.
Friday 6 March 2026
ITRI, NCU advance Taiwan-Japan space collaboration through study program
The rapid advancement of space technology has led to a growing range of applications, including satellites and launch vehicles, attracting significant cross-sector investment worldwide. As space becomes an increasingly strategic industry, governments are accelerating deployment efforts to secure technological leadership and industrial competitiveness.Against this backdrop, Taiwan's Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI), through its Commercialization and Industry Service Center, partnered with the Department of Space Science and Engineering (DSSE) and the Center for Astronautical Physics and Engineering (CAPE) at National Central University (NCU) to organize the "Taiwan-Japan Space Education Exchange Delegation." The initiative targets students and early-career professionals interested in space technology, offering structured coursework and site visits to provide first-hand insight into global space industry developments and cultivate internationally minded talent for Taiwan's emerging space sector.The program centers on international industry-academia collaboration. ITRI provided industry trend analysis and facilitated R&D resource connections, while NCU designed and delivered academic training. The itinerary included visits to the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), space technology enterprises, and major research facilities in Japan, enabling participants to bridge theoretical learning with real-world industrial operations and international cooperation models.Pre-departure workshop builds foundation for overseas engagementA pre-departure workshop was held at NCU on January 17 to equip participants with essential technical knowledge and industry context prior to departure. The curriculum covered space science fundamentals, satellite systems engineering, industry trends, and applied operations, providing a concentrated introduction to core space-sector competencies.The session highlighted NCU's research capabilities and emphasized the interdisciplinary integration of physics, mathematics, electronics, data analytics, and engineering practice. In the "Introduction to Space Environment and Satellite Systems Engineering" course, participants examined satellite design under extreme space conditions, as well as mission planning, testing, and operational workflows, laying the groundwork for subsequent field visits.Hands-on satellite training was also conducted. Led by SIGHT Space, participants assembled satellite structures, integrated sensors, and collected real-time data using the SMEK Educational Satellite Platform, translating theoretical engineering concepts into practical experience.ITRI and NCU host a pre-departure workshop featuring hands-on satellite training by SIGHT Space. Credit: ITRIVisit to JAXA Tsukuba Space Center integrates theory and practiceThe program began in Tsukuba, Japan, with an astronaut workshop led by experts "Japan Manned Space Systems Corporation(JAMSS)" experienced in human spaceflight missions. The curriculum incorporated NASA's Artemis Program, outlining the architecture and technical challenges of renewed lunar exploration and offering a mission-level perspective on current space strategies.In addition to lectures, the workshop featured a lunar exploration simulation exercise replicating mission execution scenarios. Participants made decisions under resource constraints and time pressure, gaining insight into task allocation, risk management, and team coordination. The module was adapted from elements of Japan's astronaut selection process, emphasizing analytical thinking and adaptability.Through exchanges with instructors and industry professionals, participants explored diverse career paths spanning engineering development, mission planning, and international collaboration. The workshop translated space exploration from an abstract concept into structured industrial processes.On the second day, participants toured the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center, a key hub of Japan's space activities. Established in 1972, the center oversees satellite development, mission control, astronaut training, and foundational research.The visit included major testing infrastructure such as a 13-meter-diameter environmental chamber, vibration and radio-frequency testing systems, and vacuum simulation facilities, providing direct insight into pre-launch verification procedures.Participants also observed operations at the mission control center for the Kibo module of the International Space Station, where they learned how ground teams coordinate with astronauts in real time and conduct remote microgravity experiments. The visit underscored the scale of system integration required for national-level space missions.Participants visit the JAXA Tsukuba Space Center during the Japan study program. Credit: ITRIIndustry visits to ArkEdge Space and ispace provide market insightJapan's private sector has become an increasingly influential force in space development. As part of the program, participants visited ArkEdge Space, a company specializing in small satellite development. ArkEdge is building an integrated ecosystem covering satellite design, production, ground station operations, and key component development, aiming to lower entry barriers through commercialization.Its 6U CubeSats support missions ranging from Earth observation and communications to navigation and lunar applications. During the visit, ArkEdge shared insights into modular design and shortened development cycles, illustrating operational approaches adopted by emerging space enterprises.ArkEdge has collaborated with the University of Tokyo, Taiwan Space Agency (TASA), and NCU on the ONGLAISAT mission, contributing to the technological foundation of Taiwan's ultra-high-resolution optical remote sensing capabilities. The project represents a concrete example of Taiwan-Japan industry-academia cooperation.Participants also visited ispace, a company focused on commercial lunar development with the goal of extending human presence beyond Earth. ispace invests in lunar transportation, exploration, and resource utilization technologies, reflecting broader commercialization trends in deep-space missions.The company's core technology centers on its independently developed lunar lander. The team outlined mission architecture and technical challenges spanning launch, transit, and lunar orbit insertion. Hakuto-R Mission 2 carried a Deep Space Radiation Probe developed by NCU, marking the first time a Taiwanese research payload traveled beyond low Earth orbit and representing a milestone in bilateral cooperation.Participants said the visit reshaped their perception of the Moon as not only an exploration objective but also a potential pillar of the future space economy. Discussions highlighted pathways for translating academic research into commercial missions, reinforcing the role of sustained industry-academia collaboration.The program also included a visit to Space Travelium TeNQ, a space-themed experiential facility integrating technology, art, and education. Through interactive exhibits and virtual reality, participants explored spaceflight concepts from a different perspective. In the VR experience "SORAVEL LINE," they simulated a lunar journey from Earth departure to lunar surface landing, deepening their understanding of microgravity environments.Participants affirm value of structured international engagementThe program received strong feedback from participants. Engagement levels across online briefings, pre-departure training, and on-site visits averaged 4.4 out of 5, reflecting sustained participation throughout the program.Survey results indicated that the astronaut workshop, satellite hands-on training, and company visits were the most impactful components. Participants reported broader technical perspectives and clearer direction in academic planning and career development, with several expressing increased interest in space engineering and related interdisciplinary fields.As competition in the global space sector intensifies, talent development and international collaboration remain central to long-term industrial positioning. The Taiwan-Japan Space Education Exchange Delegation represents a structured effort to strengthen Taiwan's space capabilities through deeper bilateral engagement and practical exposure.
Friday 6 March 2026
How NeuroSpine AI Is Rewriting Surgical Planning
When spine surgeons talk about pressure, few procedures rival C1–C2 fixation - a surgery so delicate that a deviation of just a few millimeters can mean the difference between success and catastrophic complications.That reality became the starting point for NeuroSpine AI, a project developed by Sanny Kumar Sahani, a PhD researcher in computer science and commercial engineering, and Shweta Prajapati, a master’s student in biomedical engineering. Both are from India, both study at Chang Gung University, and both work in the same lab under the same advisor.Their collaboration has earned them international recognition- the Bronze Medal at Taiwan's Ministry of Economic Affairs Best AI Award, standing out in a field crowded with enterprise and academic innovations.Sahani recalls that during collaboration with Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, one experienced spine surgeon, Dr. Wu, described the mental burden of C1–C2 screw planning. Even for veteran surgeons, the risk remains high. The anatomy is complex, patient variation is significant, and the vertebrae sit dangerously close to the brainstem, nerves, and major blood vessels. If automation and precision could be applied anywhere in spine surgery, this was it.Prajapati emphasizes that the motivation was never purely academic. Surgeons identified real constraints: planning is time-consuming, only highly experienced specialists can safely perform these procedures, and screw misplacement remains a serious clinical risk. The team's goal became clear - reduce planning time, lower dependence on elite expertise, and improve consistency without compromising safety.Most existing surgical planning tools focus on the thoracic and lumbar spine. Those vertebrae are relatively uniform, making automation easier. C1 and C2, by contrast, are anatomically unique, highly variable, and structurally complex.Sahani explains that current solutions either require extensive manual adjustment or do not support C1–C2 at all. NeuroSpine AI took the opposite approach: start with the hardest problem first.The system automatically generates multiple screw trajectories, performs geometric safety checks, and ensures consistency regardless of who uses the software. Unlike manual planning - which varies between surgeons and depends heavily on experience - AI-generated trajectories remain stable and repeatable.That consistency matters, especially for junior surgeons still building experience. The system does not replace surgical judgment, but it removes unnecessary variability from one of the most critical planning steps.In traditional workflows, planning a single screw trajectory can take 30 to 60 minutes. NeuroSpine AI generates multiple trajectories in just two to three minutes.More importantly, the system has been trained to understand the geometric patterns of C1–C2 anatomy, learning from diverse datasets collected through Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and an international collaboration in France. The AI does not simply segment images; its reason about spatial constraints, vessel proximity, and safe paths for screw placement.The result is a pre-operative planning tool that balances speed, safety, and accuracy — something surgeons rarely get at the same time.The role of AI is more Than just automation. First, it specializes exclusively in C1–C2 anatomy, rather than applying generalized spine models. Second, it performs geometric reasoning to avoid nerve and vessel damage - a non-negotiable requirement given the proximity to the brain. Third, it generates multiple alternative trajectories, ensuring that even abnormal anatomical cases still yield viable surgical options.Prajapati notes that the system is designed for pre-operative use. Surgeons can review trajectories before entering the operating room, making the procedure safer and more predictable - particularly for less experienced doctors.NeuroSpine AI has already completed initial clinical validation at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, where surgeons confirmed that AI-generated trajectories aligned closely with what experienced clinicians would plan manually.That validation marked a turning point. The project is now transitioning from research to a deployable product.The next phase involves expanding beyond C1–C2 to cover the entire spine - all 26 vertebrae - and integrating the system into existing clinical workflow software. Given that C1–C2 is the most complex region, the team believes scaling to other vertebrae is both realistic and strategic.The potential market spans hospitals, medtech companies, surgical planning platforms, robotic surgery firms, and spine implant manufacturers. As spine surgeries increase globally, automated pre-operative planning is becoming less optional and more essential.The team plans to begin commercialization in Taiwan, leveraging established hospital partnerships, before expanding internationally.For Sahani and Prajapati, participating in the Best AI Award was less about winning and more about validation. They wanted to know whether their work mattered beyond the lab - whether people outside academia could see its value. Winning the Bronze Medal provided that answer.Prajapati admits they did not expect to win. The recognition, especially among international teams, gave them confidence that NeuroSpine AI is not only meaningful but scalable.Both researchers express strong interest in continuing their work in Taiwan, citing the strength of its AI, biomedical, and hospital ecosystems. For Sahani, the integration between technology and healthcare feels unusually seamless.Their roadmap is clear: expand anatomical coverage, refine clinical integration, and continue building AI systems with real-world medical impact.As Prajapati puts it, the most meaningful part of the journey has been having a platform to explain how AI can truly help surgeons - not in theory, but in practice. And in a field where millimeters matter, that distinction makes all the difference.NeuroSpine AI won the Bronze Award in the International Group AI Application Category at the 2025 Best AI Awards. If you have innovation would like to present, 2026 Best AI Awards with global tracks open for both AI Applications and IC Design, students and companies worldwide can compete for the grand prize of up to USD 30,000 (NTD 1,000,000). The deadline is March 16, 5:00pm (GMT+8). For more details, please follow official Linkedin for the lastest updates.