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Monday 9 June 2025
Linxens teams up with Dracula Technologies to develop battery-free smart labels for next-gen sustainable IoT
Linxens, a global leader in component-based solutions for authentication and traceability, and Dracula Technologies, a pioneer in ambient light energy harvesting, have announced a strategic collaboration to develop next-generation autonomous IoT solutions for traceability and smart labelling applications. This collaboration paves the way for smarter and more sustainable connected devices.Dracula Technologies has developed a breakthrough organic photovoltaic (OPV) technology, LAYER®, capable of harvesting energy even in low or intermittent indoor light. In this collaboration, its OPV modules will be integrated into Linxens' smart label and traceability solutions. Linxens contributes its expertise in the design and industrial production of electronic inlays and flexible components, which are key elements in RFID tags, to create fully battery-free, reusable, and energy-autonomous smart labels.Together, the two companies are addressing one of the key limitations of today's connected labels: reliance on batteries, which reduces lifespan and increases environmental impact. This collaboration represents a technological leap forward, enabling long-lasting, cost-effective, and sustainable traceability solutions for logistics and other industries where durability and energy independence are essential."At Linxens, our goal is to develop technological solutions that meet our clients' needs while anticipating tomorrow's challenges. We believe that innovation only makes sense if it goes hand in hand with responsibility. That's why we consider environmental impact at every stage—from design to end-of-life," said Quentin Pretet, VP of Linxens IoT Solutions. "By integrating Dracula's innovative energy-harvesting technology into our devices, we reinforce our unique ability to deliver fully autonomous solutions that reduce environmental footprint without compromising performance.""Jérôme Vernet, VP Sales of Dracula Technologies, commented, "Our strategic collaboration with Linxens is a natural fit. The complementarity of our technologies and shared vision for a more responsible IoT industry make this collaboration particularly meaningful. By combining Linxens' design and manufacturing expertise with our OPV energy harvesting capabilities, we are enabling a new generation of sustainable, autonomous, and reusable connected devices."About Linxens: Linxens is a global leader in the design and manufacture of smartcard components and innovative electronic solutions. With over 40 years of experience, Linxens has delivered more than 120 billion micro-connectors and 6 billion RFID antennas used in payment and access cards, passports and ID documents worldwide.Operating 8 production facilities and 7 R&D centers across Europe and Asia, Linxens employs nearly 3,000 people and serves key industries including banking, telecommunications, transportation, healthcare, and government. Linxens also provides comprehensive IoT solutions, combining hardware and software for real-time traceability and authentication.For more information: www.linxens.comAbout Dracula Technologies: Dracula Technologies, headquartered in Valence, France, pioneers sustainable energy solutions with its LAYER® technology, revolutionizing power sources for low-power electronics. Its organic photovoltaic (OPV) modules, manufactured using patented digital printing, harvest ambient light, eliminating reliance on traditional batteries. LAYER®Vault complements the company's existing OPV harvesting product line, transforming it into a 2-in-1 product, combining low-light energy harvesting and storage on a single, flexible film ensuring uninterrupted device functionality, empowering Smart Buildings, Smart Homes, Smart Asset Tracking, and other related applications. With a commitment to clean, renewable energy, Dracula Technologies leads the charge towards a greener future by providing long-lasting, and cost-effective energy solutions. Supporting its mission is its new "Green Micropower Factory"—a state-of-the-art, fully automated facility, the largest of its kind in the world with a capacity of up to 150 million cm² of printed OPV devices per year.
Friday 6 June 2025
Ensuring precision: Kuehne+Nagel's certified quality logistics for the semiconductor industry
In a world where semiconductors are the foundation of modern technology, powering everything from smartphones to satellites, their importance is widely acknowledged. While much attention is paid to chip design and fabrication, few recognize the critical role logistics providers play behind the scenes in keeping these complex global supply chains running smoothly.At the heart of this high-stakes ecosystem is Kuehne+Nagel, one of the world's leading logistics providers, whose strategy is deeply rooted in quality, specialization, and digital innovation. In an industry where nanometers are vital and billions of dollars depend on timing and precision, Kuehne+Nagel ensures that the smallest components arrive on time—every time."We don't make the goods. We create the solutions to move them safely," said Barry O'Dowd, Kuehne+Nagel's Head of Global Business Development Semicon, in a recent interview. With over 35 years of experience in the high-tech sector—more than 20 of them at Kuehne+Nagel —O'Dowd has witnessed the semiconductor industry evolve into one of the most demanding sectors for logistics providers.That level of expertise is built on a legacy that dates back to 1890, when August Kuehne and Friedrich Nagel founded a freight forwarding company in Bremen, Germany. Over the past 130 years, Kuehne+Nagel has transformed from a traditional shipping operation into a global logistics leader, now headquartered in Switzerland and serving key industries around the world with highly specialized solutions. "At the core of our business," O'Dowd added, "is a simple focus: understanding and meeting the needs of our customers."High-quality logistics tailored for semiconductorsKuehne+Nagel's strategic expansion into the semiconductor sector is no coincidence, it's a calculated move shaped by decades of experience. "Even before Taiwan became a semiconductor powerhouse, we were already supporting the broader electronics technology industry," said O'Dowd. While the company has long served customers such as materials and capital equipment suppliers, O'Dowd noted that only in recent years has the company made the semiconductor industry a dedicated growth focus, as part of its global "Roadmap 2026" strategy."We identified semiconductors as a market with strong growth potential and highly complex requirements where certified quality is essential," he explained. To meet these demands, Kuehne+Nagel established a network of over 35 certified logistics stations worldwide, capable of handling everything from oversized fab equipment to delicate wafer shipments. "Any disruption in this supply chain can have massive consequences for our customers," O'Dowd emphasized, "so precision, security, and specialized handling are non-negotiable."To meet the growing global demand for semiconductor-powered devices, Kuehne+Nagel launched "SemiconChain"—a quality-first logistics standard tailored to the semiconductor industry's complex requirements. Integrated with the company's specialized Air Logistics service, the SemiconChain network is supported by a global network of 38 certified stations, ensuring that shipments are transported under optimal conditions, with full air cargo tracking throughout the journey. Advanced digital tools are used to provide real-time updates and monitor the integrity of each shipment, helping to minimize the risk of damage or costly delays.Beyond infrastructure, SemiconChain emphasizes deep industry understanding- staff are trained industry experts who take part in a comprehensive and continuous training programme designed to give a deep understanding of the semiconductor supply chain and all its complexities. Whether moving delicate wafers or oversized capital equipment, Kuehne Nagel's SemiconChain network offers a consistent, certified, and expert-driven approach that delivers trust, visibility, and precision at every stage.An example of this commitment is Kuehne+Nagel's investment in its own Boeing 747 freighters—the Inspire aircraft—which operate flights to Taiwan twice a week as part of a global loop. "These aircraft were purposefully selected and dedicated to the semiconductor supply chain, capable of front-loading oversized, delicate tools essential for fab deployment and operation" explained O'Dowd.Enhancing services with digital innovationWhat distinguishes Kuehne+Nagel is not merely its hardware but the commitment to quality culture and technological integration. O'Dowd stated, "A supply chain's strength is determined by its weakest link. Our goal is to strengthen that link by implementing quality through comprehensive training, digital checklists, and advanced tools."For instance, Kuehne+Nagel's staff use multilingual mobile-based checklists to ensure handling consistency at each transfer point—critical when transporting wafers or capital equipment. These tools log visual inspections and feed real-time data back to customers via Kuehne +Nagel's tracking systems, offering visibility and assurance.Digitalization extends beyond checklists. Kuehne+Nagel also employs AI-based predictive models to estimate sea freight transit times, especially relevant post-COVID, when carrier reliability dropped. The company also developed smart labels in a project that collaborated with Alphabet's X (formerly Google X) to give cargo a digital "voice"—real-time reporting on location, condition, and expected delivery time.These examples highlight how advanced digital tools and integrated technologies are redefining semiconductor logistics by ensuring efficiency, security, and reliability throughout every mile. Kuehne+Nagel presented several real-world case studies that demonstrate this transformation effectively. One notable instance involved a 7,827-mile transport from Austin to Taipei, where photomask etching systems were delivered flawlessly using custom ULDs and temperature-controlled trucks.Another case saw 18 massive Purion ion implant units shipped from Boston to Dublin, requiring vibration protection and tightly coordinated handoffs to prevent production delays. Meanwhile, a shipment from Zurich to San Francisco presented a dual challenge of climate control and time sensitivity. With the use of Envirotainer units, real-time monitoring through the myKN platform, and direct flight arrangements, the delicate tools arrived on schedule and in perfect condition.Driving sustainability, navigating uncertaintySustainability is another pillar of Kuehne+Nagel's operations. The company has pledged to reduce its carbon footprint across all scopes by 2040 and recently signed a global sustainability MoU with 14 airlines. By developing optimized solutions, including sea-air combinations and pushing for fuel efficiency, the company helps customers balance environmental goals with delivery performance.Despite global uncertainties, such as shifting supply chains and regulatory challenges, O'Dowd remains confident. "We have been operational for 135 years, enduring wars, pandemics, and economic downturns. Our strength is derived from our scale, expertise, and the relationships we have established with suppliers and customers."In Taiwan, which hosts the world's most advanced semiconductor fabrication facilities, Kuehne+Nagel's logistics operations are extensive. They facilitate the inflow of materials and equipment, as well as the outflow of products, and they plan to expand as clients diversify manufacturing into other regions. "We follow our customers' leads. If that necessitates certifying ten additional stations for the SemiconChain network, we are prepared to do so," O'Dowd stated.As semiconductors become more central to everything from AI to electric vehicles, the silent force behind their delivery becomes ever more vital. Kuehne+Nagel may not be manufacturing chips, but its role in keeping the supply chain unbroken makes it an indispensable partner to the industry's biggest players."We're not just moving goods," O'Dowd concluded. "We're helping the world's most advanced technologies reach the world."
Thursday 5 June 2025
Darveen signs distributor agreement with IP SYSTEMES to expand market presence in France
Darveen Co., Ltd., a global provider of rugged industrial computing solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic distribution partnership with IP SYSTEMES, a well-established French value-added distributor known for its expertise in rugged computing and industrial automation. Under this agreement, IP SYSTEMES is now an authorized distributor of Darveen's full range of industrial computing products in France.This partnership marks a significant step in Darveen's long-term strategy to enhance its presence in the French market. By leveraging IP SYSTEMES' strong distribution network, Darveen aims to better serve local customers while introducing its cutting-edge technologies to new system integrators and industrial users previously unfamiliar with Darveen."We are excited to partner with IP SYSTEMES to bring our industrial computing innovations closer to customers in France," said Kevin Liang, General Manager of Darveen. "Their deep industry expertise, customer-centric approach, and broad market reach perfectly align with our commitment to delivering reliable, high-performance solutions for demanding industrial environments."Headquartered in Lyon, IP SYSTEMES has over 35 years of experience and is recognized as a leader in France's automation and rugged computing sectors. The company provides comprehensive industrial computing and automation systems across a wide range of industries including robotics, medical, industrial communication, IoT connectivity, and surveillance. Its strong technical capabilities and deep customer relationships are set to play a vital role in supporting Darveen's localization.Through this collaboration, both companies aim to enhance solution delivery, accelerate project deployment, and provide exceptional local support to industrial customers throughout France.About Darveen Co., Ltd.Established in 2007, Darveen has been dedicated to developing rugged industrial computer solutions tailored to the unique needs of various vertical industries. Our product lines include in-vehicle computers, industrial panel PCs, rugged tablets, embedded box computers, and industrial monitors. Darveen's vehicle-mounted computer solutions have successfully helped hundreds of container terminals in streamlining their processes and operations. With nearly 20 years of experience in product design and manufacturing, Darveen's products have gained widespread acceptance in diverse markets, including container terminals, warehousing, manufacturing, industrial equipment, mining, and special vehicle fleets. For more information, visit https://www.darveen.com/.About IP SystèmesFounded in 1986, IP Systèmes is a French company specializing in the distribution and integration of industrial IT and automation solutions. With over 35 years of expertise, IP Systèmes supports manufacturers, equipment suppliers and systems integrators in the design and implementation of robust, innovative and sustainable solutions adapted to the challenges of Industry 4.0. From fanless embedded PCs and industrial tablets to energy-efficient HMIs, PLCs and control systems, IP Systèmes offers a wide range of certified products and customized services. The company works for demanding sectors such as railways, mechanical engineering, medical, energy and transport. IP Systèmes is committed to quality, responsiveness and customer satisfaction, and has become a trusted partner in industrial digital transformation in France and Europe. For further information: www.ip-systemes.com