Latest news with #R&


India Today
2 days ago
- Science
- India Today
IIT Kanpur: India's new hub for advanced drone technology in modern warfare
IIT Kanpur has emerged as a hub for drone technology, developing and testing various types of drones for the Indian armed forces. The campus houses a 60-year-old airstrip, now a flight lab, where drones are tested before being supplied to the army. The institute is working on kamikaze drones, high-altitude drones capable of operating in strong winds, and heavy-lifting drones for logistics. IIT Kanpur's R&D Institute is in regular contact with different army commands to understand and meet their specific requirements.


Arabian Post
21-05-2025
- Business
- Arabian Post
UAE gets Swiss robots and drones
Drone and robotics are evolving industry worldwide as well as in the Middle East where the UAE has taken a leadership role in gradually deploying them in government departments and public facilities – in addition to bringing in driver less vehicles and flying taxis – to transform its urban infrastructure into smart cities where drones, machines, robotics and AI will play a crucial role. The UAE's General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), that regulates the drone industry, has registered nearly 24,000 industrial- and commercial-grade drones as well as more than 100 business licenses dealing with the use of drones including renting and offering drone display services. Globally, 8.2 million drones were active in 2024, which is expected to grow to 9.5 million by 2029. In 2025, the global revenue in the drones market worldwide will reach US$4.4 billion, according to Statista, a global market intelligence provider. The global market for connected commercial drones is forecast to grow from US$18.6 billion in 2024 at a CAGR of 15 percent to reach US$21.4 billion (Dh78 billion) in 2025 and US$37.3 billion in 2029, according to a research report. ADVERTISEMENT In 2023, the Dubai Government announced that it aims to increase the robotics sector's contribution to Dubai's GDP to 9 percent by 2032. The emirate wants to turn robotics into a Dh35 billion (US$9.5 billion) industry. As part of the Dubai Robotics and Automation (R&A) Program, 200,000 robots will be provided over the next 10 years until 2032, to increase efficiency and productivity in various sectors including services, logistics, and the industrial sector, and enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's economy. More than 20 billion robots will be serving 10 billion human beings by 2050, reshaping lifestyles, labour markets and societies, Mohammad Abdullah Al Gergawi, UAE Minister of Cabinet Affairs told delegates at the World Government Summit in February this year. Reflecting on the drastic changes in the last 25 years since the year 2000, Al Gergawi said, 'The world's population has grown to 8.2 billion today, and the global economy has expanded from $34 trillion to $115 trillion by 2024. International trade surged from $7 trillion to $33 trillion over the same period.' He highlighted the rapid growth of digital connectivity, with internet usage soaring from less than 7 percent of the global population in 2000 to over 60 percent today. 'In 2050, over 20 billion robots will assist humans, and the space economy is expected to reach US$4 trillion,' he said. Private sector businesses have started to bring in some of the best technologies in drones, robotics, Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, etc, that will help the UAE to realise its Fourth Industrial Revolution Strategy that aims to strengthen the UAE's position as a global hub for the Fourth Industrial Revolution and to increase its contribution to the national economy by advancing innovation and future technologies. It also aims to position the UAE as a global model in adopting leading-edge technologies to serve society and achieve happiness and sustainability. While a number of global conglomerates are also entering and setting up their branches to introduce driverless cars, flying taxis and drone-led home delivery eco-system, others are appointing local companies as their sales and servicing agents who will deploy these technologies in the UAE and the region. ADVERTISEMENT With rapid transformation driven by the government's futuristic vision, the UAE will soon see large-scale deployment of robots across all public services ranging from courier to food delivery – that will push up the demand for robots and drones. Sigma Enterprises is bringing Swiss robots and drones for the GCC countries to protect critical infrastructure, assets and increase the flow of data for increased efficiency and cost reduction. Sigma Enterprises, a member of the Mazrui International, has taken a leadership role in bringing the latest Swiss robotics and drone technology to the GCC countries that are famous for precision data, surveillance supported by Artificial Intelligence that will play a crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure including oil and gas, utility, nuclear power plant, manufacturing industries, airport and aviation assets, among others. Sigma Enterprises showcased the Swiss precision robotics and drones solutions from Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra at the First Swiss Future Tech event held in Abu Dhabi recently. Sigma, which represents a number of global technology and engineering products in the Gulf, has acquired exclusive distribution rights for Swiss based Anybotics, Flyability and Wingtra in the UAE. It is currently deploying them with its customers offering end-to-end solutions, training and after-sales service. The introduction of world's best robotic technology from ANYbotics with Swiss precision by Sigma Enterprises in the region will boost the revenue in the robotics market to US$241.95 million in the UAE this year with service robotic dominating the market with projected market value of US$223.75 million. This is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.45 per cent to US$360.12 million by 2029. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Switzerland has exceeded US$2.5 billion, according to Dr. Arthur Mattli, Swiss Ambassador to the UAE. 'In an ever-evolving world, we are witnessing a quiet revolution through the evolution of Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, robotics, data science, precision technology, innovation as well as he development of the drone technology,' Dr. Arthur Mattli said. 'With our shared ethics of precision and innovation, we can assure you that machines will not replace us but protect us. The accuracy of their data will determine the effectiveness of the new smart cities that are being built across the world. 'Sigma Enterprises' partnership with leading Swiss tech firms represents a significant collaboration between the two nations who share similar ideologies in innovation and technology. This partnership is a historic milestone in our relationship and marks the beginning of Emirati-Swiss collaboration that will strengthen the ties between the UAE and Switzerland. 'Today, we celebrate not just technology but also mission, collaboration, and the pioneering spirit that drives innovation forward. ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra do not just build machines; rather, they are pioneers of the future. They combine innovation, artificial intelligence, and Swiss precision to develop smarter tools benefitting various industries,' Dr. Arthur Mattli concluded. ANYbotics is a fast-growing company with over 100 employees focused on supporting the inspection needs of workers in oil & gas, power, energy, mining, processing, chemicals, transportation, and construction. In 2023, SIGMA Enterprises signed an agreement to bring the latest robotics solutions from ANYbotics – one of the world's most renowned producers of industrial and commercial robots that play crucial role in protecting critical infrastructure. Since 2016, Swiss robotics company ANYbotics developed innovative, intelligent, and integrated robotic solutions that improve workers' lives, increase productivity, and support more sustainable industrial facilities. Partnering with global technology leaders, ANYbotics provides large asset operators with autonomous, automated, end-to-end robotic inspection solutions for complex, hazardous, and explosive industrial environments. Sigma Enterprises also has signed up with Flyability and Wingtra to deploy their latest drone technology that will play a great role in monitoring, surveillance, data analytics, preventive maintenance and help sustain the life-cycle of critical infrastructure and physical assets. Mr. Charbel Khoury, Group CEO of Mazrui International, said, 'Mazrui Group is a diversified business conglomerate with interests in trading, construction, services, real estate and oil and gas sector, with a legacy of more than five decades. We have been bringing the latest industrial solutions to help our economy with the best services and solutions. 'We are delighted to collaborate with ANYbotics, Flyability, and Wingtra to bring the latest improved technologies in challenging landscapes of industries like oil and gas, construction, chemicals, power and utilities, and metals in the UAE and broader GCC. Our partnership with these Swiss robotics and drone technology solutions providers will help us to strengthen the life-cycle of the region's critical infrastructure, reduce maintenance cost, and extend the life-cycle of assets and maximising profitability of businesses.' Flyability is a pioneer in the development of indoor drones designed to access and inspect hard-to-reach, hazardous environments — eliminating the need to send humans into dangerous spaces. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Switzerland, the company leads the market in commercial indoor drone technology, driven by continuous innovation and a strong focus on research and development. Flyability is transforming traditional inspection methods by enabling safe, efficient, and cost-effective visual data collection across industries. On the other hand Wingtra, based in Zurich, Switzerland, is the global leader in vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) drones for professional surveying. Since launching in 2017, Wingtra has built a strong global presence, partnering with over 80 major surveying equipment dealers across 50+ countries. With a team of 100+ employees — over 40 dedicated to research and development, and many alumni of ETH Zurich — Wingtra designs, manufactures, and supports its products in-house. The WingtraOne drone, equipped with best-in-class sensors and PPK technology, delivers survey-grade aerial data with exceptional accuracy and efficiency, serving industries from construction and mining to environmental monitoring. Also published on Medium. Notice an issue? Arabian Post strives to deliver the most accurate and reliable information to its readers. If you believe you have identified an error or inconsistency in this article, please don't hesitate to contact our editorial team at editor[at]thearabianpost[dot]com. We are committed to promptly addressing any concerns and ensuring the highest level of journalistic integrity.


Mid East Info
19-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
PETRONAS SHOWCASES ITS FLUID TECHNOLOGY INNOVATIONS TO KIMI ANTONELLI - Middle East Business News and Information
PETRONAS and the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team mark 15 years of collaboration built on technical co-development and performance driven innovation. Kimi Antonelli toured the state-of-the-art PETRONAS Global Research & Technology (R&T) Centre in Turin, where he was introduced to the cutting-edge technologies and technical capabilities that fuel the team's success on the track, as part of his ongoing technical onboarding with PETRONAS The tour of the Global R&T Centre, taking place before this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix, gave Antonelli a first-hand look at the innovation and collaboration that drives PETRONAS' longstanding partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team F1 Team. UAE, May 2025 – As the Title and Technical Partner of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula 1 Team, PETRONAS continues to play a pivotal role in co-engineering high performance fuels, lubricants and functional fluids that power the team's success on the track and beyond. A cornerstone of this collaboration is the PETRONAS Global Research & Technology (R&T) Centre in Turin, which, over the course of the 15-year partnership, has played a central role in the development of Championship-winning formulations, while also driving innovation for the next generation of New Energy Vehicles (NEVs), alternative fuels and energy-efficient lubricants for everyday use. The Global R&T Centre reflects PETRONAS' commitment to continuous progress through engineering excellence, thus enabling track-to-road innovation on a global scale. In line with this longstanding partnership, the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team driver Kimi Antonelli today visited the PETRONAS Global R&T Centre as part of his continued technical familiarisation with the company's operations and innovations. The visit provided Antonelli with a closer understanding of PETRONAS' technical capabilities and the critical part this partnership plays in driving the team's performance. The visit marks the next phase in Antonelli's onboarding with PETRONAS since becoming one of the team's drivers, and follows his initial introduction to PETRONAS at its headquarters in Kuala Lumpur in March. This visit gave Antonelli a first-hand look at the science, innovation and collaboration behind PETRONAS Fluid Technology Solutions™ – a suite of next generation lubricants, fuels and functional fluids engineered for peak performance and reliability that power his performance on track. PETRONAS Vice President of Group Strategic Relations and Communications, Ir. Norafizal Mat Saad, said: 'This technical immersion visit represents the essence of our enduring partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. For 15 years, we've collaborated to push the boundaries of fluid technology innovation, translating track-tested solutions into real-world applications.' Antonelli was received at the PETRONAS Global R&T Centre by Khalil Muri, Managing Director and Group Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI), the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS. He was then brought on a guided tour of the advanced state-of-the-art laboratory facilities, where he engaged with PLI's industry-leading team of experts, explored the advanced R&D processes behind championship-winning fuels and fluids designed for both the track and everyday road use. Kimi Antonelli said: 'It's been great to visit the PETRONAS Global Research & Technology Centre here in Italy ahead of my home Grand Prix. We know how important the fluids and lubricants are, however seeing the level of detail, innovation and teamwork behind it all gives you a whole new perspective. It's clear how much passion and expertise goes into supporting us on track. As a driver, that gives me a lot of confidence. I'm proud to be part of this partnership and excited to keep pushing forward together.' PLI Managing Director and Group CEO, Khalil Muri, shared: 'Kimi Antonelli's visit to our Global R&T Centre is more than symbolic – it reflects PETRONAS Lubricants International's pivotal role in advancing innovation and sustainability in partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. Through PLI, we turn track-tested technology into real-world solutions, aligned with our vision to be a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future.' Antonelli's visit comes ahead of this weekend's Emilia Romagna Grand Prix at the legendary Imola circuit, just a stone's throw from his birthplace in Bologna, which will be the Italian driver's first-time racing in his home country in Formula One. For a young driver making his first steps in the sport, visiting the PETRONAS Global R&T Centre provides a crucial insider's perspective into the high-performance fluids, fuels, and engineering that power F1 cars, and drive the competitive edge that has kept the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team at the top of the sport for so long. Now in its 15 th year, PETRONAS' partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team has delivered eight World Constructors' Championships and over 120 Grand Prix victories, establishing a global benchmark for excellence through relentless innovation. About Petroliam Nasional Berhad (PETRONAS) As a global energy and solutions partner, PETRONAS is driven by its purpose to enrich lives for a sustainable future. With presence in over 100 countries, the group continues expanding its portfolios ranging from conventional and cleaner energy solutions to a diverse range of fuel, lubricants and petrochemical products. While ensuring sustainable practices across its operations, PETRONAS strives to ensure just and equitable outcomes in transitioning to a lower carbon future. About PETRONAS Lubricants International: PETRONAS Lubricants International (PLI) is the global lubricants manufacturing and marketing arm of PETRONAS, Malaysia's dynamic global energy group. Established in 2008, PLI manufactures and markets a full range of high-quality automotive and industrial lubricant products in over 100 markets internationally. Headquartered in Kuala Lumpur, PLI also has offices around the world including Turin, Belo Horizonte, Beijing, and Chicago. PLI is the technical resource behind PETRONAS' partnership with the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team, responsible for the design, development, and delivery of the Fluid Technology Solutions™, which includes customised lubricants, fuels and transmission fluids to power the Silver Arrows. We are a progressive energy and solutions partner, enriching lives for a sustainable future. Our commitment remains to conduct and grow our business in ways that contribute positively to society and the environment. PLI is driving an aggressive business growth agenda as one of the leading global lubricants companies at the forefront of the industry, providing custom-made solutions for every need.


Forbes
21-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
‘The White Lotus' Helps Billy Preston Earn A Posthumous Top 10 Smash with 'Nothing From Nothing'
These days, the right sync in a popular TV show or movie can turn a forgotten classic into a charting hit, sending a decades-old cut surging back into the spotlight. That's exactly what's happened this week with one of Billy Preston's best-known smashes. The late singer-songwriter is enjoying a chart comeback thanks to The White Lotus, and thanks to that placement, he earns a pair of important posthumous wins. 'Nothing From Nothing' has long been a standout in Preston's catalog. The track returns to the Billboard charts this week after a prominent placement in the series finale of The White Lotus. The cut debuts at No. 6 on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart, easily entering the top 10. It also lands at No. 15 on the R&B/Hip-Hop Digital Song Sales ranking. Neither of the rankings that 'Nothing From Nothing' appears on this frame existed during Preston's heyday. Both digital song sales lists track purchases on platforms like Amazon and iTunes—services that weren't introduced until the early 2000s, just a few years before Preston's death in 2006. 'Nothing From Nothing' gives Preston his first-ever appearance on these rosters, including a debut top 10 on the R&B Digital Song Sales chart. The renewed attention for 'Nothing From Nothing' stems directly from its inclusion in The White Lotus. The hit HBO show wrapped up its most recent season with a huge number of viewers, and many of them rushed to consume Preston's cut following the episode's airing. According to Spotify, streams of 'Nothing From Nothing' increased by 370% the day after the finale aired. Sales also saw a massive bump, helping the track earn its way back onto the Billboard charts. 'Nothing From Nothing' was released in 1974 as part of Preston's album The Kids and Me. The track became a massive success, hitting No. 1 on the Hot 100 – one of several leaders from the rocker and R&B powerhouse – and helping prove that the musician and Beatles collaborator was a true star.


Forbes
29-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Forbes
The Weeknd's Career-Making Album Returns To Multiple Billboard Charts
The Weeknd's grip on the Billboard charts remains as tight as ever, and he even expands his power. This frame, half a dozen of his albums are performing well across a number of rankings in America, and many of them appear on multiple lists at once. Among his current wins, one release stands out, as it's returned unexpectedly – and it's one that even casual pop fans will remember. Beauty Behind the Madness is once again a hit in America. The full-length that turned The Weeknd from an underground R&B talent into a proper pop superstar is mounting quite the comeback this week. It breaks onto three Billboard charts at once, returning to several tallies after some time away. The set appears inside the top 40 on just one of those rankings, as it reenters the Top R&B Albums chart at No. 13. It also returns to the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums list at No. 42 and sneaks back onto the Billboard 200 at No. 126. The Weeknd released Beauty Behind the Madness in summer of 2015, so it's nearing its tenth anniversary. The set produced the Hot 100 No. 1s 'The Hills' and 'Can't Feel My Face,' which still rank among the singer-songwriter's most successful tunes. Fellow singles 'Often,' 'In the Night' and 'Acquainted' also performed very well. This week, Beauty Behind the Madness is in good company. It's one of four albums by The Weeknd that show up on the Billboard 200, the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and the Top R&B Albums tally all at once. Alongside Beauty Behind the Madness, three other titles manage that same showing. Hurry Up Tomorrow, Starboy, and After Hours all sit on those same three rankings this week. Among the albums charting right now, Hurry Up Tomorrow is far and away The Weeknd's top performer. That's to be expected, since it was only released less than two months ago, and it's still riding the momentum of that launch. This frame, the new title appears on six different Billboard rankings. While it's beginning to decline on most of them, the exciting project remains a top 40 performer on all half-dozen tallies, holding on inside the top 10 on one-third of all those rosters.