Latest news with #RISE
Digital Trends
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Digital Trends
A Swedish 6G lab is trying create crash-free driving
What's happened? A research laboratory in Sweden – The Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE) – built AstaZero, the first proving ground for connected vehicles, and has now given more information about what it's trying to do. Gizmodo has gained further information on the goals of the lab. The CEO, Peter Janevik, outlined how it believes the facility will use 6G and other advanced connectivity tech to have a significant impact on the deployment of vehicles. This can dramatically reduce road fatalities and provide advanced disaster relief during emergencies. He has also highlighted how the scenarios might work. This includes a drone that can scan an accident site, creating a map of potential obstacles and dangers that can be deployed in real time to vehicles and allow safe management of future situations. This matters because: 6G is tipped to be an ultra-low latency, high-reliability technology that will facilitate true autonomy in vehicles and drones in a seamless infrastructure. This technology could help reduce accidents in urban areas through smarter vehicle responses. These technologies could also cut congestion and emissions, meaning cities can expand in a more environmentally friendly way. However, until reliability of connection can be proven to be over 99.999% effective, safety concerns will remain, hence the need for the testing environment. Facilities around the world have tested 5G for autonomous vehicles, but this is the first that allows all brands to come and pay to use the facility to test the deployment of 6G, hyper-connected tech. Recommended Videos What are the risks? The facility also allows brands to mitigate risks through the testing, such as ensuring the security of the connection to stop hackers from disrupting communication between devices. Drones tracking in urban environments could also create privacy or surveillance concerns. 6G deployment will require massive investment, so making sure it's done correctly and in a cost-effective and useful manner is key. What's next? The facility will expand further into AI-powered testing, to allow it to understand the situations contextually, as well as greater understanding of how these components will work in times when connectivity is degraded. 6G is slated for release within the next decade, and regulatory frameworks will need to be created to ensure its safe use, especially in the sphere of connected vehicles and drones.
Gizmodo
18-07-2025
- Automotive
- Gizmodo
A Huge New Lab in Sweden Is Testing the 6G-Powered Future of Connected Cars and Drones
Tucked away in the Swedish countryside is a facility quietly reshaping the future of global mobility. Owned by the Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), AstaZero has just unveiled the world's most advanced connected vehicle proving ground—an ambitious leap into a 6G-powered future where every movement on the road could be coordinated, controlled, and optimized in real time. AstaZero is not an average vehicle test track. It is a full-scale, independent research environment built to test the automated transport systems of tomorrow to ensure confidence and safety. Think of it as a real-world lab where self-driving cars, AI-powered drones, and connected emergency vehicles are pushed to their limits. At the heart of this latest breakthrough are multiple 5G networks and a cutting-edge computing facility—marking a first for any open, brand-neutral proving ground. It enables split-second decision-making and ultra-reliable connectivity between vehicles, emergency teams, pedestrians, infrastructure, and traffic systems. That matters more than ever. With 3G networks being phased out globally, mission-critical systems like ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles are under pressure to modernize. AstaZero's newly launched facility provides the first real opportunity to test innovative systems in controlled yet dynamic, real-life scenarios. AstaZero's new infrastructure is not just about faster speeds—it is about smarter, safer reactions. Powered by edge computing, vehicles can now process data locally instead of relying on far-off cloud centers. That means a self-driving car can respond instantly to a pedestrian stepping into the street or adjust to a new traffic signal before the driver sees it. Without advanced, integrated testing, safer roads remain a dream. CEO of RISE AstaZero Peter Janevik explained the implications of this breakthrough, telling Gizmodo, 'In the future, communication might not always originate from the sensors on the vehicle itself, but instead from sensors mounted on connected infrastructure or from the sensors of another vehicle. In these types of systems, three key factors are crucial: reliability, ultra-fast communication, and intelligent decision-making.' In June, AstaZero said it had reached 99.999% system reliability in connected vehicle communication, a first for the industry. That is the level of consistency required for 'mission-critical' scenarios, where even a split-second failure could cost lives. When asked what type of real-world scenarios are most challenging to simulate at AstaZero and how they overcome them, Janevik described the complexity of multiple testing domains with a future scenario: An automated drone providing safety surveillance is deployed over an accident scene by a rescue crew upon arrival. The footage is used by both the rescue crew to assess and follow the situation, but also by central management, which needs to make decisions on things such as rerouting of traffic and the deployment of further teams and other authorities like police and medical teams. Then imagine that the drone also creates a local map update with static objects such as a crashed vehicle or cones for traffic redirection and dynamic ones such as personnel or fires. Imagine that this map is also used for warnings and rerouting of automated as well as manually driven vehicles. Heads-up displays may be the latest step in this direction, with emergency information scrolling along the lower edge of the windshield and not on overhead traffic signs or infotainment screens. To ensure such a complex system works, the testing and design teams need to factor in elements like connectivity disruption and technology integration across numerous manufacturers and telecom companies, which is what AstaZero offers. Beyond roads and intersections, AstaZero's proving ground is designed to test limitless scenarios. Whether cyclists swerving through traffic or simulated pedestrians crossing at unpredictable times, the site can orchestrate complex environments. Janevik says, 'We test collision avoidance technology to auto-brake vehicles for different scenarios, but more importantly, the site provides robust testing to ensure highly repeatable results in a wider spectrum of conditions.' By using AI, drones, and robotic systems—like digital twins and virtual modeling—for advanced scenario computations and simulations, the site assists engineers in pursuing advances in chip manufacturing, so designs keep track with forthcoming technologies. Janevik believes in the impact of this approach on 'unique testing scenarios for smaller machine learning models with AI-based decision-making to prove that these can make the right decisions with ongoing updates.' The RISE facility's goal is to test components in a hardware loop in the vehicle in real-world scenarios. Testing also accounts for degraded conditions—such as lost connectivity—to prepare for actual challenges. The only limits are what the engineers can imagine, and Janevik sees this as their goal—to live their vision and help societies accelerate into safe, sustainable, and automated transportation systems of the future. This is especially critical in Europe, where road fatality statistics have stagnated. While there was a 10% drop in EU road deaths between 2019 and 2023, the latest figures show only a 1% decrease. With 83% of fatal pedestrian accidents occurring in urban areas and a stubborn plateau in progress, new solutions are needed. As EU Commissioner for Sustainable Transport and Tourism Apostolos Tzitzikostas has said, 'Too many lives are still lost on our roads every year.' AstaZero stands out for being brand-agnostic. Any vehicle manufacturer, telecom provider, or AI developer can pay to use the facility to test and refine their systems. That neutral status is intended to ensure consistency and fairness across global standards, which is especially important as the European New Car Assessment Programme rolls out new vehicle-to-everything benchmarks between 2026 and 2032. Already a recognized test organization by the Global Certification Forum, AstaZero has taken a lead role in helping shape those standards. The AstaZero proving ground does not just test how cars perform—it tests how they think, communicate, and collaborate. With edge computing enabling decentralized, real-time responses, the next generation of smart vehicles will be able to prevent accidents before they happen, minimize traffic delays, and drastically improve energy efficiency.
Kyodo News
17-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Kyodo News
"The Rising of the Shield Hero" First Live Event: Voice Actors and Theme Song Artists Gather!
The anime series "The Rising of the Shield Hero" began its fourth season on July 9, 2025, airing on Crunchyroll, and other channels. Recently, on Sunday, June 15, the series' first live event, "Shield Fest ~The Rising Excitement of Shield Hero: The LIVE of the Shield Hero~," was held at the Sakura Hall in Shibuya Ward's Cultural Center Owada. The event featured voice actors Kaito Ishikawa (Naofumi Iwatani), Asami Seto (Raphtalia), Rina Hidaka (Filo), Natsuko Hara (Rishia), Yoshitsugu Matsuoka (Ren Amaki), and Makoto Takahashi (Motoyasu Kitamura). Additionally, theme song performers MADKID and Chiai Fujikawa were in attendance. As this was the anime series' first live event, the voice cast and artists took the audience on a journey through seasons 1-3, reminiscing about key moments through talks and musical performances. The event also featured a dramatic reading of an original story written by the light novel's author, Aneko Yusagi, making it a truly special experience for long-time fans of the series. The event provided a delightful opportunity for supporters who have been following the series to come together and celebrate their beloved show. Through a combination of engaging discussions and captivating musical performances, attendees were able to relive the most memorable aspects of "The Rising of the Shield Hero" in a unique and interactive way. This article presents a report on this event. Additional Animation for Ishikawa's Performance During Recording As the start time approached, Filo appeared in costume, adorably greeting the audience. Before the show began, fans enjoyed taking photos of Filo dancing to the music. With the venue buzzing with excitement, Ishikawa led the cast onto the stage. The opening talk touched on this being the first live event for the series and explained that the show would revisit seasons 1-3 through music and discussion. Seto and Hidaka mentioned they had been talking about doing an event like this on their radio show for a while, and even contributed ideas for the event merchandise sold at the venue. Matsuoka, Takahashi, and Hara were asked to reflect on their experiences. They revealed that the Four Cardinal Heroes cast had done a live broadcast before, but this was their first time meeting fans face-to-face. With Ishikawa hyping up the crowd even more, the musical performances began. MADKID performed "RISE" and "FAITH," the opening themes from the first and second cours of Season 1, respectively. Chiai Fujikawa sang "Kimi no Namae" (Your Name), which served as the ending theme for the first cour and episode 25, as well as "Atashi ga Tonari ni Iru Uchi ni" (While I'm By Your Side), the ending theme for the second cour. After the live performance segment, the voice actors reappeared on stage. The members of MADKID, who had just finished singing, shared their thoughts. They commented that both "RISE" and "FAITH" feature upbeat melodies and sharp dance performances that really get the audience excited. The members expressed their joy at seeing fans singing along and cheering them on. Each member was then asked by Ishikawa to share their favorite scene from Season 1, which they discussed in detail. The talk segment continued with a look back at memorable scenes from Season 1, based on a survey conducted with the cast members. Seto, who went first, chose a scene from Episode 8, "The Curse Shield," where Raphtalia embraces Naofumi and brings him back to his senses. Seto noted that this scene left a strong impression, showing Raphtalia's devotion and marking the moment when Naofumi, who had become distrustful of people, finally looked Raphtalia in the eye. It felt like they had become each other's safe haven. Hidaka selected a scene from Episode 17, "A Promise Made," featuring Filo's one-on-one battle with Fitoria. She explained that she liked seeing Filo, who is usually cute and comforting, working hard to become stronger for her companions. Hidaka also mentioned enjoying Filo's frustrated expression and her dislike of the ahoge (cowlick) that appeared after gaining the right of succession. Lastly, Ishikawa chose a scene from Episode 21, "Naofumi's Triumphant Return." This iconic moment features the brilliant voice acting of Bridcutt Sarah Emi as Malty S Melromarc, and the scene where Naofumi interrupts just before Malty and Aultcray Melromarc XXXII are about to be beheaded. Naofumi then renames Malty as "Bitch" and Aultcray as "Trash." Ishikawa shared a behind-the-scenes story about this scene. During a pre-recording test, he delivered the line "It's Bitch!" in a more casual tone. The staff liked it and asked him to keep that style, which led to additional animation being added for the final broadcast. Myne's Overwhelming Presence Leaves Matsuoka Speechless After concluding the Season 1 segment, the event transitioned back to the live performance section. This time, they revisited Seasons 2 and 3. MADKID performed "Bring Back" and "SIN," while Fujikawa sang "Yuzurenai" and "Suki ni Natte wa Ikenai Riyuu." Following the performances, Fujikawa shared her thoughts on the live event. During her comments, Fujikawa expressed her deep love for music, dogs, and Filo. It was also revealed that Seto and Hidaka had attended Fujikawa's live performances after she appeared as a guest on their radio show. Hidaka, in particular, was so enthusiastic that he even attended concerts alone, passionately praising the appeal of Fujikawa's songs. When discussing singing the show's songs in front of fans for the first time since the Season 1 screening event, Fujikawa shared how comforting and reassuring the audience's warm applause was. The talk segment highlighted memorable scenes from Seasons 2 and 3. Hara chose Rishia's confrontation with Kyo=Ethnina from Season 2, Episode 6, "Pursuit." He noted how Rishia's journey with Naofumi and the others had strengthened her, allowing her to perceive Kyo's weaknesses. Matsuoka selected the scene from Season 3, Episode 6, "The Direction of Strength," where Ren falls into darkness after being deceived by Myne. Matsuoka expressed sympathy for Ren and pondered how many lives Myne had ruined. Takahashi chose the scene from Season 3, Episode 4, "Spear Hero Capture Operation," where Motoyasu finds guidance through Filo's song. Before screening this scene, the voice actors were given light sticks to cheer along with the audience. The crowd was incredibly enthusiastic, with "Filo!" chants echoing throughout the venue. Takahashi described this scene as a new beginning, suggesting that everything up to this point was merely a prologue. It leaves fans wondering about Motoyasu's future role. Matsuoka added that he had watched this scene in real-time at home and found it moving and inspiring. After the talk segment concluded, a dramatic reading featuring all six cast members' characters was presented. This reading was based on an original story outline written by the series' creator, Aneko Yusagi. The story was set in a timeline just before the Bow Hero, Itsuki Kawasumi, joined the group towards the end of Season 3. The reading showcased a slice of everyday life, both comical and peaceful. In one scene, Motoyasu chased after Filo, only to be kicked into the stars. Another highlighted Naofumi's culinary skills as he prepared a stew using a rare ingredient called Golden Usapil, which he had acquired by chance. Just when it seemed the event was coming to a close, an encore began. MADKID performed "Resolution" and Chiai Fujikawa sang "Eien ni Ikkai no" - the opening and ending themes for the upcoming Season 4, set to air in July. The audience's excitement reached its peak! Amidst this enthusiasm, the voice actors returned to the stage to reveal the latest information about the series. This included a preview video featuring Fujikawa's newly performed song, the latest key visual, broadcast details, and information about the anime "Isekai Quartet" Season 3, in which characters from "The Rising of the Shield Hero" also appear. To conclude the event, Kaito Ishikawa, speaking on behalf of the cast, expressed gratitude to the fans. He hinted at new bonds and storylines with fresh characters in the upcoming Season 4, building anticipation for what lies ahead in the series. The event wrapped up with a commemorative photo session, including Filo who had greeted fans before the show. In a surprise twist, a cake was brought out to celebrate the birthdays of Asami Hidaka and YOU-TA, MADKID's leader, which coincided with the event date. The entire venue joined in the celebration. About the Anime Synopsis As the Shield Hero, Naofumi Iwatani, prepares for the impending battle against the soon-to-be-revived "Phoenix" of the Four Guardian Beasts, he confronts and reconciles with the other three Cardinal Heroes, aiming to unite their powers despite their previous conflicts. However, Raphtalia is mistakenly perceived as having intentions to inherit the throne, leading to assassination attempts by agents from the nation of Q'ten Lo. To resolve this misunderstanding, Naofumi decides to visit Siltvelt, the demi-human country that maintains the only active ferry service to Q'ten Lo. While warmly welcomed by the demi-humans who revere the Shield Hero, Naofumi's group discovers that Siltvelt is not entirely unified, with some factions opposing their presence. Meanwhile, Q'ten Lo faces its own political instability, with Raphtalia being unwittingly elevated as a symbol of revolution. Amidst this complex and turbulent situation, can Naofumi become the guiding light for his companions? Cast Naofumi Iwatani: Kaito Ishikawa Raphtalia: Asami Seto Filo: Rina Hidaka Fohl: Kouhei Amasaki Atla: Konomi Kohara Sadeena: Ami Koshimizu Ren Amaki: Yoshitsugu Matsuoka Itsuki Kawasumi: Yoshio Yamaya Motoyasu Kitamura: Makoto Takahashi Melty: Maaya Uchida Lecia: Natsuko Hara Éclair: Ruriko Aoki Sein: Maria Naganawa Mirellia: Kikuko Inoue Aultcray: Yutaka Nakano Welner: Takeo Otsuka Jaralis: Jiro Saito (C)AnekoYusagi_Seira Minami/KADOKAWA/Shield Hero S4 Project ※Some parts of this text have been translated using machine translation
7NEWS
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- 7NEWS
Millions in government funding couldn't save Australia's biggest music festivals
National touring festival Listen Out is the latest of Australia's major music festivals to either hit pause or fold, despite receiving millions in government grants designed to keep them afloat. It's no secret production costs are higher than ever, artist fees are skyrocketing, and the cost-of-living crisis has led to more conservative spending by music fans. But the cancellations of events such as Splendour in the Grass, Falls Festival and Groovin' The Moo point to a brutal truth: government money hasn't been enough to overcome rising costs, artist fees, insurance challenges and shifting consumer behaviours. Perhaps the biggest funding injection came via the federal government's Restart Investment to Sustain and Expand (RISE) Fund, a $200 million program launched in 2020 as part of the COVID-19 Creative Economy Support Package. Crucially, six Australian festivals to either pause or fold post-pandemic received a combined $19.33 million in government funding. Splendour in the Grass: $16 million in government funding Splendour in the Grass was by far the most heavily supported, receiving: $1.1 million in RISE funding for its 2021 edition $5.8 million in RISE grants to its co-organisers Secret Sounds and Live Nation Australia Festivals More than $10 million in grants from the NSW Government through Create NSW's COVID support and relaunch schemes As previously reported by the 2024 and 2025 editions were cancelled, with organisers citing financial strain and soaring operational costs. Critics, however, pointed to waning audience interest and line-up dissatisfaction as contributing factors. Falls Festival: $1.5 million in government funding The long-running Falls Festival secured $1.5 million in RISE funding in 2021 to help reshape the event. But after back-to-back cancellations, it remains shelved. Promoters cited financial and operational challenges that rendered the festival unsustainable in its current form. Groovin The Moo: $1.2 million in government funding Regional touring festival Groovin The Moo received $1.2 million in federal funding to relaunch, but was cancelled for the second year in a row in 2025 — a sobering sign of the struggles facing regional live music. Listen Out: $500,000 in government funding Dance and hip-hop festival Listen Out was granted up to $500,000 from the NSW Government's Contemporary Music Festival Viability Fund. But just this week, organisers announced it wouldn't return in its traditional format. Instead, it will re-emerge as Listen Out Presents, a series of curated shows. Wide Open Space: $100,000 in government funding Northern Territory's Wide Open Space Festival, which received support from a territorial grant and the federal Live Music Australia program in 2023, cancelled its 2025 return. Organisers blamed rising costs and inadequate funding despite government backing. Caloundra Music Festival: $30,000 in government funding The Sunshine Coast Council pulled the plug on the Caloundra Music Festival in 2024, despite it receiving $30,000 from Events Queensland the year prior. Organisers pointed to mounting costs, declining ticket sales and ongoing uncertainty across the sector. While there's no silver bullet, one major festival has managed to buck the trend. In an interview with music industry blog The Black Hoody, Laneway Festival promoter Danny Rogers said the festival thrived by focusing less on big-name headliners and more on fostering culture. 'Laneway was always primarily focused on trying to create a cultural event that prioritised future icons vs. artists that were already massive headliners,' Rogers said. 'A lot of people think you can build festival lineups on radio play and data,' he added. 'But that doesn't create a culture — it feels homogeneous and pretty samey. We have passed on so many acts over the years which would have sold us more tickets but they didn't fit what we were trying to say as a festival.' Government support or not, one thing remains clear: culture thrives when its most engaged contributors are genuinely nurtured. Festivals that fail to connect authentically with audiences who understand the event's ethos are unlikely to survive.
Metro
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Metro
Zara McDermott launches new Rise SS25 collection with New Look - and we love it
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Zara McDermott has come a long way since she first graced our screens on Love Island in 2018. From hosting Love in the Flesh, to her own documentaries, and let's not forget her collaboration with New Look. Zara first collaborated with New Look and launched her own label RISE in 2024, which has gone from strength to strength. In just a matter of days Zara will debut her new spring/summer 2025 collection, which will drop on 3rd July – and the suspense is too much, or is it the heat? The RISE x Zara collection will be a mix of athleisure and summer styles, which is exactly what we need in this heatwave. But this collection will be unlike other RISE drops as it will feature new activewear silhouettes that are fashion forward yet functional. Some designs feature a cross hem such as the activewear top and the matching leggings, while there are also flattering and supportive racerback sports tops, and on-trend skorts. The range follows a playful colour palette that nods to the summer months, including butter yellow, sage green, as well as baby pink hues. While some tops feature a racerback, others have double straps or tie side fastenings, while the leggings boast ruching, which accentuates your assets (IYKYK). New Look has heard our cries for supportive activewear and coverage, which is why the new drop sees all active tops fitted with built-in supportive padding. But if you're not a fan of fitted activewear don't fret, the edit also includes boxy oversized shirt and short co-ords, as well as a matching scrunchie – who doesn't love a matching set? The collection will include premium quality fabrics, including the return of the butter-soft scuba material that many loved. If you are a devoted New Look shopper (like us), you'll know the affordable high street retailer prides itself on being an inclusive label. This is not lost on the new RISE x Zara McDermott collection as sizes range from UK 8 to 22 in store and 8 to 18 online. More Trending Not only is the collection stylish, practical, functional and inclusive, but it is also affordable with prices spanning from £22 to £45. Speaking about the collection, Zara said: 'I am beyond grateful and excited to be releasing a new collection of RISE with New Look. This is our third drop and it's our most vibrant yet! We've included some key summer colours like butter yellow, baby pink and sage green. Our iconic super soft scuba fabric is back in new styles, and we've added new cuts in our activewear to elevate the pieces, and we've also created some gorgeous striped shirt and shirt sets with a matching scrunchie, which is ideal for holidays, airport outfits and lounging! 'As always, this collection is so incredibly versatile, comfortable and wearable. I am so proud of how RISE as a brand is growing and I am so grateful to New Look for continuing to partner with us. I am looking forward to finally seeing this product in store and being able to shop in person too!' Whether you are entering your pilates, padel or marathon girl era, you want comfortable leisurewear to work from home in, or travel to the airport, there is something to suit every shopper's needs in this RISE collection. Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram Share your views in the comments below MORE: Western fashion is back – these are the pieces to nail cowgirl chic this summer MORE: From job interviews to first dates – why Aligne has you covered and fashion expert-selected wardrobe essentials MORE: Supriya Lele x Mango collection has landed and here's everything we're buying
