Science and Technology News

Category: Communications

  • Enhancing compliance and sustainability in fishing operations

    Enhancing compliance and sustainability in fishing operations

    Empowering hybrid connectivity at sea

    Satellite-based hybrid connectivity solutions are uniquely positioned to support fishing vessels, even in the most remote waters by integrating satellite technology with other communication systems, fishing fleets can maintain continuous connectivity, no matter their location of the weather conditions.

    This uninterrupted connectivity enables real-time tracking, optimised navigation, and enhanced fleet management, bridging the information gap that often hinders compliance and operational efficiency.

    Hybrid satellite networks facilitate secure data transfer and communication for vessels, regulatory bodies, and environmental organisations, creating a seamless connection between the industry’s needs and sustainability goals.  

    Ensuring compliance and transparency through real-time data

    Regulatory compliance is a cornerstone of sustainable fishing practices, and satellite connectivity plays a crucial role in enabling it. Through satellite networks, fisheries can transmit accurate and timely data on their location, fishing activities, and catch data, to meet national and international environmental regulations.

    This ensures that vessels adhere to restricted fishing zones, seasonal bans, and protected marine areas, aiding regulatory agencies in monitoring compliance and reducing illegal fishing. With hybrid satellite solutions, fishing vessels are equipped with powerful, efficient tools to uphold environmental standards, protect marine life, and promote legal fishing practices.  

    Combatting overfishing with data and analytics

    Overfishing remains a critical challenge, and satellite-enabled data is paving the way for more informed decision-making. By collecting and analysing data in fish stocks, fishing patterns, and catch sizes, satellite technology allows both fisheries and environmental organisation to understand and mitigate overfishing trends.

    This insight empowers fisheries to make data-driven decision on when, where, and how much to fish, safeguarding marine ecosystems and supporting the long-term sustainability of fish populations.  

    The future of sustainable fishing: Harnessing the power of satellite innovation

    As the fishing industry embraces sustainability, the role of satellite connectivity is set to expand. Innovations in satellite technology, in collaboration with environmental and regulatory bodies, are positioned to support fisheries in meeting global demands for sustainable, compliant operations.

    The commitment to hybrid connectivity solutions, bolstered by advanced satellite networks, represents a future where fishing fleets operate with both efficiency and responsibility, contributing to a healthier ocean ecosystem.  

    Gregory Darling, founder and chairman at AST networks, said, at AST networks, we believe that hybrid satellite connectivity is key to advancing both operational efficiency and sustainability in the fishing industry.  

    By providing real-time tracking and data-driven insights, we’re empowering fleets to operate responsibly and in compliance with the environmental standards. Our mission it to support the industry’s transition to sustainable practices, ensuring that our oceans are protected for future generations.

  • Smart City Expo aims for ‘ethical urban future together’

    Smart City Expo aims for ‘ethical urban future together’

    Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), the leading international event on cities and smart urban solutions, will host its largest edition yet from November 5-7, 2024, at Fira de Barcelona’s Gran Via venue.

    With a 30 percent growth in the exhibition floorspace and under the theme “Live Better,” the 2024 edition will delve into the strategies needed to transform metropolises into sustainable, efficient, and livable spaces and will gather 1,100 exhibitors representatives of 850 cities and over 600 experts to outline “a more ethical urban future together”.

    The event will gather over 600 speakers and international experts in its congress to share the latest experiences, strategies, and breakthroughs in urban transformation.

    The conference program is structured around eight main tracks enabling technologies, energy and environment, mobility, governance, living and inclusion, economy, infrastructure & buildings, and safety & security.

    The event will bring together metropolises from all over the globe to share their latest projects and experiences and promote the technologies developed to deploy them.

    With representatives from over 850 cities in attendances, among the countries and cities exhibiting are Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, India, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine, UK, and USA. 

    Ugo Valenti, director of Smart City Expo World Congress, stated, “Smart City Expo 2024 aims to set a common target for urban innovation worldwide improve welfare, create opportunities, and foster a better relationship with our planet and communities.

    “If we want to live better, we must rethink our way of life, leveraging technology, innovation, and collaboration. We want to offer a meeting point for all actors in this field to get together and draft a roadmap to a better tomorrow.”

    Leading companies from around the world will showcase the latest solutions and technologies enabling cities to improve mobility, public services, utilities and citizen engagement such as saudi aramco, Axis Communications, Dahua Technology, Dassault Systèmes, Dell Nvidia, FCC Medio Ambiente, Hail City, KHNP, KPMG, Madinah City, MDEC, Microsoft, New Murabba, Nova Cidade, PNY, PWC, Roshn Group, Smart Ports Piers of the Future, and Veolia.  

    Moreover, in 2024 SCEWC will delve deeper into the role that start-ups have in their developing process of new technologies. To do so, the event will debut the Innovation playground, a space to connect the main players of the global innovation ecosystem including startups, investors, governments, corporations, and research centers.

    In addition, SCEWC will also hold the third edition of the barcelona Deep Tech Summit, an event by Barcelona Activa focused on scientific tech entrepreneurship and university spin-offs.

    Keynote speaker lineup

    The 2024 edition of SCEWC will feature some of the leading thinkers in the urban sphere. Among the 600 speakers Ruha Benjamin, Majora Carter, Stephanie Hare, and Melati Wijsen stand out.

    Benjamin is a renowned expert in technology-based inequity who has focused her work on the intersection of race, technology, and society. Professor of african american studies at princeton university, benjamin has studied how emerging technologies and scientific advancements impact social justice and inequality.

    Majora Carter is an awarded urban revitalization strategist and environmental advocate known for her efforts to transform the South Bronx, her hometown, by promoting green spaces, sustainable economic development, and equitable community engagement. 

    How technology impacts public policy, human rights, and social justice is the domain of stephanie Hare. With a background in both academia and industry, Hare has worked on issues related to data privacy, surveillance, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.

    Melati wijsen is an environmental activist and co-founder of Bye Bye Plastic bags, a youth-led movement aimed at reducing plastic waste. She started the organization at age 12 and has since become a prominent advocate for sustainability and youth empowerment.

    Melati has been recognized globally for her efforts, including being featured in the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and speaking at international forums such as the United Nations.

    World Smart City Awards

    SCEWC will also host a new edition of the world smart city awards to acknowledge the most outstanding initiatives and projects in the innovation and urban transformation industry. With a total of 429 entries from 64 countries, the 13th edition of these accolades is the biggest to date.

    The winners of the 9 categories featured – City, Leadership, Innovation, enabling technologies project, energy and environment project, mobility project, governance and economy project, living and Inclusion project, and infrastructure and buildings project will be announced during a special gala hosted on the evening of Wednesday, November 6th.

    Largest showcase of Urban Innovation

    Fira de barcelona will strengthen its role a global hub for urban innovation by holding SCEWC 2024 together with Tomorrow.Mobility World Congress, Tomorrow Building World Congress, and tomorrow.Blue economy.

    Tomorrow mobility world Congress, jointly organized by fira de barcelona and EIT urban mobility, an initiative of the european Institute of Innovation and Technology, a body of the european union, aims to speed up the adoption of new sustainable urban mobility paradigms.

    Focusing on topics as New mobility services, public transport, autonomous mobility, last mile logistics, data for mobility, Mobility Infrastructure, zero and low-emission mobility, active and Inclusive mobility.

    In addition, tomorrow.building world congress will bring together the construction sector to showcase the most innovative solutions, projects and strategies for transforming the industry.

    To do so, the event will focus on five major challenges urban planning and landscaping, construction technology, design technology, decarbonised building and sustainable transformation of buildings.

    With over 100 experts and 30 conference sessions, the congress will give special relevance to women in the construction industry featuring architects melike altinisik and liselott stenfeldt as keynote speakers.

    Tomorrow blue economy will hold its third edition with the goal of promoting the huge potential of the seas and oceans as a source of sustainable economic growth.

    Organized with the support of the Barcelona City Council, Port de Barcelona, World Ocean Council and Smart Ports Piers of the Future, the event will gather experts, companies, institutions and community leaders to showcase innovative solutions, programs and best practices carried out in recent years with the aim of advancing an interdisciplinary approach in this field, including public-private collaboration.

    Among the topics discussed feature climate change, finance, offshore energy, water management, biodiversity, green shipping, smart ports, and recreational boating.

  • Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Darling describes taking AST Networks from small start-up to global leader

    Since founding AST Networks in 1992, Darling has guided the company from a small start-up with just two employees, to a global leader in hybrid satellite communications. In discussing AST Networks origins, Darling reflects on the moment the idea for the company took shape, whilst operating a gardline vessel in West Africa.

    Facing unreliable communication methods, he saw the need for faster, more efficient satellite-based solutions – an idea that became AST Networks.

    Reflecting on AST Networks’ pioneering achievements, Gregory Darling stated, “One of my proudest achievements is seeing AST Networks lead the way with innovative solutions, such as installing satellite payphones on ships and integrating advanced low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite technologies. We are constantly pushing boundaries, and it’s this pioneering spirit that has helped us thrive in a competitive, and ever-evolving, market.”

    AST Networks has constantly pushed the boundaries of satellite communication, providing advanced solutions for sectors such as maritime, oil and gas, and defence. One of the company’s flagship systems, the AST reygar platform, has transformed fleet management by providing rea-time remote monitoring and vessel tracking.

    This technology has improved operational efficiency and safety for customers, reducing downtime and cutting costs through predictive maintenance and enhanced crew connectivity.

    In addition to its software-driven services, AST Networks hybrid communication solutions, which combine VSAT and LEO technologies, have become the gold standard for reliable global coverage. A notable success story involved a large shipping company facing connectivity challenges in remote waters.

    After implementing AST Networks’ hybrid system, the company reported near-constant connectivity, improving both fleet operations and crew welfare, whilst significantly reducing communication costs.

    AST Networks continues to innovate, the company is also placing a stronger emphasis on cybersecurity, ensuring its customers data is protected in a rapidly increasing digital landscape. With a commitment to delivering tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of each industry, AST Networks remains at the forefront of satellite communications, helping businesses stay connected, secure, and efficient.

    Looking toward the future, Darling highlights the company’s commitment to leveraging software-driven solutions, artificial intelligence, and automation to further improve operations efficiency for its customers. AST Networks is poised for significant growth in 2025, with continued investments in LEO technology and digital services, ensuring customers remain seamlessly connected, no matter where they are in the world.

  • Aqua Comms continues to invest in Trans-Atlantic network with new fibre pair

    Aqua Comms continues to invest in Trans-Atlantic network with new fibre pair

    Aqua Comms, a provider of global subsea connectivity services, says it has accelerated its investment in its platform by lighting a new fibre pair on Aqua Comms’ AEC-1 system. Owned and operated by Aqua Comms, AEC-1 is Ireland’s first dedicated subsea fibre-optic network interconnecting New York, Dublin and London.

    The new fibre pair has been brought into service to address the growing bandwidth demands of Aqua Comms customers as requirements to rapidly, seamlessly and reliably move vast quantities of data continue to increase.

    It has also provided an opportunity for Aqua Comms to reinforce its credentials as a responsible operator with a focus on increasing supply whilst minimising power requirements to push for leading edge, innovative and sustainable Trans-Atlantic capacity solutions. (more…)

  • Sony expands dedicated drone solutions

    Sony expands dedicated drone solutions

    Sony and Gremsy, a leader in gimbal technology, will be demonstrating the latest addition to their line ups aimed at plug and play solutions for drone users and manufacturers the Pixy LR S-Port gimbal, developed for a direct integration with Sony’s dedicated drone camera, the ILX-LR1, brings agility, reliability and lightness to any drone payload to further optimize drone operation in terms of flight time versus data capture and data availability for processing.

    Gremsy are one the most established gimbal manufacturers in the market, and close collaboration between Sony and Gremsy for the past two years has led to the development of all-in-one solutions for different use cases and different drone platforms. These solutions are seamlessly integrated, lightweight and with a compact design, to optimize payload and environmental footprint.

    In the context of a growing need for high-quality imaging from professional and commercial drone users, Sony developed the ILX-LR1 camera by listening to partner and market requests, bringing Sony imaging technology to the market in a light form factor and dedicated features. (more…)

  • Precision pollination project is a ‘step towards better food security’

    Precision pollination project is a ‘step towards better food security’

    A groundbreaking project aimed at exploring the role drone technology can play in improving yield, fruit quality and forecasting in UK strawberry production is a pivotal step towards enhancing food security.

    The project, Precision Pollination for Higher Strawberry Productivity and Quality, offers a strong consortium comprising the UK Agri-Tech Centre, Angus Soft Fruits and Polybee, with funding support from Innovate UK.

    This combines expert berry growers from the UK, agri-tech innovation and development specialists and a Singaporean partner with expertise in using innovative drone technology for pollination and crop imaging.

    Fresh Strawberries are a high value crop in the UK, worth £377m in 2022, over 30 percent of the total UK fruit value (Defra, 2023).

    Most commercial UK crops are grown under protection in structures such as polytunnels or glasshouses to provide optimal conditions for the plants to grow and fruit to develop. (more…)

  • Airtel Business and Sparkle sign agreement for Blue-Raman capacity between India and Italy

    Airtel Business and Sparkle sign agreement for Blue-Raman capacity between India and Italy

    Airtel Business, the B2B arm of Bharti Airtel (“Airtel”), one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, today, signed an agreement with Sparkle, the first international service provider in Italy and a top global operator, for additional capacity on a diversified low latency route between Asia and Europe.

    Under the agreement, Airtel will take capacity from Sparkle on the Blue-Raman Submarine Cable Systems, which will connect India to Italy. With this additional capacity, Airtel will further diversify its global network across multiple international submarine cable systems to serve the growing demand for data services in India and neighbouring countries.

    The two companies will also work together on the development of new business opportunities and projects in the Indian sub-continent, leveraging their respective cable infrastructures. (more…)