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Justice Microgrid to Power Free Legal Support for Rural Ugandans

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A New Solar Installation Electrifies Justice Center, Courts, Town Hall, and More

BALA, Uganda, May 28, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — A new solar microgrid promises to improve legal and municipal services in rural Uganda. The “Justice Microgrid,” a 14.25-kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system located in Bala, provides power for a legal support center, local government buildings, and community spaces. The pilot project, a partnership between the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)  and BarefootLaw , aims to foster a more accessible and equitable justice ecosystem using clean, distributed energy.

Despite being connected to the national electric grid, Bala experiences frequent, often weeks-long power outages. This became a problem for BarefootLaw, a Uganda-based legal justice nonprofit. Their BarefootLaw Box (LawBox)—a community center in which people can receive free legal support—was established in 2022. Its reliance on computers, internet, and video conferencing meant that when the power went out, services also ceased.

BarefootLaw reached out to SELF for a solution. SELF developed a solar-powered microgrid for the LawBox and expanded the system to meet other legal and municipal needs.

“You can have an incredible resource like the LawBox, but without reliable power, it doesn’t matter,” says Robert Freling, SELF’s executive director. “Unreliable grids are all too common in these rural communities, and it obstructs access to crucial services. It’s a major problem, but fortunately, it’s one we can solve.”

The microgrid provides power for lights, computers, internet, device charging, printing, and more. Staff can now serve more people with better resources, and keep their doors open through local blackouts.

“It is very important to have constant power at the LawBox,” says Midi Awor, a Bala resident who received legal help after her livestock were stolen. “Whenever I come, I can easily be connected to a lawyer in Kampala using a television.”

The microgrid also provides power for the courts, town council, police station, and community development office. In addition, solar streetlighting has been installed to improve safety and extend the hours available for commerce and community gatherings. All of this aims to create a more collaborative, transparent, and inclusive justice process.

“People can now tell their stories. Town officials are listening and have the resources to make change. There is support and collaboration,” says Gerald Abila, founder of BarefootLaw. “Change is possible, and Bala is the blueprint.”

About the Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

The Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF) is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit that uses solar energy to fight poverty and climate change. Since its founding in 1990, SELF has worked in dozens of countries, bringing clean energy where it’s needed most. Whether powering schools in South Africa, or health clinics in Haiti, SELF uses the power of the sun to drive lasting change. Learn more at: www.self.org.

About BarefootLaw

BarefootLaw is a nonprofit organisation, which uses technology and innovation to bridge the gap between people and justice. The organisation was founded in 2013 and has since provided simplified legal information and guidance to remote communities in Uganda, Malawi and Kenya through technology-enabled legal support and recently via “The BarefootLaw Box” – mobile offices and mediation centres. Through tools such as SMS, toll-free numbers, and AI-powered systems, BarefootLaw’s efforts attract people, especially women, in rural areas and youth in urban and semi-urban areas.

BarefootLaw believes that if the law is made more readily available, people will use it to peacefully prevent and resolve their problems, leading to better livelihoods for themselves and their communities. Learn more at: www.barefootlaw.org.

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SOURCE Solar Electric Light Fund (SELF)

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Anker Innovations Clinches 17 Red Dot Awards: Product Design 2025, spotlighting cutting-edge innovations

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HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Anker Innovations, a global leader in mobile charging and consumer electronics, has once again set the standard for excellence in innovative technology, clinching an impressive 17 awards at the prestigious Red Dot Awards: Product Design 2025. This achievement includes recognition for multiple products across various categories from Anker Innovations’ brands, such as Anker, eufy, and soundcore, further showcasing the company’s dedication to design and technological excellence. Notably, the Anker Prime Charging Series and the Anker Zolo Power Bank (Retractable Cables) stood out in the charging category, earning accolades for their innovative design and outstanding performance.

“At Anker, our mission is to ignite possibilities through ultimate innovation,” said Leon Wu, General Manager of Southeast Asia at Anker Innovations. “Winning 17 Red Dot Awards in 2025 reaffirms our commitment to creating breakthrough products that solve real-world challenges. As we continue to innovate, we remain focused on creating deeper connections with our Southeast Asian consumers and leading the next wave of technology.”

In the recently announced iF Design Awards, Anker Innovations also claimed an impressive 13 design awards. Among the winners, the Anker Prime Charging Series and the Anker Zolo Power Bank (Retractable Cables) were once again recognized for their outstanding design.

Pushing the Boundaries of Innovation

Its continuous push for innovation drives Anker’s success, particularly in the charging technology space. As a global pioneer in integrating Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology, Anker has revolutionized the portable charging space. By leveraging GaN, Anker has significantly improved charging efficiency, offering faster speeds, reduced heat generation, and more compact designs than traditional silicon-based chargers. These advancements reflect Anker’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in charging technology.

Utilizing advanced GaN technology, the Anker Prime series revolutionizes charging with faster speeds, enhanced safety, and intuitive interaction design. Designed around user insights, it ensures a seamless, reliable charging experience whether at home, in the office, or on the go. The Prime series goes beyond basic hardware, transforming charging devices into interactive, connected ecosystems, prioritizing ease of use and user engagement. With features like automatic device recognition, real-time status updates, and personalized settings, it provides a fluid, hassle-free experience. By improving efficiency and convenience, the Anker Prime series solves everyday charging pain points and redefines how consumers interact with their charging devices, solidifying Anker’s position as a leader in next-generation charging solutions.

Anker Zolo Power Bank (Retractable Cables) allows users to fast charge multiple devices simultaneously with its high-powered 165W output and multiple USB-C/USB-A interfaces. This high-performance power bank is designed to charge multiple devices simultaneously—whether it’s smartphones, tablets, or wireless earphones—solving everyday power challenges. With built-in temperature monitoring, efficient heat dissipation, and a durable flame-retardant casing, this power bank delivers both performance and safety, perfect for modern travelers and multitaskers. Whether on a long-haul flight, a business trip, or a family vacation, these devices ensure that essential gadgets remain powered throughout the journey.

Both the Prime series and the Anker Zolo Power Bank (Retractable Cables) combine robust performance with sleek design, offering a reliable, portable charging solution tailored for travel, office, home, and on-the-go scenarios. Whether you’re working remotely, commuting, or simply need a dependable power source in everyday situations, these products ensure that your devices stay charged and ready for use, providing convenience and efficiency across all aspects of your life.

Charge Up, SEA! Connecting Consumers Through Digital Innovation

Anker Innovations is not only pushing the boundaries of technology but also redefining how it engages with the public through innovative forms of communication. In line with Anker’s commitment to innovation and consumer engagement, the Charge Up, SEA! campaign illuminated iconic landmarks across five Southeast Asian countries—Singapore, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia—using augmented reality (AR) and computer-generated imagery (CGI).

The Prime series is at the heart of the groundbreaking Charge Up, SEA! campaign. A standout product in the Prime series, the Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime), shines brightly within this campaign, exemplifying the series’ cutting-edge capabilities. As the dial of the Anker Prime Charger (250W, 6 Ports, GaNPrime) rotates, it powers Singapore’s Jewel Rain Vortex and Malaysia’s Merdeka 118 Tower. The Anker 30W Zolo Charger energized the National Museum of the Philippines, Indonesia’s Bundaran HI, and Vietnam’s Landmark 81 with polar ice and snow effects, while real-time emoji displayed on the Anker Zolo Power Bank (Retractable Cables) and Anker 140W Charger further animate these digital experiences.

 

This initiative bridges the gap between modern technology and cultural heritage, inviting consumers to experience their local landmarks in an interactive, transformative way while showcasing Anker’s commitment to both innovation and meaningful public engagement.

Anker Innovations’ success at the 2025 Red Dot Awards and the 2025 iF Design Awards is a testament to its relentless pursuit of excellence in charging technology and design. With an unwavering focus on user-centric innovation and digital engagement, Anker continues to lead the way in powering the future of mobile electronics.

About Anker Innovations

Anker Innovations is a global leader in charging and home energy storage technology and a developer of unique consumer electronic products that support premium audio, mobile entertainment, and the emerging smart home space. Discover more at anker.com.

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SOURCE Anker Innovations

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Techman Robot Partners with Panasonic Connect’s Welding Systems Division to Advance Welding Automation in Japan

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TAIPEI, April 22, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Techman Robot has announced a strategic collaboration with Panasonic Connect’s Welding Systems Division, aiming to accelerate the development of welding automation solutions.

By combining Techman Robot’s advanced collaborative robot technology with Panasonic’s extensive experience in the welding field, the two companies are opening new opportunities in the automation of welding processes. Since establishing their partnership in 2023, both parties have been working closely to meet market demands and will now strengthen their activities in the Japanese market.

To simplify robot welding setup, Techman Robot has developed the “Welding Node” module. This new solution integrates seamlessly with Panasonic’s fully digital welding machines, helping to address the growing labor shortage in the welding industry by streamlining automation.

Techman Robot’s built-in vision system and AI functionality also contribute to intuitive, simple, and flexible operation. These features are expected to further enhance automation on welding lines.

By combining their technologies, Techman Robot and Panasonic aim not only to accelerate automation but also to expand applications through evolving AI capabilities.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2667226/Panasonic_x_TM_02.jpg 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/techman-robot-partners-with-panasonic-connects-welding-systems-division-to-advance-welding-automation-in-japan-302431447.html

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Century Huatong’s Digiloong GAIC Opens for Entries, Spotlighting AI in Game Development

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SHANGHAI, April 21, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On April 2, 2025, the Digiloong Cup Global AI Game and Application Innovation Competition (“Digiloong GAIC”) officially kicked off. Led by Shanghai-listed Century Huatong, the competition is held under the guidance of the Games Publishing Committee of the China Audio-video and Digital Publishing Association (CADPA), alongside the Pudong New Area Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, and the Shanghai Online Game Association (OGA). The event is co-branded with several key partners, including The Paper, Lighthouse Capital, and Eastern Bell Capital. With the official website (https://aicht.sjhuatong.com/) now live, developers worldwide are invited to log in and submit their entries through June 18th.

The competition aims to achieve a dual breakthrough in AI technology for both game development and broader industry applications. It is focused on deeply integrating AI throughout the entire game development pipeline while simultaneously expanding its use across a range of real-world scenarios. The goal is to accelerate the adoption of emerging technologies in both interactive entertainment and traditional industries. The competition is organized into five phases:

Phase 1: Registration and Entry Submission (April 2nd – June 18th)
Phase 2: Preliminary Selection (June 19th – July 1st), during which qualified entries advance to the next stage
Phase3: Semi-Finalist Selection (July 2nd -mid-July), where a panel of industry experts serving as judges will evaluate and score the shortlisted projects before announcing the finalists
Phase4: On-site Finalist Evaluation (the end of July), featuring live Q&A with the judges
Phase5: Grand Finale & Awards Ceremony (August 1st), a high-profile event at the 2025 ChinaJoy AIGC conference recognizing both judges and participating industry leaders.

The competition features a cross-disciplinary, authoritative jury as part of its evaluation process. Confirmed experts include Tang Jiajun, Deputy Secretary General of CADPA and Secretary General of the Games Publishing Committee; Jim Wang, Chairman of Century Huatong; Wang Jianhua, Secretary General of OGA; Derek Fang, Chief Strategy Officer of Century Huatong; Zhang Zhaogong, Associate Professor at the Communication University of China and Director of the Game Design Department; Lin Koon Wing, Mac, Director of the Computer Graphics and Power Consumption Laboratory at the Huawei Hong Kong Research Center (recommended by ChinaJoy); Sun Hui, CTO of The Paper; Vita Gu, Partner at Eastern Bell Capital; Xinxin Huang, Senior Director of the Incubation Business at Lighthouse Capital; Liang Jianming, Risk Control Partner at Shanghai Xiaomiao Longcheng Investment Management (recommended by the Shanghai University Student Technology Entrepreneurship Foundation). Additionally, senior executives from leading companies, professors from top universities, and senior fellows from research institutes will also contribute, including Mike Zhang, Manager of Century Huatong’s Shengqu Games Technology Center, and Wu Shiqian, Head of the Shengqu Games Planning Center. The jury will conduct a comprehensive evaluation based on technical innovation, commercial potential, and feasibility, with more industry leaders expected to join. 

The competition offers a 600,000 yuan prize pool, covering 15 awards across six categories, including game innovation, technology application, content design, music presentation, and visual expression. In addition, the organizing committee will host a series of themed salons, online Q&A sessions and other activities throughout the competition to encourage collaboration among developers, businesses, investors, and other stakeholders. Key initiatives focused on visibility, venture support, and access to computing power are intended to accelerate the commercialization and real-world deployment of the most promising projects. Century Huatong’s Shengqu Capital, alongside prominent domestic venture capital firms Lighthouse Capital and Eastern Bell Capital, will offer follow-up support as a capital incubator, helping winning teams scale and solidify their projects.

In his address at the Digiloong GAIC lauch ceremony, Mr. Wang, Chairman of Century Huatong, emphasized, “The game industry’s technological sophistication and capacity for creative transformation make it an ideal proving ground for AI. We hope Digiloong GAIC will act as a bridge connecting technology developers, businesses, investors, and users, expediting AI’s transition from the lab to real-world deployment.”

The official launch of this year’s Digiloong GAIC marks a strategic step forward for Century Huatong in the AI space. By integrating resources, opening up platforms, and cultivating talent, the competition aims to serve as a catalyst for incorporating AI technology into industrial processes and workflows, bringing a fresh perspective  from some of China’s leading players to the global AI innovation ecosystem. Throughout the event, Century Huatong’s media network—including its official platform, 2602TV, and Digiloong AI—will collaborate with major media outlets to deliver ongoing, wide-ranging coverage, aiming to offer a distinctive perspective on the global AI landscape.

CONTACT: lixiaorang.lois@digiloong.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/century-huatongs-digiloong-gaic-opens-for-entries-spotlighting-ai-in-game-development-302433898.html

SOURCE Century Huatong

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