SUNNYVALE, Calif., April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — FutureDial, the global leader in connected device data sanitization, functional testing, and refurbishment automation, is proud to announce a strategic, multi-year partnership with SB Frameworks (SBF) Japan, a group company of SoftBank Corp., one of Japan’s most prestigious and innovative wireless operators. This collaboration will transform the second-hand mobile device market in Japan, setting a new benchmark for quality, efficiency, and automation in mobile refurbishment.

As Japan continues to lead the way in technological advancements, SBF is pioneering the future of mobile refurbishment by leveraging FutureDial’s industry-leading automation solutions. This partnership serves as a foundational step in SB Frameworks’ long-term vision to automate and scale mobile device renewal operations, ensuring premium quality, data security, and efficiency in the second-hand mobile market.

FutureDial: The Preferred Automation Partner for SB Frameworks

SB Frameworks, as an integral part of SoftBank’s extensive mobile ecosystem, has set forth an ambitious roadmap to modernize and scale mobile refurbishment operations. By partnering with FutureDial, the global leader in automation solutions for mobile device logistics, SBF is taking decisive steps toward an automated future, laying the foundation for long-term growth.

Why FutureDial?

SB Frameworks selected FutureDial based on:

Industry Leadership & Proven Expertise – Over two decades of experience delivering best-in-class automation solutions for the mobile device supply chain.Modular & Scalable Automation – A stepwise approach allowing SBF to progressively integrate automation for seamless adoption and long-term success.Comprehensive Mobile Refurbishment Solutions – Covering everything from data erasure and diagnostics to functional testing and cosmetic inspection.Commitment to Knowledge Transfer & Long-Term Success – FutureDial is dedicating significant resources to ensure SBF’s internal teams gain expertise, experience, and the capability to scale operations efficiently.

A Broad, Multi-Phase Partnership for the Future

This partnership is designed as a multi-year initiative, with multiple phases aimed at progressively automating and refining SBF’s mobile refurbishment processes. The initial focus will be on optimizing core operations, such as:

Automated Data Erasure & Security Compliance – Ensuring all personal data is fully removed from devices, adhering to Japan’s stringent privacy standards.Advanced Functional Testing & Cosmetic Inspection – Implementing AI-driven diagnostics to enhance the grading and performance assessment of pre-owned devices.Automated Receiving & Processing Solutions – Exploring next-generation automation for inbound device logistics, inventory management, and repair workflows.

“This partnership is a game-changer,” said Hiroyuki Arai, President and Representative Director at FutureDial. “SB Frameworks has a clear vision for automation, and FutureDial is honored to support them in executing a multi-year, multi-phase transformation that will set new industry standards in Japan.”

Hiro Watanuki, SB Frameworks’ President & CEO, echoed this sentiment: “Partnering with FutureDial aligns perfectly with our long-term strategy to enhance efficiency and drive automation across SB Frameworks’ mobile refurbishment ecosystem. We see this as a critical step in elevating our operations and reinforcing SBF’s leadership in the mobile sector.”

Looking Ahead: A Partnership Built for the Future

The FutureDial-SBF collaboration is just the beginning. As the partnership progresses, FutureDial will continue to introduce new automation solutions, integrate advanced AI-driven technologies, and optimize mobile device processing at scale.

More details on this initiative will be revealed in the coming months as FutureDial and SBF continue to lead the charge in automation and innovation.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Brad Treese

FutureDial PR Team

pr@futuredial.com

About FutureDial

FutureDial is the leading provider of automation solutions for mobile device processing, diagnostics, and refurbishment, helping businesses streamline operations, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency across the reverse logistics and circular economy. FutureDial’s AI-powered, modular automation solutions are used by mobile carriers, device resellers, and logistics companies worldwide.

About SB Frameworks

SB Frameworks (SBF) is a group company of SoftBank Corp., focused on mobile device refurbishment, logistics, and technology-driven solutions. As an innovator in Japan’s mobile industry, SBF is committed to advancing automation, sustainability, and operational excellence in the mobile device lifecycle.

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SOURCE FUTUREDIAL INCORPORATED

TAIPEI, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Otis Taiwan will supply 65 elevators and escalators for the extension of the Kaohsiung MRT Red Line RLC01, expanding its presence in the city’s transportation network. Otis Taiwan is part of Otis Worldwide Corporation (NYSE: OTIS), the world leader in the manufacture, installation and maintenance of elevators and escalators.

The Red Line RLC01 expansion will include 3 stations. Otis will provide 50 escalators and 15 Gen2 elevators. The project is scheduled to conclude by 2030.

“We are honored to build on our longstanding relationship with the Kaohsiung MRT. This project demonstrates our commitment to advancing urban mobility in Kaohsiung and highlights our dedication and expertise in providing safe, efficient and innovative elevators and escalators for transport infrastructure projects in Taiwan and worldwide,” said Ian Lau, Managing Director of Otis Taiwan.

The heavy-duty escalator is designed to meet the demands of high-traffic environments. Otis’ best-selling Gen2 elevator replaced conventional ropes with coated steel belts for a smoother ride and reduced energy consumption compared with conventional elevator machines.

In addition to the MRT Red Line expansion, Otis has provided elevators and escalators across Kaohsuing’s Railway, High-Speed Rail and MRT systems. This includes Kaohsiung Station, ZuoYing HSR Station, Kaohsiung MRT Red Line RK1, and the under-construction Kaohsiung MRT Yellow Line.

About Otis

Otis gives people freedom to connect and thrive in a taller, faster, smarter world. The global leader in the manufacture, installation and servicing of elevators and escalators, we move 2.4 billion people a day and maintain approximately 2.4 million customer units worldwide – the industry’s largest Service portfolio. You’ll find us in the world’s most iconic structures, as well as residential and commercial buildings, transportation hubs and everywhere people are on the move. Headquartered in Connecticut, USA, Otis is 72,000 people strong, including 44,000 field professionals, all committed to manufacturing, installing and maintaining products to meet the diverse needs of our customers and passengers in more than 200 countries and territories. To learn more, visit www.otis.com and follow us on LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook @OtisElevatorCo.

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SOURCE OTIS TAIWAN

STRASBOURG, France, April 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — To pioneer new frontiers in life science research, the Human Frontier Science Program has awarded 104 of the world’s most ingenious scientists from 30 nations with 2025 HFSP Research Grants and the first round of the new Accelerator Grants. 

“Our awards provide the world’s top scientists with the means to explore new frontiers in scientific research and discover whole new worlds of possibility,” said Pavel Kabat, HFSP Secretary-General.

Scientists from these nations receive 2025 HFSP Research Grants & Accelerator Awards:

In 2025, HFSP awarded 30 Research Grants and 12 Accelerator Grants that span the full range of life science research. Highlights include:

New insight on epigenetics, the study of how our environment influences our genes by changing the chemicals that attach to them. This project resumes research began more than 100 years ago at the Biologische Versuchsanstalt (BVA) in Vienna, Austria.Research on how tick-borne diseases are being spread over great distances, including by migratory birds, and becoming a global concern. The study analyzes rapidly changing environmental factors driven by climate change that affect tick populations, and, thus, the spread of viral diseases.

HFSPO reviewed proposals from over 2,100 researchers for 780 projects. To read the awardees’ abstracts, click: 2025 HFSP Research Grant Awardees. To find individual scientists, search the Index by Country.

About HFSP Awards:

HFSP Research Grants: last for three years and on average, provide $400,000 USD per year. Both early career scientists and those at any stage of their career may apply.

HFSP Accelerator Awards: This new program seeks to strengthen the world’s life science enterprise by diversifying the pool of expertise by including scientists on groundbreaking research grant teams, who might not otherwise have comparable opportunities. Accelerator awards go to scientists who work at research institutions in these HFSP Member countries: India, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, Korea, Singapore, and South Africa.

Journalists can view the full press release here.

For more information or to schedule interviews, contact Rachael Bishop, Science Writer and Editor: phone: +33 (0)7 81 87 62 21 or email: rbishop@hfsp.org.

SOURCE Human Frontier Science Program