NGen, Canada’s advanced manufacturing global innovation network, Festo Didactic, a leading provider of technical education equipment and solutions, and Humber Polytechnic, a leading Canadian post-secondary institution known for its career-focused, hands-on approach to education, are partnering to demonstrate the strength of Canadian mechatronics skills at Hannover Messe.

HANNOVER, Germany, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — NGen, Canada’s advanced manufacturing global innovation network, Festo Didactic, a leading provider of technical education equipment and solutions, and Humber Polytechnic, a leading Canadian post-secondary institution known for its career-focused, hands-on approach to education, are partnering to demonstrate the strength of Canadian mechatronics skills at Hannover Messe. This collaboration will feature a skills competition showcasing top students from leading Canadian post-secondary institutions including Humber Polytechnic, Southern Alberta Institute of Technology (SAIT), and Conestoga College.    

“Mechatronics skills are highly sought-after by employers across various industries globally including automation, robotics, and advanced manufacturing,” said Peter Wawrow, Director of Workforce Development Programs at NGen. “This competition is an opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent that Canada and Germany have to offer, and to highlight the importance of investing in workforce development.”

The skills competition will feature four teams of two competitors. There will be three teams from Canada and one team from Germany. These institutions were selected for their strong mechatronics programs and history of producing highly skilled graduates. Humber Polytechnic, led by Director Neal Mohammed, has participated in Canada’s Skills Provincial, National, and International mechatronics competitions, and over the last two decades, has won 47 medals, 29 gold, 14 silver, and 4 bronze.

“Mechatronics is such a high-demand skill set. Every industry needs these skills to keep their operations maintained and competitive. Employers are coming to Humber before our students graduate months in advance to hire them,” said Neal Mohammed, Director of the Barrett Centre for Technology Innovation at Humber Polytechnic. “Canada has the capacity to prepare and train students with the right skills, and we are demonstrating it through the Hannover Messe event,” Director Mohammed added.

The competition challenge, focused on an automotive theme, will require students to design and build an assembly line to sort vehicles by colour and deliver them to specific locations, mimicking real-world scenarios in “just-in-time” manufacturing.
In addition to the competition, NGen will host a panel discussion featuring leaders from the three Canadian participating schools, team Germany, and Festo to discuss the importance of mechatronics education and workforce development.

The Mechatronics Competition
Canada Pavilion Hall 7 D28

The four teams representing Canada and Germany will participate over five days at the mechatronics competition. Each day will consist of a different application build where competitors will be challenged to solve a realistic industry challenge. Problem-solving and systems integration skills are an essential part of the competition and will require competitors to be proficient in system-level thinking, troubleshooting and diagnostics, system building, and optimization.

The goal of the competition is to provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge that every technician must have in the field of Industrial Automation and Control Technology. The competitors will be presented with an industrial challenge which they will need to build an automated system and demonstrate their skills in automation, mechanical building, electrical wiring, troubleshooting, logical problem solving, speed execution, PLC programming, and professional practice under a time frame. Teams of two need to demonstrate their ability to integrate these disciplines into a cohesive, efficient, and innovative solution that can solve complex industrial problems. Effective communication, logical thinking, and real-time adaptation to challenges are crucial for success in such competitions. The ability to design, build, test, and refine a system under time pressure is a key element of this competition, making both technical expertise and teamwork essential for success.

“We want to showcase the skills that we have coming from Canada, and the skills needed for advanced manufacturing careers,” said Greg James, Head of Sales at Festo Didactic Canada. “The systems used in the competition are scalable mechatronic systems that mimic industrial standards. Students will be tasked with solving an industry problem by building an automated manufacturing system using Festo Didactic components.”

Participants will be tasked with building a mechatronics system using Festo Didactic’s Modular Production System. The MPS system challenges students to assemble, integrate, and program components to create an automated system that’s capable of completing a specific task. Programming is done via PLC coding.

The teams will compete using the same MPS systems and applications used in the 2024 WorldSkills Competition. Festo Didactic has provided state-of-the-art learning systems for SkillsUSA and WorldSkills mechatronics competitions around the world since 1991.

Festo Exhibit Booth Features
Hall 7, Stand A32
Visit Festo’s exhibit booth to explore innovative learning systems that provide industry-approved education and training for advanced manufacturing and Industry 4.0 careers.

NGen Panel Session, “Career Pathways Through Mechatronics Competitions”
Date: Wednesday, April 2, 2025
Time: 4:00 pm
Room: Hall 7 Canada Stage
For questions or more information, contact Peter Wawrow at peter.wawrow@ngen.ca 
Please also visit us in the Canada Pavilion in Hall 7 D28.

About Next Generation Manufacturing Canada (NGen)
NGen is the industry-led not-for-profit organization that leads Canada’s Global Innovation Cluster for Advanced Manufacturing. Its mandate is to help build world-leading advanced manufacturing capabilities for the benefit of Canadians. NGen works to strengthen collaboration among its membership of more than 9,000 manufacturers, technology companies, innovation centres, and researchers, and provides funding and business support to industry-led initiatives that aim to develop, apply, or scale-up transformative manufacturing solutions in Canada for commercialization in global markets. http://www.ngen.ca/membership

Festo at a glance
Festo, the world’s leading supplier of automation technology and technical education, is deploying its products and services to meet the challenges of digitization and smart production. Founded in 1925, the family-owned company based in Esslingen, Germany supports a wide range of needs for advanced solutions in factory and process automation. In Canada, Festo has been supporting Canadian industry for 50 years, continuously elevating the state of manufacturing in this country with innovative products, optimized motion control solutions and unrivalled support. Globally, some 300,000 customers put their trust in the company’s pneumatic and electric drive products and technology. In addition, Festo Didactic provides state-of-the-art training equipment and educational programs for industrial companies and educational institutions – about 56,000 customers worldwide. The Festo Group registered sales of €3.65 billion in the 2023 financial year and is represented worldwide at 250 locations with about 20,600 employees. About 7.7% of its annual turnover is invested in research and development.
Learn more at festo.com

Media Contact

Bianca Accorsi, Festo, (416) 918-4671, bianca.accorsi@festo.com, www.festo.com 

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Strategic Partnership to Address Rapid EV Growth Driven by Government Policy Changes in Thailand

SHANGHAI, March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR), a world leader in rapid battery swapping technology for EV’s, (“U Power” or the “Company”) announced today that it has signed a joint venture agreement between its Thai subsidiary, U SWAP, and SUSCO Public Company Limited (BK: SUSCO), a publicly listed energy provider with a robust network of fueling stations throughout Thailand. The joint venture will deploy U Power’s innovative UOTTA battery-swapping technology across SUSCO’s extensive station network, significantly advancing sustainable transportation solutions in the country. The JV positions U Power as a first-mover in Thailand Commercial EV Battery Swapping Market.

“This joint venture represents a significant milestone in U Power’s global expansion strategy, particularly in Southeast Asia,” said Li Jia, Chairman and CEO of U Power. “Thailand’s ambitious EV targets make our partnership with SUSCO timely and strategically important, creating immediate opportunities for scaling our battery-swapping technology across the region.”

Expanding EV Infrastructure with UOTTA Technology

SUSCO is a publicly traded energy provider listed in Thailand, recognized for its widespread network of fueling stations. By partnering with U Power, SUSCO aims to integrate battery-swapping capabilities into its existing infrastructure to meet the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) energy solutions.

Through the joint venture, U Power’s UOTTA battery-swapping system will be strategically positioned at SUSCO’s fueling stations nationwide. This infrastructure will serve as a rapid, efficient, and scalable energy solution tailored to the needs of commercial vehicle fleets, including taxis and ride-sharing services, significantly reducing downtime and improving operational efficiency.

Integrating U Power’s innovative battery-swapping technology into SUSCO’s extensive station network allows SUSCO to directly support Thailand’s ambitious EV adoption goals, enhance customer convenience, and position SUSCO at the forefront of the nation’s evolving transportation infrastructure.

Leading Asian Investors Back Joint Venture with Strategic Investment

Chatchaval Jiaravanon, a member of the family controlling the Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group)—a diversified conglomerate generating over $82 billion in annual revenue—has personally invested in the joint venture between U Swap and SUSCO.

Mr. Jiaravanon currently serves as chairman and founder of Charoen Energy and Water Asia and independently owns Fortune magazine.

As highlighted in a recent press release, Mr. Jiaravanon expressed optimism regarding the significant potential for growth and profitability of this partnership within Thailand’s rapidly expanding electric transportation sector. Leveraging his extensive financial and business relationships across the region, Mr. Jiaravanon is expected to create meaningful opportunities for U Swap’s accelerated growth.

Strategic Growth Aligned with Thailand’s Green Energy Goals

This partnership directly aligns with Thailand’s “30@30” policy, which mandates that 30% of new vehicle sales be electric by 2030. To accelerate this transition, Thailand’s National New Generation Vehicle Committee has prioritized infrastructure development through investment incentives, targeting the nationwide deployment of 12,000 charging piles and 1,450 battery-swapping stations by the policy deadline. Positioned at the intersection of government strategy and market demand, the joint venture is uniquely equipped to capitalize on these tailwinds and establish a dominant footprint in Thailand’s rapidly evolving EV ecosystem.

The agreement builds on U Power’s previous strategic collaboration with CP-MG, reinforcing the company’s systematic approach to market expansion and highlighting the trust major Thai corporations have in U Power’s battery-swapping technology.

Addressing Market Demand and Business Potential

Given Thailand’s significant taxi and ride-hailing fleet, currently exceeding 300,000 vehicles, battery swapping provides an attractive alternative to lengthy charging times. By deploying this technology within SUSCO’s extensive network, the partnership will directly address the practical challenges faced by high-utilization vehicles, boosting profitability and accelerating EV adoption.

“Thailand is entering a transformative period in electric mobility, and our partnership with SUSCO positions U Power at the forefront of this exciting transition,” said Li Jia. “Together, we aim not only to enhance Thailand’s green transportation infrastructure but also to establish a profitable and scalable model for other markets in Southeast Asia and beyond.”

About SUSCO

SUSCO Public Company Limited, a leading oil and gas retail company in Thailand, has been a key player in the energy sector since its establishment in 1981. Listed on the Stock Exchange of Thailand, SUSCO operates an extensive network of service stations across Bangkok and its surrounding areas, offering a wide range of products and services, including fuel retailing, aviation fuel supply, and CNG/LPG refueling.

SUSCO is renowned for its strong market presence and operational expertise, particularly in serving major international airports in Bangkok, including Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang. In recent years, the company has actively pursued innovation and sustainability, exploring opportunities in electric vehicle charging, hydrogen fuel, and biofuel technologies to align with global energy transition trends. The partnership with U Power aligns perfectly with SUSCO’s commitment to leading Thailand’s transition toward sustainable energy solutions.

Through strategic partnerships, such as its collaboration with Sinopec (Hong Kong) Limited, SUSCO has expanded its footprint in Thailand’s retail fuel market and introduced new business models. With a proven track record of excellence and a forward-looking approach, SUSCO continues to solidify its position as a trusted energy solutions provider in Thailand and beyond.

About U Power Limited

U Power Limited (Nasdaq: UCAR) is a vehicle sourcing services provider with a vision to become an EV market player primarily focused on its proprietary battery-swapping technology, UOTTA technology. UOTTA is an intelligent modular battery-swapping solution designed to provide comprehensive battery power solutions for EVs. Since its inception in 2013, U Power has established a vehicle sourcing network in China’s lower-tier cities, developed multi-types of battery-swapping stations for compatible EVs, and operates a manufacturing facility in Zibo City, Shandong Province, China.

For more information, please visit: https://www.upower-limited.com/

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements.” Forward-looking statements reflect the company’s current view about future events. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy, and financial needs.

Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “aim,” “estimate,” “intend,” “plan,” “believe,” “is/are likely to,” “propose,” “potential,” “continue” or similar expressions. The company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law.

Although the company believes the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results. Investors are encouraged to review other factors that may affect future results in the company’s registration statement and other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

For more information, please visit: https://www.upower-limited.com/

Contact:
Circadian Group IR
Xing.wang@upower-limited.com

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SOURCE U Power Limited

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla., March 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — PitBullTax Software, the leading provider of IRS Tax Resolution solutions, is excited to announce the launch of Version 8.0 – a groundbreaking update designed to equip tax professionals with the tools needed to thrive in an AI-powered IRS landscape. As the IRS integrates artificial intelligence into its audit and collection processes, tax resolution professionals face new challenges that require innovative solutions. Version 8.0 addresses these complexities by offering AI-driven features that streamline workflows, improve communication, and enhance overall efficiency.

“The IRS is evolving rapidly, utilizing AI to automate audits and collections, which reduces taxpayer access to human support,” said Irina Bobrova, CEO of PitBullTax Software. “In this new environment, tax professionals must leverage the latest technology to bridge the gap. Version 8.0 empowers practitioners with intelligent solutions that simplify processes and maximize client success.”

Driving this breakthrough is AI-powered automation for IRS forms, enabling professionals to generate precise, tailored content effortlessly. Most importantly, it slashes the time required to articulate a taxpayer’s unique circumstances, transforming a once time-consuming task into a seamless, intelligent process. The update also enhances email communication with an AI companion capable of crafting compelling subject lines and context-aware content, enabling professionals to engage clients more efficiently.

Other notable features include a streamlined client onboarding process with a new questionnaire and portal link system, removing delivery roadblocks, as well as a customizable step-by-step workflow to tailor each case. SMS support is integrated for real-time client communication, and a new WhatsApp support channel allows secure messaging directly within the software. Additionally, Version 8.0 introduces enhanced client permissions for multi-user licenses, improving data security, and new transcript API methods that accelerate tax transcript requests, boosting overall productivity.

“Tax resolution professionals are at the forefront of an AI-driven tax environment,” said Jose Alfaro, CTO of PitBullTax Software. “Version 8.0 is just the beginning. This update is not only a significant step forward; it’s a leap into the future, with more AI-powered features coming soon to keep professionals competitive and deliver exceptional client results.”

PitBullTax Software’s Version 8.0 is available now, offering tax professionals the cutting-edge tools needed to navigate the evolving IRS landscape. Don’t miss the exclusive webinar on March 27, 2025, at 2 PM EST to explore all the exciting new features in Version 8.0 – a must-attend event for professionals looking to stay ahead.

For more information, visit www.pitbulltax.com

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SOURCE PitBullTax Software