SYDNEY, March 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Li-S Energy (ASX:LIS) (‘Li-S’ or ‘the Company’) has signed a collaboration agreement with Kea Aerospace (Kea) to integrate Li-S’ advanced lithium sulfur battery technology into Kea’s high altitude UAVs targeting multi-month flight times.

The partnership was signed and unveiled at the Avalon International Airshow outside of Melbourne, where Li-S is an exhibitor. The collaboration will see Li-S’ battery technology integrated into Kea’s high-altitude UAVs, significantly enhancing flight endurance and operational efficiency. The Kea Aerospace media release is attached to this announcement.

Li-S’ collaboration with Kea is consistent with the Company’s strategy to target the rapidly growing markets of drones, defence and electric aviation. Kea has partnered with Li-S because its cutting-edge lithium sulfur battery technology offers significant weight savings and energy density, which are both critical to maximise UAV flight times and payload.

Kea High Altitude UAVs

Founded in New Zealand in 2018, Kea is currently flight-testing its aircraft in the stratosphere, between 55,000 and 65,000 feet. Its solar-powered Kea ‘ATMOS’ aircraft operates as a High Altitude Platform Station (HAPS) and High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) aircraft. The drone gathers high-resolution aerial imagery and persistent video data for applications such as maritime awareness, environmental monitoring and disaster response, plus a broad range of other commercial use cases such as supporting telecommunications services. The potential for stratospheric HAPS aircraft capable of multi-month flight durations is substantial with Kea at the cutting edge of this global industry. The competitive benefits are compelling as HAPS offer far lower costs than satellites, greater persistence than conventional aircraft, and far greater control compared to un-steerable balloons.

Li-S collaboration

Li-S’ collaboration with Kea will focus on incorporating the Company’s ultra-light lithium sulfur battery cells and Li-S BMS technology into a Kea battery pack design, with ground testing expected in 2025 followed by flight testing.

The program objective will be to demonstrate the technology and integration in the 12.5 metre wingspan ATMOS Mk1 aircraft, followed by integration into the ATMOS Mk2 design, which will be capable of continuous flight for several months.

In ATMOS Mk2 the aircraft motors will cycle between power from the battery at night and solar cells during the day (with excess solar power also recharging the battery). Weight is absolutely critical for HAPS platforms. Having a battery with higher energy density prolongs flight time, improves payload capacity and can increase the geographic extent of operations, both in latitude and for operation in seasons with less daylight hours.

Dr Lee Finniear, CEO, commented:

“Our initial focus on the drone, defence and electric aviation markets is producing incredible opportunities for Li-S Energy. The stratospheric UAV market is a key sector of interest with enormous commercial potential. Partnering with Kea Aerospace positions us to engage at the cutting edge of this sector. Given the paramount importance of weight and reliability to Kea’s ATMOS line of stratospheric UAVs, their decision to collaborate with Li-S highlights how far advanced our battery technology is ahead of many of our competitors. We look forward to the testing program being undertaken in 2025, and to becoming a key technology partner of Kea’s as it delivers high performance, multi-month HAPS aircraft platforms to the global market.”

Dr Mark Rocket, Kea’s CEO noted:

“This announcement of our collaboration with Li-S at the Avalon International Airshow, one of the most prestigious airshows globally, speaks to how significantly we view our new partnership. Li-S’ next generation lithium-sulfur battery offers more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion batteries, while being greener due to the absence of key materials such as cobalt. This year promises to be a pivotal year for Kea as we develop our ATMOS Mk2 aircraft and the successful integration of Li-S battery technology into our ATMOS UAVs would give us an incredible competitive advantage in an industry where the commercial applications are vast.”

About Li-S Energy

Li-S Energy is an Australian company at the forefront of next-generation battery innovation, developing lithium-sulfur and lithium-metal cells that offer more than twice the energy density of conventional lithium-ion. With a strong research foundation and a commitment to sustainability, the company leverages cutting-edge IP and nanomaterials like BNNTs and Li-Nanomesh™ to enhance performance, safety, and longevity. Li-S Energy aims to revolutionise energy storage for aviation, drones, defence, and beyond – delivering lighter, more efficient energy solutions for advanced applications where weight is critical.

About Kea Aerospace

The company is based in Christchurch, New Zealand. Our vision is to be the world-leader in stratospheric flight operation and data collection and we’re on a mission to create insights from the stratosphere that will improve life on our planet.

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SOURCE Li-S Energy

Featuring World-First Robotic Arm Technology and Smarter, Slimmer Cleaning for Aussie Homes

SYDNEY, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Roborock, a global leader in ultra-intelligent home robotics, today announced the arrival of its revolutionary Saros Series in Australia, featuring three cutting-edge models designed to set a new benchmark in home cleaning: the flagship Saros 10, the Saros 10R, and the robotic-arm-powered Saros Z70.

The Saros Series debuts as Roborock’s most advanced cleaning lineup yet –combining AI-driven navigation, ultra-powerful suction, and first-of-its-kind robotic arm technology – to offer Australians smarter, more precise, and more efficient cleaning solutions tailored for modern living.

“We’ve spent the past 11 years listening to our customers – what they love, what slows them down, and what they wish their smart home helper could do better,” said Richard Chang, Founder & CEO of Roborock. “The Saros Series is the result of that feedback. From robots getting stuck under couches to mops dragging dampness across carpets, we’ve addressed it all. Whether it’s the Saros Z70 picking up small items off the floor, the Saros 10 gliding under low-clearance furniture, or the Saros 10R navigating cluttered spaces with AI smarts, each model is built to remove friction from your daily routine.”

Roborock Saros Z70: The World’s First Robotic Home Assistant with OmniGrip
Headlining the series is the Saros Z70, the world’s first* mass-produced robotic vacuum featuring OmniGrip – a five-axis robotic arm designed to lift and remove everyday obstacles like socks, towels, and even sandals under 300g**. This means no more pre-cleaning prep. The robotic arm integrates seamlessly with StarSight™ Autonomous System 2.0, an AI-powered navigation platform that recognizes up to 108 different obstacles and intelligently charts its cleaning path with a 21x higher sampling frequency than traditional LDS systems.

With 22,000 Pa suction power, Dual Spinning Mops, and VertiBeam™ Lateral Obstacle Avoidance, the Saros Z70 offers an unrivaled deep clean with a robot vacuum body height at 7.98cm – while also packing pet-friendly features like live video monitoring and pet zone detection.

Roborock Saros 10: Slim, Smart, and Seriously Powerful
At just 7.98cm thin, the Saros 10 is engineered to glide under furniture with ease—delivering a powerful clean without compromise. It debuts RetractSense™  Navigation, featuring a retractable LDS module and 100-degree Wide-Angle Vision for unparalleled spatial awareness. Coupled with Reactive AI 3.0, VertiBeam™, and a 22,000 Pa HyperForce®  suction system, the Saros 10 sets a new standard for ultra-thin vacuums.

The Saros 10 also introduces VibraRise™ 4.0 mopping technology with an auto mop removal function. The mopping system is enhanced with dual sonic vibration zones and 8N of downward pressure, to tackle even the toughest stains. Its RockDock® Ultra 2.0 supports 80°C hot water mop washing, 60°C hot air mop drying, and 2.5-hour fast charging, delivering a hands-free and hygienic cleaning experience.

Roborock Saros 10R: AI-Powered Intelligence in a Slim Profile
The Saros 10R delivers flagship performance in Roborock’s slimmest robot body to date. Replacing the traditional LDS module with StarSight™ Autonomous System 2.0, the Saros 10R boasts real-time mapping via AI-powered dual-light 3DToF and RGB cameras. It recognises up to 108 different obstacles and maneuvers around obstacles along its way – making it ideal for households with kids, pets, and cluttered spaces.

With 19,000 Pa suction power, dual spinning mops, and a certified dual anti-tangle system, the Saros 10R is both powerful and low-maintenance. Its Multifunctional Dock 4.0 brings hot water mop washing, auto mop removal, smart charging, and full-fledge of self-maintenance features into the mix.

Built for Australian Homes
Saros Series models are compatible with the Roborock SmartPlan® 2.0 via the Roborock App, enabling AI-driven customisation of cleaning settings, schedules, and routines. While also featuring smart home support, compatible with Apple Siri, Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple Watch and the Matter protocol in the future.

Pricing and Availability

The Roborock Saros Series – comprising the Saros Z70, Saros 10, and Saros 10R – will be available in Australia from today at leading Australian retailers across Roborock Australia’s official retail channels, such as Roborock’s Official Online Store and other Participating Authorised Retailers.

Roborock Saros Z70 – RRP: $3,999 AUD, available to pre-order now on Roborock’s Official Online Store.Roborock Saros 10 – RRP: $2,999 AUD, available now.Roborock Saros 10R – RRP: $2,899 AUD, available from May 2025.

ENDS

About Roborock 
Roborock is a leading smart cleaning brand renowned for its intelligent cleaning solutions. With a steadfast dedication to becoming a global leading smart appliance player, Roborock enriches lives with its innovative line of robotic, cordless, wet/dry vacuum cleaners, and washer-dryers. Rooted in a user-centric approach, our R&D-driven solutions cater to diverse cleaning needs in over 15 million homes across 170+ countries. Headquartered in Beijing and with strategic subsidiaries in key markets, including the United States, Japan, the Netherlands, Poland, Germany, and South Korea, Roborock is dedicated to elevating its market presence worldwide. For more information, visit https://au.roborock.com/.  

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SOURCE Roborock

European Patent Office received nearly 200 000 patent applications last year, with Japanese companies and inventors filing 10.6% of the total Electrical machinery/energy, transport and computers are leading technology fields for Japanese inventions Tokyo 1st in global city ranking  Sony Group is among the EPO’s Top 10 applicant companies Four Japanese companies among the EPO’s Top 25 applicants worldwide.

MUNICH and TOKYO, March 31, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — According to the latest Patent Index 2024, published today by the European Patent Office (EPO), Japan ranked third worldwide, following the United States and Germany. In 2024, Japanese companies and inventors filed a total of 21,062 patent applications, accounting for 10.6% of all filings at the EPO. While this represents a  2.4% decrease compared to 2023, Japan remains a powerhouse in technological advancements. Overall, the EPO received 199,264 patent applications worldwide last year, maintaining a steady level of patenting activity comparable to 2023 (199,452 applications), following three years of significant growth.

“Despite political and economic uncertainties, companies and inventors from around the world filed a high number of patents last year, underlining their technological prowess and their continued investment in R&D,” said EPO President António Campinos. “The EPO’s patent data is a clear roadmap for industry, policy, and investment priorities – tracking global innovation trends and offering insights into European patent application activity across industries and regions.” 

Japanese companies excel across key technological sectors

Japanese companies remain leaders in multiple high-growth industries. Japan’s leading field for European patent applications, electrical machinery, apparatus, energy,  saw a total of 2,077 Japanese patent applications, an 8.4% increase compared to 2023. In the area of battery technologies (an important sub-field of electrical machinery), Japanese companies filed 20% more patent applications at the EPO in 2024 compared to 2023. Japan’s second most important field, transport  – which covers automotive, aircraft/aerospace and rail technologies, also experienced growth from Japan, with 1,357 applications, marking a 3.7% rise. The number 3 field was computer technology, with Japanese companies filing 20% more patent applications in several AI-related sub-fields..

Sony Group among the Top 10 in patent applications in Europe

Four Japanese companies ranked among the top 25 patent filers at the EPO. Sony Group led the way with 1,307 applications, securing the 9th position worldwide, up from 10th in 2023. It was followed by Panasonic with 990 filings, Canon with 760 applications, while Hitachi contributed 653. Sony was no. 7 applicant overall at the EPO in computer technology. 13th in measurement and 14th in digital communication. Toyota also made significant strides, ranking no. 4 for vehicle technology (an important sub-field of transport) and second in electric propulsion (electric vehicle) technology, with a notable 12.7% increase in patent applications compared to the previous year.

Japan also showed continued strength in innovation in battery technologies; in the battery-related sub-field of electrical machinery, apparatus, and energy, Japan placed three companies in the global top 10: Panasonic (4th place, 279 patents), Prime Planet Energy (8th place, 85 patents), and Toyota Motor(10th place).

Tokyo 1st in city ranking: Japan’s innovation hub and leading patent contributor

The Tokyo metropolitan area plays a pivotal role in driving Japan’s global technological presence, and it is Japan’s leading prefecture with a total of 11,592 patent applications at the EPO.. Tokyo is also the second largest region worldwide for European patent filings at the EPO, behind the US state of California and ahead of Guangdong (CN), Île-de-France (FR) and Bavaria (DE). Tokyo also leads the worldwide city ranking at the EPO.  Its dominance in patent filings spans a diverse range of industries, including electronics, AI, clean energy, and mobility solutions. Following Tokyo, Osaka ranks second among prefectures, with 2,979 patent applications, while Aichi takes third place with 1,447 applications, marking an impressive 21.9% growth. 

Unitary Patent gains in popularity in its second year

The Unitary Patent system, launched in 2023, continues to gain momentum, offering innovators from around the world simpler and more accessible patent protection across 18 EU Member States with a single request to the EPO. Unitary protection was requested for 25.6% of all European patents granted by the EPO in 2024 totalling over 28,000 requests. Patentees from EPO member states had the highest uptake rate, with 36.5% of their European patents transformed into Unitary Patents, followed by those from Republic of Korea (18.9%), China (17.9%), the US (16.0%), and Japan (7.9%, up from 4.9% in 2023).

Further information

View the Patent Index 2024 in fullExplore and customise statistics in our Statistics & Trends CentreAccess Unitary Patent statistics via our dedicated dashboard Download datasets (MS Excel) in the Download data section of our statistics pageCheck patent trends on the go with the EPO Data Hub mobile appRead studies on innovation trends at the Observatory on Patents and Technology EPO’s support for SMEs, universities, non-profit organisations and other smaller applicants

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About the EPO
With 6 300 staff members, the European Patent Office (EPO) is one of the largest public service institutions in Europe. Headquartered in Munich with offices in Berlin, Brussels, The Hague and Vienna, the EPO was founded with the aim of strengthening co-operation on patents in Europe. Through the EPO’s centralised patent granting procedure, inventors are able to obtain high-quality patent protection in up to 45 countries, covering a market of some 700 million people. The EPO is also the world’s leading authority in patent information and patent searching.

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