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Khalifa University: With a Record Number of Nearly 10,000 Delegates and Visitors IROS 2024 Successfully Concludes in Abu Dhabi

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Event Emphatically Raises Profile of Abu Dhabi as Global Destination for Robotics, Intelligent Systems and Advanced Technology Innovation

ABU DHABI, UAE, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The 36th edition of the IEEE/RSJ International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS 2024) successfully concluded in Abu Dhabi today, with record number of nearly 10,000, visitors, delegates and participants in attendance, emphatically raising the profile of Abu Dhabi as a global destination for robotics and artificial intelligence, as well as for advanced technology innovation.

Researchers, academics, scientists and regulatory stakeholders inspired guests and visitors with their impactful plenary talks, keynote sessions, and individual poster and oral presentations at IROS 2024 that opened on 14 October at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center (ADNEC). The five-day conference and exhibition also witnessed a host of new technology demonstrations in various challenges and competitions across the fields of applied research in robotics and intelligent systems, captivating the audience for their global appeal and reach.

Dr. Jorge Manual Dias, General Chair, IROS 2024, said: “MENA region’s first-ever IROS 2024 turned out to be a massive success in all areas, including the record number of delegates and visitors, the number of innovations that were presented through research papers, the technology demonstrations at the expo, and the massive interest generated for talent hunting that resulted in robotics experts from across the spectrum gathering for the event. The enthusiasm and the topics of general discussions created by IROS 2024 will linger in our minds for a long time in this region, more specifically for scientific exploration and business collaborations. We thank all the sponsors, especially the government stakeholders who supported us in getting IROS 2024 to Abu Dhabi, as well as all the partners who have made this a grand success.”

On 18 October, the plenary session was delivered by Dr. Magnus Egerstedt, Dean of the Henry Samueli School of Engineering at the University of California, Irvine, US, who focused on ‘From Coordination to Collaboration in Multi-Robot Systems: Lessons from Ecology’, providing insights into deploying multi-robot systems that could lead to new capabilities and skill-sets.

The Keynote Session on ‘Robotic Competitions’ was moderated by Dr. Lakmal Seneviratne, Director, Center for Robotics and Autonomous Systems, and Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Khalifa University. Speakers included Pedro U. Lima, Full Professor, Institute for Systems and Robotics, Instituto Superior Técnico, University of Lisbon, Portugal, who focused on ‘Robot Competitions in Europe: European Robotics League and EuROBIN Coopetitions’, and Dr. Timothy Chung, General Manager, Autonomy and Robotics, Microsoft, US, who highlighted the salient features of the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Challenges.

Professor Thomas McCarthy, Executive Director ASPIRE, UAE, spoke about ‘Grand Challenges as a Mechanism to Hasten Translation from Lab to Market’, while Dr. Ubbo Visser, President, RoboCup Federation, Director of Graduate Studies & Associate Professor of Computer Science, University of Miami, US, also shared his perspectives.

There were four forums for the last day of IROS 2024 which included one on ‘Marine Robotics in Ocean Decade Initiative for Sustainable Development’, led by Dr. Giulia De Masi, and Dr. Federico Renda from Khalifa University, along with Dr. Gabriele Ferri, from NATO’s Science and Technology Organization – Centre for Maritime Research and Experimentation (STO-CMRE), LaSpezia, Italy. The forum on ‘Future of Work: AI-Enhanced Robotics and Human Interaction Research in M3S’, led by Dr. Alok Prakash, Singapore MIT-Alliance for Research and Technology’s Mens, Manus, and Machina (SMART – M3S), had seven other speakers.

The forum on ‘Industrial Opportunities in Medical Robotics’, led by Dr. Cesare Stefanini, Dr. Gastone Ciuti from the BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Pisa, Italy, had nine speakers, while the forum on ‘Robots for a Better Tomorrow: Wellbeing Through Advanced Technology’, led by Dr. Paulo Menezes, University of Coimbra, Portugal, and Dr. Filippo Cavallo, University of Florence, Italy, had five speakers.

In all, more than 500 research papers were presented on the last day, including Pitch Oral Sessions and selected submissions.

More information at https://iros2024-abudhabi.org/

Picture is available at AP

About Khalifa University of Science and Technology

Khalifa University of Science and Technology, the UAE’s top-ranked research-intensive institution, focuses on developing world leaders and critical thinkers in science, engineering and health science. The world-class university endeavors to be a catalyst to the growth of Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s rapidly developing knowledge economy as an education destination of choice and a global leader among widely acknowledged international universities.

For more information, please visit: http://www.ku.ac.ae/

For further information, please contact:
Orient Planet Group (OPG)
Tel: +971 2 4418995|
Email: media@orientplanet.com
Website: www.orientplanet.com

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New Insurance Codes for Scalp Cooling Will Transform Access for Cancer Patients: A Milestone for Cooler Heads and Partner Hospitals

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SAN DIEGO, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Cooler Heads, a leader in scalp cooling technology, celebrates a groundbreaking update in healthcare. The American Medical Association (AMA), which creates Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes used for medical billing, has introduced new Category I CPT codes for scalp cooling services, effective January 2026. This change will enhance insurance reimbursement, making scalp cooling more accessible to cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.

“Access to scalp cooling is essential for helping patients maintain their identity and mental well-being during chemotherapy, providing a sense of control during a time of fear and uncertainty. Using Amma has made chemo more bearable, allowing me to look and feel more like myself,” shared Leigh Lipscomb, current Amma user.

Cooler Heads’ FDA-cleared Amma device, designed to reduce the likelihood of chemotherapy-induced hair loss, will become more accessible for a greater number of patients. To date, Cooler Heads has already helped patients mitigate hair loss during thousands of chemotherapy infusions. This critical update supports hospitals and patients as they work to minimize the emotional toll of hair loss during cancer treatment.

“This is a critical step in transforming access for patients and means more hospitals can offer scalp cooling, bringing us closer to our mission of ending hair loss from chemotherapy,” said Kate Dilligan, Founder and CEO of Cooler Heads. “Patients and hospitals will both benefit from this increased access.”

Scalp cooling, now recognized as an essential service, provides significant psychological and physical relief for patients. Cooler Heads remains committed to supporting hospitals and patients through this transformative shift.

Contact:
info@coolerheads.com

About Cooler Heads:

Cooler Heads, based in San Diego, provides evidence-based products, content, and services that cancer patients need to manage the challenging side effects of treatment. Founded by a cancer survivor, Cooler Heads is driven by the mission to reduce the physical and emotional toll of cancer treatment, offering tools like Amma to improve the quality of life for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-insurance-codes-for-scalp-cooling-will-transform-access-for-cancer-patients-a-milestone-for-cooler-heads-and-partner-hospitals-302280788.html

SOURCE Cooler Heads Care, Inc.

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Campbell Police Department Secures Groundbreaking Waiver for 24/7 Drone as First Responder (DFR) Operations

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FAA Waiver Allows Campbell PD to Deploy DedroneBeyond for Drone-Agnostic Day and Night DFR Operations Without a Visual Observer

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technologies, today announced that the Campbell Police Department in California received a groundbreaking waiver from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS) operations as part of its Drone as a First Responder (DFR) program. This approval is the first of its kind to include nighttime operations and allows Campbell Police Department to fly missions using Dedrone by Axon’s cutting-edge DedroneBeyond technology without the need for visual observers.

Drone as First Responder (DFR) programs are changing how emergencies are handled by providing real-time situational awareness that improves response times and safety. With DFR, police can deploy drones as soon as 911 calls are received, giving them a clear picture of the situation before officers arrive. Until now, operating drones at night has been restricted due to visibility issues, limiting the full potential of DFR programs after dark.

Since starting its DFR program in 2022, Campbell Police Department has used a human visual observer with a daytime waiver for BVLOS operations. This has allowed the agency to get critical information from the air, helping them allocate resources more effectively and improve safety. With the FAA’s latest approval under part 91.113(b), Campbell Police Department can now use DedroneBeyond’s ground-based detect and avoid system for both daytime and nighttime operations, removing the need for human observers and enabling 24/7 drone use.

Acting as the virtual visual observer, DedroneBeyond operates with a remote pilot from a control center nearby and enables drones to be rapidly deployed, ascend to an approved altitude of up to 400 feet, and travel the most efficient route to incidents at any time of day and in any weather. AI-driven sensor fusion technology safely detects and avoids crewed aircraft without false alarms interrupting the mission. Once at the scene, the drone can either land or monitor from a safe and approved altitude.

The Campbell Police Department’s DFR program integrates advanced technology from leading industry partners, including Dedrone by Axon, Axon Air Remote powered by DroneSense, and MatrixSpace. This collaboration gives remote drone operators a unified view for airspace awareness, deconfliction and mission control.

Chief Gary Berg of the Campbell Police Department said: “This FAA approval is a major milestone for our department and our community. With the ability to conduct drone operations day or night without the need for visual observers, we can respond faster and more effectively to emergencies, improving both officer and public safety. This technology is a game changer in ensuring we have the tools to support our community when it matters most.”

Aaditya Devarakonda, Chief Executive Officer of Dedrone by Axon, said: “Dedrone is excited to partner with the Campbell Police Department as they take this significant step forward in enhancing public safety with their DFR program. The FAA’s approval for BVLOS operations is a transformative moment, not only for Campbell PD but for law enforcement nationwide. We commend the FAA for its forward-thinking approach to unlock cutting-edge technologies that enhance safety within the National Airspace System (NAS).”

Axon will be showcasing its latest technology, including innovative solutions for Drone as First Responder programs, at the IACP Annual Conference in Boston from October 19-22. To learn more about the Intelligence Revolution Axon is leading in public safety, stay tuned to Axon’s blog.

About Axon
Axon is the global technology leader in public safety, building the operating system of the future through integrated hardware devices and cloud software solutions that drive modern policing, defense and enterprise security. Axon’s growing customer base spans international, federal, state and local law enforcement, fire, corrections, emergency medical services, and the justice sector, as well as commercial enterprises and consumers.

Dedrone by Axon is the leader in airspace security, providing a comprehensive command and control solution that protects against the rising threat of unauthorized drones while enabling approved drones to operate. Hundreds of commercial, government, and military customers rely on Dedrone’s autonomous, multi-sensor and multi-mitigation system for continuous drone monitoring and defense.

For more information, visit www.axon.com and www.dedrone.com.

Follow Axon on social media:

X/Twitter: @Axon_USLinkedIn: @AxonInstagram: @axon.enterpriseTikTok: @axon.enterpriseFacebook: @Axon

Media Contact:
Alex Engel
Vice President, Corporate Communications
Press@Axon.com

Non-Axon trademarks are property of their respective owners.

Axon and Axon Air are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/campbell-police-department-secures-groundbreaking-waiver-for-247-drone-as-first-responder-dfr-operations-302280793.html

SOURCE Axon

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PlayStation™ The Concert World Tour 2025-2026

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**TICKETS ON-SALE NOW**

PlayStation™ The Concert will debut on April 19th, 2025, in Dublin, featuring a state-of-the-art live performance of music from God of War, The Last of Us, the Horizon franchises, Ghost of Tsushima, and more. Following its debut, the concert will embark on a global tour across over 200 cities.

NEW YORK, Oct. 18, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Sony Interactive Entertainment, RoadCo Entertainment, and GEA Live are excited to unveil PlayStation: The Concert, a groundbreaking live music event that brings the most iconic gaming soundtracks to life. With a state-of-the-art production, this show merges thrilling music, cutting-edge visuals, and legendary video game titles into an unforgettable experience. The global tour launches with a world premiere on April 19th, 2025, in Dublin, Ireland, before heading to over 200 cities across Europe, the United Kingdom, the United States, and beyond – tickets are now on-sale here

WATCH THE OFFICIAL TEASER HERE

PlayStation: The Concert transports fans into the epic worlds of God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and Horizon, games that have not only captivated players but are celebrated for their breathtaking and immersive soundtracks. With innovative technology and world-class production, fans will experience a stunning fusion of multi-layered visuals, immersive surround sound, and an all-star ensemble blending classical and modern instruments. The legendary scores from composers like Gustavo Santaolalla (The Last of Us), Joris De Man (Horizon), Ilan Eshkeri (Ghost of Tsushima), and Bear McCreary (God of War) will reach new heights, offering fans a unique, deeply immersive live concert experience.

For more than three decades, PlayStation has been at the cutting edge of gaming, setting new standards for innovation and delivering unforgettable experiences to millions around the world. The games featured in this tour—God of War, The Last of Us, Ghost of Tsushima, and the Horizon series—aren’t just titles; they’re cultural touchstones that have reshaped the entertainment landscape. Now, with video game music stepping into the global spotlight, PlayStation: The Concert is poised to redefine what a music experience can be. This is more than just a show; it’s the ultimate video game concert experience, embodying PlayStation’s innovative spirit and pushing the limits of what’s possible.

The UK and European tour dates have been officially announced. Please see below for details, with additional cities to be confirmed soon.

19 April 2025   Dublin, Ireland
21 April 2025   Birmingham, UK
22 April 2025   Manchester, UK
23 April 2025   Leeds, UK
24 April 2025   Newcastle, UK
25 April 2025   Glasgow, Scotland
27 April 2025   London, UK
29 April 2025   Amsterdam, Netherlands
30 April 2025   Paris, France
1 May 2025     Frankfurt, Germany
2 May 2025     Amnéville, France
3 May 2025     Brussels, Belgium
4 May 2025     Stuttgart, Germany
6 May 2025     Berlin, Germany
7 May 2025     Hamburg, Germany
8 May 2025     Düsseldorf, Germany
9 May 2025     Zurich, Switzerland
11 May 2025   Bologna, Italy
13 May 2025   Budapest, Hungary
15 May 2025   Sofia, Bulgaria
17 May 2025   Vienna, Austria
18 May 2025   Munich, Germany
20 May 2025   Prague, Czech Republic
21 May 2025   Lodz, Poland
23 May 2025   Copenhagen, Denmark
24 May 2025   Gothenburg, Sweden
25 May 2025   Oslo, Norway

For tickets, tour dates, and more information, visit www.playstation.com/theconcert and follow @PlayStation on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Join the conversation with #PlayStationTheConcert.

Don’t miss out on this extraordinary event. Tickets are expected to go fast, so stay tuned for more details on how to secure your spot at this landmark experience.

About Sony Interactive Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment pushes the boundaries of entertainment and innovation, starting from the launch of the original PlayStation in Japan in 1994. Today, we continue to deliver innovative and thrilling experiences to a global audience through our PlayStation line of products and services that include generation-defining hardware, pioneering network services, and award-winning games. Headquartered in San Mateo, California, with global functions in California, London, and Tokyo, and game development studios around the world as part of PlayStation Studios, we believe that the power of play is borderless. Sony Interactive Entertainment is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation.

About GEA Live
Since 2003, GEA Live has delivered innovative live entertainment projects in over 40 countries, establishing itself as a global leader in location-based entertainment. GEA Live has collaborated with legends such as Maestro Ennio Morricone and music industry icons like James Newton Howard, Giorgio Moroder, and George Fenton. Their portfolio includes live cinematic experiences and live screenings with orchestras of major motion pictures like Spider-Man, Dirty Dancing, The Godfather, Titanic, La La Land, and more. Their partnerships with renowned studios and IP giants have earned GEA Live its reputation as a trusted partner in location-based entertainment.

About RoadCo Entertainment
RoadCo Entertainment, formed in 2020, is a producing and distribution agency specializing in live entertainment experiences. A collaboration between Sony Music Entertainment and independent touring entrepreneurs Stephen Lindsay and Brett Sirota, RoadCo represents a broad roster of live events based on popular brands and intellectual properties, as well as all-new immersive and interactive attractions for audiences of all ages.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Larissa Slezak | Sony Music Masterworks
Larissa.Slezak@sonymusic.com  

Cesar Palmeyro | GEA Live
Cesar@gealive.com

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/playstation-the-concert-world-tour-2025-2026-302280806.html

SOURCE Sony Masterworks

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