Microsoft And Sunseap Sign Agreement On Largest-Ever Solar Project In Singapore

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Singapore has, in recent years, been recognised as a highly attractive market in the world for infrastructure investment.

Microsoft Corp. recently announced a new agreement with Sunseap Group that marks Microsoft’s first clean energy deal in Asia and will create the single-largest solar energy portfolio in Singapore to date.

This 60 megawatt-peak (MWp) solar portfolio will span hundreds of rooftops across the nation. This is the largest rooftop solar project in Singapore and the first rooftop solar portfolio in the country focused on serving datacenter energy consumption.

“Our cloud services are helping to power Singapore’s digital transformation, and today’s agreement will ensure that transformation is increasingly powered by clean energy,” said Kevin Wo, managing director, Microsoft Singapore. He added: “We’re proud to work with Sunseap, the leading solar provider in Singapore, to support the growth of the local clean energy economy. With the agreement, Microsoft will improve the sustainability of our local operations and make important progress toward our corporate sustainability goals for datacenters.”

The investment in local solar energy builds on decades of Microsoft investment in Singapore and throughout the APAC region. Since it began operations in Singapore in 1990, Microsoft has sought to create local opportunity, growth and impact and supports the government’s efforts to make Singapore a smart, green and liveable city. Singapore is also home to Microsoft datacenter services that deliver Microsoft Azure, Office 365 and numerous other cloud services for customers.

Lawrence Wu, co-founder and president of Sunseap, said, “We see exciting potential in our partnership with Microsoft to raise awareness within the tech industry of the importance of adopting renewable energy solutions. Their investment in Singapore solar indicates a growing momentum for clean energy in the country and will further the positive ripple effect for organizations in Singapore to incorporate sustainability practices in their businesses.”

Through a 20-year agreement, Microsoft will purchase 100 percent of the renewable energy attributes exported to the grid. This landmark agreement also marks progress for Singapore in the renewables sector. The agreement also solidifies Sunseap’s unique position in the energy markets.

“This deal is Microsoft’s first renewable energy deal in Asia, and is our following two wind deals announced in Ireland and The Netherlands in 2017,” said Christian Belady, general manager, Cloud Infrastructure Strategy and Architecture, Microsoft. “We’re on track to exceed our goal of powering 50 percent of our global datacenter load with renewable energy this year. Once operational, the new solar project will bring Microsoft’s total global direct procurement in renewable energy projects to 860 megawatts.”

thyssenkrupp’s TeleRetail Delivery Robot Debuts in the US

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thyssenkrupp’s TeleRetail delivery robot was among the technical innovations and vehicles presented at a US Senate Field Hearing, held on January 24th, 2018 at the Washington Auto Show 2018 in Washington D.C.

U.S. Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), chairman of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, convened a hearing titled “Driving Automotive Innovation and Federal Policies” at the Washington Convention Center. The session focused on self-driving vehicles, and thyssenkrupp Elevator’s and TeleRetail’s groundbreaking delivery robot was named as a benchmark product.

“Fast growing American Metropolitan areas need intelligent solutions to cover the last mile in delivering spare parts to our technicians. In connection with TeleRetail we are testing autonomous vehicles to solve this growing logistical problem,” explains Ivo Siebers, Senior Vice President of Global Logistics at thyssenkrupp Elevator.

Self-driving vehicles already play a major role in the future of urban logistics – not in the shape of cars commuting people, but also in the shape of robots carrying and delivering goods. In collaboration with software developer TeleRetail, thyssenkrupp Elevator launched a pilot project in which delivery robots transport spare parts and other material to maintenance job sites. Perfect for maintaining elevators in a contemporary way, the robots represent the future of smart maintenance logistics, reinforcing thyssenkrupp Elevator’s position as a future-oriented mobility provider.

Every year, the Washington Auto Show wows audiences with its cutting-edge exhibits and advanced technologies. More than 600 new models from over 35 manufacturers impress visitors while providing a glimpse into the future of mobility. Attendees can view thyssenkrupp’s TeleRetail delivery robot at booth MTI1 right in front of saloon H.

For elevator and escalator servicing, spare parts are needed quickly and a technician either has to drive back to base in his or her service vehicle or have it delivered by a colleague. But with increased traffic clogging up city streets, the pressure on the supply chains is rapidly. “This is a major urbanisation challenge that our service technicians are already experiencing today,” continues Siebers. “With driverless delivery robots we could fill a gap and get spare parts from our warehouses to the job site faster, more efficiently and with less impact on the environment.”

The delivery robots are just 85-centimetres wide and are suitable for traveling on sidewalks, thereby avoiding road congestion. They can also reach inner-city areas where vehicular transport is limited, carrying payloads weighing up to 35 kg. Information on delivery status can be obtained quickly via an online Logistics Automation Platform. “We hope to improve our service delivery in this way,” adds Siebers.

TeleRetail is developing driverless delivery vehicles, and for thyssenkrupp Elevator they could be an optimal logistics solution for elevator servicing. The cloud-based driverless systems could form complete supply and logistics networks; a promising solution with enormous development potential.

“With our platform we want to optimise logistics by saving time and costs, and minimising space requirements, energy consumption and emissions,” says Torsten Scholl, CEO of TeleRetail Mobility Automation. “thyssenkrupp Elevator and TeleRetail are looking forward to conquering the emerging 3D logistics automation opportunities together.”

Schneider Electric Named a Leader in Facility Optimisation Software

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Schneider Electric, one of the world’s leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, recently announced that independent analyst firm Verdantix has positioned the company as a leader in its Green Quadrant Facility Optimisation Software report.

By combining benchmark data from live product demonstrations and questionnaires with an independent customer panel, this year’s report recognises a market shift. Facility administration has evolved away from the reactive state of energy management and towards facility optimisation solutions that help save money, lower risk and improve efficiency. This evolution has been powered by the rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), allowing even greater connectivity between systems.

The report placed Schneider Electric in the leader quadrant by assessing its wide range of software capabilities and strategic momentum in the market for facility optimisation software. As part of its report analysis, Verdantix examined Schneider Electric EcoStruxure Building offers and noted the following strengths:

  • Energy risk and utility bill management: EcoStruxure Resource Advisor received high marks for its energy procurement and risk management capabilities.
  • Facility data capture: EcoStruxure Building Operation building management software that achieved top scores for its ability to capture facility performance data from energy meters, sensors, HVAC and lighting systems, equipment and external sources such as weather data.
  • Energy monitoring and tracking of energy management projects: EcoStruxure Building Advisor recognised for its ability to identify energy efficiency opportunities and was noted for its ability to provide insight into HVAC system poor performance and faults.

“Schneider Electric breaks away as a leader in our Facility Optimisation Software report,” said Derrek Clarke, industry analyst, Verdantix. “Firms with complex operations that seek to future-proof their building system investments should shortlist Schneider Electric among their considered vendors.”

“We are honoured that Verdantix recognises us as a leader in facility optimisation software. Their independent analysis validates the work we do to make EcoStruxure the backbone of our clients’ smart building strategies,” said Laurent Bataille, executive vice president, Eco Building, Schneider Electric. “As buildings can produce massive amounts of data, EcoStruxure Building helps clients capture and use that data to create greater efficiency, productivity and sustainability,” he added.

The Green Quadrant report provides a detailed comparison of 14 facility optimisation software applications. The report provides guidance for senior executives and decision-makers, including CFOs, heads of procurement and directors of energy, facilities and real estate. It helps those in industries such as banking, commercial real estate, healthcare, hotels and leisure, insurance, media and retail select a software supplier to assist in improving the performance of their firm’s facility operations, from the office building to the enterprise level.

Bentley Systems Expands Concrete Offerings Through Acquisition of S-Cube Futuretech

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Bentley Systems, Incorporated, a leading global provider of comprehensive software solutions for advancing infrastructure, recently announced the acquisition of Mumbai-based concrete building design and documentation software company S-Cube Futuretech Pvt. Ltd.

The addition of S-Cube Futuretech’s applications expands Bentley’s offerings specific to the needs of concrete engineering design and documentation software users in India, South East Asia, and the Middle East.

S-Cube Futuretech’s applications, including RCDC, RCDC FE, RCDC Plan, and Steel Autodrafter, deliver flexible and powerful design and documentation solutions for structural concrete building engineers and designers. Automated concrete documentation is localised to regional requirements and provides users with compelling value and capabilities which are complementary to Bentley’s widely used structural analysis, steel design, and BIM applications, STAAD, RAM, and AECOsim Building Designer.

“More than two billion people will fill the world’s cities over the next 30 years. This growth will continue to be concentrated in the developing markets of Asia, particularly India, China, and South East Asian countries. Efficient, automated, concrete design and detailing tools will be instrumental to every nation’s ability to address this demand,” said Raoul Karp, Bentley’s vice president of design engineering analysis.

Since 2014, Bentley Systems and S-Cube have collaborated to develop fully integrated concrete design and analysis applications. The acquisition brings together the knowledge base of S-Cube and Bentley’s respective teams of experts, representing decades of combined industry experience to provide state-of-the-art structural design and analysis technology.

“We are excited to be joining with S-Cube’s expert team whose proven technology provides interactive and automated concrete design and drawing capabilities to our STAAD, RAM, and AECOsim Building Designer users. S-Cube brings a wealth of experience in providing concrete design and drawing automation for the India, Middle East, and Southeast Asia markets,” said Santanu Das, senior vice president of design engineering for Bentley.

Sajit Nair, CEO of S-Cube Futuretech said, “As a global leader in the structural analysis and design space, Bentley brings state-of-the-art BIM and structural analysis technology, a strong user-centric ethos, and global market experience that will help scale our solutions to a much broader market. We are excited about bringing more functionality and capabilities to more users globally, in a shorter timeframe than we would have been able to otherwise.”

Otis Boosts Service With Connected Digital Ecosystem

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Otis has launched mobility tools and service apps as part of its global digitalisation strategy. While keeping people at the heart of its innovation, Otis, a unit of United Technologies Corp. is harnessing the power of digital technology and the Internet of Things to deliver an even higher level of personalised service.

The new digital ecosystem will be implemented in phases across multiple markets in Southeast Asia in 2018 and 2019 as part of Otis’ service transformation program. More than 31,000 employees globally will benefit from this initiative when completed -including over 160 service employees at Otis’ Singapore Service Department.

With the introduction of the service mobile applications, the field employees are able to leverage the digital tools and channel the time and effort previously spent on time-consuming, yet necessary activities to other customer priorities. These apps include technology that:

  • Assesses the ride quality – noise and vibration levels – of an elevator using a mobile phone and then generates information mechanics can use to make repairs.
  • Gives field employees instant access to diagnostic information, as well as a library of codes aimed at promoting self-directed upgrading among employees.
  • Allows mechanics to request for spare parts via the app, saving on travel time from customer sites to office.

“The satisfaction of our customers is our highest priority and we are constantly striving to improve our processes and quality controls to deliver excellence,” said Greg Nagle, Managing Director, Otis Elevator Company, Singapore. “Our investment into technology, and by extension our people, will enable us to further enhance our service to meet and exceed their expectations.”

“The service technology we’re developing challenges the industry status-quo,” said Tony Black, President, Otis Service. “It’s about combining the vast service expertise of our teams with digital innovation to address a potential maintenance issue before it becomes one. It’s about a shared knowledge of equipment health so that our teams arrive on a job site with the tools and information they need, and our customers are informed and have peace of mind every step of the way.”

Multivista and Procore Announce Partnership

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Multivista, a leading global provider of documentation and software services for the construction industry, recently announced a partnership with Procore, a leading provider of cloud-based apps for construction.

Through an advanced integration, users of both services can immediately attach and reference Multivista-captured visual data to perform critical project functions within Procore.

“We’re excited to launch the Multivista integration to all users on our Procore App Marketplace,” said Laura Paciano, Senior Manager, Partner Programs, at Procore. “With this integration we are providing direct access to critical information that will allow Procore users to deliver quality projects, safely, on-time, and within budget.”

Desktop, tablet, and mobile functionality included
The complimentary integration directly enables more robust and efficient processes for Procore and Multivista users. By leveraging comprehensive as-built project photo and webcam feeds, provided by Multivista, users can quickly respond to RFIs and change orders on Procore. Additionally, project teams in the field can use the visual data to quickly complete quality and safety items, like daily logs, observations and punch lists.

The partnership enhances workflows for the entire team, from the field to the board room, through all phases of construction. “An RFI that previously would have required a costly site visit and taken days or weeks to respond to can now be handled in minutes,” says Russ Bollig, Multivista’s Product Manager responsible for the integration. “Users just select a relevant photo from their Multivista database, click the new ‘Add to Procore’ button, and the image, precise location, and any comments they include appear in their Procore RFI within seconds.”

For maximum workflow efficiency, Multivista and Procore developers have ensured the functionality of this integration is the same on both the desktop and mobile versions of their respective platforms.

Schneider Electric and Bolloré Logistics Strengthen Green Partnership

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Schneider Electric, the leader in digital transformation of energy management and automation, and Bolloré Logistics, a major player in international logistics and freight forwarding, have strengthened their partnership through a new contract to upgrade the power management systems at the Bolloré Logistics Singapore Headquarters with Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ Power Monitoring Expert, with the view to improve energy efficiency and sustainability.

EcoStruxure™ Power Monitoring Expert helps to maximise system reliability and optimise operational efficiency by tracking real-time power conditions, analyse power quality and network reliability.

This new system enables Bolloré Logistics to collect and organise data gathered from the company’s localGreen Hub facility’s electrical network, including monitoring points for critical loads such as server UPS as well as transfer pump, freezer and chiller functions.

This data is then presented as meaningful, actionable information via an intuitive web interface, allowing the company to make informed decisions on energy saving measures to improve operational efficiency, reduce energy-related costs, as well as optimise equipment utilisation and cost of operations.

Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ Power Advisor service will be used in tandem with the Power Monitoring Expert tool to identify gaps in the power management system and power quality issues within the larger electrical distribution system, and provide recommendations to ensure optimised performance and power reliability.

The EcoStruxure™ Power Advisor is a proactive analytics-based service for power management systems to deliver optimised performance and power reliability. This will be the first time Schneider Electric will be deploying the EcoStruxure™ Power Advisor within the logistics industry worldwide, as it is mostly used in critical facilities such as hospitals, data centers, oil refineries and more, demonstrating Bolloré Logistics’ commitment to be at the forefront of energy efficiency and sustainability.

“Our Green Hub office in Pioneer Turn is already equipped with Schneider Electric’s building management, card access, and CCTV systems. This new powerful energy management solution will help us operate in a more sustainable manner and adhere to the highest Quality, Health, Safety, Environment (QHSE) standards,” said Fabien Giordano, Regional Director – South East Asia of Bolloré Logistics.

Damien Dhellemmes, Country President, Singapore, Schneider Electric added: “Bolloré Logistics is more than a customer to us. We have been working for decades together in the transport and logistics field with Bolloré Logistics being a strategic supplier for Schneider Electric. More recently, we have supported BlueSG – car-charing programme by providing electrical components inside every EV-Charging station. We will continue to find synergies between us.”

Launched earlier this year, Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure™ is an open, interoperable, IoT-enabled system architecture and platform that delivers enhanced value around safety, reliability, efficiency, sustainability, and connectivity. EcoStruxure™ leverages advancements in IoT, mobility, sensing, cloud, analytics and cybersecurity to deliver Innovation at Every Level.

This includes Connected Products, Edge Control, and Apps, Analytics & Services, which has been deployed in more than 450,000 installations, with the support of 9,000 system integrators, connecting over 1 billion devices.

Alstom to Supply Signalling System for Singapore Circle Line Stage 6

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Alstom has signed a contract with Singapore Land Transport Authority (LTA) to supply the signalling system for Singapore Circle Line (CCL) final phase, stage 6. This includes the supply of its Urbalis driverless signalling system, the equipment of news trains and locomotives of the existing line and upgrade of the Automatic Train Supervision system (ATS). Besides, Alstom will almost double the capacity of the existing Kim Chuan Depot with new stablings.

Singapore CCL Stage 6 will be 4 kilometres long and will add three stations, Keppel, Cantonment and Prince Edward, to the existing line of 30 stations across 35.5 kilometres. Once completed around 2025, it will close the loop of CCL by connecting HarbourFront Station to Marina Bay Station. By then, commuters will enjoy overall connectivity between areas in the West and key employment areas in the CBD as well as upcoming developments in the Marina Bay area.

So far, Alstom has been supplying signalling systems for three metro lines in Singapore, in total representing over 100 kilometres. They are North East Line (20 kilometres), the first full underground driverless metro line in Singapore, the entire Circle Line (39.5 kilometres) and Thomson East Coast Line (43 kilometres), which will start revenue service in five stages from 2019 until 2024.

“Alstom is pleased to win this contract to continue supporting our customer, LTA, to develop the Circle Line. By closing the loop of the line with a service-proven signalling system, commuters will have an easier and faster travel experience from the western to the eastern part of Singapore. Alstom will work closely with LTA to execute this project in order to deliver the highest level of excellence”, said Ling Fang, Managing Director of China & East Asia, Alstom.

IDS Georadar Unveils Ground-Penetrating Radar to See Through Concrete Structures Before Beginning Work

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IDS GeoRadar, a leading provider of multi-frequency, multi-channel Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and interferometric technology solutions worldwide, today launched C-thrue, a radar-based technology solution specifically developed to support construction and service companies as well as civil and structural engineers to locate rebars, voids, post-tension cables, cavities, conduits and any other objects buried in the structure before cutting or drilling into the concrete.

The solution is suited for all construction sites and operations including building renovation, overpasses, bridges and tunnels surveys, as well as for detailed analysis of the original engineering project and comparison with the as-built structure.

The C-thrue software enables visualisation of 3D images to simplify data interpretation. Rebar/void automatic insight capabilities improve safety before cutting or drilling into the surveyed structure. The system also features augmented reality for data visualisation and sharing across operators – in real time or intervals after acquisition.

Data displayed on the C-thrue’s multi-touch display are not obscured by the handle and clearly displayed, highly increasing interaction with the product and overall user experience.

“C-thrue provides clearer, faster detection of both first and second levels of rebars. An automatic positioning and navigation system for assisted data acquisition supports users, eliminating the need for manual, error-prone paper grids, and further increasing data accuracy. As a result, their daily surveys become easier and more productive,” said Paolo Papeschi, manager of the IDS GeoRadar GEO business unit.

Close to 69,000 Buyers Visit Twin Lighting Fairs and Eco Expo

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Organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), the 19th Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition), the second Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo and the 12th Eco Expo Asia concluded with close to 69,000 buyers from 151 countries and regions visiting the three events. The figure is 7 percent higher than last year’s attendance.

“According to an on-site survey, 93 per cent of the interviewees believed that the development toward smart cities and smart homes will facilitate the advancement of the lighting industry in the coming two years,” said HKTDC Deputy Executive Director Benjamin Chau.

Cross-industry Cooperation
The Autumn Lighting Fair was held from 27 to 30 October at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC), while the other two fairs were held at the AsiaWorld-Expo from 26 to 29 October. The three parallel fairs offered a one-stop sourcing platform and synergy to provide more cross-industry business opportunities.

Gathering close to 3,100 exhibitors and nearly 55,000 buyers, the HKTDC Hong Kong International Lighting Fair (Autumn Edition) and the HKTDC Hong Kong International Outdoor and Tech Light Expo formed the world’s largest lighting marketplace. Meanwhile, Eco Expo Asia, jointly organised by the HKTDC and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau of the HKSAR Government, featured nearly 340 exhibitors and attracted more than 14,000 buyers.

Sales Expected To Grow 16 Percent In 2018
The HKTDC commissioned independent on-site surveys during the Autumn Lighting Fair and Outdoor and Tech Light Expo. Among the 636 exhibitors and buyers interviewed, about 95 per cent of the respondents expected a better or stable market prospect in 2018, with the overall sales of products expected to increase by 16 per cent on average.

On the global outlook, the survey found that respondents were most optimistic towards the Chinese mainland, followed by Japan and ASEAN markets. Among emerging markets, the industry is most interested in expanding business in the Chinese mainland (24 percent), ASEAN (17 percent) and the Middle East (7 percent).

On products, respondents considered household lighting (29 percent) to have the greatest growth potential in 2018, followed by LED and green lighting products (24 percent) and commercial lighting (16 percent).

“Internet of Lights” – a new trend ahead
During the fairs, industry leaders, who were invited to share their insights on the latest industry and products trends, revealed that the function of lighting products has evolved to become the “Internet of lights,” which has become an essential trend for smart homes.

“Light is everywhere, it is the perfect carrier for transmitting and collecting data,” said David Barnby, Tridonic’s Senior Vice President (Global Sales & Marketing). “It will converge with the Internet, and the lighting industry has to work fast with other sectors to capture the new opportunities.”

Shanghai Pudong Intelligent Lighting Association Secretary-General Lighting Dai also pointed out that future lighting products must be connected with the Internet. “The industry must leverage cross-industry technologies, including cloud platforms, artificial intelligence, sensors, intelligent modules, voice recognition and software applications, to develop smart lights and achieve inter-operability with other devices.”

New Startup Zone at Eco Expo Asia Showcases Green Innovations
The HKTDC’s Benjamin Chau pointed out that a new Startup zone was set up at Eco Expo Asia and a Startup Forum was organised to help green start-ups explore more business opportunities, bringing exciting new elements to the expo.

Hong Kong start-up Rooftop Republic Urban Farming’s co-founder Michelle Hong said the expo helped her company broaden its clientele and reach out to potential partners. “Buyers from the Chinese mainland, Germany and Morocco are not just interested in our green walls and urban farming solutions, but also keen on our software, which includes workshops and educational programmes. Discussions with the MTR and a few hotels are also underway.”