Erudite Asia

Beijing has issued its first catering business license for a multitasking cooking robot developed by EncoSmart Technology. This signifies a leap in regulating technology in the catering sector. The new robots, equipped with advanced capabilities, can prepare various cuisines, learn continuously, and improve menu options while prioritizing safety through robust designs. Xia Pingping from the Haidian District Market Regulation Bureau emphasized the necessity for compliance with national food safety standards. EncoSmart has already introduced its initial robot for frying food in office settings, with plans to expand to chain restaurants by the end of the year, including robots for ice cream, drinks, and salads. Amid high rents and low profits in the local restaurant industry, EncoSmart's Tian Yan believes these robots can lower operational costs and boost food processing efficiency while satisfying consumer demands for quality. The company also aims to venture into international markets within two years, focusing on securing product certifications and client confidence in Western regions. The State Administration for Market Regulation has revised food trade licensing to integrate automated food service devices, with Haidian district spearheading safety standards for embodied AI in food processing. The new regulations emphasize equipment control and data management to guarantee reliability and traceability. Industry reports show a dynamic restaurant scene in Beijing, with numerous new establishments launching. While the advent of embodied AI robots may initially disrupt employment, experts like Wang Xinwei argue they will ultimately drive innovation and create new job opportunities, highlighting the importance of balancing technological progress with social responsibility for sustainable development. #AI #China https://lnkd.in/gy6bqZ6i

Digital Domain and AWS Collaborate to Expand Autonomous Virtual Human and Technology Digital Domain Group Co., Ltd. is collaborating with Amazon Web Services (AWS) to migrate its autonomous virtual humans and technologies to the cloud. This partnership, announced before October 8, focuses on integrating AWS's infrastructure with generative artificial intelligence and machine learning to enhance the capabilities and reach of virtual humans in sectors such as entertainment, gaming, healthcare, and concierge services. To support this transition, Digital Domain will utilize Amazon Bedrock, a fully managed service that provides the necessary scalability for its virtual human technologies. The company aims to enhance the interactivity of its autonomous virtual humans in real-time scenarios while incorporating AWS's speech synthesis service, Amazon Polly, for speech output. Furthermore, Digital Domain plans to advance features such as face recognition and video clip detection using Amazon Rekognition. With over 30 years of experience in visual effects and virtual people since its Hollywood inception, Digital Domain has been recognized for its work in films and TV series, including the Academy Award-winning "Titanic" and the "Avengers" series. Since expanding into Greater China in 2016, the company has integrated AI and virtual reality technologies to create realistic digital characters, promoting new forms of interaction beyond traditional media. #AI #China https://lnkd.in/gnKX-5rr

Target young people! LG leasing service launched, pay 499 yuan a month to enjoy the latest AI appliances LG Electronics has launched a home appliance rental service in Taiwan, targeting young consumers amidst rising household costs. Following successes in South Korea, Malaysia, and Thailand, the service offers access to the latest LG appliances with monthly payments starting at 499 yuan. In South Korea, leasing accounted for over 36% of appliance sales, indicating a strong trend. The service aims to reduce the financial pressure of buying expensive appliances like refrigerators and washing machines. Its trial phase in Taiwan exceeded sales expectations, highlighting significant market potential. All offered appliances are brand new, come with factory warranties, and include maintenance services, including free consumable replacements. LG's rental offerings feature 31 models across 10 products, with lease terms of 5 or 7 years and no upfront deposit. Monthly payments cover installation, warranty, and maintenance, bypassing the credit limits associated with traditional financing. At lease end, consumers can opt to purchase the appliance. Collaborations with Shenao, 486 Group Buying Network, Xinyi Housing, and Taishin Bank enhance service integration within the housing ecosystem. Current promotions include a "Rent Free" offer for one month with a Taishin credit card, valid until December 31, 2024. This strategy aims to increase product accessibility while promoting a shared economy through platforms like Diandian Rental, allowing users to rent out their idle appliances. #AI #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/g6E3t2_T

LG Electronics launches new wardrobe, introduces AI intelligence, and garment steamer challenges annual sales of 20,000 units LG Electronics has launched the second generation of its Styler steam electronic wardrobe, featuring upgraded dual steam technology and AI for optimal clothing care scheduling. With three new functionalities, including a high-pressure steam ironing machine, the model aims for annual sales of 15,000 to 20,000 units, doubling the first generation's figures. The Styler gained popularity during the pandemic for its sterilization capabilities, leading to a tenfold sales increase. Post-pandemic, consumer demand has shifted toward clothing care and deodorization, prompting LG's competitors to introduce similar products. The new Styler includes AI smart recommendations and enhanced ironing capabilities. Chairman Zheng Yuankuan noted that consumer feedback through the LG ThinQ app guided the product development. The first-generation Styler holds a 70% market share in South Korea and over 90% in Taiwan. The second generation aims to maintain LG's market leadership, with prices starting at 49,900 yuan, adding options for garment steamers and mirror door panels. #AI #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/gmhGCPPg

TSMC, Q3 sales up 36%, ‘rapid progress’… Will the gap with Samsung widen further? Taiwan's TSMC reported strong third-quarter sales of NT$759.69 billion, a 36.5% year-on-year increase, driven by high demand for semiconductors, particularly in artificial intelligence. September sales reached NT$251.87 billion, a 0.4% monthly increase and a 39.6% rise from last year, exceeding market expectations. This performance follows a solid second quarter, where TSMC recorded sales of NT$673.5 billion and an operating profit of NT$286.2 billion, reflecting gains of 13.6% quarter-on-quarter and 40.1% year-on-year. TSMC's advanced manufacturing processes contributed to this growth, with 15% of sales coming from 3 nm chips and significant contributions from 5 nm and 7 nm chips. The company has revised its annual sales forecast to a mid-20% increase compared to last year. In contrast, Samsung Electronics is lagging, experiencing deficits in its foundry sector. Its provisional third-quarter results showed sales of 79 trillion won and an operating profit of 9.1 trillion won, but a deficit of 1 to 1.5 trillion won in its semiconductor division. TSMC commands a 62.3% market share, while Samsung's share increased only to 11.5%, underscoring the competitive challenges it faces. #Semiconductors #SouthKorea https://lnkd.in/gNfz25S2

Expert on the comprehensive game between the United States and China: Japan will become Taiwan’s most important semiconductor rival in the next decade The forum "U.S. Election and World Economic Situation" emphasized the potential impacts of the upcoming U.S. presidential election on domestic and global economies. Experts pointed out contrasting economic policies of candidates Trump and Harris. Wang Jianquan from the China Economic Research Institute noted that Trump's approach may trigger a second wave of inflation, while Harris's focus on inclusiveness could alleviate inflation risks; however, her taxation strategy on unrealized gains might adversely affect the stock market. Taiwan's semiconductor industry is crucial in this changing geopolitical landscape. Wang urged Taiwan to enhance economic cooperation with the U.S. and navigate U.S.-China tensions effectively. He highlighted the importance of building a sustainable economic ecosystem with the U.S. to avoid over-reliance on foreign technology investments. As Taiwan's semiconductor exports are vital to its economy, strengthening ties through initiatives like the 21st Century Taiwan-U.S. Trade Initiative is essential for its future. Wang warned that Japan is set to become a significant competitor in the semiconductor sector within the next decade, influenced by U.S. strategies to diversify production away from Taiwan. Regardless of the election outcome, the U.S.-China competitive dynamic is predicted to intensify, posing challenges for Taiwan as it maneuvers through a polarized geopolitical landscape. Both Trump and Harris maintain a tough stance on China, highlighting the complexities of U.S.-China relations and Taiwan's struggle to preserve its industrial competitiveness amid external pressures. #Semiconductors #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/gq22BDDc

Adani Airport Holdings Limited (AAHL) has partnered with Thales to upgrade technology solutions at airports, including Mumbai and Ahmedabad. Thales is implementing the 'Fly to Gate' biometric system at seven AAHL-managed airports as part of the DigiYatra program and has secured a contract for a cloud-based Airport Operation Control Centre (APOC) to optimize management and enhance passenger experiences. The APOC functions as a smart digital platform, centralizing applications for improved airport management, security, and services. It gathers operational data from integrated subsystems and sensors while adhering to privacy standards. Utilizing automation, big data analytics, and AI algorithms, the platform aims to anticipate resource shortages and boost overall efficiency. Thales and AAHL's collaboration targets smart airport security, biometric passenger journeys, and operational efficiency. The integration of these technologies seeks to transform air travel in India while ensuring compliance with privacy regulations. Thales Vice President Ashish Saraf highlighted the partnership's potential to significantly improve airport operations and passenger experiences, aligning with India's ambition to become the largest aviation market by 2047. #CloudComputing #India https://lnkd.in/ggd5Airm

A cybersecurity expert in the Philippines, Francisco Ashley Acedillo, is advocating for stricter regulations on artificial intelligence (AI) to prevent misuse by criminals and terrorists. Currently serving as deputy director general of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (Nica), Acedillo recognizes the benefits of AI tools like ChatGPT but is alarmed by their potential exploitation. He proposes the creation of a new government agency focused on regulating machine learning and AI platforms. Acedillo calls for collaboration with major tech companies such as Amazon, Google, and Meta to establish effective regulatory measures and safeguards against malicious uses of AI. Citing the rise of deepfakes, he points to a recent incident involving a manipulated video of President Marcos, warning that high-profile figures are not the only targets—average citizens are also at risk. Acedillo believes that a dedicated regulatory agency could educate universities and the public on AI's appropriate use, emphasizing the need for international partnerships to address security threats posed by non-state actors in an increasingly complex technological environment. #AI #Philippines https://lnkd.in/gevzFnaG

TikTok and generative AI search are a threat to Google ads (WSJ Japan Edition) Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., has a search advertising business valued at nearly $300 billion, but it faces increasing competition. Advances in artificial intelligence and the rise of social video platforms are reshaping the market. TikTok has launched a feature for advertisers to target ads based on user search keywords, challenging Google's core operations. The AI search startup Perplexity is shifting its revenue model from subscriptions to selling ad space beneath AI-generated answers, increasing competitive pressure on Google, especially with Jeff Bezos involved. Additionally, Amazon is capturing more search advertising demand, as many consumers now prefer its platform for product searches. eMarketer projects Google's share of the US search advertising market will dip below 50% for the first time in over a decade, while Amazon's market share is expected to rise to 22.3% with an advertising revenue growth of 17.6%. In contrast, Google's market share is anticipated to be 50.5%, with a more modest growth rate of 7.6%. #AI #Japan https://lnkd.in/gvqcF9nY

Is "this" about TSMC frustrating the West? A surprising discovery from the German media show’s satellite images: We can’t catch up with Taiwan anymore Germany's "WirtschaftsWoche" highlights TSMC's rapid expansion in Taiwan, which surpasses its overseas development. This growth aims to build an "economic defense wall" against China, potentially making it difficult for the West to keep up with Taiwan's semiconductor capabilities. Amid intensifying U.S.-China trade tensions, concerns about the security of Taiwan's semiconductor industry have grown. In response, the European Union introduced the "European Chips Act," with Germany investing significantly to bolster domestic manufacturing and supply chains. Thomas Stlzel from the "Economy from the Sky" unit notes that TSMC's new factories in Taiwan are being constructed much faster than those abroad. The company plans to produce advanced 2-nanometer chips in Hsinchu, Taichung, and Tainan by 2025, while its Dresden facility is not expected to begin mass production until 2027. This timeline illustrates a considerable gap in semiconductor production capabilities, with TSMC's most advanced packaging operations remaining in Taiwan and little immediate expansion planned elsewhere. Taiwan's semiconductor dominance is likely to persist due to national security concerns. Countries reliant on Taiwanese chips face reduced risks of a military attack from China, as it would provoke severe global economic fallout, impacting China itself. The report emphasizes Taiwan's semiconductor industry as a "sacred mountain" essential for national defense, contributing approximately 25% to the nation's GDP in 2022. Stlzel concludes that other regions are unlikely to surpass Taiwan in semiconductor manufacturing soon, with new facilities in Europe only helping to maintain a minimal global market presence. #Semiconductors #Taiwan https://lnkd.in/gzUixm-j