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Fujitsu Verifies Effectiveness of Private 5G in Manufacturing Sites in Collaboration with Microsoft Japan

TOKYO, Oct 16, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu today announced that, in collaboration with Microsoft Japan Ltd., it has recently verified the effectiveness of a system that uses private 5G to visualize real-time data within the facility, with a view toward manufacturers' digital transformation (DX). Figure 1. system image diagramFigure 2. Visualization image of various data by COLMINAUsing Microsoft Azure IoT Edge(1) in the "Fujitsu Collaboration Lab," a private 5G verification facility in Kawasaki, Japan, this system analyzes high-definition images of people moving in the private 5G network and operating data from cameras, mobile terminals, servers, and other equipment. This enables integrated visualization of the status of people, unmanned vehicles, and equipment with the Fujitsu Manufacturing Industry Solution COLMINA(2), unifying private 5G and cloud environments to bring about a system with optimized for network and processing load. Based on the findings of the verification test, Fujitsu will collaborate with Microsoft Japan to conduct verification tests at Fujitsu's plant in Oyama, Japan, Fujitsu's manufacturing base for network products, by the end of fiscal 2020 and jointly develop solutions with a view to achieving global expansion going forward. This verification will be showcased at Fujitsu ActivateNow, to be held as an online virtual conference on October 14, 2020.BackgroundIn the "new normal" society, the manufacturing industry is being called upon to improve the efficiency, automation, and remote capabilities of their operations through digitization, while maintaining quality that will transform manufacturing sites to make them more resilient to changes. Private 5G is attracting attention as one of the key technologies supporting this. Private 5G enables enterprises to flexibly construct and operate 5G networks in their own buildings and premises and is expected to be used for unmanned and remote controls at manufacturing sites. On the other hand, in order to achieve these goals, a large amount of sensor data and high-definition video must be utilized to construct an optimal system according to the requirements of network and application processing load. As the very first achievement of the "Private 5G Partnership Program"; the co-creation program which enables the use of Fujitsu's expertise and technologies such as private 5G along with advanced technology from partners, the system that integrated Fujitsu's private 5G technology with Azure IoT Edge and Azure was constructed and its effectiveness was verified.Summary of Verification1. Purpose: Verification of presumed use cases of private 5G at manufacturing sites and the effectiveness of the implemented system.- Integration of private 5G networks, edge computing and cloud systems- Image analysis and real-time processing with edge computing- Realization of centralized management of facilities and information in the cloud2. Location: Fujitsu Shin-Kawasaki Technology Square "FUJITSU Collaboration Lab"3. Roles of both companies: [Fujitsu] - Provide private 5G systems (Base stations, core network equipment, and mobile terminals) - Data collection and development of AI analysis applications - Construction of a system for visualizing the operation status of facilities using COLMINA [Microsoft Japan] - Provide Azure IoT Edge, Azure - Supporting the data collection and development of AI analysis applications4. System Summary:- Private 5G is utilized to transmit high-definition images of the movement of people and unmanned vehicles, and operation data from mobile terminals and servers to Azure IoT Edge.- Remote controls based on AI image analysis of the movement of people and unmanned carrier vehicle managed in Azure IoT Edge. The analyzed data then notifies Azure.- Azure and the business application "COLMINA" are linked in order to visualize analyzed data (human density in the facility, location information and travel routes of unmanned vehicles, high-definition cameras, and operating conditions of facilities such as mobile terminals and servers) in dashboards.- Azure manages version control of edge applications such as image analysis AI, and delivery of edge applications to Azure IoT Edge.Future DevelopmentsFujitsu plans to deploy this verification system with Microsoft Japan at the Oyama Plant by the end of FY 2020 and to verify it on-site. In this verification test, Fujitsu will use an AI technology for video-based behavioral analysis developed by Fujitsu Laboratories to recognize various human behaviors and to improve the quality and efficiency of operations at manufacturing sites. In addition, Fujitsu will consider jointly developing an edge computing solution utilizing 5G with Microsoft Japan from a global perspective.(1) Azure IoT Edge Locally deployed cloud intelligence on IoT Edge devices(2) COLMINA A digital data solution that connects various information on manufacturing from design to manufacturing and maintenance.About FujitsuFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 130,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.9 trillion yen (USD35 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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Mitsubishi Power Signs MOU with Indonesia’s PLN Group and Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) on Joint Policy Proposal to Promote Biomass Co-firing at Thermal Power Plants in Indonesia

YOKOHAMA, Japan, Oct 15, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Power, Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has concluded a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Indonesia's state-owned electricity provider PT. PLN (Persero) (PLN) and two of its subsidiaries (PT. Indonesia Power and PT. Pembangkitan Jawa-Bali), and Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) on joint formulation of a policy proposal to promote the adoption of biomass co-firing at Indonesia's thermal power plants.Thermal Power Plant in IndonesiaThe industry-academia collaborative team will undertake studies mainly on selection of appropriate biomass fuel and their combustion evaluations, and equipment modification plans, in a quest to make effective use of Indonesia's abundant biomass resources. Economic evaluations will be carried out in cooperation with PLN Group, which operates numerous thermal power plants in the country. After conclusion of the MOU, the focus will be to make a roadmap for promoting biomass co-firing in Indonesia, including selection of the optimal biomass fuel and pilot facility from among PLN Group's power plants. This will be based on the results of technical feasibility tests conducted by Mitsubishi Power in Japan together with policy analysis and market research performed in Indonesia under ITB's leadership.The Indonesian Government is currently carrying out an energy policy that aims to reduce carbon emissions by raising the nation's use of a renewable energies mix to 23% by 2025, and decreasing CO2 emissions by 29% by 2030 through energy conversion assuming reduced use of fossil fuels. Under this policy, besides expanding adoption of wind, solar and geothermal renewables, a central role is accorded to promoting use of biomass fuel at existing coal-fired power plants, and the newly agreed activity aims to support that initiative. Plans call for a proposal covering technical requirements and preparation of the relevant legal and financial support frameworks to be completed by September 2021, followed by cooperation to promote the adoption of biomass co-firing in Indonesia and the realization of a pilot project.Iswan Prahastono, Director of the PLN Research and Development Center, expressed his solid expectations toward the collaboration's success. "I am confident," he said, "that PLN Group, ITB and Mitsubishi Power, in joining forces and coordinating and applying their respective strengths based on their respective economic considerations, will successfully support Indonesia's energy situation through use of renewable energies."Ken Kawai, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Power, spoke of the company's robust commitment to the new initiative. "For more than 50 years, Mitsubishi Power has contributed to Indonesia's energy landscape by providing approximately 18 GW of power generating systems, including gas turbine combined cycle, geothermal power and highly efficient coal-fired power. Our new collaboration with PLN Group and ITB signals our continued drive to support Indonesia's development by using existing facilities to formulate a proposal that will meet the country's energy needs in terms of both environmental sustainability and economic efficiency."Leveraging the newly concluded MOU, Mitsubishi Power, by providing next-generation environmentally friendly power generation technologies, will boost low-carbon and carbon-free energy sources as its way of contributing to stabilization of power supplies and protection of the environment in Indonesia. Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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Hitachi ABB Power Grids Wins $6.6 Million Projects to Digitalize High-Speed Rail in the UK

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, Oct 14, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Hitachi ABB Power Grids, as part of its ongoing work with UK Power Networks Services to help manage existing traction power assets on High Speed 1 (HS1), has been awarded a contract worth around $6.6 million to upgrade the Static Var Compensator (SVC) Control systems and load balancer.HS1 is the UK's first high-speed railway and forms an essential part of the country's infrastructure and its efforts to promote greener, more sustainable transport. UK Power Networks Services is responsible for all traction and non-traction power assets on this 109km rail line connecting the United Kingdom with mainland Europe.This agreement includes three feeder stations equipped with Hitachi ABB Power Grids 33kV Static VAR Compensators (SVC), designed to specifically address UK Power Network Services unique needs. SVC solutions quickly adjusting line voltages. These solutions form part of efficient energy control of the HS1 line's power system. The contract scope also provides for a long-term service agreement to maintain and manage software upgrades for the control systems.Ian Funnell, CEO of Hitachi ABB Power Grids in the UK and Ireland, said: "Our most recent work on HS1 with UK Power Networks Services comes on the back of our very successful consortium partnership for the safe and efficient delivery of 25kV traction power distribution substations on the Great Western Electrification Programme be- tween London and Cardiff. We are proud to be playing such a leading role in the UK railway decarbonisation agenda with power, automation and electrification of the UK rail sector delivering more sustainable mobility choices for UK passengers and freight."In addition to this contract, UK Power Networks Services is also working with Hitachi ABB Power Grids to enhance the trackside data collection system and replace traction power SCADA systems on the HS1 line. The team relies on Hitachi ABB Power Grids' RTU500 platform, with MicroSCADA X for automation and control solution overlaid with Asset Performance Management (APM) to help simplify the interaction with the power network and provide operators, regardless of their location, with a fast, clear real-time overview of the network landscape. This fundamentally supports a predict and prevent strategy for maintenance and asset management.David Mitchell, head of client delivery for UK Power Networks Services said, "Having the most reliable assets and understanding how those assets are performing is critical to us. Integrating proven technologies through trusted partners enables us to continue to invest in High Speed 1's electricity infrastructure and deliver a resilient power supply, maintaining cross-border train travel and ensuring a safe and reliable passenger ex- perience."While overseeing HS1's power assets, UK Power Networks Services has achieved considerable efficiencies and outstanding rail network availability of over 99.99%. In addition to providing the British traveler with fast, reliable and sustainable options, UK Power Networks Services has also helped deliver significant economic benefits in the form of jobs to Kent and other local communities. Hitachi group delivered the high-speed Class 395 train fleet to HS1 and is also respon- sible for maintenance.About Hitachi ABB Power Grids Ltd.Hitachi ABB Power Grids is global technology leader with a combined heritage of almost 250 years, employing around 36,000 people in 90 countries. Headquartered in Switzerland, the business serves utility, industry and infrastructure customers across the value chain, and emerging areas like sustainable mobility, smart cities, energy storage and data centers. With a proven track record, global footprint and unparalleled installed base, Hitachi ABB Power Grids balances social, environmental and economic values. It is committed to powering good for a sustainable energy future, with pioneering and digital technologies, as the partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid. https://www.hitachiabb-powergrids.com Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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MHI Group Undertakes Investment in HydrogenPro of Norway, Leading Producer of Advanced Electrolyzers

TOKYO, Oct 14, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI) has made a financial investment in HydrogenPro AS of Norway, a company engaged in the development and manufacture of electrolyzers, devices that produce hydrogen by the process of water electrolysis. MHI subscribed to newly issued shares placed by HydrogenPro in an initial public offering (IPO) undertaken to fund expansion of its business operations. MHI already provides various decarbonization technologies that allow for a realistic path towards net-zero and will form the strategic partnership with HydrogenPro to further expand its portfolio and provide green hydrogen production plants to the market going forward.HydrogenPro was established in 2013 based in the Norwegian city of Porsgrunn, Telemark County. The history of water electrolysis technology traces back to 1927, when a fertilizer and heavy water plant employing water electrolysis technology was launched in Telemark by Norsk Hydro, a Norwegian state owned conglomerate. HydrogenPro has already developed a 9 megawatt (MW) class hydrogen production system (production capacity: 4.4 tons/day) adopting water electrolysis technology incorporating a pressurized cells with alkaline electrolyte. Plans are now underway toward achieving a 100 MW class plant (capacity: 48 tons/day).Today, demand is growing for green hydrogen production plants, especially in Europe. France has announced a target of 6.5 gigawatts (GW) in electrolyzer capacity by 2030, Germany is targeting a capacity of 5 GW by 2030, and 10 GW by 2040, while the EU aims at securing 40 GW of renewable hydrogen electrolyzers by 2030.MHI's investment in HydrogenPro provides further financial stability and long-term certainty for projects utilizing green hydrogen to decarbonize various sectors. MHI's investment in HydrogenPro not only signals its confidence in HydrogenPro's offerings, but more importantly, this investment underscores its confidence in the green hydrogen market which will be supported by a multitude of electrolyzer manufacturers and technologies.Going forward, MHI will continue to explore technology innovations that will drive decarbonization of industrial sectors including power generation, refinery, fertilizer, steel and transport utilizing hydrogen as fuel, feedstock, or for hydro processing. In parallel with initiatives promoting green hydrogen, MHI will explore the feasibility of hydrogen derived from fossil fuel in combination with CCUS (carbon capture, utilization and storage) - blue hydrogen - as another approach to decarbonize industries.About Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world's leading industrial firms. For more than 130 years, we have channeled big thinking into solutions that move the world forward - advancing the lives of everyone who shares our planet. We deliver innovative and integrated solutions across a wide range of industries, covering land, sea, sky and even space. MHI Group employs 80,000 people across 400 locations, operating in three business domains: "Power Systems," "Industry & Infrastructure," "Aircraft, Defense & Space." We have a consolidated revenue of around 40 billion U.S. Dollars. We aim to contribute to environmental sustainability while achieving global growth, using our leading-edge technologies. By bringing people and ideas together as one, we continue to pave the way to a future of shared success.For more information, please visit MHI's website: https://www.mhi.com For Technology, Trends and Tangents, visit MHI's new online media SPECTRA: https://spectra.mhi.com Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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Toyota: Launch of a Preparatory Committee for “Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A)”

Toyota City, Japan, Oct 14, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - The nine private companies (listed below) that are engaged in the construction and expansion of a hydrogen society announce that they are launching a new preparatory committee called "JAPAN Hydrogen association (JH2A)" to promote the formation of a hydrogen supply chain and global partnerships in the hydrogen sector. With hydrogen anticipated to play an important and central role in curbing global warming, Japan is expected to continue to take the lead globally through innovative steps. By establishing a hydrogen society as well as partnering with various stakeholders, JH2A will look to cultivate the hydrogen industry and promote initiatives toward its development. Working together with other companies, local governments, and organizations who are willing to support such initiatives, the preparatory committee aims to establish a new organization at the beginning of December.Members of the preparatory committee (in alphabetical order) ENEOS Corporation, Iwatani Corporation*, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd., Kobe Steel, Ltd., MITSUI & CO., Ltd., Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Inc.*, The Kansai Electric Power Company, Inc., Toshiba Corporation, Toyota Motor Corporation*Aim & scope of the activities of the new committeeThe new JAPAN Hydrogen association will partner and collaborate with existing businesses and organizations as it works toward constructing the hydrogen value chain. JH2A will create plans on providing functions to promote initiatives, coordinate with external stakeholders, and conduct research.- Engage in cross-sectoral initiatives to establish the hydrogen value chain- Accelerate developments toward social implementation to realize a hydrogen society- Promote the establishment of systems for the supply of funds with financial institutionsBackground of the new committeeAs many countries accelerate initiatives toward realizing a hydrogen society, possibilities and issues related to promoting the use of hydrogen to reduce CO2 emissions have been debated in Japan. Various corporations are partnering for the expansion of demand of hydrogen, the supply of low cost hydrogen, and promotion of the use of hydrogen. The above-mentioned member companies have recognized the need for a cross-sectoral organization that aims to resolve the issues of creating demand in hydrogen, reducing cost through scale-up of hydrogen use and technological innovation, along with the supply of funds to businesses, and have become to consider concrete steps toward establishing this new committee.*Indicates companies with secretarial rolesAbout Toyota Motor CorporationToyota Motor Corporation (TMC) is the global mobility company that introduced the Prius hybrid-electric car in 1997 and the first mass-produced fuel cell sedan, Mirai, in 2014. Headquartered in Toyota City, Japan, Toyota has been making cars since 1937. Today, Toyota proudly employs 370,000 employees in communities around the world. Together, they build around 10 million vehicles per year in 29 countries, from mainstream cars and premium vehicles to mini-vehicles and commercial trucks, and sell them in more than 170 countries under the brands Toyota, Lexus, Daihatsu and Hino. For more information, please visit www.toyota-global.com. Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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Fujitsu Accelerates Digital Transformation at Mizuho Bank Branches with Innovative Tablet Solution

TOKYO, Oct 14, 2020 - (JCN Newswire) - Fujitsu Limited and Banking Channel Solutions Limited(1) in collaboration with Mizuho Information & Research Institute, Inc. today announced that they have developed and delivered a tablet solution for Mizuho Bank, Ltd. that enables customers to make deposits and withdrawals, complete bank transfers, open accounts, and change addresses directly from tablet PCs at branch offices. The companies offer tablet devices as subscription services and the total service of operation and multi-vendor hardware maintenance support.Starting in October, Mizuho Bank plans to gradually introduce this tablet solution to its 348 branches throughout Japan and to begin offering this service. By establishing a system that enables Mizuho Bank's new account system "MINORI" to be connected directly online from a tablet, individual customers visiting the bank will be able to complete transactions by simply inputting data into the tablet, without having to fill out an application form. This will lead to improved customer service by simplifying procedures and will lead to a significant reduction in Mizuho Bank's clerical work hours.Going forward, Fujitsu and Banking Channel Solutions will continue to support Mizuho Bank in its efforts for driving digital transformation (DX) and transforming its branch offices to next-generation branches that focus on customer consulting services.BackgroundSince 2008, Fujitsu and Banking Channel Solutions have supported Mizuho Bank's branch offices in the implementation, operation and maintenance of their branch office systems, have supported Mizuho Bank's core system for many years by Fujitsu, and have jointly developed and launched a new account system called "MINORI".Mizuho Bank is making major changes to its branches in recent changes in the needs of individual customers for banks and the use of branch offices, and changes in lifestyles of people that has changed significantly due to the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since 2014, Mizuho Bank has introduced tablet devices to the branch offices to improve its customer service and to change its administration procedures. To further improve customer convenience and satisfaction, Fujitsu is adding more in-branch tablets and introducing new services.About the Solution1. Tablet Solution: Process completed directly from the tablet with online connection to the core accounting system In the past, clerical work used to be performed in branch offices by having staff print out information that customers have entered into tablets on paper slips, which are then read via QR code at a terminal.With the newly developed tablet solution, data entered on the tablet by the customer can be sent directly to the accounting system, allowing the customer to complete transactions such as deposits, withdrawals, transfers, accounts opening, and addresses change. In addition, by using the tablet-mounted camera to read customer identification documents and in conjunction with the smartphone biometric authentication function, customers can quickly complete the procedures without having to go through the procedures for customer identification at the counter. As a result, Mizuho Bank can significantly reduce the clerical work hours for branch staffs.2. Managed Device Services: Reducing IT costs with subscription-based terminals Fujitsu will capitalize tablets used by Mizuho Bank, and provide subscription to the handsets, kitting, delivery, maintenance and collection. This service is provided to Mizuho Bank ahead of the official launch of subscription service for terminal devices. The subscription fee is determined based on the number of tablets used, starting from about 3,000 tablets, which are scheduled to be used at Mizuho Bank's branches nationwide. This eliminates the need to purchase and manage spare equipment and minimizes IT costs.Operation status of the equipment covered by the contract and incident progress can be checked at any time through the portal site from a PC or smartphone. By visualizing operations, this reduces the burden of asset management of Mizuho Bank and contributes to reducing operating costs for tablets devices.3. Branch Management Service: Single point of contact of support including multivendor hardware maintenance Banking Channel Solutions will provide one-stop hardware maintenance, operation support, and business application support for tablets and self-service machines(2) in order to provide total support in a safe and secure manner, including the introduction of approximately 3,000 tablets, online connection with accounting systems, and linkage with related equipment. In addition, based on its past experience and know-how, it provides the single point of contact for inquiries about the equipment including those of 3rd party vendors, and integrates the contact point for operation and maintenance including tablet solutions, to smoothly respond to inquiries and problems.(1) Banking Channel Solutions LimitedFujitsu group company established in August 2008 and is 51% owned by Fujitsu and 49% by Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Provides solutions and maintenance services for branch and office systems for financial institutions.(2) Self-service machinesMachines customized for Mizuho Bank provided by Oki Electric Industry Co., Ltd. Enables self-operation such as deposits and withdrawals.About Fujitsu LtdFujitsu is the leading Japanese information and communication technology (ICT) company offering a full range of technology products, solutions and services. Approximately 130,000 Fujitsu people support customers in more than 100 countries. We use our experience and the power of ICT to shape the future of society with our customers. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.9 trillion yen (US$35 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2020. For more information, please see www.fujitsu.com. Copyright 2020 JCN Newswire. All rights reserved. www.jcnnewswire.com

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