TOKYO, Sept 20, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC), KDDI Corporation (KDDI), and Lawson, Inc (Lawson) will launch an initiative to transform Lawson into "Next-generation Convenience Store " As the COVID-19 changed customers' lifestyles, consumption behaviors, and values, Lawson has been adapting to the “new normal” by leveraging its digital technologies. In modern society, convenience stores are essential parts of social infrastructure, contributing to steady supplies of food and daily necessities.For more than 20 years since MC invested in Lawson, MC has supported Lawson by leveraging its supply chain fields, such as raw material procurement and manufacturing logistics, and extensive overseas business networks. In response to accelerating changes in business environment, MC will enhance its collaboration with KDDI, having customer base built on telecommunications-related businesses and offering various digital services. Through the partnership, MC and KDDI will promote further transformation of Lawson.Specifically, we aim to expand "Real × Tech Convenience" by leveraging business infrastructures, AI and DX technologies of MC and KDDI. Also, we will enhance convenience stores’ roles as "Hub of refreshment in every community" by transforming into convenience stores, solving social issues that stores and communities have, through cooperation with local governments. Initiatives to transform into "Next-generation Convenience Store"1. Expansion of "Real × Tech Convenience"With the aim to implement retail-tech initiatives via digital technology to solve operational issues that retail stores are facing, such as labor shortages and food loss, two stores will be open (office space and shopping area) in “TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY” where KDDI’s headquarter is scheduled to be relocated by the spring of 2025. The stores will be operated as an experimental lab for various retail-tech aimed at transformation of Lawson into "Next-generation Convenience Store".In the future, we will establish a Real × Tech Convenience system based on the demonstration results at the Takanawa stores and aim to expand it to other stores.Additionally, we will support and enhance Lawson's overseas expansions (including existing areas) by leveraging MC's extensive overseas business networks. Examples of demonstrations at the Takanawa store> The following functions will be introduced. Details are to be decided.FunctionContentsSmartphone Cash Register System・Frictionless payment in stores・Product recommendations through smartphonesAI Signage・Showing recommendations and campaign information based on customer attribute and membership data, with the use of AI camerasOperational Optimization・Using robots for stocking items, in-store cleaning, and product deliveryNext-Generation Remote Customer Service Platform・Setting up remote customer service booths with specialized staffs・In the early stage, we will respond to inquiries from customers regarding communications, electricity, gas, and other basic infrastructure. Eventually, we will expand our services and consider utilization of AI technology.2. Enhancing collaboration with local governments regarding disaster prevention and transportation to solve local issuesOn September 18th, 2024, MC, KDDI and Lawson signed an agreement on disaster management based on Lawson. We will work together and build up a cooperative system, for the sake of early recovery of utilities in the disaster-hit areas as well as ensuring victims feel safe and providing life support in case of a disaster. By doing so, we aim to create a secure society where people can feel comfortable and fulfilled.Furthermore, we will address local issues through the initiatives such as patrolling the areas utilizing KDDI’s Starlink network and drones to enhance community safety, and assisting transportation through on-demand mobility service ("KnowRoute" and "mobi") provided by the operating company affiliated with MC and KDDI. We aim to realize a "Lawson Town" and committed to working toward the development of an enriched community. 3. Strengthening customer contact points through the expansion of Ponta Economic ZoneSince KDDI and Loyalty Marketing, Inc. ("Loyalty Marketing ") signed a capital and business alliance agreement in 2019, MC, KDDI, and Lawson have been collaborating to expand and revitalize Ponta economic Zone through Ponta network, Loyalty Marketing’s Point program.With the goal to further revitalize Ponta Economic Zone and improve customer convenience, KDDI will renew the "au Smart Pass Premium", a package of services with coupons and contents, to "Ponta Pass" from October 2nd, 2024. Also, limited edition benefits will be offered to commemorate the launch of the service. We will continue to provide services to help customers enjoy more convenient shopping at better price at Lawson. Examples of strengthening customer contact pointsService NameContentsPonta Pass・ Weekly free and discount coupons that can be used at Lawson・ Higher Ponta point conversion rate when using "au PAY" for payment at Lawson etc.Collaboration with KDDI's online brand "povo"・ "povo Data Oasis" will start within the year, a service that customers can charge data capacity when visiting LawsonScheduled to start selling data-only eSIM at Lawson stores by the end of this fiscal yearetc.MC, KDDI and Lawson will provide new convenience store experiences to customers by expanding Real × Tech Convenience and solve local issues, such as disaster prevention and transportation, in collaboration with local governments nationwide. By doing so, we will enhance Lawson's role in modern society and transform Lawson into a "next-generation convenience store".Inquiry Recipients:Mitsubishi Corporation Public Relations Department - TEL (03)3210-2171KDDI Corporation Public Relations Department - TEL (03)6678-0690Lawson Co., Ltd. Public Relations Department - TEL (03)5435-2773 Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

LONDON, Sept 20, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Hitachi Rail's use of 5G digital signalling capabilities for urban rail, will reduce lifecycle costs, enhance actionable insights from data analytics, and future proof train networks. Replacing legacy radio technologies with 5G for critical train to ground communications is being launched on New York's Crosstown Line & Hong Kong's International Airport's Automatic People Mover.SelTrac™ CBTC is an advanced digital signalling solution, which uses train to ground telecommunications to support traffic management on a line. A technology deployed across new metros, light rail systems and is increasingly used for resignalling on existing networks. CBTC allows for higher capacities, safety and overall reliability when compared to conventional signalling systems.While CBTC technology is helping to improve performance on rail services around the world, it currently relies on the installation of legacy communication technology (radio, Wi-Fi) to enable train to ground communications. Hitachi Rail's solution with innovative 5G, removes the limitations of prior technologies and instead leverages public or private networks. The 5G solution reduces the trackside infrastructure significantly as the number of 5G Radio Access Points needed are decreased relative to the existing WiFi solution.The additional benefits of 5G are substantial, including continued high-performance connectivity in the most challenging of environments such as tunnels. Substantially increased 5G bandwidth further enables the use of advanced digital asset management solutions such as those developed by Hitachi Rail. By providing real-time reporting of the train's data, it is possible to optimize operations and maintenance of both the train and the track.Operators of 5G acquire the ability to use their expanded network capacities to deliver a range of additional services without installing new radio infrastructure, and with confidence of future 5G technology iterations (e.g. 6G) and backward compatibility. An important asset considering the 30-year lifecycle found within a radio access infrastructure.Hitachi Rail's SelTrac™ CBTC solution with the advanced 5G communication system will be deployed in two of the busiest metro networks in the world. In New York, Hitachi Rail is implementing a private 5G network for the Crosstown Line, which transports 70,000 passengers daily, and in Hong Kong, where the operator is implementing a 5G overlay network onto an existing SelTrac™ solution within the International Airport's Automatic People Mover. These projects will be one of the first to incorporate 5G connectivity for mission-critical signalling applications.Ziad Rizk, Managing Director, Urban Rail Signalling, Hitachi Rail, said: "Our first-of-its-kind 5G solution is a game changer for the urban rail market. The new 5G system plays a critical role in delivering reliable and high-capacity CBTC operations to metro operators. We offer different deployment options that best suit the customers' needs, as seen with our two references. We are proud to deliver this transformative technology to our customers and the benefits it will deliver to passengers."On 31 May, 2024, Hitachi Rail completed the acquisition of Thales' Ground Transportation Systems business (GTS), expanding the business's footprint to 24,000 colleagues across 51 countries. The acquisition has enabled Hitachi Rail to expand its product and technology portfolio, including enhancing its expertise in urban rail signalling. On 24-27 September, Hitachi Rail will exhibit a range of its urban rail products including its 5G solution at the global rail exhibition, InnoTrans in Berlin.About Hitachi RailHitachi Rail is committed to driving the sustainable mobility transition and has a clear focus on partnering with customers to rethink mobility. Its mission is to help every passenger, customer and community enjoy the benefits of more connected, seamless and sustainable transport. With revenues of over €7bn and 24,000 employees across more than 50 countries, Hitachi Rail is a trusted partner to the world's best transport organisations. The company's reach is global, but the business is local - with success built on developing local talent and investing in people and communities. Its international capabilities and expertise span every part of the urban, mainline and freight rail ecosystems – from high quality manufacturing and maintenance of rolling stock to secure digital signalling, smart operations and payment systems.Hitachi Rail, famous for Japan's iconic high speed bullet train, draws on the digital and AI expertise of Hitachi Group companies to accelerate innovation and develop new technologies. Hitachi Group is present in 140 countries with over 270,000 employees and global revenues of €54.55bn / ¥8,564 bn.For more information, visit hitachirail.com Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Sept 20, 2024 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Olympus Corporation (Olympus), a global MedTech company committed to making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling, announced today the launch of a new 4K camera head1, CH-S700-08-LB, for endoscopic urology and gynecology procedures in Europe. The camera head is compatible with the VISERA ELITE III video system center for surgical endoscopy. This product is also set to be launched in Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore as soon as it is ready to comply with the regulations of each country, sequentially from September 2024. The technical development of this product was led by Sony Olympus Medical Solutions Corporation, a joint venture between Olympus and Sony Corporation.4K CAMERA HEAD OLYMPUS CH-S700-08-LBThis product provides four times the number of pixels than a conventional HD camera head, enabling observation with 4K white light images and 4K NBI (Narrow Band Imaging)2 images. It is also equipped with the BL (Blue Light)3 observation function offering versatile imaging capabilities in a single device to address diverse clinical needs. This will support high-quality diagnosis and treatment of urological diseases, including bladder cancer, by providing unprecedented endoscopic image clarity. Through the launch of this product, Olympus aims to enhance the patient care pathway of early diagnosis, minimally invasive treatment, and follow-up for non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, thereby improving the standard of care and patient outcomes.1 A camera head mainly used in endoscopic surgery in combination with an endoscope and peripheral equipment for the purpose of displaying images inside the body on a monitor. This product is also applicable to obstetric and gynecological procedures.2 NBI (Narrow band imaging) is an imaging technique for examining features such as the small blood vessels in mucosa and the surface patterns. NBI highlights tissue by illuminating it with two narrow bands (wavelengths) of light that are absorbed by the hemoglobin in blood without making use of a fluorescence dye. 3 BL (Blue Light) is an optical-digital technology that supports distinguish cancerous tissue that accumulate certain fluorophores from healthy tissue that has not. Fluorophores are then selectively deposited in a tumor and emit red fluorescence under blue excitation light. As of this release, this function is supported only in Japan. It has not yet been approved for use in Europe per the EU MDR.Background of the launchBladder cancer is one of the most common cancers that occur in the elderly population. With its high prevalence, in conjunction with its vulnerability to multiple recurrences and progression despite local therapy, this leads to a substantial health service burden globally. In particular, non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC), which is said to account for 75% of bladder cancers, recurs in 31-78% of cases within 5 years after surgery1. In response, Olympus is focused on reducing postoperative recurrence and improving patient outcomes by enhancing cancer detection through urological endoscopy and supporting tumor resection through transurethral surgery. In September 2024, Olympus will launch the VISERA S, endoscopic visualization platform. Designed for office and ambulatory settings, which provides high-definition endoscopic images to support early detection and diagnosis of diseases. Both new product launches, the 4K CH-S700-08-LB and VISERA S, reflect Olympus' commitment to advancing urological care and improving patient outcomes by providing enhanced visibility during surgical procedures.1 Teoh, J.YC., Kamat, A.M., Black, P.C. et al. Recurrence mechanisms of non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer —a clinical perspective. Nat Rev Urol 19, 280–294 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41585-022-00578-1 Image of Olympus' solution to the entire care pathway in bladder cancerTrue 4K Image Quality and 4K NBIExclusive full 4K image sensor generates 1 billion richer colors (ITU-R BT.2020 standard for a wide color gamut) and four times finer detail than previous generations in HD, enabling the surgeon to see the crucial details of the superficial layer of the mucosa that are important in urologic endoscopic surgery. NBI is a unique optical-digital technology that enhances visualization of mucosal structure and capillary patterns in the bladder using wavelengths that are highly absorbed by hemoglobin. It provides higher contrast and reveals significantly more tissue detail than WLI. This supports more precise lesion detection and resection.Unified Visualization that relevant for endourology proceduresWhile a dedicated system was conventionally required to perform BL observation, this product enables white light observation, NBI observation, and BL observation with a single camera head, eliminating the need for system switches. The BL offers brighter backgrounds with improved color tone and clear contrast in HD for better visibility, contributing to more effective resections. It meets different observation needs depending on the case and supports more efficient operation of the equipment at medical institutions.Effortless Usability and ErgonomicsOne-touch autofocus supports precise endoscopic visualization and can be activated on the camera head body. Fine texture details are clearly visible at the touch of a button, minimizing distractions and enabling continuous focus on the procedure.The product is manufactured by Olympus Medical Systems Corp.About OlympusAt Olympus, we are committed to Our Purpose of making people’s lives healthier, safer and more fulfilling. As a global medical technology company, we partner with healthcare professionals to provide best-in-class solutions and services for early detection, diagnosis and minimally invasive treatment, aiming to improve patient outcomes by elevating the standard of care in targeted disease states. For more than 100 years, Olympus has pursued a goal of contributing to society by producing products designed with the purpose of delivering optimal outcomes for its customers around the world. For more information, visit https://www.olympus-global.com/ and follow our global X account: @Olympus_CorpMedia contact:Mail: Global-Public_Relations@olympus.com Olympus Corp [TYO: 7733] [ADR: OLYMY] [STU: OLY1] [FRA: OLYS] https://www.olympus-global.com   Copyright 2024 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.