Home Articles posted by a&s Adria (Page 44)

Honeywell Announces $600 Million Capital Raise for Quantinuum to Advance Quantum Computing at Scale

Honeywell today announced an approximately $600 million equity capital raise for Quantinuum, developer of the world’s highest-performing quantum computer, at a pre-money equity valuation of $10 billion.

Quanta Computer, NVentures (NVIDIA’s venture capital arm) and QED Investors have joined existing shareholders JPMorganChase, Mitsui, Amgen, Cambridge Quantum Holdings, Serendipity Capital and Honeywell — all of whom have reinvested in this round. The round also includes participation from new investors MESH and Korea Investment Partners.

This capital raise will support Quantinuum’s advancement of quantum computing at scale, which includes continued progress toward the upcoming launch of Helios, the company’s next generation quantum computing system that is expected to launch this year. It will also support Quantinuum’s path to becoming the first to perform universal fault-tolerant computing.

A full-stack quantum computing provider, Quantinuum is accelerating commercially useful quantum computing with commercially available quantum computers that are the undisputed leaders in performance. Along with some of the most used developer tools and end-applications such as InQuanto, the company’s solutions are driving breakthrough scientific discoveries, economic growth and sustainable development.

Quantinuum continues increasing its commercial momentum and earning global recognition. The company will work with NVIDIA as a founding collaborator on breakthroughs at the NVIDIA Accelerated Quantum Research Center.  Additionally, Quantinuum has entered strategic partnerships aimed at innovative quantum computing solutions that will expand the capabilities of classical artificial intelligence and realize next-generation technologies.

Quantinuum recently announced partnerships and collaborations with RIKEN, SoftBank Corp., Infineon and STFC Hartree Center, as well as expansions into New Mexico, Qatar and Singapore.

The company’s collaborations collectively provide substantial investment funding, accelerate research and product development, scale manufacturing capabilities, secure supply chains and foster the overall growth of the quantum technologies industry.

Vimal Kapur, Chairman and CEO of Honeywell:
“Quantinuum continues to meet and exceed our stated objectives — strategically, technically and commercially. We have complete confidence in Quantinuum’s ability to continue to lead the quantum revolution and create long-term value for its investors and customers.”

Dr. Rajeeb Hazra, President & CEO of Quantinuum:
“We are proud to partner with investors who share deep conviction in our vision for the future of quantum and AI. With the continued support of our customers and supply chain partners, this new funding will further extend our leadership, accelerate our roadmap and strengthen the entire quantum ecosystem.”

Siemens Report Highlights Digitalization as Key to Decarbonizing Food and Beverage Sector

On the path to net zero, the food and beverage industry faces significant challenges, from a growing global population to limited resources. With the sector responsible for nearly 30% of global energy consumption, innovation and collaboration are critical to cutting its carbon footprint.

At Siemens, we believe in the power of technology to achieve decarbonization goals. Our research report Digital Transformation, Sustainable Returns shows that 63% of F&B professionals see strong potential in digital technologies to reduce resource use. Among emerging tools, artificial intelligence (AI) is expected to have the greatest impact over the next three years, followed by digital twin technology, advanced simulations, and automation.

Emirates Bustanica, one of the world’s largest vertical farms in Dubai, illustrates how digitalization transforms food production. Through integrated automation and smart infrastructure, the facility saves 250 million liters of water annually while producing over one million kilograms of pesticide-free food. SIMATIC automation and building management systems optimize lighting, CO₂ levels, and climate control, ensuring efficiency today while preparing for future AI-driven solutions.

In the drinks sector, Colorado-based Marble Distilling Co. used Siemens’ automation controller to increase efficiency by 75%. The distillery tripled production and cut costs by 20% through tighter controls and smarter energy management.

“The opportunities offered by digitalization are endless, and we must accelerate the pace at which we’re digitally transforming to achieve net zero on time,” Siemens stated. With 2030 fast approaching, every step of the F&B value chain—from farming and processing to packaging and transport—must embrace digital solutions to drive lasting change.

Record-breaking edition for SICUREZZA 2025

Growing, strengthening, and looking increasingly abroad: SICUREZZA 2025, scheduled at Fiera Milano from November 19 to 21, is preparing for a record-breaking edition. Already today, two months before opening, exhibition space is up by 18% compared to 2023, while international exhibitors have increased by 28%, reaching 31% of the total, with companies from 24 countries. This result demonstrates the international strength of the event and its ability to interpret the new frontiers of physical and digital protection.

Thanks to a strong and qualified exhibitor presence, visitors will be able to explore innovations and previews across all sectors – video surveillance, fire prevention, access control, passive security – while also gaining insights into the directions in which the industry is evolving. Among the Italian confirmations are companies such as Inim and Tecnoalarm, while on the international front, global players of the caliber of Notifier and Hikvision make their return. Numerous new entries also testify to the event’s growing appeal: among the Italian newcomers are Gams (Bettini) and Combivox; among the international, Assa Abloy and Carrier Fire & Security stand out.

With these premises, a renewed layout, and an increasingly experiential format, SICUREZZA 2025 reaffirms itself as a laboratory of innovation in the field of security & fire, where professionals, companies, and stakeholders can share visions, strategies, and practical solutions.

 

A WORLD OF TECHNOLOGIES, BETWEEN INTEGRATION, CYBERSECURITY, AND CUSTOMIZATION

Digitalization, the growing use of artificial intelligence, the affirmation of data-driven logic, and the urgency of 360° cyber-resilience are redefining the boundaries of security – a new perspective that will characterize much of the exhibition offering: new video surveillance and access control systems integrated with AI, predictive monitoring solutions, advancements in video content analytics, edge-cloud platforms for distributed security, and increasingly precise control. Central will be the theme of technology integration, enabling the management of increasingly complex systems that enhance safety and operational capacity, while at the same time making protection against cyber threats more urgent.

Also in the spotlight will be developments in fire & safety technologies, with new high-sensitivity fire detection systems, wireless smoke and gas detection systems, and platforms for remote control and predictive maintenance management. Drones, too, will not be missing: they have established themselves as indispensable tools for environmental monitoring and fire prevention – not merely technological gadgets, but true autonomous platforms capable of collecting, transmitting, and analyzing data in real time.

Finally, increasingly evident is the trend toward customization of solutions: companies no longer offer just products, but position themselves as consulting partners, capable of listening to client needs and designing tailor-made, modular systems.

THREE THEMATIC DAYS, ONE SINGLE GOAL: CREATING A SYSTEM

The 2025 edition will feature a new format structured around three thematic days, designed to meet the needs of different segments of the sector. The first day of the event, November 19, will be the Cyber Day. SICUREZZA will host meetings and events focused on the growing convergence of physical and digital threats, the strategic and cross-cutting role of cybersecurity, operational strategies to protect the value chain of the entire supply chain, and of course, the market impact of the new European directives NIS 2 and CER – fundamental pillars for ensuring resilience and protection of networks, IT systems, and essential services.

November 20 will be the Security Day. Discussions will center on technologies applied in high-risk real-world contexts – transport, finance, major events, cultural heritage – with integrated solutions for video surveillance, access control, intrusion prevention, behavioral AI, and system interoperability. The day will also delve into emerging professional roles required by the market, such as Travel Security Managers or Cultural Security Managers, who combine technological, organizational, and regulatory skills in their specific fields.

November 21 will be the Job in Security Day, dedicated to fostering connections between schools, technical institutes, and companies in the security sector.

In an increasingly competitive market, companies report a shortage of adequately trained professionals, while schools and technical institutes are called upon to provide students with up-to-date, realistic tools to guide them toward future careers. Hence the need to create concrete opportunities for dialogue to bridge the gap between education and the workplace. The EDU Project will address this challenge with targeted activities: company presentations, short interviews, workshops, and dialogue spaces between students, teachers, and businesses. The program is being developed in close collaboration with exhibitors and educational institutions: the listening and needs assessment phase has already begun, aimed at defining the required profiles and key skills. The day will offer a tangible opportunity for companies and schools to meet, focusing on the specific strengths of each, and creating the conditions for a constructive and realistic dialogue.

All SICUREZZA 2025 training events will take place in the Cyber & Security Arena, a multifunctional space hosting talks, case studies, demonstrations, and roundtables featuring experts, leading companies, public bodies, and trade associations. Complementing the training program will be the Security Talks organized by the Italian trade Associations AISS, AIPS, ANIE Sicurezza, and ConFederSicurezza, focusing on regulations, trends, and future scenarios, along with ASSIV podcasts offering insights into technology, training, public-private synergies, and innovation in the private security sector.

THE VALUE OF SYNERGIES

SICUREZZA 2025 will be part of MIBA – Milan International Building Alliance, the format in which it is held simultaneously with GEE – Global Elevator Exhibition, dedicated to vertical and horizontal mobility; MADE Expo, Italy’s leading event for the construction industry; and SMART BUILDING EXPO, the exhibition for home and building automation and technology integration. Thanks to the synergies created among these events, MIBA will transform Fiera Milano into an international hub of reference for topics concerning the evolution of buildings and cities.

European Commission Imposes Another Record Fine on Google Over Digital Advertising

The European Commission has imposed a new record fine of €2.95 billion on Google over what it described as unfair practices in digital advertising, marking the latest chapter in Brussels’ long-running battle with U.S. tech giants. Regulators argue that the company abused its dominance by favoring its own services at the expense of competitors, warning that forced divestitures of parts of Google’s business remain an option if the company fails to comply. EU Competition Commissioner Teresa Ribera stated that Google must present a credible solution to address conflicts of interest, stressing that the EU “will not hesitate to impose strong remedies.”

Google quickly announced plans to appeal, calling the decision excessive and harmful to European businesses that rely on its tools. “This ruling demands changes that will make it harder for thousands of companies across the EU to operate,” said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s Global Head of Regulatory Affairs.

The case has further heightened political tensions between Brussels and Washington. U.S. President Donald Trump denounced the fine as “discriminatory” and threatened retaliatory measures under the 1974 Trade Act, saying he would not tolerate what he described as attacks on “American ingenuity” and hinting at possible tariffs. This penalty, the fourth Google has faced in the past decade from the EU, follows years of investigation and complaints from publishing associations. It comes just days after a U.S. court rejected a request to break up Google, underscoring the sharp contrast between regulatory approaches on the two sides of the Atlantic.

Artificial Intelligence Could Face Strict Oversight, Warns OpenAI CEO

OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has warned that the world may be on the verge of a “fraud crisis” fueled by artificial intelligence. Speaking to U.S. media, Altman said AI has already defeated most traditional authentication methods, pointing to banks that still rely on voice recognition as a serious risk. He cautioned that criminals are increasingly able to use AI-generated voices and videos to impersonate people and carry out scams.

The FBI and U.S. officials have previously reported cases of AI voice cloning used to trick parents and even attempts to impersonate senior government leaders. Altman predicted that what begins with phone calls will soon escalate into video interactions indistinguishable from reality. “I am very nervous that we have an impending, significant fraud crisis,” Altman told the audience.

His remarks come as the White House prepares to release its “AI Action Plan,” a strategy for regulating artificial intelligence and ensuring U.S. leadership in the field. OpenAI has been active in Washington, confirming that it will open a new D.C. office early next year with about 30 employees. The office will serve as a hub for policy engagement, training programs, and research on AI’s economic impact.

Despite acknowledging the risks, OpenAI has urged the Trump administration to avoid regulations it says would weaken U.S. competitiveness against foreign AI rivals. On jobs, Altman said predictions about AI’s economic impact are uncertain, though he expects some jobs to vanish while new forms of work emerge. He suggested that in the distant future, many people may no longer hold “real jobs” but instead create roles to feel useful and maintain social value.

OpenAI also released a report by its chief economist comparing AI’s impact to transformative technologies such as electricity and the transistor. The report notes that ChatGPT now has around 500 million global users, with many young Americans turning to the tool for learning and upskilling.

Zenitel Announces New Center of Excellence in Hungary in Partnership with RIEL

Zenitel, a global leader in intelligent critical communication solutions, is proud to announce the launch of a new Zenitel Center of Excellence in Hungary for its Safety & Security BU, through a strategic partnership with RIEL Elektronikai Kft, a renowned provider of integrated security and communication solutions in the region.

With more than 30 years of continuous growth and innovation, RIEL has established itself as one of the largest value-added security distributors in Hungary and Central Europe. The company’s deep technical expertise in integrated added value security solutions, particularly in critical audio solutions, makes it an ideal partner for Zenitel’s regional expansion.

The new Center of Excellence will serve as a hub for customer engagement, technical training, solution demonstrations, and partner collaboration.

It aims to support clients across sectors such as critical infrastructure, healthcare, transportation, and industry—bringing Zenitel’s intelligent communication solutions closer to customers throughout Central and Eastern Europe.

“Establishing the Zenitel Center of Excellence in Hungary is a key step in strengthening our EMEA presence,” said Wim van Winghe, SVP EMEA at Zenitel. “RIEL’s long-standing commitment to quality, their exceptional technical capabilities—especially in audio—and their deep market knowledge, ensure that our customers in the region receive unparalleled service and support. We are excited to deepen this partnership and jointly drive innovation in secure and intelligent communications.”

Bàlint Farkas CEO of RIEL, commented: “We are honored to become Zenitel’s Center of Excellence in Hungary. Over the past 30 years, RIEL has built a strong reputation in audio and integrated security systems. This partnership is a recognition of our expertise and a major opportunity to bring even more value to our clients. Together with Zenitel, we look forward to shaping the future of critical communication in the region.“

The Zenitel Center of Excellence in Hungary is now fully operational and welcomes customers, partners, and stakeholders to explore the latest in intelligent audio and communication technologies.

About Zenitel: Zenitel is a leading provider of Intelligent Critical Communication Solutions, enabling everyone to hear, be heard and be understood, every time and everywhere. Zenitel’s Safety and Security business unit primary system offering is within Intercom, Public Address, Voice Alarm and IP speakers. We are recognized globally for offering state-of-the-art communication solutions that deliver the interoperability you need and the reliability you demand.
Learn more at https://www.zenitel.com/safety-and-security

ICT® and KONE Announce Integration of Protege GX with KONE Office Flow

Integrated Control Technology (ICT®), a leading provider of intelligent access control, intrusion detection, building automation, and security solutions, together with KONE, a pioneer in innovative people flow solutions, have announced the integration of ICT’s Protege GX system with KONE Office Flow. This powerful partnership delivers a unified elevator and access control platform designed to enhance operational efficiency, reduce administrative workload, and strengthen security in commercial buildings.

The synchronization of Protege GX with KONE Office Flow ensures user records are seamlessly integrated across both systems, creating a centralized and automated approach to building management. Access details such as elevator cars, floors, and control panels are populated within the Protege GX interface, enabling precise programming of access levels, schedules, expiration dates, and credentials. Key KONE features, including destination control and direct elevator call, are also supported, improving the flow of people in high-traffic environments.

The integration brings several significant benefits. Operations are streamlined by synchronizing user records and data between Protege GX and KONE Office Flow, eliminating the need to manage separate systems. Administrative workload is reduced, as redundancies are removed and staff can save valuable time while minimizing the risk of errors.

Security is enhanced with a single point of control for doors, turnstiles, and elevators, combined with synchronized access event tracking for comprehensive oversight.

End users also benefit from a simplified experience, with a seamless single-credential solution for both door and elevator access that delivers unmatched convenience. Advanced elevator management features add further value: destination control groups passengers traveling to the same floors into the same car, reducing lobby congestion, while direct elevator call automatically dispatches an elevator to a user’s assigned floor, saving time and simplifying movement through the building.

This integration addresses key challenges in modern commercial properties, including managing high traffic, ensuring robust security, and improving tenant satisfaction. The synchronized system reduces operational complexity for building managers while enabling smooth people flow during peak hours.

Sarah Thompson, Chief Product Officer at ICT, commented: “This collaboration with KONE is an exciting step forward in intelligent building management. By integrating Protege GX with KONE Office Flow, we’re delivering a solution that combines streamlined operations, heightened security, and a superior user experience. It’s the future of smarter, safer, and more connected buildings.”

Hytera Europe Launches New Website

Hytera Europe has unveiled its new website at www.hytera.com/eu, designed to deliver a more modern and streamlined online experience. The platform offers improved navigation, refreshed content, and comprehensive information about products and solutions tailored for the European market. The new design follows contemporary trends, with strong product visuals, clear headings, and interactive presentations of key device series.

The homepage highlights current promotions and campaigns, while the intuitive menu ensures quick access to product categories, industry solutions, and company updates.

A particular emphasis has been placed on vertical solutions – from public safety and oil & gas to business enterprises and education – making it easier for users to find information specific to their needs.

The news and events section features the latest updates on global summits, awards, and partnerships, strengthening transparency and communication with the market. The website is intended to serve as a central hub for the latest news, marketing materials, and customer resources, with an open invitation for visitors to share feedback that will help further enhance Hytera’s digital presence. The existing site, www.hytera-europe.com, will be automatically redirected to the new domain from September 15, and users are encouraged to update their bookmarks accordingly.

IDIS Video Analytics Power DeFacto’s Business Expansion

Fashion retailer DeFacto is one of the best-known and most successful clothing brands in Türkiye, with a program of rapid expansion since its launch in 2004. This expansion has seen new branches prosper in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Central and Southeast Asia – and advanced video analytics are playing a role in the company’s success, with a solution from IDIS and its integration partner Secom Türkiye.

With many new locations being added each year, DeFacto is making significant investments in the use of advanced technology to drive efficiency and a focus on providing positive customer experiences.

Video surveillance is a key technology for DeFacto, but the camera systems it previously used were proving to be an obstacle to innovation. To support its expansion mission, DeFacto needed a new video solution that would deliver powerful AI functionalities and enable improved, centralized control.

Understanding the value of video analytics

Understanding the value of AI analytics for business intelligence, as well as for loss prevention, DeFacto also sought a video technology that would be easy to integrate with its broader business information systems.

To support management decision-making, the company prioritized a more accurate and affordable solution for people counting, conversion rate measurement, and capture rate analysis. DeFacto turned to IDIS and its systems integration partner, Secom Türkiye, for a solution that would combine the latest capabilities with the most competitive lifecycle value (lowest TCO).

Phased migration to advanced functionality

A proof of concept (POC) demonstrated that IDIS 5MP Fisheye cameras can achieve complete scene coverage of DeFacto outlets, typically spanning over 3000 sqm, with fewer cameras. Reducing the number of cameras required significantly reduced costs, with less cabling, fewer switch ports, and minimized installation and maintenance time.

Following the POC, a phased migration program allowed the old system to continue in operation as the new system was rolled out store by store, with IDIS VMS providing a stable and user-friendly operating platform.

A mix-and-match VMS architecture ensured best value, while allowing flexible system control: IDIS Solution Suite (ISS), IDIS’s feature-rich enterprise VMS, provides advanced functions for management teams at DeFacto’s head office, while the free client software allows essential video functions to be handled at local stores and on regional managers’ laptops.

DeFacto adopted IDIS Smart Privacy Masks, not only for GDPR compliance but for internal security and fraud prevention. An advanced, video-based people counting solution, utilizing IDIS’s DV-1304 AI Box, replaced a leading brand using conventional technology across DeFacto’s stores, covering up to nine doors in each location.

IDIS’s AI-powered people counting analytics were shown to be significantly more accurate and far less expensive. IDIS configured a new web-based dashboard to make it easy for DeFacto’s senior management to utilize analytics data, including conversion rates and capture rates.

More accurate metrics support growth strategy

DeFacto now has accurate video analytics data around customer footfall, passing traffic, and customer engagement, as well as enhanced head office oversight of prevention and risk management. The company can now make more confident decisions about store performance and staffing and identify new areas for investment.

The IDIS solution has transformed DeFacto’s management control across its portfolio, utilizing dependable, forward-facing technology that provides a sustainable service lifespan and the best total cost of ownership (TCO) affordability. “IDIS video technology is uniquely suited to supporting DeFacto’s growth strategy,” says Erdoğan Tekin, Deputy General, Secom Türkiye. “This powerful, yet easy to install, solution helps retail chains reduce losses and risks, improve centralized control, and deliver valuable insights into store performance and trading conditions in each location.”

For more information, see the IDIS eBook: eBook_2025_IDIS_Retail_Biz_Intelligence

Aikom International at Adria Security Summit 2025: Showcasing Innovation in Security and Connectivity

Aikom International is proud to announce its participation in the Adria Security Summit 2025, taking place on October 8–9 at Hotel Aleksandar Palace in Skopje, North Macedonia. As a leading value-added distributor in the ICT and security sectors, Aikom International will be present at Booth 10, bringing a curated selection of cutting-edge technologies from its partner brands.

A Strategic Presence in the Adriatic-Balkan Region

The Adria Security Summit is one of the region’s most important gatherings for professionals in commercial security, cybersecurity, IoT, smart cities, and telecommunications. For Aikom International, this event represents a key opportunity to connect with system integrators, technology partners, and public sector stakeholders, fostering discussions on innovation, infrastructure resilience, and the future of smart and secure environments.

What to expect at Aikom Booth

At the Aikom International desk, visitors will have the opportunity to experience and test the latest WAVE PTX devices from Motorola Solutions, designed to ensure reliable, continuous and secure voice communication. Alongside these, the new MOTOTRBO R2 and R5 professional radios will also be available, built to meet the needs of mission-critical operations in demanding environments.

Great attention will also be given to the latest connectivity solutions from Cambium Networks and Teltonika Networks, which are engineered to deliver reliable, high-performance networking infrastructure, suitable for both industrial and public sector projects.

Another key highlight will be the SELEA ANPR camera, developed for automatic number plate recognition. This solution is ideal for urban security, access control, and traffic management projects, offering high accuracy, reliability and full compliance with privacy and data protection standards.

Lastly, attendees will be able to explore Townet’s solutions designed to enable video surveillance even in remote or hard-to-reach areas. These technologies are developed to support scenarios where security monitoring is required despite the absence of traditional infrastructure.

A Commitment to Value-Driven Distribution

Aikom International continues to distinguish itself as a strategic enabler of innovation for system integrators and ICT professionals across Europe. By partnering with top-tier brands and offering deep technical expertise, Aikom empowers its clients to design and implement high-performance, scalable, and secure projects in smart city development, critical infrastructure, and mobility.