Lei Jun Unveils Xiaomi Pilot Technology

Xiaomi Group officially revealed the development status of Xiaomi Pilot Technology, in the first R&D and staffing update since announcing its entry into the smart electric vehicle segment in March 2021, 500 days ago. Xiaomi plans to invest RMB 3.3 billion in the first R&D phase of its autonomous driving technology, and has established a sizable R&D team of more than 500 world-class professionals. A series of valuable acquisitions and strategic investments in upstream and downstream enterprises have also allowed Xiaomi to steadily build out its mid-to-long-term industrial capabilities in the field of autonomous driving.

During today's press conference, Xiaomi also released a live road test video of its autonomous driving technology, demonstrating its advanced algorithms and capability to handle a comprehensive list of scenarios.

"Xiaomi's autonomous driving technology adopts a self-developed full stack approach, and the project has made progress beyond expectations," said Lei Jun, founder, chairman and CEO of Xiaomi Group.

First R&D phase investment planned at RMB 3.3 billion, talent recruiting, and industry-wide deployment

Since announcing its entry into the smart electric vehicle industry, Xiaomi has remained committed to enter the field of autonomous driving. The company's zero to one breakthrough has been enabled through heavy resource allocation to R&D, selective hiring of the industry's best talents, and investment in upstream and downstream enterprises.

As revealed by Lei Jun, Xiaomi plans to invest RMB 3.3 billion in the first R&D phase of its autonomous driving technology, and the size of the dedicated team now exceeds 500. By the end of the year, the team is expected to continue to grow to more than 600 members.

Since official establishment last year, Xiaomi's autonomous driving team has attracted many top industry professionals. Currently, the 500 member department incorporates 50 industry experts who form the backbone of the team, and an exceptional education background team wide, with over 70% holding master's or doctorate degrees. Core members of the team have experience working for some of the most celebrated companies in the field of AI. Their professional expertise covers all areas necessary to develop Xiaomi's self-developed autonomous driving technology, including: sensors, chips, algorithms, simulation, tool-chain, data platform, and more.

Xiaomi has wholly acquired autonomous driving startup Shendong Technology, in order to enhance its autonomous driving technological expertise and talent pool. In addition, Xiaomi is also committed to building its mid-to-long-term strategic industrial capabilities by investing RMB2 billion in more than ten upstream and downstream enterprises in the autonomous driving field. These enterprises cover a variety of categories, such as core sensors, core actuators, domain controllers, and more.

Self-developed algorithm, aiming to become an industry leader in the smart EV industry in 2024

Xiaomi adopts a self-developed full stack approach to autonomous driving technology, covering all core areas, such as hardware and software development, perception and positioning, and focuses on full-scale proprietary solutions to enable complete closed-loop data capabilities. This approach allows autonomous driving algorithms to be quickly iterated based on user needs.

In a demonstration video, Xiaomi's test vehicle showcased accurate, safe and intelligent assisted driving in multiple scenarios including U-turns, roundabouts, and continuous downhill driving.

With an emphasis on parking, Xiaomi's autonomous driving team announced an innovative auto-parking solution that covers scenarios such as "reserved parking spaces", "autonomous valet parking", and "automatic robotic arm charging". In the future, other parking lot services will be made available, and, in order to comply with relevant national laws and regulations, a mix of AI and service-oriented features will be added.

Lei Jun also mentioned that Xiaomi plans to create a fleet of 140 test vehicles in the first phase of its autonomous driving technology development. They will be tested individually nationwide, with an aim of becoming an industry leader in the smart EV industry in 2024.

Apart from utilizing internal resources, Xiaomi Auto team also receives strong support from multiple other teams within Xiaomi, such as the Xiaomi AI Lab, XiaoAi AI Assistant team, and Smartphone Camera team to jointly create a cutting-edge autonomous driving experience.

In just over a year, Xiaomi's autonomous driving technology has achieved a real 0 to 1 breakthrough, and has become a new force attracting considerable attention in the industry.

Behind-the-Scene of HONOR's New Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park

HONOR , a leading global provider of smart devices which recently confirmed its comeback to the Philippines last August 9, 2022, revealed the proprietary technology behind its smartphones, laptops, wearables, and routers made exclusively in the HONOR Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park. The highly-secured facility is the brand's first self-funded factory. Demonstrating excellence, it’s the brand's commitment to delivering cutting-edge innovation as testament to HONOR’s capability to manufacture high-quality premium products at scale.

HONOR Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park

“The opening of the HONOR Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park was a significant milestone of our success in integrating our R&D capabilities into our manufacturing processes. The consolidation allows us to better harness our expertise across both fields,” said George Zhao, CEO of HONOR Device Co, Ltd. “In addition to bolstering our manufacturing capacities, the smart manufacturing facility houses world-class production, testing and quality control equipment that ensures our premium products live up to our customers’ high expectations.”

Seamless Integration between R&D and Manufacturing

The HONOR Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park is the brand’s first self-funded factory. Equipped with cutting-edge manufacturing and testing facilities to support every aspect of smartphone manufacturing, the Park is integral to assuring the quality of the brand’s premium offerings. With 20 percent of the staff working in the Park being R&D personnel, HONOR weaves its R&D resources into the Park’s core capabilities, maximizing the synergy between the two and enabling manufacturing technology to keep pace with innovation.

​​Managing End-to-End Quality Control with the Power of Automation and Intelligence

Automation reduces the variation and defects caused by human errors resulting in greater consistency in quality. HONOR’s Intelligent Manufacturing Industrial Park is equipped with industry-leading high precision automatic manufacturing technology, including an automatic precision assembly machine (for installing the 89° Super Curved Display used in HONOR smartphones) that can achieve assembly precision of up to 75 microns (about a hair’s diameter). The automatic battery assembly equipment adopts high-precision optical detection which can detect foreign bodies (as small as up to 40 microns) and monitor real-time pressure, ensuring safety of batteries produced and reducing safety risks caused by manual work. Seventy-five percent of the production line is completed using automation, of which more than 40 percent was developed by HONOR’s own Research & Development team. HONOR’s automated production line enables one smartphone to leave the line every 28.5 seconds (cycle time).

Quality control is ensured from the manufacturing to testing phase through the close monitoring of every step of the assembly line. When an anomaly is detected, an alert is triggered followed by timely correction of the issue. While the common industry practice is to separate assembly and burn-in testing (offline aging process), HONOR uses an online aging process where assembly and burn-in testing are done in one process. HONOR’s process consists of over 150 prediction tests that quickly detect quality issues and shortens the turnover and testing period.

HONOR has adopted the “manufacturing supermarket" concept to build a lean and intelligent material distribution system. The real-time demand of the production line is linked to the intelligent selection of off shelf components. As a result, colleagues can manage a rapid error-free process of material selection that is then automatically delivered to the production station by Automated Guided Vehicles (AGV) across floors and inventory areas. After product packaging is completed, the AGV’s intelligent scheduling system automatically picks up the products.

Three Pillars of Manufacturing Excellence

Automation, digitalization, and intelligent technology serve as the cornerstones underpinning the Park’s core manufacturing capabilities. The Park operates with 75 percent of its production line automated, minimizing the risk of human error. Additionally, more than 40 percent of the automated production equipment is developed in-house, which serves as further evidence of the tight integration between R&D and manufacturing capabilities at the Park.

All key equipment in the production facility supports digital control systems, allowing HONOR to better manage the entire production line and reap better efficiency as well as improve product quality.

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About HONOR

HONOR is a leading global provider of smart devices. It is dedicated to becoming a global iconic technology brand and creating a new intelligent world for everyone through its powerful products and services. With an unwavering focus on R&D, it is committed to developing technology that empowers people around the globe to go beyond, giving them the freedom to achieve and do more. Offering a range of high-quality smartphones, tablets, laptops and wearables to suit every budget, HONOR’s portfolio of innovative, premium and reliable products enable people to become a better version of themselves.

For more information, please visit the HONOR Philippines Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HonorPhilippines

Xiaomi Unveils CyberOne — Humanoid Robot Exploring Frontiers of Connected Living

Beijing, CHINA – CyberOne, Xiaomi's first humanoid robot, debuted at the company's new product launch event in Beijing on August 11, alongside other innovative products.

As the newest member of Xiaomi's Cyber series, joining last year's quadruped robot Cyberdog, CyberOne is fitted with advanced arms and legs, supports bipedal-motion posture balancing, and reaches a peak torque of up to 300Nm. Also demonstrated was the ability to detect human emotion, advanced vision capabilities, and functionality allowing it to create three-dimensional virtual reconstructions of the real world, alongside a host of other advanced technologies.

New self-developed breakthroughs in Xiaomi Technology Ecosphere

"CyberOne's AI and mechanical capabilities are all self-developed by Xiaomi Robotics Lab. We have invested heavily in R&D spanning various areas, including software, hardware, and algorithms innovation," says Lei Jun, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Xiaomi Group.

"With AI at its core and a full-size humanoid frame as its vessel, this is an exploration of possibilities of Xiaomi's future technological ecosystem and a new breakthrough for the company."

CyberOne is a humanoid robot measuring 177cm in height and 52kg by weight, with an arm span of 168cm. Compared to a quadruped robot, this humanoid robot is more mechanically complex, requiring more powerful motors, more degrees of freedom, and complex humanoid biped control algorithms. CyberOne supports up to 21 degrees of freedom in motion and achieves a real-time response speed of 0.5ms for each degree of freedom, which allows it to fully simulate human movements.

A robot's motion performance is dependent on the performance of each joint motor. The technological requirement for building such motors is extremely high as it is necessary to generate more kinetic energy without increasing the size of components. In order to ensure the flexibility of CyberOne's upper limbs, Xiaomi has developed a high-efficiency motor weighing only 500g with a rated output torque of up to 30Nm for the upper limb joint motor. The hip joint motor is similarly capable of an instantaneous peak torque of up to 300Nm. Thanks to the self-developed humanoid bipedal control algorithm, CyberOne's walking posture has been programmed to be both natural and stable. On top of that, CyberOne is capable of holding up to 1.5kg in weight with a single hand and programming by demonstration. Altogether, CyberOne is a humanoid robot with well-developed coordination and exceptional motion capabilities.

Humanoid robots rely on vision to process their surroundings. Equipped with a self-developed Mi-Sense depth vision module and combined with an AI interaction algorithm, CyberOne is capable of perceiving 3D space, as well as recognizing individuals, gestures, and expressions, allowing it to not only see but to process its environment. In order to communicate with the world, CyberOne is equipped with a self-developed MiAI environment semantics recognition engine and a MiAI vocal emotion identification engine, enabling it to recognize 85 types of environmental sounds and 45 classifications of human emotion. CyberOne is able to detect happiness, and even comfort the user in times of sadness. All of these features are integrated into CyberOne's processing units, which are paired with a curved OLED module to display real-time interactive information.

Keep exploring, and bring robots into people's lives

Robotics is considered the "crown jewel of manufacturing" with humanoid robots being the ultimate goal for many across the industry. Compared with industrial robots that are valued for their specialized mechanical capabilities, the main challenge in building humanoid robots is to perfectly simulate human processes of perception, cognition, decision-making, and execution under various scenarios. Interestingly, a large number of new technologies that have emerged in the process of trying to solve this challenge have already been serving the general public in positive ways.

The development of CyberOne is a symbol of Xiaomi's dedication to incubate a technological ecosystem centered in a single point, and connect it with the world in ways never seen before. Spanning from smartphones, wearable devices and smart homes, to smart manufacturing, smart electric vehicle and bionic robots, Xiaomi has been constantly exploring and extending its innovations in various scenarios so as to better connect people and the world, eventually building an ever-evolving Xiaomi Technology Ecosphere.

Lei Jun notes that humanoid bionic robots require the highest degree of technical integration and present the largest challenge in the field of intelligent robotics. Xiaomi is making its first steps in the field, and CyberOne is constantly adding new capabilities. "We think that intelligent robots will definitely be a part of people's lives in the future," said Lei Jun.

CyberOne's research and development process combined cutting-edge technologies from a variety of sectors, including bionic perception and cognition, biomechatronics, artificial intelligence, big data and cloud computing, and visual navigation. These technological breakthroughs are also expected to give birth to more application scenarios in other fields, such as industrial robots with improved mechanical performance, companion robots with emotion recognition, and public service robots powered by big data and cloud computing. CyberOne's technology will also be applied to more and more Xiaomi products in the future.

KonsultaMD, Watsons partner for FREE 24/7 quality consumer healthcare

Leading telemedicine service platform KonsultaMD and leading health and beauty store chain Watsons Philippines have partnered to give FREE healthcare to Filipinos nationwide.

Aside from being a one-stop-shop for personal and medical needs, Watsons Philippines now provides FREE 24/7 unlimited doctor consultations to its customers via KonsultaMD for a minimum purchase of P500.

For KonsultaMD members, Watsons offers FREE delivery for at least P1,000 worth of purchase from their official website www.watsons.com.ph or via the Watsons mobile app, which can be downloaded on Google Play, AppStore, and AppGallery.

“The partnership between KonsultaMD and Watsons provides customers a very convenient way to access doctor consultation and pharmacy service online. We look forward to a seamless customer experience between our digital platforms.” said Joseph Soliman, Health Business Development Controller of Watsons.

The free KonsultaMD health plan can be enjoyed by up to five family members for one month. They can talk to a licensed general physician anytime via voice, or video call, with no appointment needed

Aside from primary medical advice, KonsultaMD members can receive general health information and interpretation of laboratory results and diagnostic examinations.

Moreover, they can have access to important medical documents such as e-prescriptions, e-laboratory requests, and e-medical certificates at the doctor’s discretion.

“We are excited over this partnership with Watsons since we want healthcare to be accessible to as many Filipinos as possible. Now, we can provide health coverage to many families by just shopping at Watsons,” said Cholo Tagaysay, KonsultaMD Chief Executive Officer.

KonsultaMD is working to make healthcare available to everyone, everywhere all the time by collaborating with retailers such as drugstores, convenience stores, and other establishments nationwide.

Download the KonsultaMD app on Google Play, AppStore, and AppGallery. Know more about the partnership by visiting https://use.konsulta.md/watsons.

Special Deals and Freebies Await Nokia mobile Fans this Rainy Season

 

Making the cloudy days brighter, HMD Global, the home of Nokia phones, announces deals and promos for fans to enjoy this wet season. Selected Nokia smartphones and tablet come with awesome discounts and bundled with classic, limited-edition branded umbrellas and hoodies that are perfect for the weather.

From July 29 until September 30, customers can save up to Php 1,000 off of Nokia smartphones, get amazing freebies and bundles:

• Experience a full-day battery life, big and crystal-clear HD+ screen with the Nokia C10. Get over 10 percent off with the Nokia C10 1GB RAM and 32GB storage, now available for only Php 3,090 from its original price of Php 3,590. From its original price of Php3,990, the Nokia C10 in 2GB RAM and 32GB configuration, has a 5 percent slash off for a discounted price of Php 3,790.
• Enjoy legacy durability wrapped in a stylish and sturdy exterior and all-day battery life of the Nokia C21. With 2GB RAM and 32GB memory in Dark Blue and Dark Grey colour variant receives a Php 500 off discount, from its regular price of Php 5,490, now at Php 4,990.
• Grab the Nokia G50 that boasts two-day battery life 18W fast-charging technology and   49MP triple lens camera with AI smarts for as low as Php 12,990, a whopping Php 1,000 off from its original price of Php 13,990. You can also get a limited-edition Hoodie for every purchase of the smartphone.
• Three Nokia smartphones – Nokia C2 2nd edition, Nokia C30 and Nokia G21 come with an umbrella freebie.
• The Nokia C2 2nd edition offers optimal storage that makes it easier for users to customize the device and make it their own. It is available in 2GB RAM and 32GB configuration in grey colour variant for Php 4,790.
• Enjoy watching vibrant videos with Nokia C30’s huge 6.82-inch HD+ screen and supersized 6000mAh battery that gives users enough energy for up to three days on a single charge. Get this device with 3GB RAM and 64GB memory in green colour variant for Php 6,690.
• Fans can capture exciting moments with the newest member of the G-series, Nokia G21, with its 50MP triple-lens camera to create professional-looking photographs. Available in 6GB RAM and 128GB storage in Nordic blue (navy) colour variant at Php 9,990.
• An extended offer from HMD Global’s latest tablet, fans can get the Nokia T20 with the new Nokia Wired Headphones bundled for Php 10,990. The Nokia T20 that has optimum durability and powerful 8200mAh battery for non-stop web-surfing can be perfectly paired with the Nokia Wired Headphones that supports users with pumping bass and powerful sound through the accessory's lightweight foldable design and comfortable cushions.

Relax amid the rainy days

Staying at home for safety during the wet season can be spent in relaxation. Enjoying one’s family or me-time with the Nokia C10 hits the spot, with its big crystal-clear HD+ screen for binge watching favourite shows, Youtube and TikTok videos.

It comes with Android^TM 11 (Go Edition) software to keep data safe and the phone running smoothly as one spends their recreational activities virtually.

Stay productive at home

Let the rain pour while you work using the newest family member of the C-series – Nokia C21. The Nokia C21 boasts a streamlined operating system on a higher memory smartphone with a multi-core processor that brings efficiencies without sacrificing the signature all-day battery life – download at speed and enjoy fast app opening times, for an even snappier, more productive experience.

The Nokia C21 also comes with AI-powered ​face unlock and now supported by fingerprint sensor for extra security and convenience. This way, users can be assured that every file on their phone is safe.

Explore creativity indoors

Staying indoors can be an opportunity to create amazing content with the Nokia G50. The smartphone’s impressive 49MP triple lens camera with AI smarts can capture life’s precious moments anywhere and anytime.

Taking a video with Nokia G50 will also give users a good result, thanks to the video stabilization technology that ensures steady frame shots.

Maintain peace of mind with the family

For a carefree family time with the young ones indoors, the Nokia C2 2^nd Edition gives users peace of mind, being a super-tough smartphone thanks to its durable inner metal chassis. The smartphone is designed to withstand the rough-and-tumble of everyday activities.

An accessible smartphone to amplify one’s selfie-game at home while the rain is pouring outside, the Nokia’s C2 2nd Edition’s front and rear camera can give users good quality photos even in low light settings while indoors. 

Worry no more with online class and meetings

The weather may push everyone to do their daily tasks and activities remotely at home. The Nokia C30 has fans covered with its huge 6.82-inch HD+ display that they can maximize for working or studying from home, navigating online meetings and presentations with ease. Study and work breaks now made more meaningful with some well-earned catching up on online video series with its massive display.

Hardworking individuals require a battery that can keep up. The Nokia C30 sports a supersized 6000mAh battery giving users enough energy for up to three days on a single charge. One can upskill, stream and connect to those that matter most to them, worry free.

Last longer for emergencies

Power outages are inevitable during this time of the year, due to the heavy rains and strong winds. Good thing the new Nokia G21 has an unmatched three-day battery life that users can rely on, even on a full weekend without a charger. Fans can turn on the all-new bespoke Super Battery Saver mode to make the phone last even longer – available exclusively on selected Nokia phones.

Users can even choose where exactly the energy savings are made, so they can still access key features that are needed. When the time to fuel up arrives, its 18W fast charging ensures users won’t have to wait long to get going again. 

Make every moment memorable with the family

Making indoor moments with the family more memorable and productive has never been this easy. The Nokia T20 tablet brings the same quality you’d expect from a Nokia phone to a much bigger screen, all members of the family can enjoy its innovative and accessible features. This includes a crystal clear 2K screen together with its stunning sound quality, from which users can catch every detail when it matters most to enjoy a truly immersive listening experience.

Nokia smartphones offer great storage and battery life right out of the box and come with years of monthly security updates. Giving every user the freedom to browse, shop and bank safely online without worries. The Nokia C-series – Nokia C30, Nokia C2 2nd edition, Nokia C10 and Nokia C21 can receive two years of regular security updates, while the Nokia G-series – Nokia G50 and Nokia G21, and the Nokia T20 Tablet come with three years monthly security updates.

Customers can avail these special deals and freebies in all Nokia mobile physical stores and kiosks nationwide and online at Shopee, Lazada, Mxmemoexpress.com, Zalora and all authorised resellers. All promos above are not in conjunction with other promos unless stated otherwise.