TOKYO, Apr 9, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Environmental & Chemical Engineering Co., Ltd. (MHIEC), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has completed refurbishment of the core facilities of Eco Clean Plaza Miyazaki, a waste-to-energy plant in Miyazaki city in southern part of Kyushu. The refurbishment work, which was ordered in 2021, took place over a four-year span from FY2021 through FY2024. The refurbishment, enabling a waste treatment capacity of 579 tonnes per day (tpd), has extended the plant's service life and achieved reduction in CO2 emissions.Eco Clean Plaza Miyazaki encompasses facilities not only for waste incineration but also recycling and final waste management. It treats waste from Miyazaki city as well as nine nearby localities. The incineration facilities were designed and constructed by MHI and completed in October 2005. They incorporate three stoker type incinerators(Note1) each having a waste treatment capacity of 193 tpd, and related facilities. Power generation capacity using waste heat is 11,200 kW.Under the refurbishment work, upgrades have been made to major equipment superannuated after more than 15 years in operation, to achieve stable combustion and operation over the long term. Replacements include equipment involved in combustion, cooling of combustion gas, waste gas treatment, waste heat utilization, ventilation, and ash removal, as well as electrical instrumentation. Plant service life extension work was carried out adopting MHIEC's proprietary new combustion control system. Stable combustion has been realized with a lower air ratio(Note2) than previously.A CO2 reduction rate of 31.86%(Note3) was attained, significantly higher than the original 17.25% target. Factors contributing to the higher rate include: replacement to a feeder and boiler piping that enable higher durability responding to the low air ratio; increased power generation making efficient use of waste steam, achieved by changing to a low-temperature denitration catalyst; and the compound effects of adopting high-efficiency motors, converting to inverter type equipment, and optimization of plant equipment.The refurbishment work was difficult because it had to be undertaken amid continuing waste treatment, and because it coincided with the spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Nevertheless, work proceeded on schedule thanks to the further strengthening of coordination with all relevant counterparts and meticulous care exercised throughout, enabling the project to be successfully completed on time.MHIEC succeeded MHI's environmental protection business in 2008, taking over its accumulated technological development capabilities in environmental protection systems and abundant expertise in the construction, operation, and maintenance of waste management facilities both in Japan and overseas. Based on this robust track record, the company is well positioned to propose comprehensive solutions encompassing all aspects from plant construction to operation and maintenance. Going forward, the Company will continue proactively proposing solutions for extending the service life of existing waste treatment facilities, coping with global warming, and reducing maintenance, management and other lifecycle costs, to contribute to realization of a carbon neutral society.1A stoker furnace is the main type of waste-to-energy plant. Air is supplied from below a fire grate made of heat-resistant castings to propel the materials to be burned (waste, etc.).2Air ratio is calculated by dividing the real volume of air fed into the incinerator by the theoretical minimal amount of air necessary for waste combustion.3CO2 reduction rate based on the Ministry of the Environment's published material.Overview of Eco Clean Plaza Miyazaki Incineration PlantTreatment capacity579 tonnes per day (193 tpd x 3 units)Treatment methodIncineration (stoker type)Power generation capacity11,200 kWAbout MHI GroupMitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group is one of the world’s leading industrial groups, spanning energy, smart infrastructure, industrial machinery, aerospace and defense. MHI Group combines cutting-edge technology with deep experience to deliver innovative, integrated solutions that help to realize a carbon neutral world, improve the quality of life and ensure a safer world. For more information, please visit www.mhi.com or follow our insights and stories on spectra.mhi.com. Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

TOKYO, Apr 9, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (NEC; TSE: 6701) today announced that its face recognition technology was ranked the world’s most accurate in the most recent benchmark test (1) conducted by the globally recognized U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) (2).The latest Face Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) 1:N Identification report indicates that NEC’s system received the highest performance rating, with an authentication error rate of 0.07%, in the "1:N Identification" test (3) using still images of 12 million people. In addition, it also ranked first in two aging tests using images taken more than 10 and 12 years ago (4), and was ranked in the top two in all eight major FRTE 1:N Identification categories listed on the NIST website.The NIST-sponsored benchmark test for face recognition technology is a thorough and fair process in which the NIST impartially evaluates programs developed and submitted by each organization under identical conditions. It is widely considered to be one of the few tests that allow users who are considering the introduction of face recognition technology to centrally compare the performance of algorithms from various organizations around the world.Since its first participation in 2009, NEC has repeatedly been ranked first in the world in the 1:N authentication test, which requires higher accuracy than any other face recognition technology benchmark test sponsored by the NIST. Particularly, in the aging test, which uses images that are more than 10 years old, equivalent to the expiration date of a passport, NEC has won first place with overwhelming accuracy that is unrivaled by any other organization.Through continuous improvements to its core algorithms, NEC has expanded the scope of application of its face recognition technology to approximately 80 airports around the world, as well as transportation facilities, office buildings, factories, hotels, theme parks, hospitals, apartment buildings, stores, financial institutions, and local governments, and has developed face recognition business in more than 50 countries and regions worldwide. The use of this technology is not limited to access control, but includes a wide range of applications to improve customer experience and security, such as hospitality, monitoring, in-store payments, and procedures at ATMs.In the future, NEC will not only continue to focus on replacing physical identity verification methods and physical security, but will also accelerate the development and provision of solutions that can be adapted to new use cases in an ever-growing digital society.At the Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, which opens on April 13, 2025, NEC will provide a face recognition system for admission control for visitors who have purchased a full-year pass or summer pass, in addition to payments at stores in the venue (5), and will also provide a decentralized identity (DID)/verifiable credentials (VC) face recognition solution "NEC Digital Identity VCs Connect" for "null2," the signature pavilion produced by media artist Yoichi Ochiai (6).The DID/VC solution enables the creation of a "self-sovereign identity," where individuals manage their own information independently, reducing reliance on service providers and cloud vendors for digital data management. This will enable individuals to use digital services with greater peace of mind than ever before.NEC is thoroughly committed to following the NEC Group AI and Human Rights Principles (7) in its use of AI, biometric data, and other data, placing the highest priority on privacy and respect for human rights.NEC offers end-to-end digital transformation (DX) services, from strategy and concept consulting to implementation-focused offerings, based on the three pillars of business models, technology, and organization/talent. Additionally, in its shift from a traditional systems integrator to a "Value Driver," NEC restructured its value creation model under the name "NEC BluStellar"(8), which leverages NEC's cutting-edge technologies, developed and refined through years of experience and proven cross-industry expertise, aiming to transform business models, address social challenges, resolve management issues faced by customers, and lead them into a brighter future.(1) An evaluation of the accuracy of identification algorithms using a large dataset of over 10 million people. This global benchmark test involves top vendors from all over the world. www.nist.gov/programs-projects/face-recognition-vendor-test-frvt-ongoingResults shown from NIST do not constitute an endorsement of any particular system, product, service, or company by NIST.(2) NIST is a U.S. government agency established to strengthen technological innovation and industrial competitiveness.(3) The test involves identifying a user by comparing the face information on the authentication device with the face information of multiple people enrolled in a database.(4) As of March 18, 2025. The error rate is measured against a database for law enforcement agencies (called "Mugshot") with 12 million individuals enrolled and represents the false negative rate when the false positive rate is 0.3%. NEC’s algorithm also received the highest accuracy rating in three other tests, including a test that matched images taken more than 10 years ago with current images (the immigration database "Border 10+YRS"). Source: Face Recognition Technology Evaluation (FRTE) (NISTIR 8271 DRAFT SUPPLEMENT, 2025/03/18)(5) Press Release: "NEC Introduces Face Recognition System for Stores and Admissions at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan"www.nec.com/en/press/202405/global_20240523_02.html(6) Press Release: "NEC provides technical support for the "null2" Signature Pavilion at World Expo 2025"www.nec.com/en/press/202412/global_20241225_01.html(7) Press Release: "NEC Group AI and Human Rights Principles"www.nec.com/en/press/201904/global_20190402_01.html(8) NEC BluStellar is a value creation model that leverages NEC’s cutting-edge technologies, developed and refined through years of experience and proven cross-industry expertise. It aims to transform business models, address social challenges, resolve management issues faced by customers, and lead them into a brighter future.About NEC CorporationNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of “Orchestrating a brighter world.” NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential. For more information, visit NEC at www.nec.com.  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

GENEVA and TOKYO, Apr 8, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - SITA, the global leader in air transport technology and border management, and NEC Corporation (NEC), a global leader in biometric authentication technologies, have signed an agreement to accelerate the adoption of digital identity technology in the travel industry.Through this collaboration, NEC joins SITA’s Digital Travel Ecosystem, an open, interoperable framework that connects various systems for real-time digital identity verification. Developed in partnership with Indicio, SITA’s ecosystem eliminates the need for direct integrations between issuers and verifiers, simplifying adoption for airports, airlines and governments.At the core of the ecosystem is the Trust Network, which governs how digital credentials are shared securely around the world. Built with a privacy-by-design approach, it gives travelers control over their data, including when and with whom they share their credentials. Strong emphasis on data security and privacy means that personal information remains protected and in the hands of the traveler.With 28% of airlines and 43% of airports planning to implement biometric identity management solutions in the next 12 months (SITA Air Transport IT Insights 2024), demand for interoperable systems is growing. A lack of standardization has slowed widespread adoption, but the SITA-NEC collaboration addresses this challenge through a scalable framework for secure identity exchange."After years of investment, aviation and other travel stakeholders are now seeing the full potential of digital identities, and the industry is gearing up to scale," said Jeremy Springall, Senior Vice President of Borders at SITA. "With NEC’s biometric expertise and SITA’s industry-leading footprint of biometric touchpoints around the world, we’re well-positioned to accelerate the transformation of Digital Travel worldwide.""NEC brings more than 125 years of innovation and a global track record in trusted identity technologies," said Nanaumi Nagamine, Senior Director of the DID Department at NEC. "With SITA, we’ve delivered proven biometric solutions at airports around the world, creating secure and seamless travel experiences for thousands of passengers every day. This expanded collaboration will accelerate global adoption and set a new standard for trusted digital identity in travel."By addressing longstanding interoperability challenges, the SITA and NEC collaboration will increase the adoption of digital identities by passengers, helping the industry reduce bottlenecks, improve security, and enhance the passenger experience at every touchpoint.SITA photos available here: www.sita.aero/pressroom/image-gallery  and videos and infographics here: www.sita.aero/pressroom About SITASITA is the air transport industry's IT provider, delivering solutions for airlines, airports, aircraft and governments. Our technology powers more seamless, safe, secure and sustainable air travel.With around 2,500 customers, SITA’s solutions drive operational efficiencies at more than 1,000 airports while delivering the promise of the connected aircraft to customers of over 18,000 aircraft globally. SITA also provides technology solutions that help more than 70 governments strike the balance of secure borders and seamless travel. Its communications network connects every corner of the globe, and SITA bridges 45% of the air transport community’s data exchange.In 2023, the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) approved SITA’s near-term and long-term emission reduction targets. These science-based targets are pivotal in guiding the company’s climate actions to curtail greenhouse gas emissions effectively. SITA is also developing solutions to help the aviation industry meet its carbon reduction objectives, including reduced fuel burn and greater operational efficiencies.In 2024, SITA acquired Materna IPS, leader in passenger handling, to create the world’s most powerful passenger portfolio for airports and digital travel. SITA then acquired ASISTIM, to offer a fully-fledged airline flight Operations Control Center managed service. The company also launched SmartSea to give the maritime industry access to the same advanced technology that is transforming air travel. The launch comes as part of SITA’s expansion into cruise and rail, as well Urban Air Mobility, such as Vertiports.SITA is 100% owned by the industry and driven by its needs. It is one of the most internationally diverse companies, providing services in over 200 countries and territories.Go to www.sita.aero  for more information.About NECNEC Corporation has established itself as a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies while promoting the brand statement of "Orchestrating a brighter world." NEC enables businesses and communities to adapt to rapid changes taking place in both society and the market as it provides for the social values of safety, security, fairness and efficiency to promote a more sustainable world where everyone has the chance to reach their full potential.Further information on NEC can be found at: www.nec.com  Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.

Kawasaki and Shizuoka, Japan, Apr 9, 2025 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu Limited and Sonofai Inc., Ishida Tec Co., Ltd., and Tokai University today announced the launch of an automated inspection device that determines the fat content of frozen albacore tuna in a non-destructive manner. The device, which deploys Fujitsu’s AI technology, is being launched by Sonofai Inc., a Japanese startup dedicated to preserving artisanal techniques through digital innovation. Ishida Tec Co., Ltd., a manufacturer of food processing equipment, and Tokai University, which is driving innovation in the food processing industry also contributed to the collaboration. Sonofai will launch the newly developed inspection device SONOFAI T-01 in June 2025, initially targeting the seafood processing industry and fisheries cooperatives in Japan, before expanding globally. This effort comes against the backdrop of a sustained increase in demand for high-quality tuna around the world, with the Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency noting a 25% rise in the last 20 years (1).The SONOFAI T-01 leverages Fujitsu's ultrasound analysis AI technology, a core engine of the Fujitsu Kozuchi AI service, and is the first device of its kind that can determine the fat content of frozen tuna in a non-destructive manner. This enables automated, highly accurate fat content assessment without the need for human visual inspection. Conventional methods of assessment rely on skilled workers visually inspecting thawed cross-sections of the tail, which is a labor-intensive, time-consuming process, and prone to inconsistencies due to variations in individual judgment and a shortage of skilled personnel.The device allows for a complete inspection of the tuna in 12 seconds and can be operated by one person, offering potential labor and operational efficiency savings of up to 80%. By enabling rapid screening of large quantities of frozen tuna, the device reduces the burden on skilled workers, significantly improves the efficiency of the selection process, and contributes to reducing costs and addressing labor shortages. It also allows for greater accuracy and reduces the opportunity cost of mislabeling the high-value, fatty "bintoro" portions of the fish.The device was trialed at Toyo Reizo Co., Ltd. in 2024, Kato Tokuhiro, Executive Officer comments:“Tuna, gathered from fishing grounds around the world over approximately a year by deep-sea longline fishing vessels, is landed, sorted, and distributed nationwide at Shimizu Port in Shizuoka Prefecture. Each day, skilled professionals assess the quality of over 1,000 tuna, sorting them within seconds while maintaining their frozen state, before transporting them to ultra-low-temperature storage facilities (below -50°C). Before shipment, the tail-cut grading process is conducted by expert assessors, who examine the cross-section of the tuna’s tail to determine its quality. Based on this assessment, the tuna is shipped to respective customers. The newly developed technology is a groundbreaking innovation that enables precise assessment of internal fat content during the tail-cut grading process, addressing existing challenges in the industry. Looking ahead, we will continue to engage in initiatives that involve regional collaboration, industry-academia partnerships, and startups, striving to solve challenges in the fisheries industry through innovation.”Fujitsu and Tokai University, which is known for its research into tuna flavor, began the joint research project in April 2022 to develop ultrasound analysis AI technology. In December 2023, validation tests on albacore tuna demonstrated that the AI technology could determine fat content with a higher accuracy rate than tail-cut selection. To commercialize this research, Ishida Tec developed automated inspection equipment optimized for ultrasound analysis AI, and Sonofai incorporated the ultrasound analysis AI technology licensed and technically supported by Fujitsu into the SONOFAI T-01 device.Sonofai plans to add a range of functions, including the ability to determine freshness, firmness, etc., and expand the range of compatible fish species. In the future, the company aims to contribute to the management of aquatic resources by enabling the device to measure body length and weight for all inspected fish. Furthermore, by utilizing the device within Ishida Tec's planned system for sorting and evaluating the quality of frozen skipjack tuna immediately after landing, it will be possible to perform instantaneous quality-based sorting at large fishing ports, contributing to significant labor savings and increased added value.The device was developed with a subsidy from the Marine Open Innovation Project (MaOI Project) which is being promoted by Shizuoka Prefecture.Yasutomo Suzuki, Governor of Shizuoka comments:"The fishing industry is a cornerstone of Shizuoka Prefecture’s economy, and its enduring health is paramount. This device offers the potential to revitalize the industry by supporting the discovery of previously overlooked high-quality tuna and enabling the development of valuable marine products. In addition, automating the selection process will reduce the burden of securing personnel and contribute to the sustainability fisheries. Shizuoka Prefecture will continue to work with businesses to create and share new value on a global scale."(1) Source: Japan Fisheries Research and Education Agency report (Japanese Only)About FujitsuFujitsu’s purpose is to make the world more sustainable by building trust in society through innovation. As the digital transformation partner of choice for customers in over 100 countries, our 124,000 employees work to resolve some of the greatest challenges facing humanity. Our range of services and solutions draw on five key technologies: Computing, Networks, AI, Data & Security, and Converging Technologies, which we bring together to deliver sustainability transformation. Fujitsu Limited (TSE:6702) reported consolidated revenues of 3.7 trillion yen (US$28 billion) for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 and remains the top digital services company in Japan by market share. Find out more: www.fujitsu.com.About Sonofai Inc.Sonofai Inc. is a startup based in Shizuoka, Japan, dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship through the power of digital innovation. The company specializes in non-destructive inspection systems powered by ultrasonic AI analysis, providing advanced solutions for the food processing, fisheries, and agriculture industries. By combining hardware and software expertise, Sonofai delivers cutting-edge technology from regional Japan to the global stage, contributing to more sustainable and efficient production systems. Learn more: www.sonofai.co.jpAbout Ishida Tec Co., Ltd.Ishida Tec Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yaizu, Shizuoka, is a custom equipment manufacturer specializing in automation solutions for the food and pharmaceutical industries. Since its founding in 1948, the company has been dedicated to designing and building robust, precise, and user-friendly machinery that addresses challenges on the production floor. Leveraging cutting-edge technologies including AI and ultrasonic inspection, Ishida Tec drives innovation in manufacturing processes and supports sustainability across the value chain. Learn more: www.ishida-tec.co.jpAbout Tokai UniversityTokai University was founded in 1942. With an educational philosophy of "integrating the arts and sciences," Tokai University aims to nurture talented individuals with broad perspectives and flexible imagination, without focusing too much on knowledge. Learn more: https://www.u-tokai.ac.jp/Press ContactsFujitsu LimitedPublic and Investor Relations DivisionInquiriesSonofai Inc.E-mail: contact@sonofai.co.jpIshida Tec Co., Ltd.Phone: 054-628-6161E-mail: info@ishida-tec.co.jpTokai UniversityKeiichi Goto, Department of Marine Science, School of Marine Science and TechnologyPhone: 054-337-0144E-mail: kgoto@tokai.ac.jp Copyright 2025 JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com.