Monthly Archives: September 2021

X-Bots Robotics To Launch Expansion Of STEM Program With Santa Clarita Boys And Girls Club – KHTS Radio

Posted: September 12, 2021 at 9:39 am

Coming to Santa Clarita this Saturday, X-Robotics Inc. is expected to be launching a pilot expansion of their partnered program with the PPG Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club (BGC).

The X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program presented by PPG is expanding its reach to Santa Clarita on Sept. 11 in remembrance of the 20th anniversary of the tragic terror attacks that took place in 2001.

This event is scheduled to take place at Santa Clarita Valley Boys and Girls Club on Sept. 11 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Santa Clarita Valley B&G is one of six sites in California where this pilot expansion is set to happen.

X-Bots Robotics, PPG Foundation and Boys and Girls Club will join together to create a unique opportunity to engage in hands-on technical engineering programming that not only develops students leadership skills and inspires them to pursue a career in STEM, but also serves local families on September 11th, through the generous support of the PPG Foundation. we will launch a pilot expansion of the X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program across six Boys & Girls Club sites in California to assist families who have toddlers with mobility issues, said Elisa Avila, executive director of X-Bots Robotics Inc.

This combo of science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) extracurricular program gives students an opportunity to partner in a robotics team with their local BGC and together create specially designed physical therapy cars for limited-mobility toddlers with cerebral disorders.

This program enables students to explore hobbies and careers in the STEM arena while also giving back to their friends, family and neighbors in their communities, according to officials.

The pilot expansion is set to launch at the following BGC sites in California: BGC of Whittier | Pico Rivera, BGC of Cathedral City, BGC of Fontana, BGC of Malibu, BGC of Santa Monica and Santa Clarita Valley BGC.

Each of the listed BGC locations are expected to in partnership host one X-Bots Robotics Mobility workshop. This is intended to enable the student participants to use problem-solving skills, peer-to-peer collaboration, improving engineering skills, all while bringing joy to limited mobility children and their families.

At PPG, we know that education sits at the helm of the innovation that will shape our world for generations to come. Through this partnership, our aim is to open future opportunities to both the students who will find and explore their passions in STEM fields and families in needThe X-Bots Robotics program reinforces this by encouraging future engineers and scientists to experience the joy of experimentation and discovery and by demonstrating the immediate impacts both community service and STEM concepts make in the lives of others, said Malesia Dunn, executive director of PPG Foundation and Corporate Global Social Responsibility.

To learn more about the X-Bots Robotics Mobility Program, click here.

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Are Bots and Robots the Answer to Worker Shortages? – Government Technology

Posted: at 9:39 am

Earlier this year Axios wrote about the digital bots coming for office jobs:

Software bots are getting smarter and more capable, enabling them to automate much of the work carried out in offices.Why it matters: Bots can make digital work more efficient by taking on onerous and repetitive white-collar tasks, but the better they get, the more competition they pose to skilled workers who might have thought themselves exempt from the job-disrupting effects of automation.How it works: Think of bots as robotic assistants, acting in the background to simplify and streamline some of the less exciting but necessary aspects of digital work: scheduling meetings, approving expense requests, and probably somewhere, submitting TPS reports in triplicate, 'Office Space'-style.

The article goes on to suggest that the forced shift to remote work during the pandemic only accelerated the bot-using trend, and in a survey by Deloitte last year, 73 percent of global executives reported their company was investing in intelligent automation, up from 58 percent in 2019.

What really grabbed my attention in the past month were the headlines describing the growing use of robots with more to come. No, we are nowhere near the Jetsons yet, but we need to start somewhere.

Consider these articles:

When the Dallas, Texas, restaurant La Duni found itself short-staffed, co-owner Taco Borga turned to the future: He hired robots to be servers.

"Borga told the newspaper that while he brought the bots into his eatery out of necessity due to workers not returning post-pandemic, he said they also offer savings. Each robot costs him $8 to $10 a day, Borga said. They are used in the place of one hostess and two food runners, which he said he would normally pay at least $10 an hour each.

Yahoo News: Do we need humans for that job? Automation booms after COVID

Ask for a roast beef sandwich at an Arbys drive-thru east of Los Angeles and you may be talking to Tori an artificially intelligent voice assistant that will take your order and send it to the line cooks.

'It doesnt call sick,' says Amir Siddiqi, whose family installed the AI voice at its Arbys franchise this year in Ontario, California. 'It doesnt get corona. And the reliability of it is great.'

"The pandemic didnt just threaten Americans health when it slammed the U.S. in 2020 it may also have posed a long-term threat to many of their jobs. Faced with worker shortages and higher labor costs, companies are starting to automate service sector jobs that economists once considered safe, assuming that machines couldnt easily provide the human contact they believed customers would demand.

CNN: More than 50 robots are working at Singapore's high-tech hospital

In Singapore's Changi General Hospital, there's a chance your surgeon won't have a heart. The cleaners might not have lungs, and the physiotherapist could be completely brainless.

"That's because at Changi General Hospital (CGH), more than 50 members of staff are robots.

"From performing surgery to carrying out administrative work, robots have become an integral part of the 1,000-bed hospital's workforce, says Selina Seah, director for the Centre for Healthcare Assistive and Robotics Technology (CHART), which works with CGH to find high-tech solutions for problems in healthcare.

One more, from ScienceDaily: These robots can move your couch

Engineers have developed robots that can work independently and cooperatively to move unwieldy objects like a couch. In simulations, the robots were successful even when tasked to move an object in new, unfamiliar scenarios.

Indeed, I wrote an article back in August 2014, proclaiming that Robots Are Coming: Even to the Cloud.

However, the stakes and opportunities are growing, with the likes of Elon Musk jumping on board the robot bus. Back in August, the Tesla Robot was announced, albeit delivery of working robots was still years away.

CNBC reported, The XPeng founder predicts that all automakers will become both car makers and robotics companies, a process he says could take 10 to 30 years. XPeng is looking at robots as a transportation tool 'in a low-speed and random environment.'"

Crashes and fatalities associated with Tesla's Autopilot mode the latest having to do with the algorithms struggling to recognize parked emergency vehicles are calling into question the wisdom of releasing the tech into the wild so soon.

"This track record doesn't bode well for human-like robots that rely on the same technology. Yet this isn't just a case of getting the technology right.

"Tesla's Autopilot glitches are exacerbated by human behavior. For example, some Tesla drivers have treated their tech-enhanced cars as though they are fully autonomous vehicles and failed to pay sufficient attention to driving. Could something similar happen with the Tesla Bot?

Last year, I asked Should You Connect Your Brain to the Internet? Heres how that blog started: "Move over robots, a new competitor may be about to disrupt the world of artificial intelligence (AI) and this technological breakthrough may soon benefit a friend or family member near you. Or, perhaps, the coming age of augmented humans will one day change the way all of us interact with technology."

And who is in the lead with that augmented human technology? You guessed it: Elon Musk.

Nevertheless, these trends are clearly accelerating, and we are only in the early days of AI AND robot development. In other words, watch this space for more to come regarding robotic coworkers.

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AGILE ROBOTS announces the completion of Series C financing led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 – Yahoo Finance

Posted: at 9:39 am

Company is currently the highest valued unicorn in intelligent robotics globally

BEIJING, Sept. 10, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Agile Robots, a leading intelligent robotics company, has recently announced the completion of a Series C financing with a total investment of US$220 million. The financing exercise is led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2*, followed by financial investors including but not limited to Chimera Investments under Abu Dhabi Royal Group, GL Ventures, Sequoia China and Linear Capital (in alphabetical order), and strategic investors including Xiaomi Group, Foxconn Industrial Internet ("FII"), and Midas. The proceedings from this financing exercise will be mainly used for the company's product development, mass production and global sales business expansion.

AGILE ROBOTS announces the completion of Series C financing led by SoftBank Vision Fund 2

It is reported that Agile Robots managed to raise a total financing amount of over US$130 million in 2020 as the company with highest total financing amount in intelligent robotics industry in 2020. Agile Robots is currently the only unicorn in the intelligent robotics field with a valuation exceeding US$1 billion globally. With the completion of this financing round, Agile Robots become the first intelligent robotics company invested by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 in China.

Founded in 2018, with its headquartered both in Munich, Germany and Beijing, China, Agile Robots is a robotics software platform company with the leading hardware know-how in robotics. With German Aerospace Centre ("DLR") as its technical backbone and the core concept of "artificial intelligence empowerment", the company is committed to promoting the deep combination and innovation of artificial intelligence and robotics and expanding the application of robotics in more fields. DLR is not only the first institute to send intelligent robots into space and perform complex tasks such as human-robot collaboration, but also the first in the world to propose and develop successful force-controlled robots that adopted by industries.

Story continues

Agile Robots independently developed and launched software and hardware products such as its operating system AgileCore for the coordination of robots and accessories such as end effectors from different manufactures, its smart force-controlled robot DIANA, its medical robots, humanoid dexterous five-finger hands, and its flexible intelligent platform (FIP). With its unique hardware and software R&D capabilities, Agile Robots has launched its highly disruptive "robotic worker" that serves as smart assistant to all kinds of workers and professionals from different fields to take over mundane or dangerous tasks. Therewith Agile Robots opens new "blue ocean markets" for intelligent robot applications. Currently, the company has implemented its robots for production in multiple industrial scenarios. Agile Robots' products have been successfully put into mass production, achieved large-scale applications in medical, industrial (consumer electronics, automotive, jewelry and other precision assembly and manufacturing scenarios), agricultural, education and service fields.

Agile Robots is expanding the market globally. In particular for the Chinese Market, it has completed the strategic layout in multiple regions. Besides, the company has reached comprehensive strategic cooperation with Chinese orthopedic surgery robot listed company, top neurosurgery robot company, multiple Chinese top-tier general and specialist hospitals and several other world leading enterprises (such as international consumer electronics production giant, international top telecom service provider and world leading electronic equipment manufacturer etc.). With the completion of its product commercialization, Agile Robots seeks to remain strong growth in its sales.

Dr. Zhaopeng Chen, the founder of Agile Robots said: "With the unique technology by combining robotic OS and the world's leading sensitive robots, Agile Robots is seeking for fundamental breakthrough in robotic area and realistically applying the next generation of robots into intelligent precision assembly area and medical treatment, which can only be accomplished by human beings right now. With the supports from our reputable investors and customers, we are confident to push the robotics into new era with all our partners."

"As part of our ongoing commitment to China's dynamic market and to help entrepreneurs drive a wave of innovation, we are delighted to partner with Dr. Zhaopeng Chen, Peter Meusel, and the Agile Robots team," said Dr. Eric Chen, Managing Partner at SoftBank Investment Advisers. "Agile Robots connects artificial intelligence with advanced robotics technology to solve some of the most challenging industry problems and is the latest example of our continued support of China's growing technology sector."

Luke Li, Founding Partner of Hillhouse Group, said, "Hillhouse is a long-term investor in Agile Robots, having participated in several of its financing rounds, including the seed round. We were delighted to witness Dr. Zhaopeng Chen's team achieve multiple breakthroughs in the field of robotics. Agile Robots has developed high-precision force-controlled robots with advanced collision detection and joint-torque control capabilities that can be rapidly deployed and adapted to a variety of application scenarios. These force-controlled robots have the potential to drive revolutionary innovations in industrial robotics applications. Hillhouse's investment in Agile Robotics stands at the intersection of our longstanding interdisciplinary research in the robotics industry and our research and investment in advanced manufacturing, including in high-end precision equipment, smart robots, alternative energy and new materials. We look forward to Agile Robots' continuous contribution to the efforts in upgrading the manufacturing sector.

Caroline Fu, partner of Sequoia China, said: "Despite the demand for robots is fast growing, traditional robots are limited in standard tasks. We are optimistic about Agile Robots' potential market of general-purpose robots by integrating intelligent robots, force-sensing and robot vision. Their innovative technology can be applied widely in markets with large-scale and complex demand for robots, such as medical treatment, 3C and automotive manufacturing. We hope that Agile Robots will develop and apply more industry-leading innovative technologies in the near future to provide efficient, reliable and low-cost solutions for more complex scenarios."

*As of the date of this press release, SoftBank Group Corp. has made capital contributions to allow investments by SoftBank Vision Fund 2 ("SVF 2") in certain portfolio companies. The information included herein is made for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy limited partnership interests in any fund, including SVF 2. SVF 2 has yet to have an external close, and any potential third-party investors shall receive additional information related to any SVF 2 investments prior to closing.

For more information about the Documentary, please visit

SOURCE Beijing Agile Robot Technology Co., Ltd

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Creality Taking Part In The Space Robotics Project Press Conference – PRNewswire

Posted: at 9:39 am

A company that devoted itself into public welfare

Creality, a professional 3d printer manufacturer, specializes in integrating 3D printing software research,3D printer design, and 3d printer distributing & reselling as a whole.

The company has now grown as a well-recognized brand that has more than 1.6 million users around the world, the annual shipment exceeds 1.2 million pieces, and the growth never stops. With over 1000 professional R&D members and over 100 core patents of independent intellectual property rights, Creality is still not satisfied.

Not satisfied with only being as a business giant, Creality is building for a greater dream, its mission explained well on this point -- Create Reality, Achieve Dreams! --as a mission always bearing in mind, passing on the spirit as an evangelist, facilitating people to enjoy the convenience of 3D printing technology.

The Interesting Space Robotics Project Will Travel Over 11,000Km, Cover 150 Cities in Brazil

The whole project will last 4 months from Aug to Dec. 250 schools in 150 cities across the country will receive the 3D printers sponsored by Creality, and more than 25 schools will be visited by the TECNOMOB unit, a truck transformed into a mobile lab. In the course, each participating school receives licensees to utilize the educational platform, to be downloaded in the students cellphones, computers or tablets. With this fully interactive tool, the students learn how to assemble their own robots, in the device's screen, also learn about NASA's Artemis Mission, which serves as background for the robotics teaching APP.

More Than a Single Project: Creality Is Welcoming Further Public Welfare Cooperation

Due to the lack of machines and education, 3D technology is still a remote area in most countries, though it is promisingly listed as a critical technology that can change the whole world. This is exactly what Creality is pursuing when carry out public benefit activities. Over the past 7 years, Creality have made no bones about popularizing 3D printing technology for young people around the world, helping underprivileged students in any way they can, printing prosthetic limbs for children who have limb difference in Africa, and opening the doors of design for young designers. As a technology innovation enterprise, Creality has been transmitting 3D printing technology in the spirit of evangelists, so that every household can enjoy the convenience brought by science and technology.

So far, Creality's 3D printers have already got good reputations among its users, the brand is also quite in favored by most of 3D printing lovers. However, the principal of helping more people in need never stops. Space Robotics project in Brazil is only a start. In the future, Creality would like to work with any organization from any country to pass along the public welfare spirit, as well as popularizing 3D technology to create a better world.

Contact: Lee Larry, [emailprotected], +86-19840800992

SOURCE CREALITY

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Insights on the Airport Robots Global Market to 2028 – by Application and Geography – ResearchAndMarkets.com – Business Wire

Posted: at 9:39 am

DUBLIN--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The "Airport Robots Market Forecast to 2028 - COVID-19 Impact and Global Analysis by Application (Landside/Valet Parking and Terminal)" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

According to this report the market is expected to reach US$ 2,108.29 million by 2028, registering a CAGR of 22.4% from 2021 to 2028.

With the rise in real and perceived threats to the national security, continuous efforts are being taken to come up with innovative active interrogation approaches to identify these threats. The most instant perceived threats and their essential materials comprise conventional explosives, weapons, chemical agents, and contraband. With an intent to prevent uncertain events, authorities worldwide are actively focusing on the deployment of advanced systems, including robots, to strengthen security at airports. The robots used for security application at airports are integrated with features such as facial recognition systems, sensors, and cameras to measure pulse rate remotely, which allows them to detect suspicious persons, currencies, weapons and explosives, abandoned objects, and other illicit material without disturbing the operations or flow of passengers at airports. Furthermore, the governments of various countries are investing in the development of their transport infrastructure, including building of new airports. For instance, the Chinese government plans to construct additional 215 airports by 2035. Furthermore, the Indian government plans to build 100 new airports across the country by 2024.

The global airport robots market is segmented by application. Based on application, the market is segmented into landside/valet parking and terminal. The terminal segment dominated the market in 2020. The terminal segment is sub-segmented into airport security and cleaning, boarding pass scanning, airport baggage system, and passenger guidance. The airport security and cleaning segment led the market in 2020.

The airport robots market is experiencing significant growth owing to increasing importance for security at airports. However, the high cost of robots hampers their adoption, especially at small airports in developing or under-developed countries. Meanwhile, the number of air passengers worldwide has increased due to surge in business travel and leisure travel. With the growing footfall at airports, the airport authorities are investing significantly in advance technologies, including robotics, for streamlining their operations. According to a survey conducted by the Air Transport IT Insights, ~32% of airports in the world are in the favor of increasing robotics involvement in their operations.

Various big construction projects, including airport modification and expansion were halted due to COVID-19, specifically in countries such as the US and Canada. For instance, Raleigh-Durham International Airport was on pace to expand its Terminal 1 from nine gates to as many as 22 and proceed with a new security checkpoint and a consolidated rental car facility. The projected expansion was halted due to the pandemic. Similarly, an infrastructure project at Vancouver International Airport has been terminated due to the COVID-19 crisis. Due to stoppage in such big project (expanded till quarter 3 of 2020), airport robots manufacturers lost several potential clients/projects, which impacted their overall cash flow. The impact was not only from the demand side, but also from the supply side.

As manufacturing facilities in the region were not operational for months, the supply chain was disrupted and the procurement of raw material was interrupted. Due to this, OEMs saw prominent challenges in keeping up with the quarterly revenue. Airports also witnessed the importance of robots and other machinery because of reduction of human touch. Moreover, the analysis states that the FY2021 would bring additional demand for airport robots, as airport development projects resume and airport authorities prepare to focus significantly on health and safety of passengers.

Reasons to Buy

Market Dynamics

Drivers

Restraints

Opportunities

Future Trends

Companies Mentioned

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/1ukulp

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Long live the cruise ship library – Travel Weekly

Posted: at 9:38 am

Johanna Jainchill

Every few years, people write the obituary for cruise ship libraries. But every now and then, a line decides to not only keep the library but make it more prominent.

Cruise ship libraries several years ago started losing space onboard to other concepts that lines thought passengers not only preferred but would generate revenue: Internet cafes, coffee bars. And with so many people reading on tablets -- or just surfing on their phones -- far fewer passengers borrowed books. Over the years, some lines have done away with libraries altogether. Others have preserved them by making them hybrid spaces, like wine bars or cafes.

Two lines, however, have maintained library tradition: Cunard and Oceania. And Oceania last week doubled-down on its library love on its upcoming newbuild, the Vista.

In an industry first, the Vista's library will be styled in Ralph Lauren furnishings and artwork. The space sits prominently atop the ship on Deck 15 and will have glass walls offering sea views.

The library will be adjacent to Baristas, the ship's coffee bar, but it will be its own space.

Oceania CEO Bob Binder called the library one of the "signature elements of our brand," and, along with its Owners Suites, having them styled in Ralph Lauren Home "elevates them into truly iconic spaces."

The cruise line has always touted its libraires as being "classic," offering more than 2,000 books and periodicals. On Oceania's other ships, they were described as "English-style... reminiscent of a charming English country estate where you can while away the hours in ultimate comfort."

The library on the Queen Elizabeth spans two decks and contains more than 7,000 volumes. Photo Credit: Cunard Line

Cunard has long been the leader when it comes to libraries at sea. The Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth both have wood-paneled libraries that span two decks joined by a spiral staircase. They boast more than 7,000 volumes and have full-time librarians. Cunard's Queen Mary 2 has the largest library at sea, with about 10,000 volumes - it's one of the ship's signature spaces.

As Svetlana Minic, one of librarians on the Queen Victoria, told Travel Weekly in 2017: "Cunard has a proper library."

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CISOs need to step up against cyber threats, report finds – IT Brief Australia

Posted: at 9:38 am

More than half of Oceanias cybersecurity leaders (52%) say they have never felt as concerned as they do now about their ability to manage the cyber threat, according to the EY Global Information Security Survey 2021 (GISS).

As businesses in Oceania embrace digital transformation, the CISO is being left out of discussions and is failing to play a meaningful part in the change process, the report finds.

In addition, more than half (51%) of Oceania's cybersecurity leaders are working with budgets that fall short of what is required to manage the cyber related challenges they've seen in the past 12 months, according to the report. This compares with 42% of respondents worldwide.

Four in 10 Oceania respondents believe it is only a matter of time until they suffer a major breach that could have been avoided had they been able to invest more in their defences.

To add to the pressure, Oceania's CISOs need to focus on additional safeguards and security in the context of the digital transformation agenda that so many are pursuing.

Around half (47%) of organisations in the region are investing significantly in data and technology over the next 12 months, and 39% will embark on at least one comprehensive transformation initiative in the coming year.

The survey suggests that CISOs in Oceania are struggling to make the case for elevating cybersecurity to a business priority. Even when boards recognise the gravity of the threat, they do not necessarily respond with additional support.

Less than 30% (27%) of cybersecurity leaders in the region believe their boards and executive management teams fully understand the value and needs of the cybersecurity function. By contrast, a more reassuring 42% of CISOs in other regions take the same view.

Just one in four (26%) Oceania CISOs think this understanding leads directly to additional funding, compared to 41% globally.

EY Oceania cybersecurity, privacy and trusted technology partnerNicola Hermansson urges executives to start repositioning themselves as agents of change, as this will put them in a stronger position to secure additional resources.

She says, CISOs in our region are often great at the technical side of cybersecurity, but the gap is in their ability to articulate risk and secure the investment they need to make a bigger impact.

"One of the senior executives we spoke to in the region agrees that business understanding is key for CISOs.

"Cyber risk is probably the second or third biggest operational risk of any major government department or private enterprise, and the individuals who have accountability for it have to be senior business executives who know how to get on with people."

Hermansson says,One way forward is for Oceania's CISOs to find more engaging ways to communicate the technical nature of the threat.

There is certainly good cause for doing so, 61% flag that their boards are making decisions on cybersecurity even when they do not possess the expertise to understand the issues at hand.

"The bigger challenge is to frame the cybersecurity imperative in a commercial context."

She continues,CISOs point to the need for security by design during digital transformation projects, so new initiatives come to market with cyber protections baked in rather than retrofitted.

"But many are not yet demonstrating why the cybersecurity function is instrumental to new value creation. Typically, you see the security function sitting within the IT function in this region, and that results in cyber being seen as an IT risk, when it is actually a business risk.

"If security teams get closer to the business, they will have more chance of getting the business to understand and own that risk."

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Cruises Are Back: Heres What You Need to Know About Safety Before You Climb Aboard – The Wall Street Journal

Posted: at 9:38 am

AFTER ALMOST 18 dormant months in the age of Covid 19, cruise lines are increasingly beginning to sail again. American Cruise Line launched from Florida in March. Crystal Cruises resumed operations, with two vessels sailing in the Bahamas, in July. The Norwegian Jade is cruising the Greek Isles, with many Americans on board. At the end of August, Oceania Cruises Marina set sail from Copenhagen, and its sister ship, the Riviera, is scheduled to travel from Istanbul to Trieste in October. The 2022 itineraries on Viking Ocean Cruises are almost fully booked. Clearly there is demand, and passengers are willing to climb aboard. The question is: Is it safe to cruise now?

Public perception that the answer is yes significantly increased in recent months according to a July survey by the travel marketing firm MMGY Global. And grim images of giant virus-riddled boats marooned off shore had been fadingat least until August when coronavirus infections were identified aboard the Carnival Vista cruise ship sailing out of Galveston, Texas. (A 77-year-old passenger, treated onboard and then evacuated to an Oklahoma hospital, later died. The ship was able to prevent further spread of the virus.)

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Mega Airports: The Biggest Airport For Every Continent – Simple Flying

Posted: at 9:38 am

For many people, commercial aviation is an industry where size matters. Indeed, you dont have to be at an airport for very long to see that the (admittedly increasingly rare) sight of an Airbus A380 or Boeing 747 turns more heads than most aircraft. But what about the largest airports in the world? Heres a rundown of the biggest one on each continent.

The Saudi Arabian city of Dammam is the home of Asias largest airport. Known as King Fahd International (DMM), this facility is, in fact, the largest airport in the world by surface area. It measures 776 square kilometers (300 square miles), although its actual terminal building is comparatively small at just 36.75 square kilometers (14.19 square miles).

A reported 10 million passengers pass through Dammam every year. This means that, despite its impressive size, King Fahd International actually only ranks third in Saudi Arabia in terms of passenger numbers (behind Jeddah and Riyadh). Its busiest route serves Dubai. This key UAE destination sees around 70 flights a week from Dammam.

The airports two runways are suitably large, each clocking in at 4,000 meters long. It opened in 1991 as a US airbase during the Gulf War. However, since November 1999, it has played a commercial role, and now sits proudly atop the largest airport rankings for both Asia and the world as a whole. Dammams old Dhahran Airport is now a Saudi airbase.

According to AeroTime, the second-largest airport in the world by surface area, and the largest in North America, is Denver International (DEN) in the US state of Colorado. It measures 135.7 square kilometers (52.4 square miles), making it around six times smaller than the colossal King Fahd International despite being the worlds second-largest airport.

Part of the reason for Denvers size is its larger-than-average runways. The lengthiest of these is 4,877 meters long, and is necessary owing to the airports higher altitude. Being located around 1.6 km (1 mile) above sea level, the lower air density requires greater true airspeed for aircraft to safely take off due to the decreased power output in such conditions.

Denver International Airport opened in February 1995. In doing so, it replaced the citys old Stapleton International. Today, it is a key hub for ultra-low-cost carrier Frontier and Star Alliance founding member United. It is also a focus city for Southwest Airlines.

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Cairo International Airport (CAI) in Egypt is Africas largest airport, with a surface area of 36.3 square km (14 square miles). According to AeroTime, this makes it the ninth-largest airport by surface area in the world as a whole. Cairo is Africas second-busiest airport by passenger traffic, behind South Africas Johannesburg O. R. Tambo International (JNB).

Cairo International is located in the suburb of Heliopolis, approximately 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) northeast of the Egyptian capital itself. As well as being the base of the countrys flag carrier and Star Alliance member EgyptAir, Cairo is also a hub for Nile Air. This carrier, which is the countrys largest privately-owned airline, primarily serves Saudi Arabian destinations.

Oceania is home to several key international airports that serve an array of destinations worldwide. These include Sydney and Melbourne in Australia, and Auckland in New Zealand. However, its largest is, in fact, a regional airport that serves Alice Springs in Australias Northern Territory. It measures 35.5 square kilometers (13.7 square miles) in area.

The only scheduled flights at Alice Springs (ASP) are domestic services to other destinations within Australia. The airlines that operate these include Airnorth, Alliance Airlines, Qantas, QantasLink, Virgin Australia, and Virgin Australia Regional Airlines.

The airports website markets its large surface area as one of its key selling points. It offers development opportunities on-site ranging from airport and aviation-related activities to camel grazing, horticulture, commercial activities, and light industrial opportunities. Various airlines have also stored aircraft there during the coronavirus pandemic.

When it comes to European airports, you might have thought that Amsterdam Schiphol would be the largest. After all, the famous Polderbaan is situated a considerable distance from its terminal. However, Click Travel Tips reports that Frances Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) takes the top spot, measuring 32.4 square kilometers (12.5 square miles).

The airport opened in March 1974, and will celebrate its 50th anniversary later in the decade. It serves as a hub for French flag carrier Air France, as well as the airlines cargo division. Air France Hop, easyJet, FedEx, and Vueling are also among the airlines to have a significant presence. The facility boasts four runways, one more than neighboring Orly Airports three.

While slightly more difficult to ascertain figures for South American airports, research suggests that the largest airport in this region by surface area is Argentinas Buenos Aires Ezeiza International (EZE). This airport is also known as Ministro Pistarini International, after Argentine general and politician Juan Pistarini. It began using his name in 1985.

According to Airport Technology, the airport has an area of 34.75 square km (13.42 square miles). Both Aerolneas Argentinas and local low-cost airline Flybondi have hubs there. It celebrated its 70th anniversary just two years ago, having opened in April 1949. The facility is located 21 meters (67 feet) above sea level, and 22 km (14 mi) from the city center.

How many of these mega airports have you been to? Do you have a particular favorite? Let us know your thoughts and experiences in the comments!

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Mega Airports: The Biggest Airport For Every Continent - Simple Flying

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Kurukuru captain Ragomo: "Hopefully, whatever result comes, we will be happy" – Football in Oceania

Posted: at 9:38 am

The Solomon Islands team are optimistic ahead of their fourth consecutive FIFA Futsal World Cup.

After a training session consisting mostly of playing high intensity back-and-forth Solomon Islands head coach Vinicius Laite and captain Elliot Ragomo spoke to Football in Oceania in the mixed zone under the stands of the Zalgiris Arena in Kaunas.

In the World Cup, all the best teams are here. We deserve to be here, whether were gonna progress to the final sixteen or not is a different story. We are proud and happy to be here, Laite says.

Ragomo focused on the importance of taking it one game at the time.

Weve been working on how to play every single team and hopefully we can execute it, one game at a time.

The Solomon Islands will play against Morocco, Portugal and Thailand.

We have to be focused and concentrate. We need to keep full concentration for the forty minutes of the game and we will see what we can do. Hopefully, whatever result comes, we will be happy, Ragomo says.

First up for the Kurukurus is Morocco on Monday, at 18.00 local time, in their opener.

Weve been watching some of their games and trying to study the opposition as best we can. Trying to neutralise their attacking power, but we know theyre only video sessions and we are preparing as much as we can on and off the court, says coach Laite.

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Kurukuru captain Ragomo: "Hopefully, whatever result comes, we will be happy" - Football in Oceania

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