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Engineering Productivity and Process Stability in Cast Iron Machining As global manufacturing faces continued pressure from raw material volatility and supply chain concentration, machining operations are reassessing how critical tool materials are deployed within their processes.Tungsten carbide remains indispensable across a wide range of applications. However, its reliance on tungsten — a strategically sensitive raw material — is prompting manufacturers to reconsider where it delivers maximum value and where alternative materials provide distinct technical advantages. With deep expertise in ceramic material engineering and application development, NTK advances cutting tool performance in demanding environments. In cast iron machining, these engineered ceramic grades represent one of the most robust solutions for high-temperature performance. Where Ceramics Deliver a Technical AdvantageCast iron machining generates extreme cutting temperatures, particularly in dry and high-speed environments. Under these conditions, alumina- and silicon-nitride-based ceramics retain hardness and wear resistance beyond conventional carbide limits.In stable, heat-dominated operations, ceramics enable: These benefits are rooted in material science and validated in production environments where thermal resistance governs tool life. Strategic Tool Material AllocationCeramics are not intended to replace carbide across all operations. Carbide continues to excel in heavy interruptions, unstable setups, and applications requiring maximum edge toughness. The opportunity lies in identifying operations driven primarily by thermal load rather than mechanical shock. In these conditions, ceramic grades deliver measurable productivity gains, while carbide remains optimal where toughness is critical. This targeted allocation strengthens process efficiency and reduces reliance on any single tool material. NTK Ceramic Solutions for Cast IronNTK’s ceramic portfolio has been developed specifically for cast iron machining: These grades are widely applied in automotive, heavy equipment, pump and valve, and general industrial casting production.Production case studies demonstrate substantial increases in cutting speed and productivity in components such as wheel hubs and structural housings, where ceramic grades have successfully replaced carbide in selected operations. Efficiency at Production Scale Higher cutting speeds reduce machining time per component and improve spindle utilization in high-volume production. In many cast iron applications, ceramic machining can be performed dry, minimizing or eliminating coolant usage.Beyond productivity, this approach reduces energy consumption per part and lowers coolant handling and disposal requirements, supporting more resource-efficient manufacturing at scale. Engineering the ProcessThe shift toward ceramic tooling in cast iron machining is not substitution, but intelligent application. Aligning tool material properties with the dominant stresses of each operation — thermal or mechanical — enables a more resilient and performance-driven machining strategy. Applied under the right conditions, NTK’s advanced ceramic grades elevate productivity while ensuring process stability in demanding cast iron operations. NTK Cutting Tools, a member of the IMC Group, is a global supplier of advanced cutting tool solutions for the metalworking industry. The company is recognized for its expertise in ceramic tooling for high-temperature machining and as a specialist in miniature and Swiss-type machining applications, where precision and process stability are critical. Supported by a broad range of cutting tool solutions, NTK helps manufacturers increase productivity, ensure process stability, and improve resource efficiency across demanding industries including aerospace, automotive, medical, electronics, and general engineering.For more information, visit: https://ntkcuttingtools.com

ARC Informatique, editor of the PcVue platform proudly announces that it has successfully achieved IEC 62443-4-1 certification, a globally recognized cybersecurity standard for secure product development in industrial automation and control systems. From Organizational Compliance to Product SecurityAlready certified under ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 27001, ARC Informatique now elevates its governance model by reinforcing cybersecurity directly into its product development lifecycle. While ISO 27001 ensures the protection of organizational information and processes, IEC 62443-4-1 specifically addresses secure product development requirements for critical infrastructure. This certification marks a strategic evolution: embedding cybersecurity not only at the organizational level, but at the very core of PcVue platform engineering. Added Value for Our EcosystemFor PcVue users and partners, IEC 62443-4-1 certification delivers operational confidence by reducing cybersecurity risks. It accelerates system qualification and deployment while ensuring continuous protection through structured vulnerability management and timely security updates. The result is a platform built not only to perform, but to remain secure, trusted and cyber-resilient. “Achieving IEC 62443-4-1 certification is an important milestone in the PcVue compliance strategy roadmap” said Mostapha ELANSALI, Head of quality and performances at ARC Informatique. “It reflects our long-term commitment to supporting customers operating in critical and highly regulated environments, while continuously strengthening the security, reliability, and cyber-resilience of the PcVue platform.” www.pcvue.com Our PcVue platform enables partners and end-users to develop applications integrating the latest technologies. Our solutions help to reduce customers’ production costs and make plants more productive. We leverage our technical and human diversity to deliver high level of support and to offer solutions addressing various needs and markets worldwide. For more details visit www.pcvue.com

• Point S brings in its 55th anniversary by opening 116 centres since the beginning of 2026, averaging more than one new point of sale per day • The progress follows a record 2025, in which 389 new centres joined the Point S network • The network’s global footprint expands to 7,071 locations across 54 countries • Growth strengthens independent service capabilities amid increasing vehicle parc diversity 31st March 2026 – Point S, the world’s leading independent tyre dealer and automotive service network, has celebrated its 55th anniversary by announcing that 116 centres have joined the network in an unprecented start to 2026. This represents an average of more than one new Point S point of sale opening every single day this year, underlining the brand’s rapidly accelerating global expansion and the strength of its unique independent network model.The exceptional progress follows a record-breaking 2025, in which Point S welcomed 389 new centres to its network. Having been formed in France in March 1971, the organisation has made significant strides, and now operates over 7,000 points of sale. Point S’s growth reflects its strategic focus on partnering with established local operators who bring market knowledge, operational expertise, and existing customer bases. This approach has enabled the network to expand rapidly while maintaining service quality and brand standards across diverse markets.The expansion spanned both existing territories and new geographic markets, demonstrating the universal appeal of Point S’s turnkey retail concept. This sustained growth provides broader geographic coverage for tyre, maintenance, and repair services at a time when vehicle parc diversity is placing greater demands on workshop capability and investment. Independent business joining the network gain access to international supplier agreements, technical support programmes, marketing infastructure, and proven business systems designed to improve efficiency and service. Point S’s model enables members to remain competitive while meeting rising customer and industry expectations. Fabien Bouquet, CEO of Point S International, said: “Bringing in our 55th anniversary by already adding 116 centres this year, more than one every day, is a remarkable achievement. In the context of having brought 389 centres into the network in 2025, this clearly demonstrates the appeal of the Point S model to quality operators worldwide. These are established independent automotive businesses with loyal customer bases choosing to join Point S to better address the technical and operational challenges that workshops are currently facing. As vehicles become more complex, the value of our international network in combining local service knowledge with our supplier relationships and proven retail concept is increasingly important. “What makes this growth particularly satisfying is that it’s driven by operators who want to be part of Point S, who see us as partners in their success rather than just a brand to display. This momentum positions us strongly for continued expansion for the rest of 2026 and beyond.”The Point S network now operates more than 7,000 points of sale across 54 countries worldwide, offering motorists and fleets a comprehensive service combining tyre sales with professional vehicle maintenance and repair services. Founded in 1971, Point S is the world’s largest independent network of vehicle maintenance specialists. Point S offers a diverse range of premium quality products, services and solutions for vehicle maintenance, boasting 54 years of history and a retail concept that has been implemented on five continents. With over 6,772 Points of Sale, the company is present in 51 countries around the world and employs more than 31,700 people.Website: www.point-s-group.com

HMS Networks announces the launch of Ixxat CAN@net Basic, a streamlined CAN-FD-to-Ethernet-Gateway developed to meet the growing demand for simple, scalable, and cost-efficient connectivity in industrial and automotive environments. Modern applications increasingly require seamless communication between distributed CAN networks and Ethernet-based systems. However, engineers often face a trade-off between performance, latency, and system cost. Existing solutions tend to be either over-engineered with unnecessary features or too limited to handle real-world CAN FD requirements. CAN@net Basic addresses these challenges by focusing on what matters most: efficient data exchange, low latency, and affordability. Solving Engineering Challenge I: Balancing Latency and JitterIn many CAN-to-Ethernet systems, transmitting Ethernet frames for every CAN message creates excessive interrupts, leading to high jitter and unstable system performance. Conversely, aggregating data reduces jitter but increases delay. The CAN@net Basic uses UDP/IP communication, significantly reducing protocol overhead and minimizing interrupt load. This enables a balanced approach with low latency and controlled jitter, making it suitable for time-sensitive applications. Solving Engineering Challenge II: Scaling Distributed SystemsIn applications where many devices (e. g. test setups or distributed machines) must exchange CAN FD data, physical CAN bus limitations become a bottleneck – especially regarding bus length and node count. CAN@net Basic enables flexible network expansion via Ethernet, allowing engineers to connect distributed systems without being constrained by classical CAN topology limits. Solving Engineering Challenge III: Reducing Cost Without CompromiseMany users only require a subset of advanced gateway functionality but are forced to pay for full-featured solutions. CAN@net Basic is specifically designed as a cost-optimized alternative, delivering essential functionality at a market-aligned list price of 270 Euros while maintaining industrial-grade performance and quality.Key Technical Features Get more information on our website: www.hms-networks.com/ixxat HMS Networks AB (publ) is a market-leading provider of solutions in industrial information and communication technology (Industrial ICT) and employs over 1 100 people. HMS develops and manufactures products under the Anybus®, Ixxat®, Ewon®, and Intesis® brands (Red Lion® Controls and PEAK-System is also a part of the HMS Group as of 2024). Local sales and support are handled by branch offices all over the world, as well as through a worldwide network of distributors and partners. HMS reported sales of SEK 3,577 million in 2025 and is listed on the NASDAQ OMX in Stockholm in the Large Cap segment and Telecommunications sector.

From compliance to culture, industry leaders explore Best Practices, collaboration and the future of workplace safety. Panel Discussion on Cultivating Safety Culture & Total Well BeingBrady Corporation India recently convened leading voices from across industries at its inaugural Safety Conclave 2026, reinforcing a clear message: industrial safety is evolving from a compliance requirement into a strategic business imperative. Bringing together 36 safety leaders from 24 organizations across sectors including automotive, electronics, pharmaceuticals, oil & gas, and public sector, the conclave served as a focused platform for knowledge exchange, collaboration, and forward-looking discussions on workplace safety. Rather than centring the engagement around product showcases, Brady India curated a dialogue-driven forum addressing real-world challenges—from frontline adoption of safety practices to the growing role of AI and data-driven insights in risk mitigation. Opening remarks from regional leadership highlighted Brady’s commitment to moving beyond traditional vendor relationships toward co-creating solutions with customers. The session further emphasized the importance of building a community of safety leaders who learn collaboratively across industries. Industry Insights: From AI to Shopfloor CultureA key highlight of the conclave was the cross-industry exchange of practical insights and best practices. From the automotive sector, Mr. Chandramani Lal, Sr. Manager EHS of TVS Motor Company demonstrated how AI and data analytics are being leveraged to quantify and enhance workplace safety outcomes, signaling a shift toward predictive safety models. Mr. Prashanth B.C (Head EHS) of Molex emphasized embedding safety into organizational culture through hands-on training and behavioural reinforcement, while Uno Minda contributed perspectives on scaling safety practices across complex manufacturing ecosystems. From the pharmaceutical domain, Mr. Mukul Bhuchar :- Head – Safety, Health & Environment (Biologics) of Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories hosted an interactive session exploring real world operational and regulatory challenges, offering actionable insights into building resilient safety frameworks. Contributions from GE HealthCare added a global dimension to the discussions. Beyond Compliance: Culture, Wellbeing, and AccountabilityPanel discussions further expanded the conversation beyond compliance, focusing on the role of culture, wellbeing, and leadership in driving sustainable safety outcomes. Experts from Reliance Jio, ABB, Kennametal, and Filtrex shared perspectives on: A Strategic Shift in Industrial SafetyWhat distinguished the conclave was its broader narrative: safety is increasingly being viewed as a driver of productivity, employee engagement, and long-term business resilience—not just risk mitigation. Sacheen Lathkar, Director – India Business, Brady CorporationFor Brady India, the event marks a strategic milestone in positioning itself as a trusted partner and thought leader in industrial safety, combining global expertise with deep understanding of India’s evolving industrial landscape.“In today’s interconnected industrial landscape, safety is no longer limited to individual organizations—it is a shared responsibility across industries. At Brady India, we believe workplace safety must go beyond compliance and align with global standards, ensuring that every employee operates in a secure and reliable environment.”— Sacheen Lathkar, Director – India Business, Brady Corporation“With our presence across multiple industries and regions, Brady is uniquely positioned to bring together diverse safety insights and best practices. Platforms like the Safety Conclave enable organizations to learn from each other and adopt proven approaches that can be scaled across sectors.” — Stone Ren, Product Management & Marketing Director, Brady Asia Looking AheadAs industries navigate increasing automation, digital transformation, and evolving regulatory demands, platforms like the Brady Safety Conclave signal a new direction—one defined by collaboration, intelligent systems, and cultural transformation. The conversations in Bengaluru reflect a broader industry momentum: the future of safety lies not just in compliance, but in shared responsibility and continuous innovation.www.bradyindia.co.in Brady Corporation is an international manufacturer and marketer of complete solutions that identify and protect people, products and places. Brady’s products help customers increase safety, security, productivity and performance and include high-performance labels, signs, safety devices, printing systems and software. Founded in 1914, the company has a diverse customer base in electronics, telecommunications, manufacturing, electrical, construction, medical, aerospace and a variety of other industries.

FPT, a brand of Iveco Group and a leading global manufacturer of off-road engines, will be presenting its products and services at the CONEXPO trade show, being held in Las Vegas from March 3 to 7, 2026 (South Hall 2nd level, booth S82106). FPT provides ideal off-road power for construction: its powertrains are designed to offer high performance, reliability, and versatility in the most demanding applications, maximizing productivity and uptime while complying with international and North American regulations.The FPT line-up ranges from 2.8 to 20 liters, delivering 50 to 900+ horsepower, offering the best match for all kind of machinery: excavators, loaders, and everything in between, while best-in-class service intervals improve productivity and reduce TCO. A COMPLETE RANGE OF OFF-THE-SHELF AND TAILOR-MADE PRODUCTS Different engine types with a wide range of displacements and power outputs allow OEMs to choose the most appropriate solution, with additional flexibility offered by the many pre-validated options available. Powertrains can be further customized on demand to support customers in any stage of their product development. FPT’s business and engineering flexibility allow smooth engine integration, reduce development costs, and accelerate time-to-market.All Stage V FPT engines are also fully compatible with HVO. In addition, natural gas, hybrid, pure-electric solutions, and hydrogen-powered engines are also available. Choice, customization capacity, and customer focus are the hallmarks of the FPT business model. Giovanni Crepaldi, Head of Sales & Marketing at FPT: “Once again, our Brand is bringing its century-long expertise to the most important construction trade fair in North America – a familiar environment for us, since many of the machines being exhibited here are equipped with our powertrains. The level of performance, reliability, and versatility of our products is widely trusted by our customers worldwide, and this is the clearest signal of the value we can provide to original equipment manufacturers across every market and application.” CLEAN, EFFICIENT AND PRODUCTIVE FUTURE At CONEXPO, FPT will reaffirm its commitment to powering an increasingly sustainable, efficient, and productive construction industry.Minimizing environmental impact also guides the Brand’s participation in trade shows worldwide. The entire life cycle of the booth and of the activities related to the trade fair will be estimated in terms of CO₂ emissions at the end of the event, based on similar events, in order to offset them through the purchase of certified credits.This initiative is just one of many that illustrate FPT and Iveco Group’s roadmap toward sustainability, firmly focused on achieving its ambitious ESG targets: net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, 100% electricity from renewable sources by 2030, and halving CO₂ emissions (compared to 2019 levels) by 2030. FUTURE-PROOF, MULTI-APPLICATION PLATFORMS FPT powertrains are developed to anticipate the future. They are based on multi-application platforms and designed to cover different missions: construction, infrastructure, agriculture, transportation, power generation, and even marine use. This approach enables a rapid and effective innovation transfer across segments. All Stage V engines adopt FPT-patented solutions to reduce emissions: HI-eSCR2 after-treatment technology is maintenance-free for life. Regeneration is part of the process, and does not require machine downtime. The ATS module comes in a compact and easy-to-install package, providing flexible layout options. FPT powertrains are both Tier 4- and Stage V-certified to cover different markets without the need for redesign. XCURSOR 13: THE FIRST MULTI-FUEL SINGLE-BASE ENGINE XCURSOR 13 is a cutting-edge product that represents FPT’s vision for the future of powertrains. Launched for the on-highway market as a multi-fuel engine, it has been further developed for off-road applications. Its unique design brings high performance and productivity, combined with proven robustness and reliability, to the construction industry. Designed as a plug-and-play product, it is compatible with a wide range of market requirements, adaptable to all types of installation, and can run on biomethane and hydrogen to provide net-zero emissions. XCURSOR 13 – Technical specifications Displacement [liters]: 12.9 litersCylinder arrangement: inline 6Max power [kW @ rpm]: 500 kW (616 6HP) @ 1700 rpmMax torque [Nm @ rpm]: 2850 Nm @ 1300 rpmService Interval [Hours]: up to 1,200 hours Full specifications available on the FPT website. CURSOR 16: 18-LITER PERFORMANCE IN A 13-LITER PACKAGECURSOR 16 is the optimal solution for applications with high power demand. It delivers outstanding power-to-weight ratio, while ensuring low fuel consumption, minimum operating costs, and maximum uptime. CURSOR 16 SST – Technical specifications Displacement [liters]: 15.9 litersCylinder arrangement: inline 6Max power [kW @ rpm]: 515 kW (690 HP) @ 2100 rpmMax torque [Nm @ rpm]: 2988 Nm @ 1500 rpmService Interval [Hours]: up to 600 hours Full specifications available on the FPT website. NEF 67: BEST-IN-CLASS PERFORMANCE IN BOTH POWER AND TORQUENEF 67 is a plug-and-play power solution designed for heavy applications under harsh conditions. With over two million units produced, the NEF engine family is one of the most successful ever, a true testament to robustness and reliability. All key after-treatment components are pre-assembled and enclosed in a single package, and eliminate the need for a dedicated exhaust system. A set of off-the-shelf, pre-validated options provides additional installation flexibility. NEF 67 – Technical specifications Displacement [liters]: 6.7 litersCylinder arrangement: inline 6Max power [kW @ rpm]: 230 kW (308 HP) @ 2000 rpmMax torque [Nm @ rpm]: 1160 Nm @ 1500 rpmService Interval [Hours]: up to 1,200 hours Full specifications available on the FPT website. NEF 45: UNMATCHED FLEXIBILITYNEF 45 is a lean four-cylinder engine with single-stage turbocharging and no EGR, designed for maximum versatility. It stands out for its performance and robustness, and represents the productivity benchmark in mid-range applications thanks to its segment-leading fuel efficiency, low running costs, and best-in-class service interval. Flexible configurations allow OEMs to perfectly meet any installation and operational needs. NEF 45 – Technical specifications Displacement [liters]: 4.5 litersCylinder arrangement: inline 4Max power [kW @ rpm]: 147 kW (200 HP) @ 2100 rpmMax torque [Nm @ rpm]: 744 Nm @ 1400 rpmService Interval [Hours]: up to 1,200 hours Full specifications available on the FPT website. F36: THE POWER OF DENSITYThe redesigned F36 engine leverages a new cylinder head and block, and new injectors and wastegate turbocharger to deliver outstanding power density and low fuel consumption. The renewed architecture is completed by state-of-the-art technological content such as the EGR-free HI-eSCR2 after-treatment system, single-side maintenance,

Purdue, Rittal + Eplan announce strategic partnership for smart manufacturing, engineering education. Purdue University and Rittal and Eplan, sister companies and global leaders in industrial and electrical engineering solutions and automation, have announced a major strategic partnership. The five-year collaboration centers around the Purdue Polytechnic Institute and was officially sealed at the Rockwell Automation Fair in Chicago in November. The partnership will see Purdue join the Rittal + Eplan Partner Network as a research partner with a focus on design of advancing smart manufacturing education and preparing students for the next industrial revolution. Purdue will open two dedicated labs on its campus: an Eplan Electrical Engineering Technology Projects Lab and a Rittal Automation Systems Lab, where students can conduct studies and gain practical experience in data-driven processes in plant engineering, wire assembly, and wiring. The collaboration will provide Purdue students and faculty with unparalleled access to an integrated ecosystem of hardware and software at the forefront of automation and fabrication sectors. The comprehensive partnership also includes plans for scholarships, internships, and joint research and development initiatives, with potential engagement extending to the Purdue Polytechnic High School network. The cooperation will include a substantial number of Eplan software licenses for students as well as further investments by Rittal and Eplan. “Purdue Polytechnic has always sought to prepare new generations for tech-driven industries, and this partnership is the perfect embodiment of that mission,” said Daniel Castro, Purdue Polytechnic dean. “By integrating world-class solutions from Rittal and Eplan into our curriculum, we are going beyond theory. Students will develop the hands-on skills and technological fluency needed to lead.” The partnership has a mutually beneficial design. It will create a direct pipeline of skilled talent for industry while providing students with critical exposure to technologies used by leading companies everywhere. Purdue students will gain hands-on experience with the Eplan Platform for electrical engineering design and the related data-driven approach with automation systems and system enclosures from Rittal, ensuring that future leaders in these sectors are industry ready, day one. For Rittal and Eplan, the partnership represents a significant investment in the future of the U.S. workforce and an opportunity to collaborate on innovative research. As part of the Friedhelm Loh Group, the companies have a long tradition of engaging with science and education in Europe and are excited to extend this model to the United States. “Purdue Polytechnic’s tradition of preparing their students for immediate industry impact makes them the perfect match,” said Sebastian Seitz, CEO of Eplan. “Purdue will continue to build on its excellent reputation through cooperation with industrial top players, while Rittal and Eplan look forward to smart impulses from cutting-edge research and education. Purdue students will be the engineers who bring advanced concepts to the U.S. economy, applying their knowledge to drive the next wave of industrial innovation. We are proud to invest in the talent that will move the world forward.” “The U.S. economy has a great opportunity for growth,” Seitz said. “A deep understanding of data-driven automation with high-quality data right from the start is the key to unlocking this growth especially in an era of skilled labor shortages. That domain knowledge forms the basis for the next level: real-life value creation with industrial AI. This partnership is about laying that foundation.” The collaboration is already yielding tangible opportunities for students. Purdue students developed a capstone project that was presented last fall in the innovation area of the Rockwell Automation Fair. Rittal and Eplan sponsored the project and also invited more than 100 Purdue students to the internationally relevant event to provide them with invaluable networking opportunities with industry executives. Further strengthening the partnership, executives from Rittal and Eplan will join the Purdue Polytechnic Dean’s Advisory Council. EPLAN provides software and service solutions in the fields of electrical, automation and mechatronic engineering. The company develops one of the world’s leading design software solutions for machine and panel builders. EPLAN is also the ideal partner to streamline challenging engineering processes.Both standardised as well as customised interfaces to ERP and PLM/PDM systems ensure data consistency along the whole value chain. Working with EPLAN means boundless communication across all engineering disciplines. No matter whether small or large enterprises: Customers can apply their expertise more efficiently. Worldwide, EPLAN supports 61,000 customers. EPLAN wants to grow further with customers and partners and pushes integration and automation in engineering forward. Within the EPLAN Partner Network, open interfaces and seamless integrations are realised together with partners. „Efficient engineering“ is the focus.EPLAN was founded in 1984 and is part of the owner-operated Friedhelm Loh Group. The Friedhelm Loh Group operates worldwide with 12 production sites and 94 international subsidiaries. The entire group employs 11.600 people and generated revenues of around €2,6 billion in 2019. For the 13th time in succession, the family business has won the accolade “Top German Employer” in 2021. In addition, Friedhelm Loh Group was recognized as “Top vocational trainer” according to a study of Deutschland Test and Focus Money.For more information visit: www.eplan.de and www.friedhelm-loh-group.com

In a joint 6G AI proof-of-concept demonstration, the CMX500 one-box tester from Rohde & Schwarz shows significant downlink throughput gain in an AI-based wireless transmission compared to conventional non-AI technology. Additionally, the demonstration illustrates how this translates to an enhanced video streaming user experience. This collaboration validates the feasibility of multi-vendor AI interoperability for future 6G standardization. KT has joined forces with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and Rohde & Schwarz to present significant performance gains achievable through AI-enhanced radio transmission, paving the way for optimized 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks. Visitors to MWC Barcelona 2026 can experience the demonstration at the KT booth 4A60 in hall 4. Qualcomm Technologies and Rohde & Schwarz collaborated in 2025 to realize Channel State Information (CSI) feedback technology leveraging AI/ML for advanced mobile networks and RAN infrastructure. The telecommunications company KT, driver of 6G research and AI implementation, now joined the effort to demonstrate the practical benefits of integrating AI into next-generation wireless systems. In the setup, Qualcomm’s AI-enabled wireless device prototype connected to the CMX500, configured as an AI-enabled base station emulator, achieves an increase in downlink throughput of approximately 50% compared to conventional non-AI technology. Leveraging the advanced application testing capabilities of the CMX500, the demonstration illustrates how the increased performance translates to an enhanced user experience for video streaming applications. The improvement was achieved using a “two-sided AI model” for CSI feedback, enabling cooperative compression of wireless channel state information transferred between the device and base station. The model leverages CSI-RS-based analysis and compressed feedback, significantly enhancing radio transmission performance in massive MIMO scenarios. AI-driven CSI enhancements are expected to result in even greater efficiency, reduced overhead and improved user experience in 5G-Advanced and future 6G networks. A key achievement of this work is the validation of an interoperable architecture allowing real-time cooperation between AI models from different vendors – a critical step towards 6G standardization and a more open, flexible network ecosystem. The precise and controlled testing environment of the CMX500 one-box tester proves essential for accurately assessing the performance of these sophisticated AI-based algorithms under realistic radio conditions. Alexander Pabst, Vice President of Wireless Communications at Rohde & Schwarz, said: “We are proud to collaborate with KT and Qualcomm in showcasing the immense potential of AI in next-generation networks. The CMX500’s ability to verify these performance gains underscores our commitment to providing leading-edge test and measurement solutions for the future of communication technologies.” Lee Jong-sik, Executive Vice President and Head of KT’s Future Network Research Laboratory, said: “6G represents an evolution towards intelligent networks that combine AI and wireless communications rather than simply delivering higher speeds.” He added that KT will continue to secure AI-based wireless technologies that enhance customer experience through strategic partnerships. Spencer Kim, Vice President and President of Qualcomm Korea, QUALCOMM CDMA Technologies (Korea) YH, noted: “6G will serve as an innovation platform for advanced intelligent edge AI, enabling AI-driven control of network resources. Our collaboration with Rohde & Schwarz and KT marks a critical step in bringing this vision to life and is expected to accelerate progress in next-generation communications.” At MWC Barcelona 2026, visitors can learn how to achieve significant performance gains through AI-enhanced CSI feedback at the KT booth 4A60 in hall 4. For further information on Rohde & Schwarz test solutions for AI and ML in 6G networks, visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/6G-AI-ML www.rohde-schwarz.com

NETGEAR has selected the CMP180 radio communication tester from Rohde & Schwarz for the development of future Wi-Fi 8 access points. By integrating the tester into their design validation test environment, NETGEAR will be able to speed up the development of performance optimized Wi-Fi products. Rohde & Schwarz, a leading supplier of test and measurement equipment for wireless applications, and NETGEAR, manufacturer of advanced networking technologies and leading-edge Wi-Fi 7 products, collaborate to get the next generation Wi-Fi 8 products ready for the market. Wi-Fi 8 is the next generation Wi-Fi based on the upcoming IEEE 802.11bn standard. With the focus on ultra-high reliable (UHR) WLAN, this new technology will improve the wireless user experience at homes, offices and factories: high-speed connectivity under all conditions with low latency for gaming, learning and working applications which will use augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to provide an immersive user experience. Design validation of Wi-Fi 8 access points requires test solutions which support the latest Wi-Fi 8 features like distributed resource units (DRU) or unequal modulation (UEQM) with up to 320 MHz wide channels in all supported bands and highest modulation schemes (4096QAM), while providing the performance (EVM), and scalability (4×4 MIMO) required to optimize the wireless device performance. Rohde & Schwarz provides NETGEAR with the CMP180 radio communication tester, a future-proof non-signaling testing solution for wireless devices, which can be used in research, development, validation and production. It supports many cellular and non-cellular technologies including the latest Wi-Fi 6E, Wi-Fi 7, Wi-Fi 8 and 5G NR FR1 in frequencies up to 8 GHz and bandwidths of up to 500 MHz. The CMP180 comes equipped with two analyzers, two generators and two times eight RF ports in a single box, plus the possibility to scale up by stacking several testers. This makes it a cost-efficient test solution with best-in-class performance, addressing current and future test demands. While its fast multi-DUT testing capabilities make the CMP180 ideal for testing in mass-production test environments, test engineers can use the instrument throughout the entire development cycle: from engineering validation tests (EVT), design validation tests (DVT) and production validation tests (PVT) to mass production (MP). Joseph Emmanuel, VP, Consumer Business Unit HW Engineering at NETGEAR, says: “Working with Rohde & Schwarz enables us to bring our Wi-Fi 8 products on the market with the expected high quality and extremely high performance for the best multi-gigabit Wi-Fi experience everywhere at home.” Goce Talaganov, Vice President Mobile Radio Testers at Rohde & Schwarz, says: “We are grateful for the close collaboration with NETGEAR on the latest Wi-Fi 8 technology. Our experience in wireless device testing and early cooperation with Wi-Fi 8 chipset and device vendors helped us to improve our test solution for the upcoming broad Wi-Fi 8 market.” For further information on the CMP180 from Rohde & Schwarz, visit: www.rohde-schwarz.com/product/cmp180