OCTOBERASIA BUSINESS OUTLOOK8Singapore-based data centre company Zerra DC is planning a major expansion across the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 2GW of capacity in its development pipeline. The company is working on data centre projects in Australia, Japan and India, as demand for computing infrastructure continues to grow. The expansion comes as the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence, cloud computing and other digital services pushes companies to invest in larger and more powerful data centres. Japanese robotics startup Donut Robotics is set to receive a $1.9 million investment as it works to expand its robotics and communication technology. The funding comes as Japanese companies and startups continue to invest in automation and artificial intelligence to address labour shortages and changing business needs.Donut Robotics has been developing robots and related technologies that can interact with people and support communication.The company has gained attention for its work in speech recognition and translation, as well as for developing technologies that connect robotics with everyday services. Huawei and Qualcomm have signed a multi-year patent licensing agreement covering technologies such as 5G technology, artificial intelligence, computing and networking.The deal is significant because Qualcomm will pay Huawei for access to its patents, marking a change in the companies' long-running licensing relationship. The financial details of the agreement have not been disclosed. The agreement also includes Qualcomm acquiring some Huawei patents in the US related to computing, AI and networking. The transaction still needs to receive regulatory approvals. Honda Motor is planning to test a wireless charging system that could allow electric vehicles, including trucks, to charge while they are moving on a highway.The Japanese automaker is working on technology that can transfer electricity from equipment installed under the road to vehicles travelling above it.The trial is part of Honda's efforts to find practical ways to support electric commercial vehicles.Electric trucks need large batteries and can take a long time to recharge, which can be a challenge for companies that depend on them for long-distance transport. ZERRA DC TARGETS 2GW AS AI DRIVES REGIONAL DATA CENTRE DEMANDQUALCOMM TO PAY HUAWEI IN MAJOR 5G AND AI PATENT LICENSING DEALDONUT ROBOTICS SET TO RECEIVE $1.9 MILLION INVESTMENT IN JAPANHONDA PLANS HIGHWAY TRIAL OF WIRELESS CHARGING FOR ELECTRIC TRUCKSNEWSROOM
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