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IBM Research and Hello Tractor Pilot Digital Wallet for Agriculture Based on AI and Blockchain

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Platform delivers new services for the agriculture value chain including tractor maintenance, fleet utilization, operator rankings, farm yield forecasting and microfinancing
LAGOS, NIGERIA, 11 December 2018: Scientists from IBM Research and start-up Hello Tractor are piloting an agriculture digital wallet and decision-making tool which provides demand and supply visibility for farmers, tractor fleet providers and banks to give farmers the equipment and technology they need to build a sustainable farm. The technology was unveiled today at TechCrunch Startup Battlefield Africa 2018.
In Sub Sahara Africa more than 60% of farms are powered by humans, with less than 20% provided by engines, a model which is not sustainable as food demand increases due population growth, which is averaging 11 million per year. In addition,according to the Food and Agriculture Organization 35-50% post-harvest losses for perishable agricultural products are lost annually in the region due to poor planting practices.
To address this, in 2014 Hello Tractor launched a mobile platform to enable farmers to access tractor services on demand. Using a mobile app, the service aggregates tractor service requests (e.g., ploughing) and then pairs them with recommended tractors and operators, while simultaneously tracking how many hours each piece of equipment is in the field and area serviced.
“Through valued relationships with companies like John Deere, we’ve been very successful in increasing mechanization access in smallholder communities. To reach the next level, we need to add additional services including predictive fleet utilization and maintenance; operator and tractor scoring; financing and the crop yield forecasting,” said Jehiel Oliver, CEO and Founder of Hello Tractor.
To achieve this, Hello Tractor turned to IBM’s research lab in Nairobi, Kenya. Scientists at the lab are working with Hello Tractor’s developers to apply several technologies, including Watson Decision Platform for Agriculture, Blockchain, IoT and cloud, to bring new services to the app for tractor owners and dealers, farmers and banks. The new services will be tested in a pilot starting in the first half of 2019.
More specifically,
  • Farmers: machine learning will help to predict crop yields, which combined with advanced analytics and the blockchain, can be mined to develop a credit score for loans. Forecasted weather data from The Weather Company, an IBM business; remote sensing data (e.g., satellite); and IoT data from tractors will also be incorporated into the app to help small holder farmers know when to cultivate, the quality of their farm cultivation, what to plant, and the appropriate fertilizer using remoting sensing and IoT data. In the future, the IBM AgroPad technology, developed at IBM’s lab in Brazil, could also be incorporated to determine soil quality.
  • Tractor Fleet Owners: using machine learning and IoT owners will be able to view and manage fleet utilization, predictive maintenance and forecast future tractor utilizations based on history, real-time weather and remote sensing satellite data. Using a five-star rating system, tractor operators will be ranked and utilized based on their training (e.g., ploughing, deep ripping, harrow, fertilizing). Owners will also have financing opportunities, for maintenance and for buying new tractors and implements using historical data.
  • Tractor Dealers: can benefit from improved tractor repair and servicing, after sales support, spare part inventory planning and credit administration.
  • Banks and Financial Institutions: can view and track utilization of tractors to determine a credit portfolio for the farmer and tractor owner, while also evaluating forecasted utilization to make credit decisions for tractor owners based on verified and trusted data on the blockchain.
  • Governments: can utilize data and actionable insights for various decision support capabilities such as for structuring incentives, enforcing regulations prioritizing investments and policy decisions.
The backbone of the agriculture digital wallet is a blockchain-enabled and AI-based decision support platform, which enables capturing, tracking, and instant sharing of data, while creating end-to-end trust and transparency for all the parties involved across the agribusiness value chain.
“Our vision is to leverage AI, blockchain and the Internet of Things to digitize, optimize, and streamline agricultural business processes to create efficiencies and new services from farm-to-fork around the world,” said Dr. Solomon Assefa, Vice President, Emerging Market Solutions and Director, IBM Research – Africa.
For the next phase of the project, IBM researchers and Hello Tractor engineers are looking to use machine learning with image recognition to predict the quality of cultivation. For example, remote sensing data combined with weather data could be used to predict the next harvest.  Plans are also underway to expand the platform beyond Nigeria to Kenya, Mozambique, Senegal, Tanzania, Pakistan, and Bangladesh.
For more details watch this video: https://youtu.be/d8c9zKw8GkM
About Hello Tractor 
Hello Tractor is focused on improving smallholder farmer’s access to timely and affordable tractor services along with other farm inputs. Our technology makes it easy and profitable for tractor owners to (1) monetize tractors as business assets and (2) connect with farmers to schedule tractor services. Hello Tractor’s innovative use of IoT (the Internet of Things) simplifies complex data to ensure transparency, profitability, and accountability across our ecosystem of farmers, tractor owners, tractor dealers, original equipment manufacturers, banks, and governments.
About IBM Research
For more than seven decades, IBM Research has defined the future of information technology with more than 3,000 researchers located across six continents. For more information about IBM Research, visit www.ibm.com/research.

Technology

LG’s Brand Reinvention: A Global Success Story

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LG Electronics (LG) has made significant strides in the global market with its innovative brand strategies, earning its place as a top global brand.

On October 10, LG was ranked 97th with a brand value of approximately USD 6.5 billion in the Best Global Brands 2024 report by global brand consulting firm Interbrand.

Interbrand’s evaluation of the Best Global Brands assesses brand value through a comprehensive analysis of a company’s financial performance, role of brand and brand strength. Factors such as direction, engagement and relevance are considered. As a pioneer in the industry, Interbrand’s ISO-certified evaluation criteria are widely regarded as the most reliable methodology in branding and marketing.

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LG’s brand value has surged, reflecting significant improvements in both business and brand competitiveness compared to the previous year. LG’s brand value increased by a substantial 38.7 percent year-over-year, receiving high scores in the categories of role of brand and brand strength.

Interbrand attributes this positive assessment to LG’s clear vision as a Smart Life Solution Company and its sustained growth through the exploration of new opportunities. The company has also adapted its brand strategies to ensure consistent customer engagement across diverse regions and generations, utilizing communication methods that resonate with audiences both online and offline.

In July of last year, LG unveiled its vision to evolve into a “Smart Life Solution Company,” enhancing customer experiences across various environments, including homes, commercial spaces, mobility and virtual realms. Since embarking on its transformation, LG’s brand value has skyrocketed. From approximately USD 3.1 billion in 2022, it has more than doubled to about USD 6.5 billion in 2024.

Interbrand has also praised LG’s “Brand Reinvent” initiative, which aims to establish LG as a youthful and dynamic brand that resonates with customers across generations and regions.

To achieve this, LG has unified its brand message under the brand promise of “Life’s Good,” ensuring it is embraced by all organizations globally and integrated into every customer touch point of brand experience. This includes redefining its brand identity and visual expression. “Life’s Good” encapsulates the brand’s mission to help everyone savor life’s precious moments through its products, services and communications. In the digital realm, the brand symbol “Face of the Future” engages customers with a friendly smile and wink, fostering a sense of connection through various digital expressions.

In addition, LG is launching brand campaigns and pop-up events that invite future customers, particularly Generation Z, to engage both online and offline.

The global campaign “Optimism your feed” aims to spread positivity through online algorithms, encouraging a better life with an optimistic outlook. This initiative garnered significant attention, amassing over 1.8 billion views within two months of its launch on platforms like YouTube and TikTok.

Moreover, LG is going to keep enhancing its engagement with Generation Z by creating offline customer experience spaces that reflect young customers’ interests, such as lifestyle, games and music.

LG has previously been recognized as one of the top 100 global brands for three consecutive years from 2005 to 2007.

“We are transforming from a leading home appliance and consumer electronics company into a Smart Life Solution Company. As part of this transformation, we’ve initiated our brand reinvention based on our long-standing promise, ‘Life’s Good,'” said William Cho, CEO of LG Electronics. “At this historical moment of business transformation, we are proud to be recognized as one of the top 100 global brands, a testament to our strong brand presence and growth potential.”

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LG WashTower: A high-performance, space-saving laundry solution designed for today’s urban households

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As global demand grows for sustainable living, energy efficiency, and minimalist design, companies are reshaping their product offerings to stay competitive and meet consumer expectations. At the forefront of this shift in the home appliance market is LG Electronics with its cutting-edge WashTower – a high-performance, space-saving laundry solution designed for today’s urban households.

Boasting advanced features, large capacities, and innovative technology, the WashTower is more than just a washer-dryer combo – it’s a game changer for those seeking efficiency, smart connectivity, and excellent cleaning performance.

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Ideal for compact spaces, the LG WashTower’s slim, vertical design fits seamlessly into small laundry rooms or closets without sacrificing performance. Standing at 1655mm tall and 600mm wide, it offers ample capacity—13kg in the washer and 10kg in the dryer – perfect for large loads like bedding or towels, all while saving valuable floor space.

The 2024 LG WashTower™ is a revolutionary solution that aligns perfectly with Nigeria’s vision for modern, sustainable living,” said Oktae Kim, Product Director, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics Nigeria. “Its space-saving design and advanced features cater to the unique needs of our customers in the country, setting a new benchmark for laundry care.”

Unlike traditional stacked units with controls in hard-to-reach places, the LG WashTower™ introduces an all-in-one control panel designed to simplify laundry care. With the TurboWash 360, DUAL Inverter Heat Pump™ Dryer, Auto Cleaning Condenser, and LG ThinQ™ connectivity, the WashTower™ enhances functionality and convenience, meeting the demands of modern, fast-paced lifestyles.

Some of its most impressive features include:

Built-in Intelligence Takes Out the Guesswork

When it comes to doing laundry, one out of two consumers default to the Normal Cycle on their washers and dryers because they simply don’t know which to choose. LG WashTower takes out the guesswork with built-in intelligence that uses sensors to detect fabric texture and load size, and then automatically selects the right wash motions, temperatures, and more for precision fabric care. 

And it gets smarter: WashTower will even learn your preferred settings. Simply activate Smart Learner in the LG ThinQ® app, and it will remember your ideal wash temperature, spin speed, or dry level. With Smart Pairing™, the washer can even tell the dryer the right compatible drying cycle, making LG WashTower the ultimate laundry hack.

Help Remove Allergens in Fabrics 

LG washers are the industry’s first to be CERTIFIED asthma & allergy friendly® by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. The Allergens™ wash cycle goes beyond everyday cleaning, using the gentle power of steam to remove common household allergens in fabrics by more than 95 percent. In addition, LG TurboSteam™ technology in the dryer helps sanitize and refresh clothes in between washes as well as children’s toys, decorative pillows and more.

Exceptional Cleaning and Drying Performance

With steam function in the washer and heat pump in the dryer, the WashTower effectively sanitizes clothes and removes wrinkles, which is a boon for those with allergies or sensitive skin. Its durable, never-rust stainless steel drum ensures long-lasting reliability, and the absence of an agitator means it’s gentle on delicate fabrics. The dryer starts to preheat before the end of washing, so drying takes less time. With the Dual Inverter Heat Pump™, an energy-saving way to dry, the dual cylinders allow for faster drying and energy saving.

Laundry Made Better – for You and the Planet

Designed with energy efficiency in mind, the LG WashTower includes energy monitoring capabilities, helping consumers save money while helping the planet. ENERGY STAR certified washers and dryers use 25 percent less energy and 33 percent less water than traditional models.

Verdict: A Smart, Stylish Choice

The LG WashTower stands as a top contender in the world of washer-dryer combos, offering a perfect blend of technology, performance, and space-saving design. With no drawbacks, the WashTower’s overall functionality, energy efficiency, and convenience make it a strong choice for families and individuals alike.

If you’re looking for a washer-dryer combo that combines smart technology with stylish design, the LG Wash Tower is a reliable, high-performing option.

The LG WashTower™ strengthens LG’s position as a leading innovator in the home appliance sector. With its cutting-edge technology and user-friendly interface demonstrates LG’s dedication to shaping the future of home appliances. It’s more than just a product – it’s a testament to LG’s vision of bringing convenience, efficiency, and sustainability into every home.

For more information or to purchase the LG WashTower, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/washing-machines/lg-wt1310rh

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LG InstaView Refrigerator built to deliver Freshness, Hygiene, and Health

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The launch of the LG InstaView refrigerator introduced a new era in home refrigeration, combining advanced technology, exceptional energy efficiency, and unmatched convenience to transform how households interact with their appliances. The LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator does more than just keep food fresh. It’s a perfect mix of modern technology and everyday usefulness, taking cooking to a whole new level of sophistication and ease.

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“At the core of the LG InstaView Refrigerator is the Inverter Linear Compressor, a ground-breaking technology that delivers remarkable energy efficiency,” says Oktae Kim, Product Director, Home Appliance Division, LG Electronics Nigeria. By adapting its cooling power to the refrigerator’s needs, this compressor minimizes power consumption, helping reduce energy bills while also contributing to a quieter kitchen. For long-term peace of mind, LG offers a 10-year warranty on the compressor, reinforcing its durability and reliability.

“One of the standout features of this fridge is the InstaView Door-in-Door™ technology. With just two knocks on the sleek glass panel, you can see inside the fridge without opening the door, helping preserve cold air and keeping your food fresher for longer. This not only adds a touch of modern elegance but also helps reduce energy consumption by limiting unnecessary door openings” he noted.

Some other key features in the LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator include;

A New Level of Convenience: Door-in-Door™ Access

The Door-in-Door™ compartment offers even greater convenience by allowing easy access to frequently used items like drinks and snacks. Instead of rummaging through the entire fridge, you can grab your essentials quickly and effortlessly. This feature also limits cold air loss, making it both a time-saver and an energy-efficient solution for busy households.

Purified Hydration: UVnano® Water Dispenser

Staying hydrated has never been more convenient or hygienic. The UVnano® water dispenser uses UV light to eliminate up to 99.999% of bacteria from the water outlet, ensuring that every sip is clean and safe. The self-cleaning cycle can be activated automatically or manually, making this feature both functional and reassuring for users who prioritize health.

Hygiene Fresh+™: A Breath of Fresh Air

Maintaining an odour-free refrigerator has never been easier thanks to Hygiene Fresh+™ technology. This system actively removes bacteria and unpleasant smells, circulating clean air throughout the fridge. With a 99.999% bacteria removal rate, your food remains fresh and healthy, while the built-in deodorization feature ensures that strong odour, like leftovers, never linger.

 

Even Cooling Every Time: DoorCooling+™ Technology

No more worrying about uneven cooling inside your fridge. The DoorCooling+™ feature ensures that every inch of the refrigerator is consistently cooled by placing air vents at the front of the appliance. This technology helps food stay fresh and evenly chilled, even in the door compartments, enhancing the quality and shelf life of your groceries.

Smart Control with ThinQ™ Technology

In the age of smart homes, LG takes convenience one step further with ThinQ™ technology. This feature allows users to control and monitor the refrigerator from their smartphones, whether at home or on the go. With just a few taps, you can adjust the temperature, activate Hygiene Fresh+™, or even diagnose potential issues, making maintenance and operation effortless.

Proven Benefits: Energy Savings, Convenience, and Hygiene

When it comes to pros, the LG InstaView Refrigerator excels in several areas. Its energy efficiency through the Smart Inverter Compressor and InstaView technology helps reduce environmental impact while cutting down on household energy bills. The convenience provided by the Door-in-Door™ feature, combined with the peace of mind from UVnano® and Hygiene Fresh+™ technologies, ensures that families have access to fresh, clean, and organized food storage.

Verdict

The LG InstaView refrigerator is a perfect blend of advanced technology, innovative design, and health-conscious features. From linear cooling that keeps food fresh to the Hygiene Fresh+ filtration system that ensures a clean storage environment, this fridge has everything you need for modern food preservation. Add to that the convenience of the Knock-Knock feature and the health benefits of UVnano, you have a refrigerator that truly stands out.

If you’re looking for a premium appliance that delivers freshness, hygiene, and style, the LG InstaView refrigerator is a worthy investment.

The LG InstaView Door-in-Door™ Refrigerator is available across Fouani showrooms and Dealer stores Nationwide.  It’s a must-have for modern kitchens thanks to its many useful features.

For more information about the LG InstaView Refrigerator, visit https://www.lg.com/africa/instaview-door-in-door-refrigerators

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