Page 29 - BNE_magazine_05_2020

bne May 2020 Companies & Markets I 29
The auction, which took place amid extraordinary safety measures, was preceded by a trial auction.
The concessions will run until 2035 and can be expanded by another five years with unchanged conditions. The 700 MHz frequency band will only be available after September as it is currently used for broadcasting, NMHH said.
Magyar Telekom paid HUF54.1bn for the three frequency blocks totalling 120MHz. Payment is expected in Q2. The company intends to launch its commercial 5G services shortly following the receipt of the frequency usage rights in all three bands.
Vodafone Hungary acquired a total of 80MHz for HUF38.6bn.
Robot maker Promobot raises $2.7mn to develop artificial skin in Russian Far East
EWDN in Moscow
Promobot, a successful Russian robotics startup, has secured RUB200mn ($2.7mn) from the Far-East High Technology Fund as it intends to open a branch in this far-flung Russian region, reports East-West Digital News (EWDN).
This local branch will develop sophisticated artificial skin and hair to enhance the look of these robots. The fresh funding will also help Promobot develop AI-powered dialogue systems.
Founded in 2015, Promobot claims to sell its robots in 38 countries across the world, including the United States. These engines work as promoters, museum guides, concierges, bank consultants and administrators. They can be programmed to speak multiple languages and recognize people with whom they previously interacted.
The company also claims it has developed a technology to have robots imitate subtly a person’s facial expressions while speaking.
“This is yet another step towards getting robots and AI-powered
The company said it is well-placed to continue building out 5G networks and its efforts to digitise Hungary.
Vodafone was the first among Hungarian mobile operators to launch commercial 5G service in Budapest in 2019 and install the technology at the ZalaZone race track for self- driving cars, thanks to its 3600MHz frequency kit purchased in 2016. Telenor paid HUF33.3bn for the concession rights.
NMHH will encourage service providers to install 5G service near hospitals, campuses or major transport routes, NMHH president Monika Kiss said. NHHH expects the 5G services to have an immediate impact on everyday life from remote work to healthcare services, besides the economic benefits.
Promobot has raised RUB200mn ($2.7mn) from the Far-East High Technology Fund in invest into making artificial skin for its robots. Photo: www.promo-bot.ru
“This is yet another step towards getting robots and AI-powered devices in general closer to human beings”
devices in general closer to human beings,” says Promobot advisor Andrey Zotov.
Recently, as COVID-19 hit Russia, the startup launched a disinfection robot and a thermocontrol device.
The Far-East High Technology Fund was launched in 2018 by three state-backed organizations: the Far East Development Fund, national fund of funds RVC and nanotech giant Rusnano.
The fund received 5bn rubles (roughly $75mn) to invest in fast-growing tech companies that can “nurture the business environment of the Russian Far-East” while “holding a promise for the future.”
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