Taiwan technology stars at OpenStack Summit in US

2016/05/06

A Taiwan-developed wearable sensor device for capturing muscle signals of string musicians starred at OpenStack Summit in the U.S., one of the most important global gatherings of information technology leaders, telecommunications operators and app developers shaping the future of cloud computing, according to Industrial Technology Research Institute May 3.

The ITRI-produced device is based on OpenStack software utilizing mechanomyogram, or MMG, detection technology. Captured data includes subtle arm and hand movements, as well as finger pressure and string-playing speed.

OpenStack is an open source cloud-computing platform offering centralized hardware and software resources. It was developed by NASA in 2010 and boasts a diverse user base like the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), U.S. retailing giant Walmart and Wikipedia—one of the world’s most visited Web sites.

Wu Chi-kang, a team member and research fellow with ITRI’s Service Systems Technology Center in Hsinchu County, northern Taiwan, said the technology employs medical sensors and harnesses the power of big data, cloud computing and Internet of Things. “The end result is that by using a more systematic and scientific approach, music learners anywhere in the world can study online and perfect their rhythms, strengths and tones.”

According to Wu, the technology was a showstopper at the April 25-29 summit, and all five members of the ITRI team took great pride in presenting to industry’s heavyweights such as AT&T Inc., Cisco Systems Inc., HP Inc. and IBM, as well as more than 7,500 cloud computing experts from over 60 countries and territories.

“Summit participants seemed impressed with the technology and its potential uses spanning such areas as arts and crafts, bread- and ramen-making, as well as virtual reality gaming,” Wu said. “By bringing together homegrown talents from various high-tech fields, we are demonstrating Taiwan’s capability in creating innovative and integrated technology applications.”

ITRI is a nonprofit R&D organization established in 1973 to help local industries stay competitive and sustainable through applied research and enhanced technical services. It plays a key role in transforming Taiwan’s industrial sectors, including electronics, information communications technology, machinery and semiconductors. ITRI supports over 15,000 local companies each year, with 73 percent small and medium enterprises—the backbone of Taiwan’s economy.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=244412&ctNode=2194&mp=9)