MBT Unveils Next‑Gen Sustainable Solutions at MCE 2026

MILAN, March 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Midea Building Technologies (MBT) made a strong impression at MCE 2026, showcasing three key innovations: the V9 VRF system, R290 heat pump portfolio, and data center cooling solutions, highlighting its leadership in eco-friendly refrigerants and energy-efficient technologies.

Midea V9 VRF System

Midea launched its new V9 VRF system, built on two core technologies: ShieldBox II electric control box and R32 refrigerant.

ShieldBox II features automotive-grade die-cast aluminum housing, reducing volume by 70% to accommodate a larger heat exchanger and boost outdoor unit efficiency. Its three-zoning design integrates IP68-rated protection, while phase-change cooling maintains 30°C steady coolant cooling, extending component life in extreme environments. The V9 uses eco-friendly R32 refrigerant and has passed TÜV's first three-tier safety assessment for flammable refrigerant VRF systems, earning certification that confirms its internationally leading safety standards.

R290 Heat Pump Portfolio on Display

MBT showcased its R290 heat pump portfolio, covering capacities from 4kW to 70kW for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

The Mars Large R290 ATW Commercial Heat Pump, an MCE Excellence Award winner, delivers up to 85°C leaving water temperature with eco-friendly R290 refrigerant. Full DC inverter and dual compressor backup ensure reliable operation. With a compact 0.72 m² footprint and A+++ energy rating, it maintains 100% heating capacity at -10°C and 65% at -20°C.

The Arctic Series M4 and Mars R290 ATW Heat Pumps were also on display, together forming a comprehensive R290 product lineup driving the transition to natural refrigerant-based heating.

Data Center Cooling Solutions

Addressing data center cooling demands, MBT showcased liquid cooling solutions through an interactive diorama. The system integrates precision CDUs, fan walls, and magnetic bearing centrifugal chillers to achieve an annual PUE as low as 1.2. Key products include the AirBoost Vera Air-Cooled Magnetic Bearing Centrifugal Chiller and Coolant Distribution Unit (CDU). The AirBoost Vera chiller features dual-power switching and customizable THDi for reliable power supply, delivering exceptional efficiency with outlet water up to 36°C and 20°C temperature difference. Standard indirect natural cooling and eco-friendly refrigerant compatibility make it a sustainable choice for modern data centers. The CDU is engineered with multiple redundancies, leak-proof protection, and 100% tested core components for long-term reliability.

MBT delivers integrated, full-scenario solutions that meet the evolving needs of Europe's green transition. With a continued focus on innovation and sustainability, MBT is committed to shaping a smarter, low-carbon future for the HVAC industry.

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MBT Unveils Next‑Gen Sustainable Solutions at MCE 2026

SHANGHAI, April 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DFRobot, a global leader in open-source hardware, recently participated in the Robot Hokoten @ Akihabara event in Tokyo, appearing at the DigiKey booth. The company presented two AI-driven projects based on open-source hardware—an "Electronic Nose" gas recognition system and an AI-powered cell recognition teaching system—demonstrating how AI and open hardware can be effectively applied in STEAM education and maker scenarios.

Electronic Nose: Integrating TinyML with On-Device AI

The "Electronic Nose" project combines edge AI with embedded hardware. It uses four MEMS gas sensors connected to an ESP32 running a TinyML model for real-time odor analysis. 

During the demonstration, the sensor probe was placed above a glass of beer. Within 20 to 30 seconds, the system completed odor sampling and analysis. The results were then transmitted to the LattePanda Sigma, a compact x86 computing module, which generated descriptive content or tasting notes using a locally deployed language model. The entire process was executed on-device, without relying on network connectivity.

Xia Qing, Senior Engineer at DFRobot, commented: "This demonstration shows how makers can combine TinyML-based sensing with local AI models to transform sensor data into intuitive insights. Potential applications include coffee flavor analysis, fermentation monitoring, and food freshness detection."

AI Cell Recognition: Bringing AI into the STEAM Classroom

Another featured project focused on educational applications. DFRobot presented an AI-powered cell recognition teaching system designed to integrate artificial intelligence into middle school biology education. The system is built using the HUSKYLENS 2 AI vision sensor and the UNIHIKER K10 development board.

Powered by the K230 processor with up to 6 TOPS of AI computing performance, HUSKYLENS 2 can efficiently run both pre-trained and user-trained models with low latency. In the demonstration, the system performed real-time identification and classification of cells under a microscope, making abstract AI and machine learning concepts tangible through hands-on interaction.

The project showcases the complete AI workflow—from data collection and model training to edge inference—highlighting its practical applicability in educational settings.

Partnering with DigiKey to Expand the Open-Source Hardware Ecosystem

DFRobot and DigiKey jointly showcased at Robot Hokoten to promote open-source hardware and AI education. The two parties will continue collaborating on technical content, global marketing, and educational solutions, lowering the barrier to AI and open hardware adoption, and accelerating the transition from maker projects to real STEAM classroom applications.

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DFRobot Showcases AI Maker Projects at Robot Hokoten in Akihabara