Panasonic has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, as part of a bid to drive forward innovation and technology in the rail and utilities sector.
Panasonic is one of the world’s largest manufacturers with products ranging from semi-conductors to intelligent software systems. The company is now of the MTC partner firms and has expressed an interest in developing connected technology solutions that drive innovation with business.
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One example of the connected technology projects Panasonic has developed is a trespass warning system for the UK railway network. The system helps to prevent trespassers on the tracks at known hotspots, reportedly saving millions a year in customer delays and costs to the railway network.
Tony O’Brien, managing director of the European solutions team at Panasonic Business explained: “While our foundations are in consumer electronics, globally Panasonic is now 70 per cent B2B. We look forward to working with MTC to develop the connected technology solutions of the future for businesses.”
The MTC was formed to provide a competitive environment and to bridge the “valley of death” between university-based research and the development of those ideas in to pioneering manufacturing solutions for use in the real world.
MTC chief executive, Dr Clive Hickman said the addition of Panasonic as a member would boost the centre’s capabilities in connectivity and the Internet of Things (IoT)
He noted: “For the last three decades, Panasonic has been the world’s leading patent producer, so innovation is at the heart of the business. This can be incredibly beneficial to MTC.”
“I see a huge opportunity with our various research teams inviting Panasonic into current projects knowing that they have such a rich heritage in design and innovation.”
