Panasonic joins Manufacturing Technology Centre

Panasonic will boost the centre’s capabilities in connectivity and the Internet of Things.

Panasonic Business has joined the Manufacturing Technology Centre (MTC) in Coventry, in a bid to drive forward innovation within the rail and utilities sector.

Panasonic is aiming to develop bespoke connected, intelligent technology solutions that drive innovation within business, such as its trespass warning system developed for the UK railway network. The new, automated system helps to prevent trespass incidents at known hot spots, which cause customer delays and cost the railway network millions of pounds every year.

Dr Clive Hickman, the MTC chief executive, said the addition of Panasonic as a member would boost the centre’s capabilities in connectivity and the Internet of Things.

“For the past 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,” he said.

"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.”

The MTC was formed to provide a competitive environment to bridge the gap between university-based research and the development of pioneering manufacturing solutions.