Nov 01, 2018

Products & Solutions / Press Release

Panasonic and SoftBank to Launch a Field Demonstration of Always-on IoT-enabled Home Appliances Using NB-IoT in a Commercial Setting

Tokyo/Osaka, Japan - Panasonic Corporation and SoftBank Corp. announced today that they will launch a field demonstration of always-on IoT appliances using Narrowband IoT (NB-IoT), a Low Power Wide Area (LPWA) wireless technology, in a commercial setting. This field demonstration will start in Osaka this month using high-security Non-IP Data Delivery (NIDD) technology,1 with which SoftBank carried out successful connection tests in a commercial setting for the first time in the world.2

Over the last 100 years, Panasonic has been providing comfort and convenience to people's lives through home appliances. In recent years, with the progress of communications technology, the company has been offering IoT appliances that can be linked to smartphones and web services. Further, in order to achieve a lifestyle where products and services are kept updated and tailored to each customer, Panasonic is promoting the verification of LPWA, which enables the use of cloud computing in homes without an internet connection simply by turning on products.

SoftBank has been striving to achieve its corporate philosophy, "Information Revolution--Happiness for everyone," through the use of cutting-edge technologies demanded by the times and the best business models. During this field demonstration, the company will conduct a verification of the "NB-IoT" LTE communication standard using NIDD, which allows data communication without allocating an IP address to an IoT device. This will enable the development of a high-security network for IoT appliances. Through the elimination of the data, such as header information additionally required in conventional data communication, NIDD can reduce the power required for communication and help the battery last longer, as well as allow broader area coverage.

Together, Panasonic and SoftBank will create new values and experiences by maintaining constant connection with customers through LPWA and aim to achieve more affluent lives and society.

Notes:

  • * SoftBank, the SoftBank name and logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of SoftBank Group Corp. in Japan and other countries.
  • * Other company names, product/service names included in this press release are
    registered/non-registered trademarks of the respective companies.

About Panasonic

Panasonic Corporation is a worldwide leader in the development of diverse electronics technologies and solutions for customers in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, and B2B businesses. Celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2018, the company has expanded globally and now operates 591 subsidiaries and 88 associated companies worldwide, recording consolidated net sales of 7.982 trillion yen for the year ended March 31, 2018. Committed to pursuing new value through innovation across divisional lines, the company uses its technologies to create a better life and a better world for its customers. To learn more about Panasonic: https://www.panasonic.com/global.

About SoftBank Corp.

SoftBank Corp., a subsidiary of SoftBank Group Corp. (TOKYO:9984), provides mobile communication, fixed-line communication, and Internet connection services to consumers and corporate customers in Japan. Leveraging the innovative technologies of other SoftBank Group companies, SoftBank Corp. is also expanding into AI, smart robotics, IoT, FinTech, cloud security and other business sectors.
To learn more, please visit: https://www.softbank.jp/en/

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Issued:
Panasonic Corporation

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