Panasonic Joins WNCG Industrial Affiliates Program

The Wireless Networking and Communications Group at the University of Texas at Austin is pleased to announce that Panasonic has become a member of the WNCG Affiliate Program. The industrial affiliates program connects leading wireless, software and semiconductor companies with WNCG faculty and students to promote research with an emphasis on relevance to commercial wireless communication systems. 

“We are delighted that despite the difficult global economic conditions, Panasonic has had the vision to further their investments in basic research and strong university relationships, and that they recognize WNCG and the University of Texas as the right place to make a new investment”, commented Professor Jeffrey G. Andrews, the Director of WNCG.   “We look forward to working with them to provide expertise in sensor networks, and other emerging wireless technologies that will affect the consumer electronics area that they are a global leader in.”

Panasonic Corporation (NYSE: PC) is one of the largest electronic product manufacturers in the world, comprised of over 540 affiliated companies. It reported approximately $82 billion in net worldwide sales during its most recent fiscal year.  WNCG will interact primarily with the Panasonic Wireless Research Laboratory, a lab of Panasonic R&D Company of America, with headquarters in San Jose, California, while also visiting global corporate headquarters in Japan.   Professor Ranjit Gharpurey, an expert in RF circuit design who resides in the Integrated Circuits and Systems Group, will also contribute to the collaboration.

“Cognitive radio, wireless sensor networks and ultra high-speed wireless are expected to become a new wireless market,” said Mr. Hiroaki Kosugi, Director of Panasonic Wireless Research Laboratory. “Panasonic hopes to accelerate the development of new wireless systems and devices through participation in WNCG.”