U blox : Panasonic collaborates with u-blox to unveil world’s first tablet using centimeter-level RTK-GNSS technology

Thalwil, Switzerland and Tokyo, Japan - May 9, 2017 -Panasonic Corporationan industry leader in rugged, reliable handheld and tablet computers since 1996, has announced the launch of the world's first tablet using centimeter‑level RTK‑GNSS technology, in collaboration with u‑blox (SIX:UBXN), a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips. Toughpad, the newly born version of Panasonic's professional grade notebooks family, is specifically designed for precision agriculture, machine control and robotic guidance applications in harsh environments and conditions. Embedded in the tablet is a u‑blox NEO‑M8 GNSS receiver module delivering high integrity and precision in demanding applications world‑wide.

First successfully tested for collecting snow in Hokkaido, the Toughpad tablet uses Panasonic's own satellite positioning technology combining a satellite radio receiver module, wireless WAN, and a single band Real Time Kinematic (RTK) Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receiver connected to an external antenna. This system enables high precision positioning down to centimeter‑level in open sky conditions.

'We needed a high quality, reliable and robust GNSS module for this tablet designed to be used in rugged environments. The NEO‑M8 from u‑blox was therefore the right choice, 'explains, Mr. Tetsuya Sakamoto, General Manager, Mobile Solutions Business Division, Development Center at Panasonic Corporation.

'It was very exciting to collaborate with a market leader such as Panasonic in developing a product that would guarantee precise positioning for a wide range of professional applications. This implementation will support the global expansion of the high precision market where u‑blox is a key player,' explains Tesshu Naka, Country Manager at u‑blox Japan.

Toughpad is first launched in Japan.

Learn about u‑blox M8 products here: https://www.u‑blox.com/en/position‑time

About u‑blox

Swiss u‑blox (SIX:UBXN) is a global leader in wireless and positioning modules and chips for the automotive, industrial and consumer markets. u‑blox solutions enable people, vehicles and machines to locate their exact position and communicate wirelessly over cellular and short range networks. With a broad portfolio of chips, modules and software solutions, u‑blox is uniquely positioned to empower OEMs to develop innovative solutions for the Internet of Things, quickly and cost‑effectively. With headquarters in Thalwil, Switzerland, u‑blox is globally present with offices in Europe, Asia and the USA.

(www.u‑blox.com)

Find us on Facebook, Google+, LinkedIn, Twitter @ublox and YouTube

u‑blox contact:

Tesshu Naka, Country Manager at u‑blox Japan

Phone: [phone]

E‑mail: [e-mail]