Panasonic Business has opened a customer and partner experience centre in the UK. In Bracknell, Berkshire, it showcases a range of B2B solutions both physically and virtually. The facility focuses on five main topics, including retail technology, rugged computing, audio visual solutions, communications technology and next generation surveillance offerings.
Situated at the company's new UK headquarters on Western Road, Bracknell, the centre is experienced as two zones. The first is an immersive 270 degree interactive presentation space, built around eight separate virtual vertical environments, and the second is a demonstration space that allows customers to get hands-on with the latest Panasonic tech.
It has over 100 items of technology, with the presentation space squeezing nine laser projectors into just 50 square metres in order to achieve a fully immersive feel.
Simon Grantham, managing director of Panasonic UK, said: “The new centre provides a platform upon which we can work with our customers to solve their daily business challenges.”
All visitors are handed a 5in Android Toughbook rugged handheld on which a dedicated app allows them to select content of interest, ranging from white papers to brochures and introductory videos, via integrated NFC tags throughout the experience centre. This material is then emailed to the customer for follow-up, back in their office.
Retail technology demonstrated includes digital signage displays, electronic price tags and automatic stock monitoring that uses CCTV analytics to detect low and no stock on shelves.
In addition, a fully demonstrable lecture capture system automatically tracks a presenter, giving universities and other bodies the ability to automate the recording of teaching sessions.
A smart security section features the latest in modern analytics software. A range of indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras are equipped with a facial recognition platform that features a “deep learning” core engine. The Face Server can identify faces that are difficult to recognise using conventional technology, including those partially hidden by sunglasses and face masks.
Toughbook rugged notebooks and tablets can also be tested using a rugged resistance test station, which allows water ingress and drop and impact testing of the range.
