Konica Minolta Inc., Tokyo, Japan, has signed an agreement for the purchase and transfer of approximately 65 percent of the shares of MOBOTIX AG from the major shareholders. Majority shareholder Ralf Hinkel plans to stay in the supervisory board and will continue the strategic development of MOBOTIX.
MOBOTIX, a German manufacturer of video surveillance systems, has a number of technologies including decentralized processing (edge computing) IP cameras, image data compression and image data analytics technologies. In addition, Konica Minolta and MOBOTIX intend to enter into a collaboration agreement regarding future technological developments in the field.
With the acquisition of the stake in MOBOTIX, Konica Minolta aims to provide next-generation decentralized network security solutions by leveraging its industrial optical systems, including the 3D-LiDAR to scan, without errors or failed reports, wide areas at a high-precision level based on its proprietary optical technology, and MOBOTIX’s decentralized processing IP cameras and video management software (VMS) with a diversified processor.
By utilizing the technology of both MOBOTIX’ decentralized processing IP cameras and its VMS with Konica Minolta’s image sensing system, Konica Minolta plans to drive development of new products such as “Care Support Solutions” for monitoring residents at nursing care homes, or the solutions for monitoring workflow at manufacturing facilities that can help their workflow innovation.
Konica Minolta also intends to broaden the distribution of MOBOTIX products and their solution services by leveraging its global direct sales network and after-sales support and services systems.
Under its medium term management plan “TRANSFORM 2016,” Konica Minolta is determined to become a company that is supported by and is vital to society, according to a Konica Minolta press release. In this regard, the company believes it is important to continue providing products and services to help solve social issues, including workflow improvement in workplaces.
