Intermec and MTI MicroFuel Cells Developing Fuel Cell-Powered Mobile Computing Systems
Computers/Electronics News
prnewswire.com
- Strategic Partnership Moves Toward Commercial Micro Fuel Cell Product -
EVERETT, Wash., and ALBANY, N.Y., Jan. 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ --
Intermec Technologies Corp. has signed a strategic commercial partnership with MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc. (MTI Micro), a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology
Inc., to develop micro fuel cell systems for Intermec rugged handheld mobile computers and peripherals, the companies announced today.
As part of the joint development and supply agreement executed in December 2002, MTI Micro and Intermec will integrate MTI Micro's proprietary direct methanol micro fuel cell power system into future Intermec mobile computing
equipment. Intermec plans to first offer MTI Micro's system with a product targeted for launch in 2004, as well as explore additional product opportunities.
A direct methanol micro fuel cell creates power through the chemical reaction of methanol fuel -- a common alcohol with a high energy density -- in the presence of a catalyst. MTI Micro is developing proprietary integrated micro fuel cell power systems for future use that can be re-powered instantly and allow small computing devices to work away from a power outlet for significantly longer than they can today.
"In the increasingly mobile, wireless environments that we serve, we believe our customers will highly value the instant re-powering, reduced weight and longer operating time we expect to achieve by using MTI Micro's breakthrough micro fuel cell system," said Arvin Danielson, Intermec vice
president, research and development.
"Our approach is to build strong partnerships with ecognized technology leaders in their respective markets, and Intermec is a pioneer in mobile data collection solutions for industries around the world," said Dr. William Acker, MTI Micro president and chief executive officer. "This partnership with Intermec achieves a key business development milestone for MTI Micro. It
begins to move our DMFC power systems into high-growth commercial markets and is consistent with our multigenerational product plan."
"Intermec is known for product innovation using new technologies it believes will benefit its customers," said Alan Soucy, MTI Micro chief operating officer. "This deserved reputation for both quality and technological leadership makes Intermec a strong partner for our first
commercial product release."
When fully commercialized, direct methanol micro fuel cells are expected to provide an improved power source for future multi-billion dollar global markets in mobile phones, laptops, digital organizers, convergence devices and
other portable electronics.
About Intermec
Intermec Technologies Corp., a UNOVA Inc. (NYSE: UNA) company, is a leader in global supply chain solutions and in the development, manufacture and integration of wired and wireless automated data collection, Intellitag(R)
RFID (radio frequency identification), mobile computing systems, bar code printers and label media. The company's products and services are used by customers in many industries to improve productivity, quality and
responsiveness of business operations, from supply chain management and enterprise resource planning to field sales and service. For information about Intermec, visit intermec.com.
About MTI MicroFuel Cells
MTI MicroFuel Cells Inc., a subsidiary of Mechanical Technology, Inc., (Nasdaq: MKTY), is developing direct methanol micro fuel cell systems with the goal of commercialization commencing in 2004. The company has a world-class team of entrepreneurial business executives,
researchers and scientists; a proprietary direct methanol micro fuel cell power system and significant related intellectual property; and has received government awards and developed strategic partnerships to help accelerate
commercialization. For more information: mechtech.com.
Statements in this press release which are not historical fact including statements regarding managements intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations, representations, projections, plans or predictions of the future are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities
Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements include statements regarding MTI Micro's relationship with Intermec, the market potential for any products
resulting from that relationship, and the prospects for the development, manufacturing and improved performance of Direct Methanol Micro Fuel Cells (DMFCs). It is important to note that the Company's actual results may differ
materially from those in any such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include, among others, risks
related to financing, uncertainties in development, manufacturing, competition and consumer demand for DMFCs, and the risk factors listed from time to time
in the Company's SEC reports including but not limited to, the annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 2001, and the Company's Quarterly Report for the Third Quarter 2002. |
