Foxconn and Johnson Controls have announced that they have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to form a global technology strategic partnership.
Under the terms of the agreement, Johnson Controls and Foxconn Industrial Internet (Fii) will collaborate to transform building data analytics through artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to advance smart building and smart-city technologies.
The MoU stipulates that Johnsons Controls will become the preferred provider of building management products and solutions at Foxconn’s planned manufacturing facilities in Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin and potentially extend to Foxconn’s global footprint. The buildings will incorporate smart technologies provided by Johnson Controls and enhanced by Fii’s industrial AI and smart manufacturing technologies, the two companies said.
“We look forward to this collaboration with Johnson Controls, a global leader in building technology, to apply their expertise to leverage our expertise in Artificial Intelligence to further advance into the next generation of smart technology solutions,” said Brand Cheng, Fii CEO.
“This partnership represents an incredible opportunity for both companies. For Johnson Controls it is recognition by the world’s leading electronics manufacturer that we have the right products and solutions to make buildings smart, safe and sustainable, not just in Southeastern Wisconsin, but around the world,” said George Oliver, chairman and CEO of Johnson Controls.
Johnson Controls highlighted that the smart buildings and cities of the future will rely on buildings with a highly predictive network of integrated data analytics and artificial intelligence applications, combining building data with external data such as utility pricing, energy storage use, social media tracking and weather data to help consumers manage their home environment, home security, lighting and a host of other in-home functions.
Foxconn Industrial Internet specializes in communication network equipment, cloud service equipment, precision tools, industrial robots, AI, and machine learning.
Johnson Controls, a global provider of solutions for smart buildings, recorded revenues of $2.32 billion in its North America building solutions segment in fiscal Q3, slightly up compared to revenues of $2.24 billion in the same period the previous year.
The company said that growth in this segment in North America was driven by strong growth in HVAC & Controls and, to a lesser extent, growth in Fire & Security.