Nokia, Alex Thomson Racing partner, to develop industrial IoT and cutting-edge technologies

Nokia Bell Labs, the industrial research arm of Nokia, announced as Technology Partner to UK-based sailing team Alex Thomson Racing.

The new partnership, which continues through to 2021, will see Nokia Bell Labs join forces with skipper Alex Thomson and his team, as he looks to become the first British sailor ever to win the iconic Vendée Globe race. One of the toughest sporting challenges in the world, the Vendée Globe, is a 24,000-mile solo, non-stop unassisted race around the world.

Through the partnership, Nokia will explore onboard and shore-based technologies and systems in a bid to enhance the performance capabilities of the sailing team. Nokia Bell Labs will work alongside Thomson and his IMOCA 60 race boat to develop and test both existing and new cutting-edge technologies. From augmented intelligence and wearable technology, through to networks and communications capabilities, the partnership will seek to discover and create the technology of tomorrow.

Nokia Chief Technology Officer and Bell Labs President, Marcus Weldon, says: “Alex Thomson Racing represents an important microcosm of the broader industrial IoT and mission-critical network focus of Nokia.”