Panasonic says it will transform Denver into a smart city this year

Panasonic has teamed up with the city and county of Denver to transform the place into a “smart city.”

The Japanese electronics company will provide infrastructure and gadgetry to help the city save energy and manage its resources better. The deal marks a shift for Panasonic, which has become more of an enterprise and government vendor than a consumer-focused company in recent years.

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“We want to make it a smarter, more sustainable place to live, to travel, and to work,” said Joseph Taylor, CEO of Panasonic North America.

The company made the announcement at a press event at the 2016 International CES, the big tech trade show in Las Vegas this week.

Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said his is one of the fastest-growing cities in the national.

“We are the hot spot for millennials and baby boomers alike,” Hancock said. “Technology can be a great equalizer in empowering people to improve their lives. We will provide smarter and safer streets.”

Taylor said the Panasonic City Now project will enable monitoring in smart homes, infrastructure support, management, and transportation improvements. The project includes gear such as Internet-connected security cameras and a smart solar grid.

“This is not something we are dreaming about, but what we are doing,” Taylor said.