Today, Motorola introduces Motorola 312 Labs, a newly chartered internal innovation group within the Motorola product organization, comprising global research, design and engineering experts focused on first-of-its-kind product development. This group will explore the unknown through research, ideation, concepting, and prototyping to usher in radically different mobile solutions and technologies in both the near and distant future. The introduction of the Motorola 312 Labs R&D group at Motorola, a Lenovo company, further supports Lenovo’s mission to double investment in R&D over the next three years.
Motorola’s business has seen impressive growth and profitability, recording its best quarter ever, with profit reaching a new historic high of US$89 million, while revenue grew 27% year-on-year to the highest in 15 quarters. This is thanks to a core portfolio of products like motorola razr, motorola edge and moto g, and services like ThinkShield for mobile and Moto Talk.
Motorola has brought incredible innovation to market such as shatterproof screens, moto mods and the foldable razr, and Motorola 312 Labs will continue to accelerate new technologies to market and assist the wider Lenovo Group. Looking ahead, Motorola 312 Labs is focused on a few key research areas including the connected ecosystem of the future, metaverse evolution, exploring new and unique mobile form factors and wearables, advancing displays, and AR & VR technologies.
“Motorola 312 Labs is uniquely positioned as its mission is to explore the unknown but with a research team that has the expertise to turn a conceptual idea into a reality.” Said Dan Dery, Motorola Vice President of Product. “One of our expertise is understanding the needs of customers, because what’s the point of breakthrough if it doesn’t mean anything to people? That’s a key focus area for Motorola 312 Labs as it looks to the future of mobile technology.”
Motorola 312 Lab’s employees review a 3D printed component in the HQ Model Shop.
Global Team of Experts with Roots in Chicago
The name “312” was chosen as it’s one of Chicago’s most well-known telephone area codes. Motorola’s innovation has deep roots in Chicago, IL, USA, supporting iconic devices from the first portable phone to the first clamshell foldable. The team is headquartered in Chicago’s iconic Merchandise Mart, where employees work in over 30 labs, working alongside colleagues in Brazil, China and India.
Working with the values instilled by Lenovo’s Product Diversity Office, Motorola 312 Labs will continue to build a diverse team and ensure a mix of disciplines are brought into fold throughout the innovation process. For example, from a consumer research perspective, a screening process ensures a representative sample of various ages, genders, abilities and races are included in our sessions. This is fundamental to our process.
Motorola 312 Lab’s employees discuss ideas during a Motorola 312 Lab’s brainstorm session.
Motorola 312 Labs is an important step for Motorola to continue challenging what the mobile experience feels, looks and acts like.
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