HARTFORD, CT — United Technologies Corp. (UTC) announced a research collaboration for “smart building” innovation with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s (MIT’s) Media Lab. According to UTC, its researchers will work with the Media Lab’s “Things That Think” research consortium to conceive and refine smart building innovations.

As part of the collaboration, UTC and MIT will create a research facility for smart building innovation when the MIT Media Lab undergoes expansion, according to UTC. The project will involve construction of a second, larger building that is scheduled to open in 2004 and will be equipped with Web-enabled UTC products to create a testbed for prototype development.

Resulting innovations will be integrated into the building as it evolves into a demonstration showcase for smart technology.