Intermec Technologies has signed a strategic commercial partnership with MTI MicroFuel Cells (MTI Micro) to develop micro fuel cell systems for Intermec rugged handheld mobile computers and peripherals.

As part of the joint development and supply agreement, MTI Micro and Intermec will integrate MTI Micro's proprietary direct methanol micro fuel cell power system into future Intermec mobile computing equipment. Intermec plans to first offer MTI Micro's system with a product targeted for launch in 2004, as well as explore additional product opportunities.

According to the companies, a direct methanol micro fuel cell creates power through the chemical reaction of methanol fuel - a common alcohol with a high energy density - in the presence of a catalyst. MTI Micro said it is developing proprietary integrated micro fuel cell power systems for future use that can be re-powered instantly and can allow small computing devices to work away from a power outlet for significantly longer than they can today.