While popularization of personal computers accelerated computerization, Brother co-developed a high-speed dot-matrix printer for small-size computers with Centronics Data Computer Corp. in the United States in 1971. Later, Brother worked on developing its own in-house electronic control technology and print heads. These technologies were subsequently applied to fax machines and printers. In the 1970s, electronization of various industrial products progressed, and Brother also pursued the incorporation of electronic technologies in its existing products, including sewing machines and typewriters.
Chronology
| 1971 |
Shipment of "M-101" high-speed dot-matrix printers to CENTRONICS in the U.S. started.
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|---|---|
| 1972 | "M-101" high-speed dot-matrix printers launched in Japan (electronic control units supplied by CENTRONICS). |
| 1974 | First model of NC* sewing machines (the industry’s first NC control straight-stitch sewing machines) completed. |
| 1977 | BROTHER INTERNATIONAL (AUST.) PTY. LTD. established in Australia as a regional sales company. |
| 1978 | TAIWAN BROTHER INDUSTRIES, LTD. established in Taiwan as a home sewing machine manufacturing company. |
| 1979 |
Production of ZZ3-B820 "Opus 8" home zigzag sewing machines (the industry’s first computerized sewing machine) started.
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- Stands for Numerical Control, a program control system using numerical signals
