IBM Invests $200 Million in Global Center for IoT and Watson Artificial Intelligence Development

IBM has announced that it has invested $200 million in a new Global Center for the development of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and Watson artificial intelligence. The center is located in Munich, Germany, and will focus on developing IoT solutions, security tools, and the application of Blockchain technologies in various client applications. These solutions will leverage Watson’s artificial intelligence to derive valuable insights from data collected from billions of sensors connected to the Internet of Things, embedded in machines, vehicles, autonomous drones, various equipment, ball bearings, and medical devices in hospitals.

The investment in Europe is part of IBM’s global investments totaling $3 billion aimed at maximizing practical business applications of Watson cognitive computing and IoT technologies. IBM has allocated more than $200 million from this amount for the construction of the Watson Center for the development of IoT and artificial intelligence technologies in Munich. This investment, one of the largest IBM has made in Europe to date, is a response to the growing demand from clients—companies seeking new ways to transform everyday business by combining IoT and artificial intelligence technologies. IBM currently has over 6,000 clients—companies utilizing Watson IoT solutions. Just eight months ago, there were 4,000 such clients.

“Germany is a leader in initiatives that realize the fourth industrial revolution. That is why we invited clients and partners to Munich and provided them access to our latest technologies and most talented people. Together, they will fulfill all the promises of the Internet of Things and spark a new wave of innovation,” said Harriet Green, General Manager of the IBM Watson Global Center for IoT Development.

The Watson Center for the development of AI-based IoT technologies will also be a venue for the first industrial co-laboratories where clients and partners, together with a thousand IBM scientists, engineers, developers, and business experts, will design innovations applicable in the automotive industry, electronics, healthcare, insurance, and various manufacturing facilities. Together, they will face the biggest challenges in their industries: applying new concepts and technologies and building new IoT solutions. They will devise entirely new business models, solutions, and services, pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the field of IoT.

“IBM is making extraordinary efforts to enable companies around the world to access all the benefits provided by this era of incredible technological transformation and to develop new products and services that will change the lives of people across the planet,” Green said.