IBM Shows Off Artificial Intelligence in New Watson Spots [Video]

IBM Corp. is rolling out two new TV ads during the U.S. Open this week to showcase its cognitive computing system Watson. The spots feature startups that are using the platform to build apps serving industries from healthcare to travel to retail. Watson, which is named after IBM's founder Thomas J. Watson, was introduced to the public in 2011, when a computer powered with the artificial intelligence technology competed on the "Jeopardy" game show (and won). Last year, IBM formalized a Watson Group business unit -- pumping 1 billion into its development -- and it promised to set aside 100 million to seed companies that are developing mobile apps with the technology. The new TV ads show off some of the fruits of this funding effort, featuring startup companies and IBM's own businesses that are using Watson's artificial intelligence technology.