IBM to invest 3 billion to groom Watson for the Internet of Things

If there were any doubts that IBM would put its cognitive computer Watson to work on the Internet of Things, it would be tough to argue now. IBM announced October 3 that it would not only put Watson to work on IoT, but would also ante up 200 million of a 3 billion total investment – the most IBM has ever spent in Europe – to open a new global headquarters in Munich for Watson's IoT business. The goal is for Watson to develop new IoT capabilities around Blockchain and security. Then there are eager IBM clients who are already driving outcomes by using Watson IoT technologies to draw insights from billions of sensors embedded in machines, cars, drones, ball bearings, pieces of equipment and even hospitals. IBM executives say there is escalating demand from customers who are looking to transform their operations using a combination of IoT and artificial intelligence technologies.