Boston, MA 05/22/2014 (wallstreetpr) – The IBM Watson Group, an innovative department of International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM), acquired Artificial Intelligence (AI) start-up Cognea. With this acquisition, IMB added yet another company into its portfolio.
Statement from the Senior Vice-President of IBM Watson Group
The Senior Vice-President of International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) Watson Group, Michael Rhodin explained that the company will be able to produce the computers just like the ones seen in science fiction films. This will be possible with the help of Cognea. The computers will be able to interact in different tones through their conversations. He further added that the most important part of cognitive computing will be the ability of the humans to have interactions with smart machines in a very natural way.
Strategic Decision
IMB’s decision to invest in Cognea is a small part of the company’s decision to invest around $100 million in the start-up businesses which were directed towards building of the apps as well as services. In this direction, International Business Machines Corp. (NYSE:IBM) has made two initiatives by investing in Welltok as well as Fluid. While Welltok is the online healthcare management communities’ maker, Fluid, on the other hand is the company involved in building the cognitive shopping supporter.
Difference between voice-activation software and the computer made by IBM and Cognea
There will be a major difference between the voice-activation software and the computer made by IBM and Cognea. The new computer will not be in line with the voice-activation software like Cortana and Siri. The computer built by IBM and Cognea will focus on the conversation capability and will not blindly react to the commands or instructions.
In this context, Michael Rhodin explained that the computer will not be given simple command or it will not just be asked simple questions. Rather, the new computer will offer realistic conversations, which might include intense debates and even friendly chit-chat.
