#14DayChallenge IBM Watson and IoT Solutions for Consumers

IBM set up its IoT Innovation centre at Munich exactly 2 year ago. The agenda was to work on defining the future of this world-changing technology. Today, IBM’s Watson IoT Solutions is already being used by over 6000 clients globally. Here are some examples of how IBM is helping their clients across the automotive, healthcare, home appliance segments.

1. Harman’s Voice Enabled Cognitive Rooms

The term “If only walls had ears” is becoming a reality true with Harman’s IoT enabled speakers powered by IBM Watson. Together they have created voice-enabled cognitive rooms that answer queries related to equipment and light systems within the roon. Tested in office conference rooms, the IBM app is embedded in Harman’s sound bars to enable users to interact with it using natural language.

2. Whirlpool Connected Appliances

Whirlpool home appliances like washing machines, dishwashers and microwaves are fitted with sensors that collect data related to their usage. The IBM Cloud analyses this data and suggests improvements for newer models, taking into consideration user requirements. With Whirlpool being one of the largest appliance manufacturers in the world, connected appliances are already a market reality. The Whirlpool app gives customers a new level of empowement. Using the app they can control their devices and even get real-time alerts. Additionally, new learnings from this data has helped make improvements and innovation that have never been seen before.

3. BMW’s Intuitive Cars

The BMW team is working with IBM on a cloud computing project that will help cars communicate with each other, understand driving habits and recognise glitches and deadlines. The German car maker partnered with IBM to automate and personalise the driving experience for car owners. Further, with BMW’s CarData Platform car owners can share data collected with insurance companies and auto shops to be alerted about upcoming service requirements or possible repairs.

4. Ricoh Cognitive White Boards

With mobility being at the crux of workplace efficiency, IBM and Ricoh are working together to create a cognitive whiteboard. These boards will be able to collect, collate and analyse data produced during meetings. This is possible because of a host of connected products made by Ricoh and IBM Watson. It includes apps to collect voice conversations, whiteboard interactions and share minutes of the meeting with all participants. The natural language interface makes it easy to use and more efficient. Watch the video here.

5. Groupama Connected Car Insurance

With the Watson technology, Groupama, an Italy based insurance firm is able to provide better motor insurance services to the customer. With IoT and telematics devices, Groupama is able to collect data regarding trips and driving patterns, and provide an overall risk assessment measure. This further enables customised pricing based on the services they need. Groupama has been able to identify new ways to improve the overall insurance process, keeping the customer experience at the centre.  

This is just the tip of the iceberg. Watch out for Watson and a whole host of innovative, customer centric solutions as IoT and digital transformation take centre stage.

Ashika Devi is an IoT enthusiast keenly tracking this space and providing regular updates to fellow enthusiasts.