Future Bimmers to Get IBM Watson Know-How

IBM Corp. and BMW AG plan to work together to integrate the software company’s Watson artificial intelligence technology into future automotive applications.

BMW engineers will be co-located at IBM’s new Watson Internet of Things headquarters in Munich to explore ways to improve next-generation driver assist features. IBM is investing $200 million in the Munich facility, which is due to open in February.

As part of the program, four of BMW’s i8 hybrid sports cars will be linked—including uploading vehicle owner’s manuals—to IBM’s Bluemix cloud platform and Watson. This will allow motorists to ask questions and receive answers about their vehicles in a conversational style while driving. Watson also will be able to monitor driver behavior and incorporate real-time traffic and weather information.

A new IBM study notes that cars are transforming into moving data centers with onboard sensors and computers that capture information about the car, its occupants and surroundings. IBM says industry partnerships such as the BMW deal will help optimize emerging new mobility services and features as cars become increasingly self-learning, self-driving, self-healing, self-socializing and self-configuring over the next decade.

In addition to BMW, IBM Watson announced a partnership with General Motors Co. in September to develop a new version of the carmaker’s OnStar connectivity service. The company also is working with PSA Group and Local Motors Inc. And the Munich facility also is targeting consumer electronics and healthcare applications.