Weekly Watson: IBM Watson Has a Sister
March 23, 2016
I read “In Africa, Watson’s Sister Lucy Is Growing Up with the Help of IBM’s Research Team.” I did not know that. According to the write up:
Lucy, named after the fossil ancestor Australopithecus afrarensis, is more of a system than a sci-fi super machine. “Lucy is many things, but it’s not just one talking computer in a room,” said Dr. Kamal Bhattacharya, Director of IBM Research–Africa. “We are using Watson related technology and big data analytics to develop solutions to African problems.”
I have been to different countries in Africa a handful of times. I have seen some of problems first hand. I learned from the description of Lucy, brother of IBM Watson that:
On the execution side, IBM Research Africa has launched problem solving groups around issues such as education, infrastructure, health care, and economic inclusion. Partners include African universities, telcos, hospitals, tech startups, and the Kenyan ICT Authority.
Research is good. Research which helps people is good. My concern is that IBM remains mired in years of revenue challenges. Marketing, not generating benefits for its stakeholders, seems to be a core IBM Watson competency. Also, the company is improving its ability to terminate unneeded employees. Lucy, what’s the fix for declining IBM revenues?
I await word from Watson’s sister?
Stephen E Arnold, March 23, 2016
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