IFA 2016: IBM Watson and Bragi come together to make IoT hearables for workplaces

Bragi is integrating IBM Watson into the Dash smart wireless earphones as part of an effort to develop solutions for enterprises. The contextual engine from Bragi and the IoT platform from IBM Watson are the two key technologies that will allow for these new set of workplace tools.To start with there are six focus areas, worker safety, instructions, notifications, communications, optimisation and biometric identification. The Dash earphones are packed with 27 unique sensors.[caption id="attachment_294569" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Bragi Dash Wireless Headphones[/caption]Nikolaj Hviid, CEO and founder of Bragi said, "Hearables will transform the way we work and have a tremendous impact on the business processes of the future. Packed with sensors, The Dash is uniquely equipped to realize the potential of truly contextual audible computing. We are very excited to tap IBM’s industry leading cognitive computing capabilities through the Watson IoT platform as well as benefit from IBM’s enormous experience in global innovation that touches people’s lives."Harriet Green, Global Head of IBM Watson, Internet of Things, said, "Users will increasingly talk to their devices and interact with their homes and workplaces in more natural, interactive and convenient ways. With Bragi we are looking at how this development can go even further with a powerful audio and sensory interface that fits inside the ear opening up a myriad of new opportunities for transforming the workplace."[caption id="attachment_333549" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Harriet Green, IBM, on IFA 2016 in Berlin. 03.09.2016, Copyright: Thomas Koehler/photothek.net[/caption]Bragi is one of the players in the niche segment of hearables, smart, interactive wireless earphones. The Dash earphone was developed after a successful Kickstarter project that raised US $3.3 million (roughly Rs 22 Crore). The Dash headphone can send sophisticated instructions to and from a tethered smartphone. The language translation and  speech-to-text capabilities of the IBM Watson platform will be used to develop new ways workers can communicate and collaborate in an office environment. IBM and Bragi are also testing out tracking and interpreting gestures based on head movements.