Microsoft to launch its biggest AI, IoT lab in Shanghai

Microsoft plans to open its biggest artificial intelligence and internet of things lab in Shanghai, aiming to launch a smart platform for Chinese businesses in sectors varying from manufacturing to healthcare. Located in the Zhangjiang Hi-Tech Park, the lab is expected to open in April, in partnership with the city’s Pudong district government. It will focus on accelerating the deployment of end-to-end artificial intelligence (AI), internet of things (IoT), and cloud computing services in the retail, healthcare, and finance sectors, among others. The announcement comes as domestic companies increase their focus on enterprises. Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba have restructured their businesses to emphasize AI and cloud computing. “China is the world’s largest IoT market, with great potential in deploying AI and IoT technologies,” Roan Kang, vice president of Microsoft China, said in a statement. The US tech giant vowed to bring with its best AI and IoT platforms, products, and solutions to help Chinese businesses increase their productivity.