Connected Lab to Host Hackathon to Build Chatbots for Smart Devices

Toronto’s Connected Lab will host a smart device hackathon.

The hackathon will encourage developers to create new experiences using conversational interfaces on the IBM Watson IoT Platform.

The IBM Watson IoT Platform allows people to connect devices, from chips and intelligent appliances, to applications and industry solutions, and use cognitive services including natural language processing and machine learning for deep insights into hidden or “dark” data for innovation and transformation.

During the hackathon, developers will use IBM Watson IoT cognitive APIs and smart devices to create conversational interfaces like chatbots.

“People are excited about chatbots because they see the potential to interact with technology using conversational language,” said Damian McCabe, VP Engineering at Connected Lab. “As an IBM alumni, I’m excited about the potential of the IBM Watson’s cognitive capabilities including natural language processing and machine learning. At the hackathon, developers will use this powerful platform to build more human ways for people to use innovative technology.”

The theme of the hackathon, “Conversational Interfaces and Smart Devices,” aligns with Connected Lab’s mission to build better connected software experiences.

The Connected Lab Chatbots for Smart Devices Hackathon, powered by IBM Watson IoT takes place on June 3 to 5 .