IoT Research
Thousands of new devices come online every day. Scientists in IBM Research labs worldwide are working closely with organizations to capitalize on the opportunity this presents. We are focused on such key industries as manufacturing, buildings, automotive, insurance and healthcare as well as novel applications for IoT in areas like blockchain, edge computing and security.
Sending weather alerts without connectivity
Mesh network alerts is a peer-to-peer networking technology created by IBM Research that will soon be available via The Weather Channel app. The app will provide a mobile method to notify underserved populations in developing countries of potential severe weather events or disasters -- even when there’s limited Internet connection, or cellular networks are disrupted due to an outage. Mesh network alerts work entirely within the app, using devices connected to Bluetooth or WiFi to communicate with unconnected smartphones nearby, so all citizens can prepare for an impending weather event.
Sending weather alerts without connectivity
Mesh network alerts is a peer-to-peer networking technology created by IBM Research that will soon be available via The Weather Channel app. The app will provide a mobile method to notify underserved populations in developing countries of potential severe weather events or disasters -- even when there’s limited Internet connection, or cellular networks are disrupted due to an outage. Mesh network alerts work entirely within the app, using devices connected to Bluetooth or WiFi to communicate with unconnected smartphones nearby, so all citizens can prepare for an impending weather event.
Autnomous drones for disinfecting contaminated areas
US Patent 9447448 draws on IBM Research’s expertise in computational biology, food safety and microbial outbreak control to develop a drone to disinfect bacteria-laden surfaces in environments like hospitals and agricultural settings. These autonomous drones could enter a specific area, collect a specimen from a surface, run tests to determine whether it’s contaminated and disinfect if needed, helping organizations closely monitor and control the presence of microbial contaminations in their facilities.
Autnomous drones for disinfecting contaminated areas
US Patent 9447448 draws on IBM Research’s expertise in computational biology, food safety and microbial outbreak control to develop a drone to disinfect bacteria-laden surfaces in environments like hospitals and agricultural settings. These autonomous drones could enter a specific area, collect a specimen from a surface, run tests to determine whether it’s contaminated and disinfect if needed, helping organizations closely monitor and control the presence of microbial contaminations in their facilities.
Learn more
Continue exploring the possibilities of the IoT with IBM Research.

The IBM Research Frontiers Institute
A global research consortium focused on developing groundbreaking computing technologies.

IoT security: An IBM position paper
Download this point-of-view, which examines the security and privacy implications unique to a cognitive Internet of Things system.

IBM Research and Swiss University launch degree for the IoT
IBM Research teams up with Swiss University to launch degree in cyber-physical and embedded systems.

Using the Internet of Things to improve senior housing facilities
Cognitive machines assist independent living as we age.